The Canary Islands may be owned by Spain – but they are in fact located many hundreds of miles south of the Iberian Peninsula, just off the west coast of Africa. And as a result these seven islands boast an amazing year round climate – making it possible to enjoy a sunshine break here even during the depths of winter.
Lanzarote is the eastern most of these islands and is probably best known for its unique volcanic scenery. Which was created by violent, large scale eruptions during the 18th and 19th centuries, destroying villages and farmland and forcing many Lanzaroteños to flee in search of new lives abroad. Today however this region, which is now a national park called Timanfaya and which covers about one quarter of the island´s total surface area, is Lanzarote´s most popular sight. Attracting close to one million visitors every year.
Lanzarote is just a four hour flight from the UK and the island plays host to around 1.5 million foreign tourists annually. As well as the breathtaking volcanic region the island is also home to the amazing creations of the famous artist Cesar Manrique – who played a major role in the development of modern day tourism – such as the Jameos del Agua and the Mirador del Rio.
The face of tourism on Lanzarote has evolved over the last forty years. As initially travellers booked package holidays via travel agents. But today, thanks to the internet, they are able to build their own holidays online. Booking villas in Lanzarote direct with the owners and sourcing their own flights via websites such as Skyscanner.
There are three main holiday resorts – Costa Teguise, Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen – each with it´s own identity and attractions. As well as a bustling capital city, Arrecife, which is home to around one third of Lanzarote´s 120,000 permanent residents.
The historic heart of the island can be found in Teguise, which held the title of capital city before handing it on to Arrecife in 1852. And this is the oldest Spanish settlement on the Canary Islands, with some buildings here dating back as far as the 1450´s. Teguise is also home to the popular weekly market which takes place every Sunday and which attracts thousands of tourists. Lanzarote is a very easy island to explore too, thanks to the fact that it is actually pretty small. So the best way to explore is to book car hire in Lanzarote and tour at your own leisure.
