Full Day Tour to Timanfaya, Green Lagoon and La Geria

If you’re planning a visit to Lanzarote and want to see its most iconic sights without the hassle of planning every detail yourself, this full-day tour offers a well-rounded look at the island’s volcanic wonderland, coastal gems, and wine culture. While we haven’t personally been on this exact trip, a review of over 100 travelers highlights its strengths and some points to consider.

What truly makes this experience stand out are the knowledgeable guides—like Paul and Antonio—who keep things engaging and informative. The scenery is stunning, ranging from volcanic landscapes to the mesmerizing Green Lagoon. Plus, the inclusion of a winery visit and a stop in Yaiza offers that authentic touch. One potential downside? The long bus rides may feel a bit tiresome if you prefer more time at each stop.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, value-packed day that covers Lanzarote’s natural beauty and local culture without overloading their schedule. Families, first-time visitors, or anyone eager to see the island’s highlights with ease will find it a worthwhile choice.

Key Points

• Diverse Highlights: Volcano landscapes, coastal lagoons, and vineyards all in one day.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides like Paul and Antonio make the experience engaging and informative.
• Excellent Value: For around $66, you get a full day of sightseeing, transport, and expert commentary.
• Variety of Experiences: From volcanic craters to wine tasting, and a scenic Green Lagoon.
• Group Size: Limited to 45 travelers, making it manageable and personable.
• Long Days, Long Roads: Expect a 7-hour trip with a fair amount of bus time, so bring snacks and patience.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Introduction to Lanzarote’s Volcanic Terrain

The day kicks off early with hotel pickups starting around 9:30 am. You’ll board a comfortable, air-conditioned bus with a maximum group size of 45, which helps keep the journey intimate and manageable. The first stop is Timanfaya National Park, a standout feature of Lanzarote and the star of this tour.

This park is famous for its otherworldly volcanic landscape, with craters, lava fields, and rugged terrain that looks like a scene from a sci-fi movie. The guided tour here, often led by guides such as Lila or other knowledgeable personnel, includes entry to the park and a chance to marvel at the geothermal displays—like the famous heat from underground volcanic activity used for cooking demonstrations. According to reviews, the guide’s storytelling and insights make the geology come alive, with one reviewer mentioning how their guide was very informative and made the experience engaging (“We really enjoyed the trip through the timanfaya national park. The guide was very informative.”).

Green Lagoon (El Lago Verde) and Coastal Marvels

Next, the tour heads to El Golfo to see the Green Lagoon (Charco de los Clicos). This stunning emerald-colored crater lake, set against a backdrop of volcanic cliffs, is a picture-perfect moment. The vibrant contrast of the green water against the gray volcanic rocks creates a surreal scene. The 40-minute stop is enough to take photos and absorb the atmosphere, with tickets included in the tour. Reviewers often highlight how beautiful and unique this lagoon is, describing it as “jewel-like” and “breathtaking.”

Yaiza Village and Local Flavors

Afterward, there’s a stop in the whitewashed village of Yaiza for a 40-minute free time segment. Here, you can grab a quick lunch or just wander through the charming streets. While the tour doesn’t include a sit-down meal, reviewers recommend exploring Yaiza’s quaint cafes and local shops, adding an authentic touch to the day.

A noted point from a reviewer was the slightly rushed nature of this stop, mentioning “we had to swap buses at Yaiza,” which might be a consideration if you’re looking for a more relaxed pace. Nonetheless, for many, this village provides a picturesque break and a chance to see traditional Lanzarote architecture.

La Geria and the Wine Experience

The afternoon features a visit to La Geria, Lanzarote’s distinctive wine region. Here, you’ll see the unique volcanic vineyards—small, semi-circular stone walls protect the grapevines from the wind. A stop at a local winery allows for a quick look at how wine is produced in this volcanic soil, which many reviewers found fascinating (“The vineyard was OK, but it was interesting to see how they do wine differently here.”).

While the tour doesn’t include a formal tasting, reviews mention the white wine as a highlight. Some travelers expressed slight disappointment with the wine tasting experience, feeling it was brief and lacked detailed explanation. However, others appreciated the insight into how viticulture adapts to this harsh environment.

Optional Camel Ride and Additional Activities

Although not included in the price, many travelers opt for the camel ride at Timanfaya, which is a well-known attraction. This adds a fun, memorable element to the day, though it does come with an extra cost and limited availability.

Practical Details: Transport, Duration, and Value

The total duration of about 7 hours means you’ll spend a significant portion of the day on the bus, with the itinerary covering some distances between sights. The early start and long drives are appreciated for covering diverse locations efficiently, but if you prefer more time at individual stops, this might feel a bit hurried.

The price of $66.18 per person is quite reasonable considering the extensive sightseeing, guided commentary, and transportation included. Many reviewers felt this represented good value, especially compared to booking separate excursions or transportation.

What the Reviews Say

The overall rating sits at 4.0 out of 5 based on 116 reviews, with many praising the knowledge and friendliness of the guides, particularly noting Paul and Antonio’s expertise and humor. Guests also loved the stunning views and found the mix of volcanic landscapes, coastal sights, and vineyards to be well balanced.

Some common concerns included long pick-up times—up to nearly 2 hours—especially if your hotel is on the outskirts. A few reviewers mentioned the bus rides could be lengthy and tiring, and the lunch options along the way were not part of the package, placing the onus on you to find suitable eateries.

Despite minor frustrations with timing and the somewhat brief wine tasting, most felt the tour was informative, scenic, and well-organized. The inclusion of a professional guide and the variety of stops kept the experience engaging.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This excursion suits travelers who want a rundown of Lanzarote’s highlights without multiple bookings. If you’re interested in volcanoes, unique coastal scenery, and local wines, this tour offers a good mix. It’s also perfect for families or groups who appreciate guided tours with a personal touch. Be prepared for a full day with some bus time—great for those who enjoy learning on the go but less ideal if you prefer more time at each stop.

Final Thoughts

In essence, this tour offers a solid value for those eager to see Lanzarote’s most iconic sights in one day. The experience is enriching and fun, thanks to guides who bring the landscape to life with stories and insights. The scenery is genuinely stunning—from volcanic craters and emerald lagoons to vine-covered hills—and the added touch of a winery visit makes it even more authentic.

While the tour’s pace can feel a little rushed, especially at some stops, most travelers walk away with a good understanding and appreciation for Lanzarote’s volcanic origins and vibrant culture. The combination of natural beauty, engaging guides, and local flavor makes it a compelling choice for first-timers or those short on time.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup from hotels in Arrecife, Playa Blanca, and Puerto del Carmen is included, starting around 9:30 am.

How long is the total trip?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and breaks.

Can I do the camel ride?
The camel ride is available but not included in the tour price. It’s popular and worth considering if you want a fun experience.

Are the entrance tickets included?
Yes, tickets for Timanfaya National Park, El Lago Verde, and the winery stop are included.

What about lunch?
Lunch is not included, but there’s a stop in Yaiza where you can find local eateries. Expect about 40 minutes for this break.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the minimum age is 3 years, making it suitable for families. Be aware of the bus time if traveling with young children who tire easily.

How is the guide?
Reviewers speak highly of guides like Paul and Antonio, highlighting their knowledge, friendliness, and humor.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, water, and a camera are recommended. Also, some snacks might help during the bus ride.

Is there a maximum group size?
Yes, the tour caps at 45 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

Whether you’re chasing volcanoes, coastal views, or a taste of local wines, this Lanzarote tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, learning, and visual delight. It’s a practical choice for those wanting to maximize their island experience without the fuss of organizing multiple activities.