Timanfaya National Park, located on the island of Lanzarote, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024 as one of Spain’s most iconic protected natural spaces. Declared a National Park on August 9, 1974, Timanfaya represents an exceptional testament to volcanic activity and its impact on the Canary Islands’ landscape. Today, on the FirstMinute Excursions and LastMinute Transfer blog, we discuss the 50th anniversary of Timanfaya National Park.

50th Anniversary of Timanfaya National Park

The current landscape of Timanfaya was mainly formed between 1730 and 1736. During that time, a series of volcanic eruptions radically transformed the area, covering more than 50 km² of land with lava and ash.

These eruptions, which lasted six years, were among the longest and most extensive in the volcanic history of the Canary Islands, creating more than 25 volcanoes and completely altering the geography and life on Lanzarote.

Timanfaya National Park is characterized by its lunar appearance, with vast expanses of solidified lava, volcanic cones, and ash fields. This arid and seemingly inhospitable landscape, however, hosts a surprising biodiversity adapted to extreme conditions.

Despite its desolate appearance, Timanfaya is home to more than 180 plant species, many of which are endemic to the Canary Islands. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of unique invertebrates and serves as a refuge for seabirds and birds of prey.

One of the most fascinating attractions of Timanfaya is its geothermal manifestations. In the area known as Islote de Hilario, visitors can witness how the ground temperature reaches 100°C at just 10 cm depth and up to 600°C at 13 meters.

Special Anniversary Events

Timanfaya’s 50th anniversary marks an important milestone in the conservation of this unique space. Over these five decades, the park has faced the challenge of balancing ecosystem protection with tourism development, which is vital for Lanzarote’s economy.

To commemorate this significant anniversary, various activities have been planned throughout 2024.

These include photographic exhibitions showcasing the park’s evolution over the past five decades, special guided tours that explore normally restricted areas of the park, and conferences and seminars on volcanology and conservation, as well as educational programs.