About Lanzarote

Lanzarote: A landscape from another world and another time; Seas of lava; enchanted grottos; vapour emerging from the heart of the earth; mysteriously, menacing volcanoes; waves crashing passionately against cliffs that loom like colossus paralyzed for all time in their journey to the sea; secret lagoons that appear by surprise among the rocks; pockets scooped in the lava that protect the vines, producers of unsurpassable wine; glittering golden beaches and transparent turquoise waters.

 

More than this is the history and the people of Lanzarote who years ago overcame destruction and reconstructed the island as we know it today; kind and hospitable people who have offered their island along with high class hotels, developments and establishments.

 

All this and so much more is Lanzarote with annual visitors in a trance like state of addiction returning faithfully year after year as if to rekindle the memories and re-live the magic moments experienced. If you have not yet had this experience, then maybe its time to be tempted!

 

 

Taking its name from a Genoese navigator called Lancelotto Malocello who arrived on the island in the year 1312; Lanzarote is one of the seven major islands collectively known as the Canary Islands. Situated in the Atlantic Ocean some 60 miles (100 km) from the coast of Africa and 600 miles (1000 km) from the Spanish peninsula. The fourth largest and most north-easterly, the island is 60 km (37 miles) long and 20 km (12 miles) wide coving a total ground of 800 km². The highest altitude is some 700m above sea level.

 

Of volcanic origin, the island leaves nobody unimpressed with the most unique volcanic landscape, comparable to the moon and quite often described as “lunar” with many parts of the island appearing to be of another planet. The first volcanic eruptions occurred in 1730 on the western part of the island burying eleven villages and vast amounts of fertile land. New eruptions followed continuing until 1736, when there was a deep silence until 1824. With craters found throughout, and around 300 volcanoes in total, the dry climate and lack of erosion has resulted in the landscape appearing much as it did just after the eruptions.

 

Declared a Reserve of the Biosphere by UNESCO in 1993, Lanzarote you will find is different to the other Canary Islands mainly due to the influence and works of the famous Canarian artist and architect Cesar Manrique. Dedicated to protection and conservation he helped create the harmony we can still enjoy today.

 

Once gaining income from fishing and agriculture, Lanzarote has over the years built up an excellent economy due to the high quality tourism. The perfect all year round temperature of approx 20ºC makes this one of the most popular holiday destinations, easily accessible from all major cities with direct flights available. With surprises at every turn here are some places of interest not to be missed:-

 

 

Unspoilt beaches found in the natural park of “Los Ajaches” in Playa Blanca. Off the beaten track so the first part of the entrance is a little bumpy, but well worth the ride. Non-residents will have to pay a small entrance fee. No services as such so come prepared. Various coves and large beaches to choose from – all with individual names. Glorious crystal clear waters and fine sands.

 

 

This region bears the echoes of the violent and devastating volcanic activity during the 17th and 18th century with 51 kilometres m² of volcano and lava fields and amazing contrasting landscapes. Take a coach across the park and lunch in “El Diablo” restaurant where the kitchens are fired by volcanic power.

 

 

Small village located on the west coast which takes it name from the green lagoon formed from a crater filled with sea water from under ground. Quite a spectacular sight with the contrast against the black beach. Enjoy the amazing scenery on the winding drive up to the village. Highly recommended for those fish eaters among you, there is a small selection of restaurants to choose from all boasting spectacular sea views. Fantastic place to sit and watch the sun set.

 

 

Translated to “The boiling pots”- this is a fantastic display of force and energy. Found on the road to El Golfo, this cliff lined coast with a cascade of tangled shapes and deep clefts into which the ocean surges and roars, creating the sound that gives it this strange name.

 

 

Impressive man-made landscape on the south western coast of the island, these salt flats apart from the produce are an amazing sight to see.

 

 

The Sunday market in the village of Teguise. An early start is advised as the stalls start to pack up early afternoon. If you can endure the hustle ‘n’ bustle then you may pick up a few bargains – not forgetting in many cases you can do quite a bit of bartering on the first offered price!

 

 

Biggest wine growing region on the Canary Islands with each vine planted in crater-like holes and protected within semi-circular stone walls. Despite the lack of water on the island, the holes in which the vines grow capture the humidity from the sea breeze, thanks to the fine layer of sand and volcanic ash laid by the farmers.

 

 

Located in Tahiche this is the house of the famous artist and patron to Lanzarote – César Manrique. The house in all its glory and built on and around five volcanic bubbles is open to view fabulous pieces of artwork and paintings, sculptures and ceramics.

 

 

Situated close to Guatiza, this stunning garden, designed by César Manrique showing over 1000 species of cacti.

 

 

This is a volcanic tube created by a prehistoric eruption. The name is taken from the lower part of the tube, where a small underground lake is joined below the surface to the sea. Cut off from the sun for many hundreds of years here in the lake you can find a rare species of blind albino crab. One of the most important stretches are “Cuevas de los Verde”, measuring some 2 kilometres in length and around 40 metres in height. César Manrique’s influence can be seen all around. Try and catch a show in the natural concert hall with fantastic acoustics.

 

 

César Manrique’s hand once again; found on the northern tip of the island, hundreds of meters above sea level is this looking out point from where you can contemplate the fabulous views over to the island of La Graciosa.

 

 

Part of a little group of islands known as the “Archipiélago Chinijo” and a natural park, there are daily ferries from Orzola in the North of Lanzarote. Activities such as biking, diving, fishing or simply relaxing on this small island with just 2 resorts.

 

 

Arrecife - Capital city and administrative centre of Lanzarote with population of approx. 40.000. Main Street is the “Calle Leon y Castillo”.

 

Yaiza - Charming little village and municipality of Playa Blanca.

 

Marina Rubicon - Exclusive 500 berth sporting marina in the resort of Playa Blanca, with a wide selection of high quality restaurants, shops and cafes.

 

Puerto Del Carmen - The main resort in Lanzarote with 12 km of sandy beaches and where you will find the centre of the night life.

 

Puerto Calero - Beautiful marina with a good selection of quaint restaurants and shops. Situated just outside of Puerto Del Carmen.

Costa Teguise - A main beach resort and tourist area with the added bonus of the 18-hole golf course. Favourite venue for lovers of windsurf.

 

Arrieta - Charming little fishing village with some great restaurants and the best paella.

 

Famara - Situated on the west coast of the island this is the paradise of surfers. Magnificent mountain backdrop.

 

Haría - Known as the valley of a thousand palms this is a lovely white village beside the islands most extensive palm grove. Recommended excursion to “Mirador de Haria”.

 

Orzola - Right in the North of Lanzarote this quaint fishing village with some lovely restaurants is also where you can catch the ferry across to the island of La Graciosa.