South Tour: Timanfaya National Park

Exploring Lanzarote’s south coast through this guided tour offers an engaging mix of natural wonders, charming villages, and unique geological sights. With a focus on Timanfaya National Park, you’ll get a close-up look at the island’s volcanic past, complemented by coastal views and local wine tasting. This tour gathers a solid 4.4-star rating based on 68 reviews, making it a popular choice for visitors who want a comprehensive day out.

One of the standout features? The guided tour of Timanfaya itself. It’s quite a spectacle to see the geothermal demonstrations and volcanoes up close. Plus, the visit to El Golfo with its striking Green Lagoon and the chance to sample award-winning wines of La Geria truly enhances the experience. However, some travelers note the stops can feel a bit rushed and overly commercial, so if you’re seeking a slow-paced, intimate experience, this might not be the perfect fit.

This tour is best suited for those who want a full-day, well-organized overview of Lanzarote’s highlights. It’s ideal if you enjoy a mix of nature, culture, and local flavors, but keep in mind the tour’s structure for your planning — especially the group size and the optional camel ride, which isn’t included.

Key Points

Comprehensive day trip covering volcanic landscapes, coastal scenery, and local wine.
Guided tour in multiple languages ensures clarity and engagement.
Well-organized itinerary with distinct stops, from El Golfo to Timanfaya.
Included lunch adds value, though reviews note some concerns about quality.
Transportation is via air-conditioned bus, making long stretches comfortable.
Short stops can sometimes feel hurried, especially if you enjoy longer explorations.

An In-Depth Look at the Lanzarote South Tour

What You Can Expect from the Itinerary

Starting from four pickup options—Costa Teguise, Playa Blanca, Arrecife, and Puerto del Carmen—this tour aims to be flexible and accessible. After a roughly 75-minute bus ride, you’ll arrive at your first stop: El Golfo, a coastal village famous for its Green Lagoon. Here, you’ll have about 20 minutes to marvel at the vibrant, emerald waters contrasting against volcanic black sand—an Instagram-ready moment but one that’s generally a quick viewing.

Next, there’s a brief 10-minute drive to Los Hervideros and Salinas de Janubio, two spectacular sights. Los Hervideros is noted for its dramatic cliffs and volcanic formations, while Janubio salt flats offer a glimpse into traditional salt harvesting. While these stops provide impressive scenery, some reviews suggest the short durations leave little time to fully soak in the experience.

The core of the tour is the Timanfaya National Park visit, where a 70-minute guided tour takes you through the volcanic landscape. Expect to see volcanoes, lava fields, and unusual geological formations that make the landscape look almost otherworldly. The geothermal demonstrations—like the famous food cooking over geothermal heat—are a highlight, illustrating the intense heat beneath the surface. Tours are led by guides speaking Spanish, English, and German, so language is generally accessible.

The Unique Experience of La Geria and Wine Tasting

After the park, the journey continues to La Geria, Lanzarote’s renowned wine region. Here, you’ll spend about 20 minutes exploring the peculiar vineyard cultivation method, where vines grow in small, semi-circular stone enclosures to protect them from the wind. The region is celebrated for award-winning wines, and the visit includes a tasting. Considering the quality of wines on offer, this is a genuine highlight—many reviews mention the delicious wines and the interesting insights into local cultivation techniques.

Optional Camel Ride and Practicalities

While the tour offers many sights, the camel ride is not included. If you’re interested, it’s available as an extra, giving a bit of that classic desert explorer vibe amid the volcanic surroundings. The tour also includes lunch, which adds a nice touch, although some guests felt the quality could be better based on feedback.

Transportation is by air-conditioned bus, making the long stretches between stops comfortable. The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, making it a full day but one packed with diverse experiences. Pickup is included, but the exact time and location are reconfirmed after booking, which is handy for planning.

What the Reviews Say

The overall rating of 4.4 suggests most travelers found value in this tour, though a few critics mentioned the short stops and the commercial feel. One reviewer, Jaros, felt some stops felt rushed and somewhat superficial, describing the experience as “very commercial.” Others appreciated the guides’ performance, highlighting their knowledge and engagement, yet noted that the lunch quality was not exceptional.

A standout comment from a traveler praised the tour as a “truly unique experience” and expressed enthusiastic recommendation, especially for those wanting to see Lanzarote’s volcanic landscapes. The wine tasting also received high praise, with guests loving the opportunity to sample local wines in the intimate vineyard setting.

Pricing and Value

At $82 per person, this tour offers good value considering the inclusions: transportation, a guided tour, entrance to Timanfaya, lunch, and a wine tasting. It’s a convenient way to see a broad swath of Lanzarote’s highlights without the hassle of planning multiple separate trips. However, the short duration of stops and some reviewers’ comments about commercialization suggest it’s best suited for those who prefer a structured, guided experience over a slow, exploratory day.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a rundown of Lanzarote’s southern highlights in a single day. It’s suitable for those happy with a guided, group environment and who appreciate the convenience of organized transportation and commentary. If you’re interested in geological marvels, coastal scenery, and local wines, this tour delivers.

On the flip side, if you prefer more time per stop or a less commercialized feel, you might find the quick visits a bit frustrating. Also, since buses are not adapted for wheelchair users and the tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments, it’s less ideal for those with physical limitations.

Final Thoughts

The South Tour of Timanfaya National Park offers a balanced blend of natural beauty, cultural insight, and fun experiences. While the stops can feel a bit rushed, the sights you see—particularly the volcanic landscape and the unique vineyard cultivation—are truly memorable. The inclusion of wine tasting adds a personal, flavorful touch that makes this tour stand out.

If you’re after a value-packed day that combines key highlights of Lanzarote in a manageable format, this tour is a strong contender. It’s especially great if you want a guided experience that takes the guesswork out of exploring the island’s volcanic history and scenic coast.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned bus from four pickup points and for the return trip.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs approximately 8 hours, from pickup to drop-off, including all stops and guided segments.

Are meals included?
Yes, a lunch is included in the price, although reviews suggest the quality varies. It’s a good idea to arrive hungry but not expecting haute cuisine.

Can I do the camel ride?
The camel ride is not included in the tour cost, but it is available as an extra if you want to experience it.

What languages are guides available in?
Guided commentary is provided in Spanish, English, and German, ensuring most travelers can follow along comfortably.

Are there any stops that are very short?
Yes, some reviews mention the stops, like El Golfo and La Geria, are brief, leaving little time to explore beyond the quick visit.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and children’s suitability depends on their comfort with long bus rides and walking.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a camera are recommended for the various scenic stops and the geothermal park.

Will I see volcanoes?
Absolutely. The highlight is the guided tour of Timanfaya National Park, showcasing volcanic craters and lava fields.

How much does the tour cost?
$82 per person, providing good value considering all the inclusions and experiences.

In essence, this tour provides a well-rounded introduction to Lanzarote’s volcanic landscapes, coastal attractions, and wine culture. It’s best for those who want a structured, engaging day with plenty of highlights, even if some stops are brief. For travelers seeking a deep, unhurried exploration, it might be worth considering longer or more specialized options. But for most visitors, this delivers a solid and memorable taste of Lanzarote’s southern treasures.