The otherworldly landscape of Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Lanzarote, of volcanic origin, is the easternmost of the Canary Islands (belonging to Spain) about 78 miles (125 kilometers) from the coast of Morocco and Western Sahara. The island emerged about 15 million years ago as a result of fiery volcanic eruptions (there are 36 volcanoes on the island, one of which remains active).
Parque Nacional de Timanfaya (Timanfaya National Park) is a Spanish national park in the southwestern part of the island of Lanzarote. The parkland is entirely made up of volcanic soil. Alfred Wegener’s study of the island while visiting in 1912 showed how it fitted in with his theory of continental drift. The island, along with others, emerged after the break-up of the African and the American continental plates.

Welcome to the planet MARS — oops, it’s actually the volcanic landscape of Parque Nacional de Timanfaya

In 1993, UNESCO designated a Biosphere reserve covering the whole of Lanzarote. The national park is one of the core areas of the biosphere reserve. Access to the park by the public is strictly regulated to protect the delicate flora and fauna. There are one or two footpaths, and a popular short route where one can visit by camel.

The most popular way to tour the volcanic landscape of Parque Nacional de Timanfaya is by camel

Red lava rock/ash indicates the presence of iron in the volcanic landscape of Parque Nacional de Timanfaya

Camels discharging their passengers after touring the volcanic landscape of Parque Nacional de Timanfaya

A rare instance of vegetation in the volcanic landscape of Parque Nacional de Timanfaya

Much of Lanzarote, particularly Parque Nacional de Timanfaya (Timanfaya National Park), reminded us of the black lava landscape of the biggest Hawaiian island, Hawai’i.

The road from the town of Yaiza to Parque Nacional de Timanfaya — they could have filmed part of Star Wars here!

Caldera, volcanic mountain, and black lava at Parque Nacional de Timanfaya