The Red Mountains of Lanzarote

Located in the Canary Islands, Lanzarote is a volcanic island known for its stunning landscapes, year-round warm weather, and beautiful beaches. However, one of the island’s most unique features is its red mountains, which add a dramatic touch to an already breathtaking destination.

The Formation of the Red Mountains

The history of Lanzarote’s red mountains can be traced back to a series of volcanic eruptions that occurred around 3,000 to 5,000 years ago. The island was formed by a combination of underwater and surface eruptions, leaving behind a landscape of volcanic craters, cones, and lava fields.

But it was the last major eruption, which took place between 1730 and 1736, that truly shaped the island and gave rise to the red mountains. During this period, a series of volcanic eruptions covered about one-third of Lanzarote’s total land surface, creating the Timanfaya National Park.

The Timanfaya National Park is a protected area that is home to the majority of Lanzarote’s volcanoes, including the red mountains. The volcanic landscape is so unique and otherworldly that it has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The Unique Red Color

So, why are the mountains in Timanfaya National Park red? The answer lies in the iron and minerals found in the volcanic soil. When the lava cooled down, it formed a thin, rocky layer that acted as a shield for the molten lava flowing underneath. As a result, the intense heat from the lava caused the iron and minerals to oxidize, giving the mountains their distinctive red color.

In addition to the shades of red, you can also spot other colors, such as black, brown, and green, on the mountains’ surface. These colors are a result of the varying mineral content in the volcanic soil. The mix of colors adds to the visual appeal of the mountains and makes for striking views.

Another fascinating aspect of the red mountains is the fact that they appear to change colors throughout the day, depending on the angle of the sun’s rays. At sunrise and sunset, the mountains seem to be more vibrant, taking on a fiery red hue, while during the day, the color may seem more subdued as the sun’s rays hit the mountains directly.

Exploring the Red Mountains

The red mountains of Lanzarote are a popular attraction for visitors to the island. There are several ways to explore these incredible natural formations. One of the most popular options is to take a guided tour of the Timanfaya National Park. These tours give visitors a chance to see some of the most impressive volcanoes up close and learn about their history from knowledgeable guides.

For those who are feeling more adventurous, hiking and biking trails are available throughout the national park, giving visitors a chance to explore the red mountains on foot or by bike. However, visitors are advised to adhere to designated paths and keep a safe distance from the volcanoes, as they are still active and can be dangerous.

Finally, for a truly unique experience, visitors can take a camel ride through the national park. These trained animals are the traditional mode of transportation for exploring the Timanfaya National Park, and the slow, rhythmic motion of a camel ride allows for a peaceful and serene tour of the red mountains.

Conclusion

The red mountains of Lanzarote are a stunning and unique natural wonder that offers visitors a glimpse into the island’s explosive past. Their striking colors, majestic formations, and surrounding volcanic landscape make for an unforgettable experience. Whether you choose to take a guided tour, hike, bike, or ride a camel through the Timanfaya National Park, one thing is for sure – you will be left in awe of Lanzarote’s incredible red mountains.