
1. Timanfaya National Park
Where: Lanzarote
Timanfaya is different from those natural parks where you can't tell exactly where they start and where they end. Covered in a black, rugged blanket with no vegetation, its landscape is singular, with a nearly extraterrestrial look and feel. This is the magic that was uncovered after the disaster that happened here in the late 19th century when the area's volcanoes erupted, spewing lava and devastating Lanzarote for several days. Timanfaya was born out of that event, creating the island's only national geological park and a true natural wonder. Red, brown, orange and ochre shades define this warm place, where the earth's temperature is still felt nearly at ground level (about 400°C or 750°F at just going five metres below the surface). If you could lift a rock and pour some water there, you would see the effect. But such behaviour is strictly forbidden, so watch out for the demonstration when you get off the bus route through the park. You'll be well impressed.