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Follow travel- and nature photographer Michel Hammann
on his trails around the globe
Lanzarote
Read our new travelogue The Alien Magic of Timanfaya
The Canary Island of Lanzarote lies in the Atlantic Ocean, 115 kilometers off the west coast of Africa, roughly at the latitude of the border between Marocco and Western Sahara.
Like the other Canary Islands , Lanzarote was formed by volcanic activity. The island, now covering an area of 845 km2, originated as a large shield volcano, most of which lies beneath sea level. Over 15 million years ago, Lanzarote first emerged above the ocean waves.
Over time, massive eruptions occurred across the island, shaping the present-day landscape with more than 100 large and small volcanic cones.
The most significant eruptions in recent history began in 1730, when the earth cracked open in the southwest of Lanzarote. In six years of nearly continuous eruptions, ten villages were buried beneath lava, thirty craters formed, and nearly 200 square kilometers of fertile farm-land were destroyed.
More than hundred large and small craters dominate the volcanic landscape of Lanzarote.
The volcanic origins of Timanfaya
The volcanic landscape in the southwest of Lanzarote feels otherwordly. The slopes of the volcanoes resemble glowing waves of lava frozen in time, shimmering black in color, interspersed with ash grey, soft orange and crimson red hues.
During the volcanic eruptions of 1730-1736 and 1824, more than a quarter of the island was buried under lava, destroying 10 villages and large areas of fertile farmland. Since 1824, no new erupions have been recorded.
For a detailed report of our visit to the volcanic area of Timanfaya: click here
The Caldera Corazoncillo crater, which erupted in 1730, is surrounded by a black carpet of solidified lava flows that remind us of the immense force through which this natural environment was formed. Try to find the car to get a sense of the scale.
In the mid-1970s, the volcanic area was designated a national park, primarily to protect its fragile nature. The park was named after the village first destroyed by a rising crater in 1730: Timanfaya.
According to historical chronicles, the Mazo crater was formed during an eruption in 1731. The cone partially collapsed, followed by a heavy ash fall.
The sun reflects off the rust-colored slopes of the volcano Montaña Rajada in the heart of Timanfaya National Park.
Towards Breathless Heights
Across lava fields and a steep climb, you reach the edge of Lanzarote's largest volcano at an altitude of 458 meters, where the 1,200 meter wide crater lies open like a gigantic stone amphitheater and the horizon endlessly fades into the ocean
The Caldera Blanca trail in Parque Natural Los Volcanes, crosses the sea of lava, created during the Timanfaya eruptions. The volcano Caldera Blanca itself was not formed during the eruptions in the 18th and 19th centuries. Researcher estimate that Caldera Blanca originated around 3,000 to 5,000 years ago.
Volcanic Wine
The wine culture in the La Geria Valley in Lanzarote is unique! Farmers have dug thousands of funnel-shaped pits into the volcanic soil. In each pit, a vine is planted and surrounded on one side by a small wall of lava stone, protecting the plant from the northeasterly trade wind. The dry volcanic soil efficiently stores moisture, making viticulture possible in the desert-like climate that prevails here.
Winegrowers combine centuries-old traditions with modern techniques, ensuring sustainable wine production.
There is more to volcanic ash than meets the eye. Volcanic ash draws moisture from the air and traps it.
In each pit, a vine is planted and surrounded on one side by a small wall of lava stone, protecting the plant from the wind.
The grapes produce fresh, aromatic wines.
La Graciosa
View of La Graciosa from the top of Mirador del Rio at the northern tip of Lanzarote.
Approximately 2 kilometers north of Lanzarote lies La Graciosa. With 29 km2 and 700 inhabitants, it is the smallest inhabitad Canary island. It is known for its transquility and unspoiled character, featuring just one village with a harbor and only unpaved roads.
La Graciosa was formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, when underwater eruptions caused new land and to rise above the ocean. The solidified lava and later craters gave the island its rugged and distinctive appearance. Across the island, you can still see the remnants of ancient volcanoes and lava fields that bear witness to this spectacular origin.
By ferry, you can travel in 25 minutes from the harbor of Órzola on Lanzarote to the village Caleta del Sebo on La Graciosa.
Unpaved roads in Caleta del Sebo.
Turquoise waves glide along rugged rocks, coral flickering like hidden jewels beneath the sunlight at Bajo del Corral. The sky is a vivid blue, the horizon endless, and the silence is broken only by the play of water and wind.
The Montaña Amarilla (Yellow Mountain) on La Graciosa is one of the island's most striking and beloved spots. This volcanic cone gets his name from the warm, yellowish hues that contrast beautiful with the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean.
El Golfo
The volcanic crater El Golfo on the southwest coast of Lanzarote was formed during the Ice Age by a submarine eruption. The flowing glowing lava came into contact with the cold seawater. The 60-meter-deep crater was constantly washed by the Atlantic Ocean, which over the centuries eroded the wall on the seaward side. In the middle of the crater lies the Charco de los Clicos, a lake that owes his green color to abundant algae growth.
The surroundings of El Golfo are a colorful interplay of nature: black volcanic sand, reddish brown crater walls, the bright green lake, and the deep blue tones of the Atlantic Ocean.
After the sunset
The village of Haria in the middle of the volcanic landscape in the northern part of Lanzarote after sunset.
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