volcano trips in lanzarote

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Lanzarote Volcano Tour and Timanfaya National Park

9.3 / 10 (40 reviews)

• Duration: 5 hours

• 1 - Pick up from your hotel
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before service.
• 1 language per tour
• Immediate confirmation
• We visit : Timanfaya National Park, Camel park, The volcanoe El Golfo with its green Lagoon, The cliffs Los Hervideros, Panoramic view over the Salt-pans of Janubio, The wine region of La Geria

Description of this tour

Lanzarote is built on fire and lava.

On this tour you will discover the area destroyed by the volcanoes of the eighteenth century, and one of the main natural attractions of the island, the Timanfaya National Park. We also visit the volcano El Golfo with the green Lagoon, The cliffs Hervideros, Salinas de Janubio, Camel park and the wine region of La Geria.

In the Hilario Islet, already in the Timanfaya National Park, we will appreciate with three demonstrations  the high temperatures that are still recorded in the shallow earth to the geothermal anomalies of the zone. You can see how the heat of the earth is used for cooking and enjoy the views from the windows of the Restaurant El Diablo, a work of Cesar Manrique. It will be from the Islet of Hilario, from where we will leave by bus to make the impressive Route of the Volcanoes that takes us through the most protected area of the national park.

"Half the beauty depends on the landscape and the other half of the man who looks at it" (Lin Yutanq)

During the excursion we also visit the coast of Timanfaya making a first photographic stop in Los Hervideros, cliffs where the sea crashes hard creating a visual spectacle of great beauty and a second stop by the volcano El Golfo, one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the Canary Islands, to enjoy the views over the green lagoon or Charco de los Clicos.

On the way to La Geria, we will enjoy a panoramic view of the Salinas de Janubio, from the beginning of the 19th century, considered the most important salt pans of the Canaries. In La Geria, you can appreciate the vines cultures and taste the Lanzarote wine.

During the excursion you will have the opportunity to do the typical camel ride.

• Timanfaya National Park
• The volcanoe El Golfo with its green Lagoon
• The cliffs Los Hervideros
• Panoramic view over the Salt-pans of Janubio
• The wine region of La Geria

Included in the price

Air-conditioned transport

Local Guide Service

Entrance fee to the National Park of Timanfaya

Small bottle of water

Not included in the price

Camel ride. The cost is 11.00 Euro per person and it is paid directly at the camel park

Our recommendation for this excursion

IMPORTANT INFORMATION.......Until the end of 2025 the access to Las Salinas and Los Hervideros will be closed to traffic.

Comfortable shoes

Do not forget to bring your camera

The Fire Mountains can be very windy, therefore a jumper is recommended

It is important to know that the tour takes aprox 5 hours, occasionally we can reach up to 20 people and go in two languages.

Cancelation policy

In case of receiving your request for cancellation more than 48 hours in advance regarding the time of collection of the service you wish to cancel, you will be refunded the full amount. If the cancellation occurs less than 48 hours before the scheduled time for the service you wish to cancel, no amount will be refunded.

Reviews from previous clientes

9.3 based on 40 reviews

Tobias was a brilliant and entertaining guide.

Stephanie D

Went on the south tour of the island and everything was excellent

Nice and enjoyable tour.

Francisco J

I really enjoyed the excursion, all the places we visited were interesting. Eric was very nice and he knows everything about Lanzarote. Good value for the money!

Both the tours we took with you were fabulous. Everthing, from pick up to drop off was faultless. Guides were informative. Lunch on both days was teally enjoyable.

Trip was good, but the lunch need to be improved for sure! Wish the ground tour operated more frequency rather than south tour. the tour guide lady took care of me very well since I was the only japanese in the tour. hope to join other tour in your company next time when I visit Lanzarote!!

Great tour. Lovely guide.

Tour guide was very helpful. Overall experience was excellent and would definitely book again

Service: Excursion South Tour 08/06/2015 The excursion was well-organized, attractive, informative with no hurry. I saw unusual, breathtaking, beautiful landscapes, learnt much about the volcanos and people of Lanzarote, their life and I spent enough time on all sites. The guide was brilliant! Enormous knowledge, fluent in 3 languages, helpful, smiling. I disliked only the crowd at the presentation of the "geyser", we stood in three row around it. I suggest performing it in two parts for the group. I enjoyed the whole excursion very much. Kind regards, Miklos Lantos Budapest

Alejandro R

Wine in the food was terribly bad.

Eric, the guide was very good on both the trips we went on

Very good guide. Very nice price-quality lunch

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•   Areas Playa Blanca Puerto del Carmen Costa Teguise

Lanzarote Volcano Tours

Volcano trips

Lanzarote Highlights: Timanfaya National Park, the Green Cave and Jameos del Agua

Discover the three greatest treasures that the island possesses.

Free cancellation : up to 24 hours in advance.

Duration: 9 hours.

Tour days: Monday to Friday.

Pick up areas: Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise, Puerto Calero and Arrecife.

Grand tour to Timanfaya National Park, Green Lagoon, and Jameos del Agua

Tour almost the entire island and discover its most striking charms. The most complete route for many of our clients.

Duration: 10 hours.

South Tour: Timanfaya National Park, Los Hervideros, la Geria, the Green Lagoon and the Salinas

Discover the most emblematic places in the south of the Island. 

Duration: 9 hours

Tour days: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

Pick up areas: Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise, Puerto Calero and Arrecife

Tour to the Timanfaya National Park - morning tour - Camel ride optional

Visit Timanfaya in a single morning, in the free time you usually have between breakfast and lunch.

Duration: 4 hours.

Tour days: Monday, Tuesday,  Wedenesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Hiking guided trails

Discover the most spectacular landscapes of Lanzarote on a hiking tour.

Duration: 3-3,5 hours

Day tours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Pick up areas : Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca, Puerto Calero and Arrecife.

Private excursions

Size of the group: minimum 30 people.

Duration: Upon request.

Tour days: Upon request.

Jeep Safari to Timanfaya National Park, Green Lagoon, Los Hervideros, Papagayos Beach, …..

A Jeep excursion in Lanzarote is the best way to get to know the unique landscapes of the island.

Free cancellation : up to 36 hours in advance.

Days of the tour: Monday.

Duration: 7 hours.

Four-seater vintage buggy excursions

Discover some of the most symbolic sites in Lanzarote while you enjoy a buggy tour around the island.

Duración: 2 a 5 horas.

Tour days: from Monday till Friday.

Pick up areas : No pick up service.

Departure point: Calle Montaña Almurnia 16, cerca de Yaiza.

Lanzarote volcano excursions to Timanfaya National Park and to the Volcanos National Park

A volcano tour in Lanzarote is a must in your holidays in the island. See the volcanos in our bus tours to Timanfaya or walk through the Volcanos National Park in one of our hiking tours. Explore the main area of volcanos in the island and witness the stunning natural beauty of this unique landscape..

Over 1.5 million visitors flock to Timanfaya National Park every year, eager to be awestruck by the incredible scenery on offer. Join one of our Timanfaya tours and see for yourself why this protected area called the Fire Mountains is so highly regarded.

Volcano tours from Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise and Puerto de Carmen

With options to suit all schedules, preferences and budgets, we offer a range of guided excursions to Timanfaya National Park from Costa Teguise, Arrecife, Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen. We even offer pick-ups from your hotel, so you can sit back and relax as we transport you to the heart of the action.

Explore the Timanfaya’s 51 square kilometers and marvel at the 25 volcanoes that dominate the landscape. As you journey along Lanzarote’s Volcano Road, you’ll encounter an array of different colors and tones that tell the story of the area’s volcanic activity. From the stark beauty of old volcanic cones and craters to the more intricate and delicate rock formations, you’ll be struck by the sheer variety of natural wonders on offer.

Our knowledgeable guides will accompany you every step of the way, sharing their insights and expertise to help you better understand the natural processes that have shaped the park. And with a stop at the Islote de Hilario, you’ll get to witness the volcanic processes still at work beneath the surface of Lanzarote. See how easy it is to create a hot water geyser or feel the heat emanating from the land itself.

Opt for a camel ride through Timanfaya and experience the magic of this unique landscape in a truly unique way. Whatever your preferences, we guarantee that a volcano tour in Lanzarote is a unique experience. Join us today and discover the beauty of the Mountains of Fire for yourself.

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10 Best Volcanoes in Lanzarote + MAP

Home | Travel | Europe | Spain | Canary Islands | Lanzarote | 10 Best Volcanoes in Lanzarote + MAP

If you’re coming to Lanzarote, your visit won’t be complete without exploring some of the volcanoes in Lanzarote . Without a doubt, these natural wonders are the undisputed protagonists of the Island of the Volcanoes, and Lanzarote is covered with numerous craters and badlands that you can visit.

Although it’s difficult to estimate how many volcanoes there are in Lanzarote , the locals call it “the island of 1,00 volcanoes,” and it’s one of the most recommended Canary Islands for those seeking adventure and otherworldly landscapes.

While most of them are extinct, there are some active volcanoes in Lanzarote inside Timanfaya National Park , one of the best places to visit in Spain . We’ve done the Route of the Volcanoes several times, and we still think it’s one of the best things to do in Lanzarote , so I cannot stop recommending it.

However, there are also other volcanoes in Lanzarote that you can visit . For this reason, I have created this guide with everything you need to know to visit each one of them, and for you to get the most out of this spectacular destination.

1. The Fire Mountains and the Route of the Volcanoes of Timanfaya, Lanzarote

First, the Fire Mountains are the only active volcanoes in Lanzarote , and they occupy approximately a quarter of the entire island’s surface area. This place seems like it’s from another planet, which is why it’s one of the most famous excursions in Lanzarote .

You can visit Los Volcanes Natural Park for free, although it’s worth signing up for one of the Lanzarote volcano tours . If you decide to visit on your own, you have two options. First, you can do the volcano route by bus , which leaves the Visitor Center every half hour. This 8-mile route will allow you to admire the beauty of the landscape, and it’s one of the most popular activities in the park.

In addition, at the end of your visit, you will be able to go to the Islote de Hilario , an area of the park exclusively designated for geothermal demonstrations, where you will appreciate the high temperatures that are hidden under the surface. Another very popular activity is taking a camel ride, but I don’t recommend it, as I believe that you can fully enjoy this natural wonder without doing these types of tours with animals.

On the other hand, another way to visit Timanfaya National Park is on foot, hiking through the malpaís, where you can identify different formations such as small lava tubes and craters. We did the Ruta del Litoral , which is about 5.6 miles long, as well as the Tremesana Route , which goes past landscapes that resemble the surface of Mars. Both were amazing, so I definitely recommend them.

Of course, no matter how you visit these volcanoes of Lanzarote , I suggest having lunch at Restaurante El Diablo . Here, the food is cooked in a clay oven that connects to the depths of the earth, so you can enjoy your geothermally cooked meal while taking in the special surroundings.

2. Volc án de Caldera Blanca, one of the most famous Lanzarote volcanoes

Volcán de Caldera Blanca is another one of the most popular volcanoes in Lanzarote . It was formed from the great succession of volcanic eruptions that took place between 1730 and 1736. The route to reach its peak, which is around 1,640 feet high, is one of the most beautiful hikes in Lanzarote . The 3,937-foot-wide crater is perfectly preserved and offers spectacular views of the surroundings.

2. Volcán de Caldera Blanca, one of the most famous Lanzarote volcanoes

To do this, you must go to the town of Mancha Blanca and drive to Timanfaya National Park. On the way, you will find a detour on the road to this volcano, about 1.2 miles from the Visitor Center.

The walk will take you around 4 hours and cover a distance of 6.2 miles in a circular route through one of the best national parks in Spain . Thanks to the fact that it’s not very difficult, this route is suitable for most people, and you can even bring the kids along.

3. Volc án de La Corona, one of the best volcanoes in northern Lanzarote

Volcán de La Corona is a 3,000-year-old volcano in Lanzarote , and one of the most representative since it had such a strong eruption that it managed to considerably increase the surface of the island. Thus, the Malpaís de la Corona was born, which covers nearly seven square miles of the sea. It also gave rise to a variety of fantastic volcanic formations that have become the most visited attractions on the island: Jameos del Agua and Cueva de los Verdes .

3. Volcán de La Corona, one of the best volcanoes in northern Lanzarote

If you want to hike to the top, you will find the beginning of the trail in the town of Ye. It is a beautiful walk where you can see how the landscape changes as you gain altitude, so it’s very interesting. First, you will go through a ravine, which is of great economic value to the island, and then it becomes a steep climb to the crater.

You can complete this route in around three hours, and as a reward, you will have panoramic views that include the surroundings of Lanzarote, its neighbor La Graciosa, and an endless ocean. In addition, you can go down to the bottom of the crater, an experience that will make you feel incredibly small compared to the structure’s magnitude.

4. Monta ña Bermeja, a volcano in La Graciosa, Lanzarote

Next, Montaña Bermeja is another volcano in Lanzarote that you can explore. Located on the island of La Graciosa , it’s one of the main attractions of this small island and one of the best hikes I did during our first trip.

While the 525-foot climb is quite steep, it should take less than a half hour to reach the viewpoint, where you’ll have incomparable panoramic views of the surroundings and the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean. For this reason, I think it is totally worth it.

4. Montaña Bermeja, a volcano in La Graciosa, Lanzarote

On the other hand, when you get to the top, you can find a collection of messages from all the visitors who dared to go on this adventure. Don’t hesitate to leave your personal mark while you contemplate Las Conchas Beach at the foot of the volcano, as well as Montaña Amarilla, El Mojón, and Las Agujas.

Keep in mind that if you feel like going on this adventure, I recommend you book a ferry ticket at least a week in advance.

5. Monta ña Blanca, one of the top volcanoes in the center of Lanzarote

Montaña Blanca is one of the highest volcanoes in Lanzarote , so it dominates the center of the island. This 6,450-foot-tall mountain is completely different from the rest since it has a pale white color that stands out among the volcanic landscape of black and ochre tones.

5. Montaña Blanca, one of the top volcanoes in the center of Lanzarote

If you want to visit it, you should go to the town of Tías, or to San Bartolomé, two towns that I particularly love. I recommend taking this time to discover the culture and gastronomy of these places after exerting yourself on the mountain.

To reach the top of Montaña Blanca, you’ll have to walk for two hours through a meadow, which, depending on the time of year, is covered with beautiful red poppies, and which are a true sight to behold. Also, you may come across some goats that will come to greet you as you make your way to the top.

6. Volc án del Cuervo, in Lanzarote’s Los Volcanes Natural Park

Volcán del Cuervo is one of the volcanoes in Lanzarote that are located within Los Volcanes Natural Park . However, this particular volcano has a special history since it’s said that it was the first volcano to emerge in Timanfaya, creating La Caldera de los Cuervos.

6. Volcán del Cuervo, in Lanzarote’s Los Volcanes Natural Park

Today, this is a natural space that attracts both adults and families with children, as it offers an easy path where you can appreciate dreamlike landscapes. If you complete this route, you will enter the volcano’s 115-foot-deep caldera, one of the most incredible experiences on the island. Walking among its rocky formations is an indescribable sensation, and you will also be able to identify lava remnants from the latest eruptions.

When you finish this 3.1-mile route, you can visit Bodega La Geria and taste some of the local wines from the area. We did this vineyard tour and we loved it, so if you’re looking for something to do after the hike, this may be a good option.

7. Caldera Colorada, another volcano in Lanzarote that you can visit

While planning your volcano route in Lanzarote, Caldera Colorada is another site that you should consider. This volcano has an intense red color that stands out among the brown and ochre tones of the surrounding lava field, so if you visit it, you will discover a different volcanic environment.

However, the most exciting part for many visitors is discovering the world’s largest volcanic bomb, which was ejected directly from inside the volcano 300 years ago.

If you want to do this hike, you’ll find the trailhead in the small town of Mancha Blanca, next to Tinajo. This route is very simple, so it’s suitable for those traveling with children or simply for those who don’t want to exert too much effort. The 1.8-mile trail is mostly flat and even, so I recommend it if you’re looking for a pleasant hike.

8. Monta ña Teneza, an impressive Lanzarote volcano you should visit

Montaña Teneza is a volcano in Lanzarote where you can seek refuge from the tourist crowds. Many visitors dedicate their time to visiting Timanfaya, so they miss these small natural jewels where they can find a peaceful environment.

8. Montaña Teneza, an impressive Lanzarote volcano you should visit

If you’re visiting Tinajo, I recommend you take the hiking route that takes you to the top of Montaña Teneza. It takes about an hour, and the views from there are beautiful since you’ll be able to appreciate the rural side of the island, some volcanic beaches, natural pools, and incredible formations like the Ana Victoria cave. Legend has it that a pirate’s treasure was found there.

In addition, this path serves as an access point to some dreamy coves such as Tenesar and Las Malvas, so you can take a dip in the water when you finish the hike.

9. Monta ña Roja, one of the best Lanzarote volcanoes in Playa Blanca

Playa Blanca is home to some of the best beaches in Lanzarote , but there are other attractions to see there . In this town, you can find another famous volcano in Lanzarote: Montaña Roja .

9. Montaña Roja, one of the best Lanzarote volcanoes in Playa Blanca

Located in the southern part of the island, this site attracts many visitors who want an easy walk with amazing views. The beginning of the trail is in the town of Los Claveles, about 2.4 miles from the center of Playa Blanca, so you don’t have to go too far. From there, all you have to do is follow the path, which is well-marked with signposts.

If you still feel like exploring further, you can go around the crater, or even head down inside. If you have some doubts, I say go for it, as the views are quite different and simply stunning. Plus, this crater is the main character of several local legends, and it’s said that aliens and UFOs have been sighted here. So, are you daring enough to check it out?

10. Monta ña Rajada, one of the Lanzarote volcanoes you’ll see on the Tremesana Route

Lastly, Montaña Rajada is another Lanzarote volcano you’ll find in Los Volcanes Natural Park . It’s surrounded by one of the most spectacular landscapes on the entire island, which includes red, black, and ochre-colored craters and slopes.

10. Montaña Rajada, one of the Lanzarote volcanoes you’ll see on the Tremesana Route

However, you can’t visit it on your own; rather, you must go to the Visitor Center and take the volcano bus route , which will allow you to witness the beauty of this place. Another option is to do the Tremesana Route on foot, which will allow you to get closer to this incredible volcano, with a guide, of course.

Moreover, the Mar de Lava viewpoint offers panoramic views of the coast and Timanfaya National Park, so it’s the perfect reward for all your hard work.

Map of Lanzarote volcanoes

And that is all you need to know to plan your volcano route in Lanzarote . To finish up, here is a map with all the Lanzarote volcanoes I mentioned so you can easily locate them and plan your trip.

If you have any questions or want to share your experience visiting the best volcanoes in Lanzarote , feel free to leave me a comment below. I will be delighted to hear from you.

Enjoy the Island of Volcanoes!

Ascen Aynat

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• Lanzarote Volcano Tours

Lanzarote Volcano Trips: Timanfaya National Park

Timanfaya National Park tour

Grand tour Lanzarote: Timanfaya, Jameos del Agua & Los Verdes

Cesar Manrique tour & Timanfaya

Timanfaya National Park walking tour

Lanzarote private tour

Lanzarote volcano tours

Visit Lanzarote, in the paradisiacal Canary Islands, means enjoying wonderful beaches, radiant sun and unique landscapes. And it is also taking a trip to another planet. As you hear it!

In Lanzarote you will have the privilege of knowing a unique lunar landscape, strolling between volcanoes, craters, calderas, sea of lava and volcanic ash. All these natural wonders are part of the Fire Mountains route, in the famous Timanfaya National Park, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco.

Do you want to know this essential place in the south of the island? Book our Lanzarote Volcano tours and explore this fascinating environment with us.

The best Lanzarote volcano tours

Our Lanzarote Volcano trips are designed to offer you all the possible advantages so that you can get to know this magical place in the best possible way.

We will pick you up and take you back to your accommodation in Lanzarote in a comfortable minibus, with a small group of people, to guarantee a more personalized and safe experience. You will have an expert guide as a companion in this adventure, who will provide you with all the relevant information about what you will see during the itinerary.

You will access with skip the line tickets to Timanfaya, avoiding unnecessary waits. And for your total comfort, we will do the impressive Route of the Volcanoes in the Timanfaya National Park without having to get on the official buses of the Park, since we are authorized to road this protected area with our own transport.

Lanzarote volcano trips

We have organized the excursions to Timanfaya by bus to cover different needs and interests, so we have several modalities for you to choose from:

• Timanfaya National Park tour in half a day: The ideal visit for those who just want to enjoy the park and have little time.
• Grand tour of Lanzarote : A full day day where you will get to know three essential places in Lanzarote: Timanfaya, Jameos del Agua and Cueva de los Verdes.
• Cesar Manrique and Timanfaya Tour : A full day discovering the legacy of Lanzarote's most important artist, combined with a visit to the Timanfaya National Park.
• Volcanoes Natural Park hiking tour : If your thing is to do sports, breathe fresh air and see volcanic landscapes in the first person, this guided route that borders the Timanfaya is designed for you.
• Private tour in Lanzarote : Exclusive and personalized tour, where you will have a guide just for your group, private transport and the possibility of designing the itinerary to your liking.

If in addition to Timanfaya, you want to continue exploring more attractions on this Canary Island, our complete selection of Lanzarote excursions & Tenerife tours .

Reviews of Lanzarote Volcano Tours

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Timanfaya National Park and the volcanoes in Lanzarote

The austere, otherworldly landscape of Lanzarote is shaped by hundreds of volcanic cones. Many of them date back to a series of devastating eruptions in the 1730s. For six years from 1730 to 1736, volcanic activity covered 200 square km of fertile farmland with layers of ash and lava.

It destroyed up to 20 villages and caused most of the island’s inhabitants to flee to nearby islands. Part of this area now forms the Timanfaya National Park, one of the most popular attractions in Lanzarote.

The parish priest at Yaiza wrote in his diary “ a gigantic mountain rose and sunk back into its crater on the same day with such a terrifying sound, covering the island with stones and ashes. The fiery lava streams descended like rivers towards the sea with the ash, rocks and dense smoke making life impossible .”

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Table of Contents

Timanfaya National Park

A slice of the surreal moonscape left by the cooling lava was established in 1974 as the Timanfaya National Park. The whole of Lanzarote was declared a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 1993, in recognition of this unique landscape.

Most of the volcanoes in Lanzarote are now dormant, but you can visit the Montañas del Fuego or Fire Mountains within the park. Here you can feel the heat of the volcanic activity at first hand.

A visit to the Timanfaya National Park is one of the most popular things to do in Lanzarote. There are numerous guided tours that will take you there. However, it’s easy to visit independently, so long as you have a hire car.

Timanfaya National Park covers around 50 square km of the whole volcanic landscape. It’s worth knowing that the less well known Parque Natural de los Volcanes covers a further 100 square km around Timanfaya. This offers even more opportunities to experience the Lanzarote volcanoes.

Montañas del Fuego in Timanfaya National Park

From the ticket booth on the LZ-67 road, a short drive takes you to the start point for the Montañas del Fuego . Leave your car in the car park and take one of the coaches waiting to take you on the tour that’s included with your ticket. Cost of the ticket is €12 per adult payable at the ticket booth by the main road.

As far as the eye can see are the lava fields and volcanoes that were created in the eruptions of the 1730s. These eruptions have created a lunar landscape of rich brown and copper red.

Through this has been carved a single track road called the Ruta de los Volcanes . This road makes a loop through the national park with striking views and occasional steep drops.

Tip: If you plan to do a lot of sightseeing, you can get a joint ticket from CACT Lanzarote which covers to Montanas del Fuego and 5 other attractions for €35.

Discover why Lanzarote is a top winter sun destination in Europe

The coach tour on the Ruta de los Volcanes

You can’t walk or drive the Ruta de los Volcanes in your own car. The tour is in a standard size coach, which does have some limitations. Although there was an interesting recorded commentary played in several languages, the only opportunities for photos are through the coach windows.

We had a couple of quick photo stops to take photos from the coach doorway, but were not allowed to get out. We found there were better photo opportunities once we had returned to the car park from the terraces below the El Diablo restaurant.

Tip: As time is limited, if you want to take photos, try to sit close to the coach doorway so that you are first in the queue to take photos.

Timanfaya – Geothermal demonstrations

The Montañas del Fuego or Mountains of Fire, are named after the location at Islote de Hilario which still has some volcanic activity. On finishing the coach tour, we were directed to the terrace below the El Diablo restaurant to get a flavour of this at first hand.

The red gravel on which we stood was warm to touch. Through a hole in the earth, our guide demonstrated that the hot magma was not far below. The few branches of brushwood that were tossed down burst into flames in the heat.

Next the guide demonstrated a geyser effect by pouring a bucket of water into a hole in the ground which trickles down to the hot volcanic rock. Stand well back and a few seconds later a geyser of steam erupted high into the air before subsiding again – impressive!

If you don’t have a car you may want to book this half day tour that includes the camel ride and tour of the Montañas del Fuego .

Timanfaya – El Diablo restaurant

The El Diablo restaurant can be visited before or after the tour. Here the volcanic heat is put to good use in a natural barbeque created by a deep pit. Over this a grill is placed, to cook chicken and other meats.

The El Diablo restaurant was designed by Lanzarote artist, Cesar Manrique. It has a circular shape with wrap around windows that offer panoramic views over the volcanic landscape.

The restaurant offers a broad menu and a cafeteria for sandwiches. If you stop for lunch there it’s worth trying the grilled items that are cooked over the volcanic pit, if only for the sheer novelty value.

Timanfaya – Take a camel ride

A short drive in the direction of Yaiza brings you to the Echadero de Camellos or camel station. A train of camels is waiting here to take visitors on a ride along a well worn track that runs through the park. The cost is €12 per camel for two people and the ride takes around 20 minutes.

Check out my 7-day itinerary for hiking in La Gomera in the Canary Islands

No need to book, just turn up and you can pay the camel handler directly and enjoy (or not) the swaying ride around the park. There is also a small gift shop and museum next to the car park. Here you can see information about the part these camels have played in the agriculture of Lanzarote. Camels can survive on very little water and are traditionally used for ploughing and farm work.

I didn’t have time to take a camel ride myself and am quite cautious about animal tourist attractions. But from what I read, the camels are well looked after. They are a domestic farm animal on Lanzarote so would be used to working on the land. However animal lovers will need to take their own view on whether it’s an activity they want to try.

For a fun day out, we recommend taking a full day tour like this one that includes the Timanfaya National Park as well as many other attractions around Lanzarote.

Timanfaya – the visitor centre

The Timanfaya park visitor centre is i n a separate location beside the main road that runs through the park. It’s a short drive from the Montanas del Fuego in the direction of Mancha Blanca.

The centre is free and well worth a visit to learn more about the volcanic activity in Lanzarote and around the world. Walk around the colourful displays, with videos of lava flow and volcano models. The interactive screens display more about how volcanoes affect our planet.

At the back of the centre is a viewing platform. Look out at the black sea of lava that flowed across the fertile farmland, covering numerous villages in the 1730s.

I also happened to be visiting when there was a simulation of the volcanic eruption, which took place in a separate basement room. The rumbling of the eruption, clouds of smoke and coloured lights brought to life the prospect of living close to an erupting volcano. It was a terrifying reality Lanzarote had to endure.

Looking for a place to stay in Lanzarote? We can recommend the boutique vineyard accommodation at Finca Malvasia – read my review

Parque Natural de los Volcanes

Many visitors to Lanzarote head to the Timanfaya National Park. However, this is only one slice of the whole area of volcanic landscape left from past eruptions. Much of the rest is covered by the Parque Natural de los Volcanes . Here there are various trails and information boards that you can visit freely.

Take a volcano tour in Lanzarote

We took a fascinating tour of some of the volcanoes with Eco-insider , a tour company that specialises in small group tours . These tours give you authentic insights into the culture and landscape of Lanzarote.

The benefit of making a tour like this is that we could leave our car behind and travel by land rover. This enabled us to get close to the volcanoes as well as learning all about them from an expert guide.

Check out he volcanic landscape of Teide National Park in Tenerife

Flora and fauna of the lava fields

Our guide Carmen, from Eco-insider tours is an expert on the flora and fauna of Lanzarote. She brought to life the seemingly barren volcanic landscape, explaining that it is far from dead.

Most plants here are annual and they are adapted to the lack of rain with techniques for conserving water. They only break into leaf or bloom when there has been a shower of rain.

The green lichen covering the lava fields is a sign that the air is pure and the land has been undisturbed since the eruption. Carmen explained that lichen are the pioneer plants as they grow before anything else. They help to break down the rocks to create soil for other plants to colonise. The lichen can survive where no other plants can, drawing on moisture brought by the trade winds blowing from the north-east.

Among the soft green lichen were patches of Xanthoria parietina . It’s yellow color provided a splash of colour against the grey rocks. The Xanthoria lichen are a sign to hunters that there are animals living nearby, since they thrive on the excrement of birds and animals.

Explore my La Gomera travel guide – transport, accommodation and things to do

Looking a guidebook for Lanzarote? We used and can recommend the Marco Polo pocket guide

Volcanic crater – Caldera Blanca

Our first stop on the 3 Volcanoes tour was the Caldera Blanca or Montañas Blanca . This is one of the most popular of the volcanoes in Lanzarote to visit. The Caldera Blanca trail runs from Mancha Blanca where the Ruta Volcan Caldera Blanca takes you west out of the town to a car park.

From there you can walk the rest of the trail past the smaller Montana Caldereta to the volcanic cone of Caldera Blanca . The trail is also known as Los Islotes – the islets. The rivers of lava from the 1730s flowed round volcanic cones from earlier eruptions. These older volcanoes stand out like islands in a sea of lava.

Climbing Caldera Blanca

As part of our 3 volcanos tour with Eco-insider, we could shortcut the long walk and take our landrover along the dirt tracks to park near the base of the volcano. From here we took an easy trail, climbing gently up the side of the montana, looking down on the land rover like a toy car below.

After the recent rains, the dry vegetation on the slopes was springing into life. The green mounds of Euphorbia looked fresh and lush, where they might normally resemble a bunch of dry twigs.

After the short climb we reached the top of the cone of Caldera Blanca. From here we could look down into the crater, with views towards the coast and ocean.

This volcano predates the eruptions of the 1730s when the lava flowed around it. The Blanca name comes from the white caliche material on the sides of the crater, which was used for agriculture in the past.

This was my favourite of the three volcanoes we visited. I loved the views from the top over the Timanfaya volcanic landscape and the sea beyond.

Volcanic bomb – Caldera Colorada

Our next stop was Montana Colorada – also known as Caldera Colorada. Here there is an easy, circular route, although you are not permitted to climb to the top of the volcanic hill. This volcano was one of the last to erupt in 1736 and makes a relatively low mound. This is typical of a one off eruption that stands above the landscape.

Our focus here was the huge volcanic bomb standing in front of Montana Colorada. It was formed in one of the nearby eruptions that had ejected it from a crater. Carmen explained that experts have concluded it was more likely to have come from some distance away. Then it was carried along on one of the lava flows.

Looking for a place to stay in Lanzarote? We can recommend the eco-village at Finca de Arrieta – read my review

Volcanic crater – Caldera de los Cuervos

Our final visit on the 3 volcanoes tour was to Caldera de los Cuervos . This was formed during the eruptions of the 1730s. It was the first to erupt on 1 September 1730 with a single crater at the heart of the volcano.

The pool of lava eventually ruptured the crater wall on one side. This allowed the lava to flow out into the plain surrounding it, covering some of the nearby hamlets.

Caldera de los Cuervos is one of the few volcanoes that you can walk right into, to see the different types and colours of volcanic rock. Some of the lava was splattered out from the crater to form molten piles around the top of the cone. In other places it formed jagged heaps where the lava cooled and then was broken up by further flows pushing it forward.

Close to this caldera is Montagna Negra . This volcano is several thousands of years old and pre-dates the 1730s eruptions. During the Timanfaya eruptions, older volcanoes such as this became covered with volcanic material, giving it the black colour that gives it its name.

Taking a volcano tour in Lanzarote

We can highly recommend taking a volcano tour in Lanzarote, such as the 3 Volcanoes tour we took with Eco-insider. The volcanic landscape is such a unique part of this island and we learned so much more by exploring it with the insights of a guide. Carmen was able to bring alive the history and geology of what we were seeing.

Take a volcano walk in Lanzarote

Although you can’t hike within most of the Timanfaya National Park, there are a few hiking trails among the volcanic area of Lanzarote. If you are a serious hiker, it’s best to use a guidebook as some paths may be visible but forbidden. In general you need to stick to the obvious trails. For most of the trails you will need a hire car to get you to the start of the trail.

Caldera Blanca / Montana Blanca – Within the Parque Natural de los Volcanes, the Ruta Volcan Caldera Blanca is accessed from the small town of Mancha Blanca. Drive west from the town, turning off the LZ67 until you find the Car Park for the Volcanic trail. The trail leads through the badlands or malpais as the lava fields are known. It passes the smaller Caldereta, before you reach Caldera Blanca. You can climb to the top as we did and walk right around the rim of the crater for views towards the coast. The round trip can be completed in a few hours.

Tremesana Route – This trail can only be walked with a guide, as it passes through the Timanfaya National Park. Registration must be made online in advance. If you enquire at the Timanfaya Park visitor centre, you may be able to join a group at short notice if there is space. The guided walk is free and runs four times a week, taking around 3 hours. More information here .

More volcano walks

Montana Colorada / Caldera Colorada – This easy trail runs around the volcanic cone but you are not allowed to climb up it. Beside the trail you’ll find the huge volcanic bomb which is worth a short detour. For this trail take the LZ-56 that runs south from La Mancha and stop at the car park on the eastern side of the road.

Caldera de los Cuervos / Volcan el Cuervo – Take the LZ56 that runs south from La Mancha. There’s a car park on the west side of the road, a little further than the car park for Montana Colorada. From here you can take the well marked trail that leads towards the crater and runs right inside. Then go around the crater to get back to the car park.

The route from El Golfo to Playa El Paso runs along the rugged coast on the edge of the Timanfaya lava field. You can park in El Golfo at the end of the village by the children’s playground. Be sure to stick to the path as the lava is jagged and there are deep lava bubbles that you could fall into. You can either return by the same route of follow the circular path inland until it skirts back to El Golfo.

Montaña Los Rodeos – This 4 hour walk takes you along a straight dirt track to this high volcanic cone. There’s a trail that runs around the peak and one that takes you up to the top for views over the surrounding area. There is a parking area on the LZ-56 just south of La Mancha.

Plan your trip to Lanzarote

For a comprehensive but compact guidebook covering all you need to know about Lanzarote, I recommend the Lanzarote Marco Polo pocket guide . This is the guidebook that I used while were were there. There’s lots of background information and insider tips on the best things to see. It includes a free touring app with maps to download and use offline.

For guided tours I can recommend two excellent tour companies in Lanzarote;

Wine Tours Lanzarote run regular wine and craft beer tours and are extremely knowledgeable about the food and wine of Lanzarote. We took their most enjoyable wine tour covering three different bodegas which includes pickup from your accommodation. They also have a wine shop for deliveries of Lanzarote wines in the UK and Ireland.

Eco-insider Lanzarote offer a wide range of small group tours with knowledgeable local guides. We took their 3 volcanos tour , but they also run walking tours, birdwatching tours and a full day wine tasting tour.

You can also find some excellent full day tours and boat trips around Lanzarote on Get Your Guide , our recommended tour partner.

Where to stay in Lanzarote

We stayed at two delightful places during our 10 day trip to Lanzarote

• Finca de Arrieta with Lanzarote Retreats. This small eco-village on the northern coast at Arrieta has a number of different villas, stone lodges and yurts with a relaxed and friendly vibe. It’s ideal for independent travellers. You can read my review of Finca de Arrieta here , or for more places to stay check out these Lanzarote hotels .

• Finca Malvasia – boutique rural accommodation in the heart of the La Geria wine region, set among a working vineyard. The stylish cottages converted from the old winery are furnished in contemporary style, around a turquoise Cesar Manrique style swimming pool. You can read my review of Finca Malvasia here or for more places to stay check out these hotels in Lanzarote .

Photo Credit: Camels by Iulian Ursu on Flickr

Our 3 volcanoes tour was provided* by Eco-insider and our tickets for the Montañas del Fuego were provided* by Lanzarote Tourism.  

* More info on my policies page

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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Canarias Lovers

To awaken your senses in the Canary Islands

11 best excursions + day trips in Lanzarote (our reviews)

By Claire ROBINSON , Region Lovers | July 5, 2024 | no intrusive ads, no sponsored content, just some affiliate links - if you use them, we get a small commission ( read more )

Visiting Lanzarote means discovering a variety of landscapes: volcanoes, caves, lagoons, cliffs, beaches… And you don’t always have to take your car. See our selection of the best excursions in Lanzarote to admire the different landscapes, have fun, go off-road or hop over to Fuerteventura. This guide also includes some of the best boat excursions in Lanzarote to discover the island from another point of view.

This opinion is completely independent , based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.

Lanzarote’s most beautiful excursions – quick answers

If you don’t want to read everything, we recommend these 4 excursions to see the best of Lanzarote:

• Admire the landscapes of Timanfaya National Park and a best-of of the island – see program and availability
• Dolphin cruise – see our preferred option
• Discover the works of César Manrique, including the caves – see program and availability
• A day trip to the island of La Graciosa – see bus + ferry option

Most excursions can take you to the 3 main areas of Lanzarote: Playa Blanca, Playa del Carmen and Costa Teguise. But be sure to check first.

1. Excursion to Timanfaya only

Timanfaya National Park is the best excursion in Lanzarote. It’s absolutely breathtaking! It’s a national park and you can’t walk around on your own. But even in a group, it’s fantastic to see the colors and power of the Earth.

Timanfaya National Park is located on the west coast of the island and consists entirely of volcanic soil. Access is limited, with just one road and a bus to take you out to see the scenery.

This route offers fantastic panoramas of the many volcanic craters (formed mainly between 1730 and 1736), different types of lava and incredible colors. It’s a much-visited attraction, but it’s well done and well worth the effort.

If you don’t want to rent a car, there are excursions from all the resorts (Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise) and the cruise terminal.

• A half-day which covers only the journey to Timanfaya, the fire experience at the restaurant and the park tour by bus – See program and availability

Tip: We recommend sitting on the right-hand side of the bus when taking the Timanfaya bus. There are beautiful things to see on both sides, but some of the best views will be to your right.

2. A little of everything in Lanzarote – day trip

You can also combine the park with other attractions over a full day. This way, you can discover more of Lanzarote’s beauty. We particularly like the option that adds the green lagoon, César Manrique’s Jameos del Agua cave and the Geria vineyard.

See program and availability

Here are the other locations in addition to Timanfaya:

Here, at Charco de los Clicos , the combination is exceptional: a green lagoon, the remains of the volcano with red, yellow and black rocks, and the black sand beach. The volcanic crater was formed during eruptions in the 1730s and flooded by the ocean. With erosion, only half the cone remains.

Yes, there are vineyards on Lanzarote. It’s quite amazing, but by using picon on the soil to capture moisture and creating small rock walls to protect from the wind, they are able to grow grapes and make wine! You’ll visit the most famous bodega: La Geria, with its impressive valley.

We think it was one of the most frustrating things about Lanzarote. This pool in Jameos des Agua is so inviting!!!! Isn’t it? Here, César Manrique transformed part of a long lava tunnel that had collapsed in several places. There’s an underground lake, restaurants and an amphitheatre…

Book this tour

CHOOSING A HOTEL IN Lanzarote

Choosing where to stay:

• Where to stay in Lanzarote
• Playa Blanca or Puerto del Carmen or Costa Teguise

Select by hotel type:

• 5-star hotels
• Best boutique-hotels
• Best adults-only hotels
• Best all-inclusive hotels
• Best hotels for families

Our favorite: Hotel Cala Lanzarote – See prices, photos and availability

Select by city:

• Best hotels in Playa Blanca
• Best hotels in Puerto del Carmen
• Best hotels in Costa Teguise

3. Dolphin-watching boat trip

We love the whale and dolphin watching tours. We had high hopes, and were lucky enough to see an impressive number of dolphins. A wonderful experience with the Lanzarote landscape in the background. You can also often see bottlenose dolphins in the Canary Islands, including Lanzarote. See our article .

Choose from 4 tour formats:

Option 1 – Daytime speedboat – duration 1h30 with swimming See details and availability Option 2 – sunset speedboat – 2h30 with champagne See details and availability Option 3 – fast boat and Lobos Island – 5h with discovery of part of Lobos Island See details and availability Option 4 – Catamaran sunset cruise – 2h See details and availability There are resident dolphins all year round. Some say that June is the best month to see many of them, but we haven’t found confirmation.

4. Tour of César Manrique’s works

César Manrique left an indelible mark on Lanzarote thanks to his commitment to respecting the environment and integrating himself into it. His works on the island are surprising, combining the work of nature with discreet, curving architecture that blends with the rock.

It’s not possible to visit all the places linked to the artist in a single day. But you can discover some of it. We recommend this excursion: see program and availability .

It covers a good variety of locations:

• Monumento al Campesino highlights local culture
• The César Manrique Foundation
• Mirador del Rio, hidden in the cliffs with breathtaking views

• The Cactus Garden, a must-see
• Jameos de Lagua, in a lava tube with lake and pool

Book the tour .

OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Lanzarote

• Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
• A small car is all you need.
• But you can also choose a larger one if you wish, as the parking spaces are rather large.
• Demand is high, so book early .

Read our tips

5. Excursion to the island of La Graciosa

La Graciosa is a small island to the north of Lanzarote. Access is by ferry and there are no roads at all, just tracks in the sand. You can explore it on foot or with one of the 4WD cabs. Unlike Lanzarote, it is covered in golden-white sand. But there are also a few volcanoes. The colors are magnificent and you can enjoy different landscapes: beaches, volcanoes and basalt columns. Even the ferry crossing is fascinating, with superb views of the Famara cliffs to the north of Lanzarote. See our article .

We recommend taking the first ferry in the morning to avoid the crowds who come to spend the day at the beach. Ferries depart from Orzola. Note that for those staying in Playa Blanca, it takes longer to get to the north (1h10min by car). 2 companies offer ferries from Lanzarote to La Graciosa. See departures and book or book with bus pick-up . And on site, we recommend hiring a 4WD cab to explore the island’s most beautiful landscapes: book your 4WD tour in advance!

Another option if you don’t rent a car is to take part in a day’s sailing on a catamaran around La Graciosa – see program .

6. Volcano hiking

The best way to discover Lanzarote’s volcanic landscapes is by hiking. The island offers a wide choice of hikes of varying lengths and difficulty. See our favorite hikes .

If you don’t want to hike alone, you can join a group. Here’s a small-group option around Timanfaya: see program and availability Or head north to the La Corona volcano and its impressive views: see program and availability .

WITH OUR GUIDE PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP TO lanzarote

All the information you need for your trip:

• 7 maps that make planning easier
• + 75 pre-selected locations
• Practical advice
• + 140 photos to help you choose

7. Immerse yourself in the world of Lanzarote wine

If Lanzarote’s vineyards fascinate you, given the island’s extreme climatic conditions, you can combine a hike, a vineyard tour and a wine tasting! Find out more about Lanzarote wine in our article .

This tour takes you to La Géria bodega, the island’s most famous. You can hike in the valley surrounded by vineyards protected by low walls. The views are exceptional! And you can enjoy one of the island’s most famous white wines to reward yourself after the effort!

8. Alternative excursions

You can also go off the beaten track to discover Lanzarote’s volcanic landscapes from a different angle. Depending on your sporting or mechanical desires, you can go exploring:

• by eBike – see program and availability
• by buggy – see program and availability

9. Excursion to Fuerteventura and the Corralejo dunes

Another classic is to set aside a day to discover the neighboring island of Fuerteventura. It’s so close and yet so different. The landscapes are more mountainous and less volcanic. It has better beaches but not the same charm as Lanzarote, in our opinion. The island is large, so you’ll only be able to discover the north. But you’ll spend some time in the sand dunes of Corralejo . And we love it! It’s an opportunity to discover another side of the Canary Islands.

10. Excursion to Fuerteventura and the island of Lobos

But if you want to keep with the volcanic theme, you can also book a fairly free excursion that takes you to spend some time on the beautiful little island of Lobos and also to the town of Corralejo on Fuerteventura. Lobos Island is one of our favorite spots in the Canaries. It’s like entering another world.

11. Catamaran to Papagayo beaches

Lanzarote’s southwest coast is a must-see. Papagayo and its neighboring golden sandy beaches are considered to be the best on Lanzarote and are one of the island’s main attractions. Their vast sandy expanses have remained largely untouched, with no paved roads leading to them. These beaches are located on the Macizo de los Ajaches (Natural Monument), the island’s oldest territory, formed around 14 million years ago (hence the rounded peaks and deep ravines).

You can explore it on foot, or via an unpaved track. Or you can take a boat out to sea and admire the wilderness. Just be aware that you won’t be able to get to the beaches from the boats.

From Puerto del Carmen: Catamarans allow you to explore the entire south coast and perhaps catch a glimpse of dolphins. You can swim or kayak around the boat. See program and availability

From Playa Blanca: You’ll discover these magnificent landscapes on a yacht. You can swim and stand-up paddle around the boat. See program and availability

Other activities in Lanzarote

And here are some other ideas for fun activities:

HAVE FUN WITH THESE Lanzarote activities

• Dolphin watching
• Buggy / Quad
• Kayak excursion
• But also: Diving at the Museum of the Atlantic, Catamaran outings, Paddle excursions, Parasailing

Other boat tours

And there are more boat tours available around the island:

• Submarine tour

Find out more in our article dedicated to boat tours in Lanzarote .

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Lanzarote

Most beautiful landscapes Best things to do in Lanzarote Most beautiful beaches Most beautiful villages Best boat tours César Manrique’s attractions Secret places, off the beaten track Most beautiful hikes

25 tips for a successful trip to Lanzarote How to get around How to rent a car in Lanzarote Driving tips

Where to stay in Lanzarote Best hotels in Lanzarote

Best excursions Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days

• The must-dos

Dolphin watching on Lanzarote Timanfaya National Park Best things to do in the old town of Teguise Jameos del Agua Cactus Garden La Graciosa Island Vineyards Lanzarote’s water parks

SHE MADE THE TRIP AND WROTE THE ARTICLE Claire

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A lava tube has been found on the moon for the first time

Sometimes, a hole in the ground is just a hole. Other times, it’s a portal to an underground cave spanning miles in width and length. You don’t really know what’s inside unless you dive into the void.

Lava caves, formed from cooled lava flows underground, are found near shield, basalt volcanoes across Earth. These lava tubes should ideally be found anywhere in the universe near basalt volcanoes, like on the moon or Mars, but that notion has long been hypothetical – until now.

One such lava tube has been confirmed on the moon for the first time, according to a recent study. These caves could shelter future human visitors and even harbor signs of microbial life, scientists say. But to learn more about what these features may look like on the moon, they’ve been studying similar lava tubes on Earth.

“Everything that we learned and what we’re theorizing about the moon’s lava tube comes from what we’ve seen here on Earth,” said Jekan Thanga, an engineer at the University of Arizona who was not involved in the study.

‘Not just a hole in the ground’

From a bird’s-eye view, evidence of a lava tube just appears as a hole on the surface. The hole, known as a skylight, is an area where the tunnel collapsed from above and provides access to the rest of the cave. Inside, the tunnel is jet black because basaltic lava flows are dark, whereas more familiar karst caves, for example, are made of lighter limestone. The sides of the tunnel are smooth like glass, except where breakage has created shards. The floor is like cobblestone because of rock that is half melted.

“The darkness is really, really dense. It’s basically like being submerged by tar,” said Riccardo Pozzobon, a planetary geologist at the University of Padova and an author of the recent research published in the journal Nature Astronomy. “You could really see that you are in somewhere really special.”

Earth’s lava tubes are located on nearly every continent. They are found from the Canary Islands to Iceland, from the United States to China. Tourists can even walk inside the Lava Beds National Monument in Northern California.

The caves come in all shapes, sizes and ages. Recently crystallized ones are found in Hawaii. Caves more than a thousand years old can be found in places like Flagstaff, Arizona. Even older lava tubes can be found in New Mexico.

“It doesn’t feel like you’re on Earth to be in the cave. It feels like you’ve gone somewhere totally different,” said astrobiologist Magdalena Osburn, who has been to about ten lava caves and was not involved in the new study. “I find it very magical.”

In recent decades, more than 200 suspicious holes – called pits – have been detected on the moon by a camera on NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO). Using the spacecraft’s radar data that allows them to see below the surface, researchers confirmed one of these holes is in fact a lava tube. The team used laser scans and three-dimensional models of terrestrial lava caves to help learn what the lunar cave may look like.

“All we see are these holes in the surface,” said Noah Petro, NASA project scientist of LRO who was not involved in the study. “The radar data that we have actually measures the properties of the surface and meters below. Basically, it affirms that it’s not just a hole in the ground.”

Comparing lava tubes on Earth and the moon

The newly discovered lunar cave is in the Mare Tranquillitatis (Sea of Tranquility), the landing site of the Apollo 11 mission. It is measured to be at least 130 feet wide and 100 to 200 feet long, which is quite large by Earth standards. Lunar lava caves are often two to three orders of magnitude bigger than those on Earth – enough to host a small town – because lower gravity makes them larger and more spread out.

The cave, scientists say, could be a good place for astronauts or future humans to shelter for protection against radiation, micrometeoroids traveling 3 to 4 miles per second or even moonquakes. The temperature inside the caves – at least the ones on Earth – is also fairly consistent for people.

Pozzobon, who estimated he’s visited about 20 lava tubes around the world, said the newly identified lunar lava cave is most similar to the corona lava tube in the island of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands because of its size. That terrestrial lava tube is one of the largest lava tubes on Earth in terms of volume, although it’s still an order of magnitude smaller than the one on the moon.

Even so, the team was able to practice analyzing radar data on larger lava tubes with the corona lava cave and other well-known caves. These studies allowed them to come up with a new approach for characterizing potential ones on the moon. With data of previous visits and analysis of the corona lava cave, the new study stated it was “strikingly similar” in morphology and radar readings as the lunar cave.

“You can basically take the information that you have [on Earth] and then compare to what you observe on other planets and see what are the differences, what are the similarities?” said Pozzobon. Knowing similarities to the terrestrial caves, he said they could calculate the volume of a slice of the lunar lava tube, for instance.

The corona lava tube was also created similarly to those suspected on the moon, the team hypothesized. Lava tubes on Earth are most commonly formed when basaltic lava flows from a volcano and the outside cools faster than the inside, which results in a hardened shell and a cave. But the team thinks the corona lava tube – likely similar to the one on the moon – was created by a deep inflation process, which does not create any bulging or topographic effects on the surface.

What’s inside the caves

Inside lava tubes on Earth, scientists have found microbial life appearing like a sparkly, yellowish film on the walls. This microbial life, Osburn said, can live off carbon dioxide. Some are probably capable of eating trace gases, like methane and carbon monoxide in the atmosphere, which means they can live in oxygen-poor environments.

For that reason, Osburn said lava tubes on islands, like the Canary Islands or Azores, are often a good place to study caves that could be on the moon. The Canary Islands is more arid and perhaps more bare-bones. If you wanted a lava tube with a forest, you may go to Australia. If you want a cold environment with ice flows, go to Lava Beds National Monument.

“When you’re seeking an analog for a given extraterrestrial environment, it’s a game of sort of matching some features,” Osburn, an astrobiologist at Northwestern University, said. “You’re trying to limit aspects that make things more earthlike.”

It’s also not impossible to rule out potential evidence of life or biosignatures in these lava tubes on the moon, she said. The caves could also contain water ice, potentially shown to be in permanently shadowed areas on the moon.

Scientists say there are undoubtedly more lava tubes on the moon, but that’s not the next pressing question. Instead, they’re looking to explore them.

On Earth, scientists send drones and cameras in the caves, but some research groups are also designing and testing rovers. Thanga, who heads the Space and Terrestrial Robotic Exploration Laboratory at University of Arizona, is building a rover with his students that can hop or climb down the pit entrance.

As far as what’s down the pit, no one will know for sure without a trip into the abyss.

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