Lanzarote

Lanzarote is one of the Canary Islands just off the west coast of North Africa, although Lanzarote is one of the bigger of the Canary Islands it is only 60km by 12km in size. It is fast becoming a great family destination as flights to Lanzarote are affordable. The island’s origins are volcanic and one of the most interesting things about it is the volcanic landscape and the almost “not-of-this-world” appearance some of the parts of the island have. Lanzarote has the longest volcanic tunnel in the world; mountainous areas; desert and miles and miles of beautiful beaches.

Because of the island’s unique geography it is an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve which means that the ecosystem and the sustainable use of natural resources on the island are protected. National policy also forbids the construction of high buildings and the placement of unsightly billboards. The main cities and parts of the coastline have been developed to accommodate visitors to the island, tourism is their main industry, and in the rural areas life continues in much the same way as it has for years.

Through history the island has been occupied or visited by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans,  Arabs, Portuguese, Ottomans and even pirates who came on land and took 1,000 people into slavery in the 17^th century. Here and there on the island you can see the ruins or remains of these ancient cultures.

Travelers to Lanzarote will have no problem finding good accommodation, there are resort towns along the coast like Costa Teguise (good for golf players and surfers); up market Playa Blanca (many luxury villas in the area); Puerto Calera has a more intimate feel and is near the marina and Puerto del Carmen the most popular of the resort towns where you can find a range of vacation accommodations from budget to luxury.

Basic Facts about Lanzarote:

• Official language is Spanish.
• Currency is the Euro.
• International airport in Lanzarote is Arrecife Airport.
•  When the people of Lanzarote first saw a volcano erupt they thought it was the devil and thus the island’s national emblem is a picture of the devil.
• The capital of Lanzarote is Arrecife where half the population of the island lives.
• Traditional local cuisine includes Mojo (sauce), Papas arrugadas (a potato dish) and Gofio bread or pastries. The local cuisine is spicy using chillis, coriander, lemon and pepper generously.
• Lanzarote has a dry climate with little annual rainfall and even when cold it is warmer than many other travel destinations and so you can visit at any time of year. The high season and hottest weather is from June to August.

What to see and do in Lanzarote

These are just some of the tourist attractions you can visit on the island.

Timanfaya National Park

Enter the volcanic park by coach, on foot or camel and tour the “lunar” landscape which has unique flora and fauna as well as Timanfaya Volcano and a geyser which is the main attraction.

Whale and Dolphins Museum

Take the kids along to this museum where you can learn about the marine creatures which frequently visit the island. Other animal related tourist attractions include the Guinate Tropical Park and Penguin Paradise and the Lanzarote Aquarium and

Agricola Museum

Take yourself back to the traditional way of live on on the island, see mills, a winery and a working farm as well as a traditional Lanzarote household. Also at the Casa Museo y Monumento al Campesino you can learn about traditional farm laboring.

Beaches

The coastline both with its white sandy beaches and the more rugged cliffs and rock pools is the main attraction on the island. Most tourists come to lie on the beaches and pamper themselves in one of the resort hotels. Try any of the beaches in the resort towns of Costa Teguise, Playa Blance, Papagayo or Puerto del Carmen. Water sports and diving facilities are readily available and you can even take a submarine ride. Also don’t miss seeing the black sand beaches on the island.

Castillo de San Jose

Constructed in 1799 to protect the island it is now used to house a museum.

Atlantida Volcanic Cave System

Thousands of years ago Corona Volcano erupted eventually resulting in the creation of a large cave system. Jameosdel Agua is where the roof of the cave has collapsed, here many of these caves have been converted into gardens, pools and even restaurants. You can also see the underground lagoon, Jameo Chico. Also in this cave system is the Cave of Los Verdes, the longest underground tunnel in the world, with parts of it extending into the sea. The inside of the cave is about 15 meters wide and 15 meters high, all expertly lit to show off the unusual rock formations.

El Golfo

El Golfo is a volcanic crater full of sea water which has passed through the black volcanic beach sand separating it from the sea. Algae has turned the water green, and there is a colorful contrast between the black sand and green water.

There are lots to see and do in Lanzarote as well as all the tourist amenities you could ask for to have a relaxing and enjoyable trip.