Timanfaya National Park is probably the most famous protected area of Lanzarote. There are twelve others, but not all are open to the public. Some sites are so fragile that the Canarian Government is unwilling to run the risk of damage by tourism. An example of how well Lanzarote's history and natural features sit rather well with tourism.

The Protected Areas
There are 13 natural protected areas on Lanzarote, among which the National Park of Timanfaya stands out as the first, largest and most famous. In total there are more protected areas toward the south and west of the island, in the Yaiza municipality.

TIMANFAYA NATIONAL PARK
Timanfaya has been recognised as a protected area since 1974. The park stretches over Yaiza and Tinajo municipalities. The recognition is designed to protect the most spectacular volcanic formations which remain following the eruptions of the 18th Century. In the park you can find more than 25 neighbouring craters in an almost perfect straight line. Tours are by bus, camel or in small parts by foot. The routes are set very rigidly, to protect the park. Tyre tracks across the barren landscape can remain for hundreds of years, spoiling the beauty.

CHINIJO ARCHIPELAGO NATURAL PARK
Chinijo has been a natural park since 1988, The designation is to protect fragile land assets. At the northern end of Lanzarote, the park is formed by the isles of La Graciosa and Alegranza, the castles Roque Montana Clara, Roque del Este and Roque del Oeste and the Famara Massif. The landscape contains an abundance of plant and animal life. The Famara Cliff lays host to a wide range of endemic plants, and one of the finest bird sanctuaries of the Canary Islands, with nests of up to seven different species of sea birds.

"LOS VOLCANES" NATURE PARK
The volcanic formations found outside the Timanfaya National Park are helpd in "Los Volcanes" Nature Park. These can only be the second best examples of lava flow, the best being Timanfaya.

"CUEVA DE LOS NATURALISTAS" NATURAL MONUMENT
A volcanic cave, with lava stalactites, Cueva de los Naturalistas is one of the most important volcanic tubes on the island.

"TENEGÜIME" PROTECTED LANDSCAPE
There is no size issue on Lanzarote, Tenegüime is a small cliff containing well preserved aboriginal plant formations, including endemic species like "tajose" (Thymus Origanoides). There is also an abundant bird fauna: Kestrels (Falco Tinnunculus) and "pardelas" or cory's shearwater (Colonectris Diomedea).

"LOS AJACHES" NATIONAL MONUMENT
This is the oldest piece of geology on the island, alongside the Famara Massif. Inside are fossils belonging to the Lower Pliocene era.

"ISLOTE DE HALCONES" NATlONAL MONUMENT
A refuge for plants and animals, this volcanic formation was not buried during the eruptions of the 18th Century.

"LA CORONA" NATlONAL MONUMENT
Situated in the northeast of the island, La Corona contains an important collection of lavas with extensive areas (called "tabaibales") covered by Euphorbia Balsamifera, as well as smaller areas of volcanic caves containing a wide mix of endemic species adapted to the darkness inside.

"MONTAÑAS DEL FUEGO" NATlONAL MONUMENT
Containing every volcanic cone formed during the 18th Century eruptions, Montañas Del Fuego provides an impressive view.

LA GERIA PROTECTED LANDSCAPE
This landscape was shaped by the last lava eruptions on the island. It is a shining example of how man has adapted to dominate nature by means of crop cultivation systems.

JANUBIO SCIENTIFIC INTEREST SITE
An important shelter for migratory birds, Janubio is also an example of how traditional activities co-exist with nature. Janubio is a flat area used for salt pans, the ocean water is allowed to fill the area, where it evaporates. The salt is left behind. This method is used the world over, but this example is very eco-friendly and sits well with the local wildlife.

"LOS JAMEOS" SCIENTIFIC INTEREST SITE
Designated to protect a site of extraordinary beauty and natural riches, such as the volcanic caves that were partially submerged. Inside live species adapted to permanent darkness.

"LOS ISLOTES" FULL Y PROTECTED NATURAL RESERVE
Created to provide protection for the fauna and flora these islets lay host to, and to prohibit any type of activity - except for previously authorised research.