Travel Desk, Delhi Magazine: Imagine dining in a restaurant where your meals are cooked using the heat of a volcano. Well, that’s exactly what happens in one of Spain’s most remarkable restaurants, as acclaimed by National Geographic magazine. Nestled in the heart of the volcanic landscape of Timanfaya National Park on the island of Lanzarote, this extraordinary eatery is named ‘El Diablo.’
El Diablo stands out not just for its cuisine, but also for its setting within the captivating Timanfaya National Park, resembling a scene from Mars. The restaurant utilizes the natural heat of an active volcano to cook its dishes, creating a gastronomic experience unlike any other.
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To explore this fascinating place, one must journey to the Canary Islands, specifically to Lanzarote. ‘El Diablo’ takes advantage of the island’s unique volcanic origin and geographical diversity. Established in 1974, Timanfaya National Park serves as the backdrop for this iconic restaurant.
Built with basalt stones deposited over centuries by volcanic eruptions, El Diablo’s circular outdoor grill cooks local fish, seafood, and meats directly over the volcano’s heat, reaching temperatures between 450˚ and 500˚C. The restaurant’s menu features traditional island dishes, including locally grown black potatoes, artisanal cheeses, and unique desserts reflecting Lanzarote’s volcanic character.
Despite the high-quality cuisine and breathtaking surroundings, El Diablo provides an affordable dining experience, making it an unforgettable visit for any guest.
Situated in the heart of Timanfaya National Park, El Diablo’s building boasts enormous windows offering panoramic views of the park’s unique landscape. The park, covering over 50 square kilometers, was inaugurated in 1974 and is rich in geological remains and plant species. Initially considered inhospitable, the park has become a tourist magnet, attracting visitors worldwide.
Timanfaya’s desolate volcanic landscape, marked by eruptions between 1730 and 1736, showcases extraordinary beauty through its colors, lack of vegetation, imposing volcano silhouettes, and a coastline connecting lava paths with the Atlantic Ocean.
What makes El Diablo truly exceptional is its use of geothermal energy from the volcano for cooking. While geothermal energy is commonly used for electricity generation and heating, El Diablo’s permanent structure dedicated exclusively to volcanic barbecue highlights the versatility of geothermal energy as a renewable source, demonstrating endless possibilities.