Lanzarote, Canary Islands


Lanzarote is a Spanish Island that comprises the easternmost section of the Canary Islands, off the Coast of Africa. The islands sit in the Atlantic Ocean, and are not only beautiful in both scenery and climate, but they also provide great places to visit, full of culture and history. The island is volcanic in its origin, and the climate is perfect for visiting all year round. Because of the dry climate and subsequent lack of erosion on the island, the eruptions from the volcanoes during the 18th and 19th centuries, in many ways appears to be the same as it did shortly after it erupted. It is a natural monument to Lanzarote’s history.

Los Hervideros, Lanzarote, Canary IslandsLanzarote is considered in theory to be the first Canary Island that was settled. Phoenicians settled there in 1100 B.C. The first known record of the island is from Pliny the Elder’s writing, in which he names five of the Canary Islands. In 1336 a ship arrived from Lisbon and a fort was erected. In 1402 slavery was brought to the island. For 2,053 days, the island was rocked by a series of violent volcanic eruptions. Since then the volcanoes have been mercifully silent, but their hard volcanic plains are considered a natural wonder for both tourist and geologists alike.

The volcanic origin of the island does not conquer the entire theme, however. There are great beautiful, sandy white beaches like Playa Blanca and Papagayo. Something that sets Lanzarote aside as a unique community is the fact that no high rises can be built and no billboards or unsightly advertisements can be erected that obstructs the natural beauty of the island.

Because of the crisp, clean waters that surround the island 79 miles off the coast of Africa, Scuba Diving enthusiasts find it a perfect place to explore. Manta Diving Lanzarote is an English-owned scuba diving centre that’s both fun and safe. Timanfaya National Park is the place where you can visit to see the incredible volcanic wasteland, a reminder of the power of nature. Fundacion Cesar Manrique is a historic site that was the home of a famous Spanish artist. The Rancho Texas Park is an amusement park that is sure to amuse all ages. The Mirador del Rio is an observation and lookout point, built over several levels into an awe-inspiring volcanic rock cliff. It also overlooks a neighboring Canary Island. The Jardin de Cactus is a giant cactus garden, the perfect natural display for a climate as dry as Lanzarote’s. You’ll find every sort of cacti here, just remember not to touch!


Lodging in Lanzarote is no problem. From the Albatros Club to the Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort, the accommodations are fitting for beautiful island. Las Costas in Puerta Del Carmen is beautiful and located in a quiet, relaxing spot, and the La Bresas resort at the Playa Banca Beach is the perfect getaway.

Lanzarote is a unique place to visit. It gives you both a taste of island living and cultural history.

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Canary Islands

Spain

Canary Islands

Africa

 

El Hierro

 

Fuerteventura

Gran Canaria

La Gomera

La Palma

Lanzarote

Tenerife

Airports of Canary Islands

Tenerife North Airport

 

Tenerife South Airport

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Canary Islands


Located just off the northwest coast of Africa, the Canary Islands are a Spanish chain of islands rich in culture and agriculture. The Canary Islands are made up of 7 large island and several smaller islands. Each has its own distinctive landscape, although the climate of the area remains relatively the same throughout. Subtropical in nature, the climate provides comfortable year round temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities and sunbathing. The islands of Gran Canaria, La Palma, and Tenerife have more frequent tropical showers, while Lanzarote and Fuerteventura see less rainfall and more sunshine.

Dating back to ancient times, scholars believed that the Canary Islands hid the mythical sunken city of Atlantis. The heritage of the islands has Celtic, Basque, and Nordic roots, although the first true settlers of the area were from the Libyan-Berber tribes of North Africa. Due to the cultural diversity, the islands feature cuisine distinctive to the region including Spanish recipes with African and Latin-American influences. Because of the fertile land and bountiful ocean, fresh vegetables and seafood dishes are right at home.

Those seeking the beach life have plenty of options in the Canary Islands. For golden sand beaches, guests can visit Sotavento on Fuerteventura. Windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions are perfect on this sunny beach. For those looking for unique black sandy beaches, Puerto Naos on La Palma won’t disappoint. Los Cristianos on Tenerife provides calm waves and family friendly fun.


Canary Islands also offer numerous day excursions showcasing the landscape and history of the land. Guests visiting Gran Canaria can travel to the village of Teror and witness for themselves the breathtaking views of the city that is 575 meters above sea level. From there, travel northwest to Santa Maria de Guia and visit the Cenobio de Valeron, a group of caves enclosed by petrified lava. On Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, guests can visit Mount Teide. Mount Teide is the highest mountain in all of Spain and is also a volcano. Traveling by car and on foot, guests will be able to see still active parts of the volcano and witness nature’s fury first hand. On La Palma, prehistoric cave drawings will enthrall guests at Cueva de Belmaco in the village of Mazo. Fuencacaliente on La Palma shows the rugged fertility of the land by displaying its fine vineyards next to its volcanic craters. On the island of Lo Gomera, inhabitants of the different valleys use a whistling language similar to yodeling to communicate with each other.

Diverse in culture, history, geography, and climate, the Canary Islands are worth exploring. Beautiful beaches, volcanic craters, fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables await visitors on these quaint islands. Although a part of Spain, visitors to the Canary Islands will learn about numerous cultures and perhaps leave with a better appreciation of the land and its magic.

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Canary Islands

Spain

Canary Islands

Africa

 

El Hierro

 

Fuerteventura

Gran Canaria

La Gomera

La Palma

Lanzarote

Tenerife

Airports of Canary Islands

Tenerife North Airport

 

Tenerife South Airport

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