Lanzarote
Lanzarote Destination Guide
Lanzarote is the fourth largest of the seven islands that make up the Canarian archipelago. Which are all governed by Spain and are located off the coast of Morocco in West Africa. A location that makes the Canaries Europe’s most easily accessible year round holiday destination. At just four hours flying time from all major UK airports.
Lanzarote is the most easterly link in the chain and was first conquered by the Spanish crown as long ago as the early 1400s. Providing the growing empire with an important strategic trading post between the New World and the Old.
Holidays in Lanzarote are absolutely ideal for anyone who likes to combine sunbathing with sightseeing. As the island not only boasts over 90 beaches, some of which are regarded as amongst the best in the Canaries. But also has a wealth of natural and cultural attractions that belies the islands small size, measuring just 58km by 38.5km.
The best known of these is undoubtedly the Timanfaya Volcano Park. Which in 1730 was the scene of a massive series of eruptions, which lasted for over six years. Creating a surreal lavascape, punctuated with dormant volcanoes, that now dominates the south of the island.
Lanzarote welcomes around 1.5 million visitors every year and tourism is concentrated in the three main resorts of Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca. With the latter home to the best selection of Lanzarote villas, apartments and hotels.
Yet despite the island’s popularity Lanzarote is still relatively undeveloped in relation to the larger Canary Islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Visitors will find no high rise buildings or advertising billboards. Whilst away from the resorts the island retains a strong rural identity. With plenty of picturesque white washed villages to explore.
This state of affairs can in part be attributed to a locally born artist, called César Manrique. Who succesfully lobbied throughout the 1970s and 1980s for restrained development. Whilst also creating a series of unique tourist attractions, such as the Jameos del Agua, Mirador del Rio and Jardin de Cactus that all work with Lanzarote´s volcanic terrain, rather than against it.
As a result, Lanzarote became the first island in the world to be declared a UNESCO protected biosphere in 1994. And remains an ideal destination for anyone in search of year round sunshine, great beaches and unique visitor attractions.
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