Discover Lanzarote – Island of Fire

Lanzarote is one of the seven small Spanish owned islands that comprises the Canarian archipelago.  Once thought to be the remnants of the lost city of Atlantis.  Located around 90 miles off the coast of West Africa.

The Canaries were once collectively known as the Fortunate Islands, due to the fact that they enjoy a temperate, warm climate all year round.  With temperatures rarely falling below 20 Celsius, even during the winter months.

A Brief History
Lanzarote is the most easterly link in this chain of islands and was first conquered by the Spanish crown in the early 1400´s.  Becoming an important strategic possession – as Spanish galleons traversed the Atlantic between the New World and The Old.  Laden with cargoes of Inca silver and African slaves.

During the 18th Century Lanzarote was rocked by one of the modern world’s longest volcanic eruptions.  Which lasted for six years – destroying valuable farmland, wiping out villages and covering much of the island in a carpet of solidified lava.

Today Lanzarote is a hugely popular holiday destination.  Especially with British, Irish and German tourists.  Attracting around 1.5 million visitors every year.  With the majority staying in one of the islands three main resorts – Puerto de Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca.

Getting There
The island is serviced by a number of the UK´s leading low cost flight operators, such as easyJet and Thomas Cook. Flights to Lanzarote take approximately four hours and the cost of a return ticket is around £200, depending on the time of year.

Accommodation
Playa Blanca, the newest resort on the island, is home to the best selection of hotels in Lanzarote.  With four and five star establishments arrayed along the coastline. 

Visitors who prefer self catering accommodation should opt instead for Puerto del Carmen, the largest resort on the island.  Which offers the widest choice of apartments and villas in Lanzarote.

Sightseeing
Despite its popularity as year round holiday destination Lanzarote still remains largely unspoiled.   There are no ad billboards allowed.  High rise hotels have been outlawed.  And all of the buildings are painted white, creating a uniform, yet harmonious impression.

Despite the devastation caused by the eruptions Lanzarote´s volcanic scenery is now one of the islands greatest assets.  As the Timanfaya National Park, which lies at the epicentre of this volcanic activity is the most popular attraction on the island.  Drawing in close to one million visitors every year.

Hail Cesar
Lanzarote is also home to a series of unique tourist attractions, developed by an island born artist called Cesar Manrique.  Whose work fuses the island’s volcanic terrain with his own creative aesthetic.  Resulting in sites such as The Jameos del Agua.  Where he constructed an incredible underground auditorium out of a collapsed volcanic tunnel.

Thanks to Manrique´s efforts Lanzarote became the first island in the world to be declared a UNESCO protected biosphere back in 1994.

Related posts:

1. Discover the Culture and History of Lanzarote in Spain Holidaymakers who enjoy travelling to Spain, should take a look...