Ever wondered how food cooked by volcanic heat tastes?
Find out at El Diablo, located inside Timanfaya National Park, Spain, where a dormant volcano’s heat grills each dish to perfection.
Cooking with geothermal heat
Here, geothermal heat does the cooking. Just below the surface, subsoil temperatures can exceed 600 °C at around 15 metres.
It is hot enough to roast chicken and vegetables on a grate above an open stone cavity.
However, the wonder extends beyond food. At the nearby Islote de Hilario, guides pour water into the hot ground, which instantly erupts as steam.
It is a striking demonstration of the intense heat beneath your feet.
An architecture you feel
El Diablo (1970), by César Manrique, blends art, architecture, and nature, with facilities seamlessly integrated into lava fields and symbolic interiors.
The low, circular design, panoramic windows, and the sculptural “Dead Garden” (a dried tree with camel bones) keep the park’s story front and centre.
How dining at El Diablo works
Because you’re dining inside a national park, access follows park rules, not standard reservations. Hours generally track the Montañas del Fuego schedule, so plan lunch accordingly.
Top 5 must-try dishes
- Entrecôte cooked – €22.00
A richly flavorful cut of beef grilled using natural geothermal heat from beneath the restaurant. - Grilled wreckfish fillets with salad and “wrinkled potatoes” (papas arrugadas) – €21.00
A seafood delight featuring locally caught battered fillets, paired with salad and traditional wrinkly potatoes. - Chicken skewer – €17.00
A succulent mix of meat skewered and slow-grilled by volcanic heat for a uniquely smoky flavor.
- Half chicken grilled – €17.50
A hearty portion of chicken seared to perfection using the volcano’s natural heat—a signature mainstay. - Wrinkled potatoes with mojo sauce – €6.50
A classic and beloved Canarian side: small, salty potatoes served with spicy mojo dipping sauces.
How to reach there
- Nearest Airport: César Manrique–Lanzarote Airport (ACE), ~35 km from Timanfaya National Park.
- Best Option: Rent a car from the airport and drive via LZ-2 and LZ-67 (Tinajo ↔ Yaiza), ~35–45 minutes.
- By Taxi: Available at the airport for direct drop-off at the park entrance.
- Public Transport: No direct bus; take a guagua (bus) to Yaiza or Tinajo, then a taxi to the park.
Things to know
- Access & tickets: Enter Montañas del Fuego to reach El Diablo. Buying online secures access if you arrive before 1:00 PM on your chosen day; queues are still possible.
- Entry fee & visit: Adults €22; children 7–12 €11. Typical visit duration is ~90 min. Check the official website for more information.
- Volcanoes Route: 35–40 min bus tour with geothermal demos; no disembarking is allowed.
- Opening time: El Diablo from 12:00 PM–3:45 PM; café 09:30 AM –4:45 PM. No reservations, last entry is 3:45 PM daily.
- Rules: From the entrance gate to the car park, stay in your vehicle; conserve the landscape and follow the ranger’s instructions.
- Families & access: The experience is designed for all visitors; bring a light layer (wind), keep cameras ready, and follow ranger instructions near geothermal demos.
Add-ons nearby
-
Camel station: For a short ride on the volcanic slope.
-
Sightseeing: Small-group guided experience for restricted areas and a short walk to a viewpoint.
Note: Local authorities are discussing a shift toward collective vehicle access to reduce saturation. Please watch for changes to the driving/parking policy before you go.
