Exploring Lanzarote’s Unmistakable ‘Mountains of Fire’
Lanzarote’s landscape is one of the most dramatic and spectacular in the world. At the heart of the island’s unique and imposing landscape is the Timanfaya National Park, home of the ‘Mountains of Fire.’
Resonant of a Martian vista, the ‘Mountains of Fire’ are incredibly beautiful, comprising of a vast range of black and red peaks protruding dramatically on the Timanfaya National Park’s horizon.
The Mountains of Fire’s name does, of course, derive from Lanzarote’s former existence as an island of active volcanos. The last recorded volcanic eruption on Lanzarote was in 1824. Many of the eruptions that took place in the 18th century covered a large proportion of the island in lava and hot ash, resulting in the unique and unearthly topography Lanzarote is blessed with.
The Mountains of Fire is an area of Lanzarote that was affected by the volcanic explosions of the 18th and 19th centuries. Because of its unique beauty, the protected Timanfaya National Park is one of the most popular attractions of Lanzarote, pulling in hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.
The route that meanders through the park was designed by the island’s famous architect, Cesar Manrique. At the zenith of the Mountains of Fire is the El Diablo restaurant, which was also designed by Manrique.
The ‘Devil’ restaurant boasts tremendous views that stretch across the National Park and beyond. At the heart of El Diablo’s appeal is its unique oven, which cooks all the meat and fish served in the restaurants by the heat created by the Mountains of Fire volcano.
If you are lucky enough to explore this stunning region of Lanzarote, be sure to have your camera with you, as the volcanic landscape you’ll be immersed in, really is second to none.