Before You Go: What We Wish We Knew

🚗 Rent a car as soon as you land — there's no public transport between the main sites. It's the first thing to do, not an afterthought.

🌤️ Best season: April–May and October–November — summer is too hot and crowded, winter is mild but windy.

🌋 Timanfaya fills up fast in high season — arrive at opening time (9:00am) or book online when possible. The queue of cars can be endless.

🏖️ Papagayo: limited parking — arrive before 10am or after 4pm. Bring cash for the €3 natural park entry fee.

🛍️ Teguise Sunday market — get there by 9:00am before the tourist buses arrive. The best stalls sell out early.

🌅 Mirador del Río: arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset — the parking is small and fills up completely. Don't risk it.

🍷 La Geria is a slow experience — plan at least 2–3 hours if you want to visit a bodega properly. It's not a quick stop.

💨 The wind is constant, especially in the north — always bring a light layer even in summer. At Mirador del Río it can be seriously annoying.

🍽️ Restaurants in tourist areas close early — usually by 10:30pm. Don't leave dinner too late.

🌑 The volcanic landscape is worth it even if nature isn't your thing — Timanfaya will stop you in your tracks. Guaranteed.