The popular holiday destination of Lanzarote is located in the Canary Islands – the Spanish owned group which lies just off the coast of West Africa. Many hundreds of miles south of the Iberian Peninsula. Boasting great beaches, an incredible spring like climate all year round and unique volcanic terrain that has earned the island the epithet of the Hawaii of Europe.
Lanzarote was first conquered for the Spanish crown by a French nobleman called Jean de Bethencort back in the early 1400`s. Rapidly emerging to assume great strategic importance in the nascent empire – providing a staging post for the Spanish galleons that traversed the Atlantic from the New World to the Old.
Modern package tourism first took off on the island in the early 1970`s and is concentrated in the three main resorts of Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise. Which are all located on the island’s more sheltered south eastern coastline. The bulk of tourists spending their holidays in Lanzarote will find themselves staying in one of these three destinations – although rural tourism is also starting to grow in popularity too.
Accommodation
The best selection of Lanzarote villas can be found in and around Playa Blanca. Which is the southern most of the three main resorts. Located just across the Bocaina Straits from the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura.
Anyone seeking Lanzarote apartments should concentrate their search on the resort of Puerto del Carmen. Which is the oldest and most popular destination on the island and home to the largest concentration of apartment complexes.
Getting Around
Lanzarote is a tiny island – measuring just 58km by 38km. Making it easy to tour and take in all of the main sights. Car hire and petrol are also very affordable in relation to the UK, whilst the roads are quiet, especially outside of the main resorts.
Sightseeing
There´s loads to see and do on Lanzarote. The island boasts a lot of natural (if slightly unconventional) beauty. Thanks to the series of volcanic eruptions which rocked Lanzarote during the 18th and 19th centuries. Creating a surreal lavascape that is today home to the hugely popular Timanfaya National Park.
The north of the island is as green as the south is dry and arid. With plenty of picturesque villages to explore, such as Haria. Which is nestled in the oasis like Valley of 1000 Palms.
Elsewhere, a local artist called Cesar Manrique created some incredibly imaginative tourist attractions, utilising the island volcanic scenery. Such as his former home in Tahiche which was built out of five bubbles in the lava flow.
July 16th, 2009Europe General TravelRead More >No Comments
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