Lanzarote is the eastern most link in the Canary Island chain. Once thought to be the lost continent of Atlantis. And is located very close to the coast of West Africa - around 80 miles away from Mauritania and the fringes of the Sahara Desert.
Lanzarote was first conquered by the Spanish crown back in 1402 - providing the launch pad for the invasion of the other six islands in the archipelago. Before rapidly emerging as an important trading post - thanks to its position on the trade routes being opened up between the New World and the Old.
During the 15th and 16th centuries Spanish galleons carrying Inca silver would dock and refuel on Lanzarote. Attracting the attentions of avaricious privateers such as Drake and Raleigh. Along with a host of pirates from every other nautical nation of the time.
Today the island is best known as a year round sunshine holiday destination. Welcoming around 1.5 million tourists annually - the bulk of them from Britain, Germany and Ireland. All keen to bask in Lanzarote´s clement climate - with temperatures that average around 20 Celsius even in the depths of winter.
Tourism is the islands main economic activity and is concentrated in the three main resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca. All of which boast high standards of accommodation and excellent amenities. With Playa Blanca, Lanzarot´s newest resort, boasting the best selection of hotels in Lanzarote.
Despite it´s popularity with overseas visitors Lanzarote remains largely unspoiled by tourism. Thanks to the influence of an island born artist and architect called Cesar Manrique. During the 1970´s he successfully lobbied for the relatively controlled development of this new industry on the island of his birth. Resulting in an outright ban on all high rise buildings and the eradication of all advertising hoardings and billboards.
In addition Manrique created a series of seven unique tourist attractions. Which unite the raw, volcanic beauty of Lanzarote (the island experienced a massive volcanic eruption which lasted for six years during the 1730´s) with his own highly developed design skills.
The island also boasts an enormous amount of natural beauty - from the arid and lunar landscapes of the volcanic region in the south through to the lush verdant valleys of the north. And it is very easy to explore - measuring just 58km by 38km. Car hire in Lanzarote is very affordable too - with rates starting from as little as €17 per day.
Key Attractions
A visit to the Timanfaya Volcano Park is a must for any visitor. As the scenery here really is out of the world - and is often likened to the surface of the moon.
Lanzarote also boasts over 90 great beaches - the vast majority made up of golden grains rather than the coarse black granules found elsewhere in the Canaries. Papagayo in the south and Famara in the north are the two most breathtaking beaches on the island.
Best Time to Visit
Whilst the island is a genuine year round holiday destination the weather is at its best during the autumn months of September and October. When the trade winds have died down and the summer crowds have dissipated a little,
