Explore Lanzarote - The Island of Fire
The Spanish owned Canary Islands are often referred to as Europe´s Hawaii. Thanks to their volcanic origin, great year round climate and ideal wind and wave conditions for surfing. Factors which have all helped to establish the archipelago as the second most popular tourist destination in Spain after Catalonia.
Yet these seven Canaries are by no means all birds of a feather, as each boasts its own unique character and identity. Lanzarote for example is the most easterly link in the chain and remains far less affected by tourism than the larger islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
Thanks to a local artist called César Manrique visitors will find no high rise buildings on the island and a total absence of advertising billboards. Whilst the three main tourist resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca remain well contained. Leaving the bulk of Lanzarote largely untouched by modern development.
Manrique fought for the controlled evolution of tourism on the island during the 1970s. Working with friends in the island government he managed to press through a number of laws that were designed to preserve Lanzarote´s landscapes. Whilst also developing some unique and ecologically friendly visitor attractions such as the Cactus Garden and the Jameos del Agua.
Key Attractions
Large swathes of land in the south of the island are covered in a sea of lava. The legacy of a series of massive eruptions which shook the island during the 1730´s for a six year period. Followed by a further ominous encore in 1824.
The Timanfaya National Park stands at the centre of this activity and enables visitors to view the twisted terrain and dormant volcanoes up close. Indeed the scenery here is so surreal that it has been used in the past as a backdrop for a number of science fiction films, such as One Million Years BC and Krull. Whilst the recent release, Broken Embraces, from Spanish director Pedro Almodovar was also shot on location in this region.
The north of the island is green and verdant by contrast. Boasting palm packed valleys and picturesque white washed villages such as Haria and Maguez. Both of which are located within the aptly named Valley of 1000 Palms ? where locals plant a palm tree for every new born baby.
Accommodation
All accommodation types are available on the island. Ranging from five star luxury hotels in the countryside through to budget studios in the main resorts. Self catering holidays have also grown hugely in popularity in line with the development of the internet. With many visitors preferring to book their own Lanzarote villas or apartments direct online.
Nick Ball is the editor of Lanzarote Guidebook, the in-depth information guide to Lanzarote. Download a free copy of Lanzarote Guidebook online and book Lanzarote villas, hotels and apartments direct.
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