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How to get to the Tinamala Quarries?
The route to the Tinamala Quarries in Lanzarote is located near the municipality of Teguise, about 15 minutes by car.
It is situated next to the village of Guatiza, very close to the northeast coast of the island. There, just before the entrance to the village, you will find a signpost near a petrol station, which directs you to your destination in just 1.8 kilometres.
You will have to leave your car at the beginning of the road and make the ascent along a track.
What is the route to the quarries?
The route to the Tinamala Quarries is fairly straightforward. It is not a long hike and you only have to follow the dirt road.
There are no signposts but the route is very intuitive and you only have to climb to the top of the mountain, where you will find the entrance to the quarry.
However, bear in mind that the summit is 323 metres above sea level, which makes the adventure a little tougher. In addition, the slope is always uphill, which means you’ll have to make a bit of an effort.
What makes this place unique?
When you reach the end of your path, you’ll think you’re in Egypt, but what you actually see are the Tinamala Quarries.
They are quarries dug out of the volcano, which were once used for the extraction of bright red pebbles. However, the quarries were abandoned in the 1970s, when this material fell into disuse in the construction of houses.
Now, what you see is an original stepped space more than 300 metres high, reminiscent of the Egyptian pyramids, which is its great attraction! In fact, thanks to its appearance, in 1987 it was used as the setting for a film (the film version of Verdi’s opera ‘Aida’), simulating an Egyptian temple.
The Tinamala mountain contains volcanic tuff, a light, porous rock formed by the accumulation of ash and other small volcanic elements.
It’s an amazing place, which is why it attracts so many hikers who want to get a close-up view of this stepped, precisely cut, reddish-coloured mountain – and no wonder, for the views are truly spectacular!
Tips for your visit
Visiting the Tinamala Quarries is one of the best experiences in Lanzarote if you like sports and nature. But to get the most out of your excursion, follow these tips:
- When walking, look at the ground! It is a climb that requires attention. Therefore, if you want to enjoy the views, stop, rest and contemplate the landscape.
- If possible, enjoy the panoramic views at sunset. It is a sight to behold.
- Don’t try to drive your car as close to the excavations as possible. Leave it at the start of the tour and complete the route, it’s a quick trip!
- You will find several quarries along the route but not all of them are accessible. The most beautiful excavations (the ones that really look like Egyptian pyramids) are the ones at the top, when you find the entrance to the quarry.
Besides, you know that in order for all of us to enjoy the natural beauty of Lanzarote, it is essential that you take care of the environment. Be respectful of the environment and everyone will be able to contemplate this spectacular space that transports us to other places and other times.
