8 Activities
Moonscapes and Malvasia: Walking the Lava Fields and Vineyards of Lanzarote
Starts from
Arrecife
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
8
Duration
9 hrs 25 min
Length
23 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Arrecife
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
9 hrs 25 min
Length
23 mi
- Natural Attractions
- Gastronomy
Wendy Moore
Travel Expert
- Hike into the center of a large volcanic crater.
- Watch geysers of boiling water ‘erupt’ from the ground.
- Wander through vineyards in a lunar-like landscape.
- Do a wine tasting and chocolate pairing.
On this trip, you’ll explore the volcanoes and lava fields of Central Lanzarote and learn how this lunar-like landscape produces some incredible wines – and, of course, you’ll get to taste some!
The island of Lanzarote is a shield volcano, believed to be around 15 million years old, although much of the landscape that you’ll see today was formed during the volcanic eruptions in 1730. These eruptions lasted for six years, covering a third of the island in ash and lava, and increasing its land mass by several square miles. Around 100 years later, there were further eruptions (in 1824) which lasted only three months but created new volcanic craters.
Driving across the island from Arrecife, you’ll spend most of the day at the 50 square km Parque Nacional de Timanfaya, inside which are the chain of volcanoes that produced the largest eruptions in 1730 and are collectively known as the Montañas del Fuego (Fire Mountains). This eerie moonscape has a weird beauty, the blackness of the rocks contrasting with the green and orange lichen (one of the few species that can survive on lava). Timanfaya is currently the only ‘active’ volcano on the island, and you will see evidence of this at Islet Hilario where temperatures can exceed 600ºC at only 14 meters below ground.
You’ll be doing two fantastic walks in and around some of the largest volcanic craters in the park.
The volcanic eruptions of the Montañas del Fuego also had a big influence on agricultural production, particularly wine. Although wine production in the Canaries dates to the 15th Century, the volcanic eruptions of 1730 totally transformed the way that vines were cultivated.
What you’ll see today is unique to Lanzarote and demonstrates the adaptability of the people who live here. Although much of the land around Timanfaya is covered in 30-40 cm of volcanic ash, farmers have discovered that if you dig below this ash, the soil beneath is fertile. Also, this ash (known as picon) helps trap and retain moisture from the scarce rainfall, and regulates the temperature of the soil, helping the vines to flourish. It also serves as a barrier to prevent the growth of weeds around the vines.
The wine growers of La Geria produce a range of red, white, rose, and sparkling wines. The most well-known is Malvasía Volcánica white wine. 60% of wines with the Lanzarote Designation of Origin are of this variety.
This trip includes a visit to one of the best wineries in this region and a chance to learn more about the growing process and to taste some of the wines.
The island of Lanzarote is a shield volcano, believed to be around 15 million years old, although much of the landscape that you’ll see today was formed during the volcanic eruptions in 1730. These eruptions lasted for six years, covering a third of the island in ash and lava, and increasing its land mass by several square miles. Around 100 years later, there were further eruptions (in 1824) which lasted only three months but created new volcanic craters.
Driving across the island from Arrecife, you’ll spend most of the day at the 50 square km Parque Nacional de Timanfaya, inside which are the chain of volcanoes that produced the largest eruptions in 1730 and are collectively known as the Montañas del Fuego (Fire Mountains). This eerie moonscape has a weird beauty, the blackness of the rocks contrasting with the green and orange lichen (one of the few species that can survive on lava). Timanfaya is currently the only ‘active’ volcano on the island, and you will see evidence of this at Islet Hilario where temperatures can exceed 600ºC at only 14 meters below ground.
You’ll be doing two fantastic walks in and around some of the largest volcanic craters in the park.
The volcanic eruptions of the Montañas del Fuego also had a big influence on agricultural production, particularly wine. Although wine production in the Canaries dates to the 15th Century, the volcanic eruptions of 1730 totally transformed the way that vines were cultivated.
What you’ll see today is unique to Lanzarote and demonstrates the adaptability of the people who live here. Although much of the land around Timanfaya is covered in 30-40 cm of volcanic ash, farmers have discovered that if you dig below this ash, the soil beneath is fertile. Also, this ash (known as picon) helps trap and retain moisture from the scarce rainfall, and regulates the temperature of the soil, helping the vines to flourish. It also serves as a barrier to prevent the growth of weeds around the vines.
The wine growers of La Geria produce a range of red, white, rose, and sparkling wines. The most well-known is Malvasía Volcánica white wine. 60% of wines with the Lanzarote Designation of Origin are of this variety.
This trip includes a visit to one of the best wineries in this region and a chance to learn more about the growing process and to taste some of the wines.
Categories
- Natural Attractions
- Gastronomy
On this trip, you’ll explore the volcanoes and lava fields of Central Lanzarote and learn how this lunar-like landscape produces some incredible wines – and, of course, you’ll get to taste some!
The island of Lanzarote is a shield volcano, believed to be around 15 million years old, although much of the landscape that you’ll see today was formed during the volcanic eruptions in 1730. These eruptions lasted for six years, covering a third of the island in ash and lava, and increasing its land mass by several square miles. Around 100 years later, there were further eruptions (in 1824) which lasted only three months but created new volcanic craters.
Driving across the island from Arrecife, you’ll spend most of the day at the 50 square km Parque Nacional de Timanfaya, inside which are the chain of volcanoes that produced the largest eruptions in 1730 and are collectively known as the Montañas del Fuego (Fire Mountains). This eerie moonscape has a weird beauty, the blackness of the rocks contrasting with the green and orange lichen (one of the few species that can survive on lava). Timanfaya is currently the only ‘active’ volcano on the island, and you will see evidence of this at Islet Hilario where temperatures can exceed 600ºC at only 14 meters below ground.
You’ll be doing two fantastic walks in and around some of the largest volcanic craters in the park.
The volcanic eruptions of the Montañas del Fuego also had a big influence on agricultural production, particularly wine. Although wine production in the Canaries dates to the 15th Century, the volcanic eruptions of 1730 totally transformed the way that vines were cultivated.
What you’ll see today is unique to Lanzarote and demonstrates the adaptability of the people who live here. Although much of the land around Timanfaya is covered in 30-40 cm of volcanic ash, farmers have discovered that if you dig below this ash, the soil beneath is fertile. Also, this ash (known as picon) helps trap and retain moisture from the scarce rainfall, and regulates the temperature of the soil, helping the vines to flourish. It also serves as a barrier to prevent the growth of weeds around the vines.
The wine growers of La Geria produce a range of red, white, rose, and sparkling wines. The most well-known is Malvasía Volcánica white wine. 60% of wines with the Lanzarote Designation of Origin are of this variety.
This trip includes a visit to one of the best wineries in this region and a chance to learn more about the growing process and to taste some of the wines.
The island of Lanzarote is a shield volcano, believed to be around 15 million years old, although much of the landscape that you’ll see today was formed during the volcanic eruptions in 1730. These eruptions lasted for six years, covering a third of the island in ash and lava, and increasing its land mass by several square miles. Around 100 years later, there were further eruptions (in 1824) which lasted only three months but created new volcanic craters.
Driving across the island from Arrecife, you’ll spend most of the day at the 50 square km Parque Nacional de Timanfaya, inside which are the chain of volcanoes that produced the largest eruptions in 1730 and are collectively known as the Montañas del Fuego (Fire Mountains). This eerie moonscape has a weird beauty, the blackness of the rocks contrasting with the green and orange lichen (one of the few species that can survive on lava). Timanfaya is currently the only ‘active’ volcano on the island, and you will see evidence of this at Islet Hilario where temperatures can exceed 600ºC at only 14 meters below ground.
You’ll be doing two fantastic walks in and around some of the largest volcanic craters in the park.
The volcanic eruptions of the Montañas del Fuego also had a big influence on agricultural production, particularly wine. Although wine production in the Canaries dates to the 15th Century, the volcanic eruptions of 1730 totally transformed the way that vines were cultivated.
What you’ll see today is unique to Lanzarote and demonstrates the adaptability of the people who live here. Although much of the land around Timanfaya is covered in 30-40 cm of volcanic ash, farmers have discovered that if you dig below this ash, the soil beneath is fertile. Also, this ash (known as picon) helps trap and retain moisture from the scarce rainfall, and regulates the temperature of the soil, helping the vines to flourish. It also serves as a barrier to prevent the growth of weeds around the vines.
The wine growers of La Geria produce a range of red, white, rose, and sparkling wines. The most well-known is Malvasía Volcánica white wine. 60% of wines with the Lanzarote Designation of Origin are of this variety.
This trip includes a visit to one of the best wineries in this region and a chance to learn more about the growing process and to taste some of the wines.
Wendy Moore
Travel Expert
- Hike into the center of a large volcanic crater.
- Watch geysers of boiling water ‘erupt’ from the ground.
- Wander through vineyards in a lunar-like landscape.
- Do a wine tasting and chocolate pairing.
Day Itinerary
8 Activities
Day 1
20 mi3 mi
Walks and Wines
This morning will be spent in Timanfaya National Park, where you will hike around and into some of the largest craters on the island, before going on a bus tour around the lava fields. There is another volcano walk in the afternoon, followed by a visit to the La Geria region where you can see the vineyards and sample some of the wines.
09:005 min
Car Park
This morning’s walk will take you to two incredible volcanoes; Caldera Blanca which is the largest crater on the island with a diameter of over a kilometre and its little sister, Caldereta, where you can actually go inside the crater. It’s a fairly level 10 km round trip, and well signposted. There is no shade though, so pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat.
The trail begins at the car park on the crater road. So leave your car here and let's go!
The trail begins at the car park on the crater road. So leave your car here and let's go!
1.4 mi
30 min
09:4545 min
Montaña Caldereta
After walking for around half an hour, you’ll get to Montaña Caldereta, the smaller of the two volcanoes. It’s 324 metres high and around 300 metres in diameter. “Caldereta” means “cauldron”, referencing its oval shape. You can follow the path into the volcano through the side that has eroded. At one time, farmers used this land for livestock and agriculture, as the caldera provided a good windbreak and rainwater conservation.
0.6 mi
15 min
10:451 hr
Caldera Blanca
The path then leads on towards the Caldera Blanca volcano, which stands at 458 metres high and has a diameter of 1200 metres. It is called the "white crater volcano" because of the colour of the surrounding rock, which contains a lot of ash.
Follow the trail as it skirts around the edge of the crater, from where there are stunning views across the path. Make sure you stick to the path at all times to avoid damaging the fragile lichens on the rocks.
After a rest to admire this magical landscape, follow the path back to the car park.
Follow the trail as it skirts around the edge of the crater, from where there are stunning views across the path. Make sure you stick to the path at all times to avoid damaging the fragile lichens on the rocks.
After a rest to admire this magical landscape, follow the path back to the car park.
3.2 mi
20 min
12:301 hr
Islet of Hilario
To enter the Montañas del Fuego complex, you’ll pay an entrance fee at the gate. You can then park and hop onto one of the buses for a guided tour around the Ruta de Los Volcanos. Although a popular tourist activity, this is still one of the best ways to see the most interesting geological structures in the park. It’s a 14 km trip through an unworldly landscape of lava tongues, volcanic tubes and other strange formations.
Back at the centre, you will see some geothermal demonstrations to give you an appreciation of the extreme temperature under your feet. The heat reaches 140 degrees Celsius at a depth of just 10 cm. The guide will show you how the heat is sufficient to ignite kindling, boil water, and even cook a chicken leg! In fact, the meat served in the restaurant is cooked on an outside grill using ground heat.
Back at the centre, you will see some geothermal demonstrations to give you an appreciation of the extreme temperature under your feet. The heat reaches 140 degrees Celsius at a depth of just 10 cm. The guide will show you how the heat is sufficient to ignite kindling, boil water, and even cook a chicken leg! In fact, the meat served in the restaurant is cooked on an outside grill using ground heat.
6.4 mi
15 min
13:451 hr
La Era
The small town of Yaiza is one of the prettiest and most well-preserved on the island. Its traditional architecture and floral displays make it a delight to visit.
La Era restaurant is in a pretty, whitewashed building at the edge of town with a fabulous courtyard garden. The menu is traditional Canarian dishes, beautifully cooked and presented.
La Era restaurant is in a pretty, whitewashed building at the edge of town with a fabulous courtyard garden. The menu is traditional Canarian dishes, beautifully cooked and presented.
7.5 mi
15 min
15:005 min
Car Park
Starting from the car park, follow the trail towards the crater of the Volcan El Cuervo. Along the way, there are several information boards explaining the formation and features of the landscape.
0.9 mi
20 min
15:301 hr
Volcán del Cuervo
Volcan El Cuervo was the first crater to be formed on the morning of September 1st, 1730, when the landscape of the island was transformed by a series of eruptions.
This afternoon’s walk takes you around the perimeter of the crater and then right into the centre, from where you can really appreciate its magnitude. Inside you will see shrubs clinging to the barren walls and, depending on the time of year, maybe even some wildflowers.
The trail is a 4 km loop with a gradual incline. As with this morning’s walk, please stick to the paths and take plenty of water with you.
This afternoon’s walk takes you around the perimeter of the crater and then right into the centre, from where you can really appreciate its magnitude. Inside you will see shrubs clinging to the barren walls and, depending on the time of year, maybe even some wildflowers.
The trail is a 4 km loop with a gradual incline. As with this morning’s walk, please stick to the paths and take plenty of water with you.
3 mi
5 min
17:002 hrs 30 min
Bodegas Rubicón
Bodegas Rubicon is a lovely winery in La Geria region. The estate dates to 1570 when it was a farm producing wheat, barley and rye. Following the volcanic eruptions of 1730, the farm gradually switched to wine production, a tradition which continues today. The winery produces a range of wines, including Malvasia, many of which have won awards.
The bodega generously offers free wine tasting at its shop, but if you’d like to try something unique, you can book a wine and chocolate pairing. This involves tasting two of their wines, accompanied by different types of dark chocolate and dehydrated fruits.
After some wine tasting, it’s time for a stroll around the house and surrounding vineyards. As you follow the network of tracks around the vineyards, you’ll see that each vine is protected by a curved dry-stone wall, known as zocos. The zocos protect the vines from the strong north-easterly trade winds. As you walk around, you’ll also notice that the farmers tending their vines are working mostly by hand, rather than with machinery. This limits the yield, which is why production is relatively low, and sales are mostly domestic.
After your stroll, head to the restaurant in the main house. Here you can order a range of fresh, locally sourced, Canarian dishes and tapas. Each of the dishes also comes with a recommended wine pairing. Enjoy your dinner in either the beautiful dining room or on the terrace.
The bodega generously offers free wine tasting at its shop, but if you’d like to try something unique, you can book a wine and chocolate pairing. This involves tasting two of their wines, accompanied by different types of dark chocolate and dehydrated fruits.
After some wine tasting, it’s time for a stroll around the house and surrounding vineyards. As you follow the network of tracks around the vineyards, you’ll see that each vine is protected by a curved dry-stone wall, known as zocos. The zocos protect the vines from the strong north-easterly trade winds. As you walk around, you’ll also notice that the farmers tending their vines are working mostly by hand, rather than with machinery. This limits the yield, which is why production is relatively low, and sales are mostly domestic.
After your stroll, head to the restaurant in the main house. Here you can order a range of fresh, locally sourced, Canarian dishes and tapas. Each of the dishes also comes with a recommended wine pairing. Enjoy your dinner in either the beautiful dining room or on the terrace.