Lanzarote

A perfect all year round Destination

Lanzarote is of volcanic origin, except volcanoes here have been active during the 18^th and 19^th Centuries. The landscape here seems like it belongs to another World, often described as 'lunar' and large areas of the Island is covered with ashes and lava, making you feel as if you were on the moon. Scenes from the film – The Planet of the Apes were filmed here due to the unique landscape. Lanzarote includes the small Islands of La Graciosa, Alegranza, Montaña Clara and Roque del Este y del Oeste. In 1987 Lanzarote was affirmed one of the six universal models of sustainable development by the World Tourism Organization and in 1993 it was declared a Reserve of the Biosphere by UNESCO.

Lanzarote is located around 70 miles off the coast of Africa, and the fourth largest Island in the Canaries. Considering this volcanic landscape, great efforts have been made to farm the land, and there are large plantations of fruits and vegetables. In the region of Geria there are thriving vineyards growing quite happily between volcanic craters Arrecife Airport is located around 6km from the City on the southern coast.

The Influence of Cesar Manrique the Artist can be clearly seen on Lanzarote. Manrique used his artistic abilities to take the natural characteristics of the Island and turn them into tourist attractions. His influence in this can be seen mainly at Jardin de Cactus, Mirador del Rio and Jameos del Agua. You can also visit his house, from where the Cesar Manrique foundation is run, which carries on his good work. He also designed the colourful mobiles which add interest at numerous roundabouts on the Island. Cesar Manrique was sadly killed in a car accident in 1992 at the age of 73.

Corpus Christi is the most widely celebrated feast day, and visitors often participate in the celebrations when it takes place in June. Lanzarote marks the event by colouring salt into different radiant colours and scattering it in front of Church walkways.

Lanzarote offers a mild dry climate with average daytime temperatures ranging from around 21°C in January to 29°C in August, with precipitation about 140mm a year. This makes Lanzarote as is true of all of the Canary Islands - the perfect all year destination.

Lanzarote offers great Scuba Diving experiences and many of the popular dive sites are easily reached with both shore and boat diving achievable. There are more than 500 species of fish, numerous wrecks and underwater volcanic caves, with good visibility and pleasant water temperatures. There are dive centres that offer diving courses and guided dive excursions in all of the resorts.

The trade winds on Lanzarote provide perfect conditions for sailing and are popular with both locals and visitors. There are several registered clubs and organisations that offer complete courses and supply all the necessary equipment for hire and sailing trips can be arranged.

The Atlantic Ocean surrounding Lanzarote offers exceptional conditions for game fishing. For enthusiasts, the marinas and harbours on the south coast - Puerto del Carmen, Puerto Calero and Playa Blanca, there is also Caleta del Sebo on the Islet of La Graciosa. Fully equipped boats are available for charter, some specialize in shark fishing. The main species caught in the waters off these ports are blue marlin, tuna, swordfish and bonito.

Surfing spots in Lanzarote for experienced surfers can be found at a variety of beaches on the north and north-east shores. One of the hardest surf spots, even testing the skilled surfer, can be found at the beach near Jameos del Agua. Other surf areas include the beaches of Arrecife in the southeast, La Santa, Caleta Caballo, Caleta de Famara, Playa de San Juan and Mírador del Rio, all located along the northern shore and Orzola at the northern tip.  La Francesa and Montaña Amarilla are located on the Islet of La Graciosa and Punta Mujeres at Ponta de Papagayo (at the south-eastern tip). 

Lanzarote is also excellent for windsurfing regardless of whether you are a beginner or more experienced, due to the constant trade winds. Windsurf schools can be located on the beaches at Tias, Costa Teguise, Playa Blanca and La Santa. During the summer months the winds are at its optimum and ideal for windsurfing. One of the top windsurf spots on the Island is the Costa Teguise, particularly Las Cucharas beach. Here, the winds are calmer in the mornings – ideal conditions for beginners, the afternoon winds are stronger. The Village of La Santa on the north coast, the beach off the Club La Santa has a sheltered lagoon which is perfect for novices.

Marine trips are available on an authentic schooner or a catamaran from Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Puerto Calero, covering mostly the south coast of the Island. If you are lucky enough, you may well see some whales during their migration season. There are also excursions to the Islets of La Graciosa and Alegranza, which leave from Orzola at the northern tip of the Island. In addition to short trips along the shores, longer trips to other Islands are available. Submarine Safaris are available for the ‘water shy’ and will give a wonderful insight into the abundant marine life in the waters around Lanzarote.

The majority of resorts offer Parascending, Jet and Water Skiing and speedboat trips. Banana boats, pedal boats and sea kayaks are also offered for hire on many beaches.

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