Costa Teguise is one of Lanzarote’s main resorts Photo: robertmccornet
Lanzarote is one of the seven Spanish owned islands that make up the Canarian archipelago. Once thought to be the remnants of the lost continent of Atlantis and now the second most popular holiday destination in the country after Catalonia. Situated around eighty miles off the West coast of Morocco.
This location, on the same line of latitude as the Bahamas and parts of Mexico creates a fantastic year round climate. Characterised by temperatures that rarely fall below 20 degrees Celsius and very low rainfall. The ideal conditions for sun starved holidaymakers from Northern Europe – who flock here in droves. With British tourists alone accounting for over 800,000 arrivals last year.
Lanzarote was first conquered by the Spanish crown in the 1400´s. Evolving to become an important trading post between the New World and the Old, as galleons transported Inca silver across the Atlantic. A lucrative trade that soon caught the attention of British privateers (or pirates depending on your nationality) such as Drake and Raleigh, who both regularly raided the island’s coastline.
Lanzarote´s best known tourist attraction was created out of adversity in the 1730´s. When 300 volcanoes burst from the earth – emitting streams of lava for over six years. Covering much of the interior of the island in a smouldering black carpet that wiped out villages, farmland and livelihoods in its wake.
Today this region – known locally as Timanfaya or the Fire Mountains – is regarded as a real national treasure and is one of Spain’s most popular National Parks. And little wonder – as the surreal scenery here is truly awe inspiring, resembling the surface of the moon or another planet altogether.
Famara Beach (Playa de Famara) Photo: limonium64
Away from the arid volcanic region Lanzarote boasts over ninety beaches. Most comprised of golden grains rather than the black sand so often associated with the Canaries. With the raw allure of Famara on the North West coast the real jewel in the crown. As here visitors can enjoy an enormous 8km horseshoe shaped sweep of beach. Which is flanked at one end by the 450 metre high Famara massif range of cliffs. Whilst just out to sea lies the small neighbouring island of La Graciosa. Thought to be the real life setting for Robert Louis Stevenson’s children’s classic Treasure Island (another legacy of that Inca silver!).
First time visitors to the island are often surprised at how unspoiled the island is. As the Canaries are often associated with mass market, package holidays.
And whilst this holds true for the three main resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise Lanzarote is far less touched by tourism than other islands such as Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
This fortunate state of affairs can be attributed to the influence of an island born artist and architect called César Manrique. Who battled against over development on Lanzarote. Amazingly winning – and securing a ban on all high rise buildings and ad billboards in the process.
The beautiful pool and gardens at Jameos del Agua Photo: luke.stevenson55
Manrique also created a series of highly imaginative tourist attractions on the island – in order to illustrate what could be achieved by working with Lanzarote´s twisted volcanic terrain.
Examples of his work are everywhere. From the cavernous creation of the Jameos del Agua, a lava tunnel converted into a subterranean concert venue. Through to Manrique´s former home and studio – built over five bubbles in the surrounding lava flow in Tahiche. Whilst even roundabouts are adorned with his huge kinetic wind toys – one of which, Phobos, enjoys a starring role in the recent Pedro Almodovar release Broken Embraces. Which was partly shot on location on Lanzarote.
Manrique sadly died an untimely death after being killed in a car crash in 1992. But his influence and legacy on Lanzarote live on. As his creations remain the most popular attractions on the island to this day.
This guest post was written by Nick Ball. Nick is the editor of Lanzarote Guidebook, the in-depth island information guide. Visit the site to download a free 96 page guidebook to the island and to book hotels and villas in Lanzarote direct online.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Lanzarote has so much to offer, there are over 100 beaches on the island, most of them are gold or white sand but one or two are black sand / pebbles in contrast. The island is a mecca for sports, we have wind for windsurfing / sailing, waves for surfing and great roads for cycling. The scenery is dramatic and beautiful, our climate is wonderful all year round and the island is easy to explore – there is something for everyone. We hope you’ll come and see us soon!
Lanzarote is great. Nicer for met than Tenerife and Las Palmas. For those who like art, music, sun, nature, etc.
It is is not a ‘disco’ Island, it has whover superb dance locations (Nazareth, Teguise (=> each week life music).