Exploring Lanzarote – The Volcanic Island

The Canary Islands are one of the most popular destinations in Spain and offer tourists year round sunshine.  But some of the islands, such as Lanzarote, also boast numerous other attractions, such as amazing volcanic scenery too.

18th century Eruption

During the 18^th century a six year eruption took place on the most easterly of the Canary Islands, which wiped out villages and farmland, causing widespread devastation.   No one at the time could possibly have envisaged the positive outcome this would eventually have though, as today this region is the most popular tourist sight on Lanzarote, attracting close to one million visitors per year.

Barren volcanic landscape

The main volcanic region, known as Timanafya, was declared a National Park back in the 1970s’ and covers an area of around 200km square.  Volcanic activity is also evident in many other parts of the island – and as a result Lanzarote has a barren and arid feel similar to say the Nevada desert in the US.  However the similarities end there as there are also loads of great beaches to explore along with the many creations of Cesar Manrique, a local artist who first rose to prominence in the vanguard of the Spanish surrealist movement during the 1950’s.

Cesar Manrique

Manrique was born on Lanzarote in 1919 before studying in Madrid and serving under Franco in the Spanish Civil War.  During the 1960’s he lived and worked in New York but returned to Lanzarote just as tourism first started taking off and went on to create six Centres of Art and Culture that all work in harmony with the island’s volcanic terrain.  As well as his own house and studio in Tahiche, which has since become the Cesar Manrique Foundation, containing a gallery of some of his best paintings and sculptures.

Packed full of goodies

Many tourists visit Lanzarote just for the weather alone and leave amazed at how much this small island has to offer.  Tourism is concentrated in the three main resorts of Costa Teguise, Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen which are all located on the south eastern coastline and this is where the bulk of the best accommodation can be found too.

The tourist hotspot

Puerto del Carmen is arguably the best resort – thanks to its excellent selection of beaches, good nightlife and close proximity to the airport (keeping transfer times to a minimum).  It is also very centrally located, making it an ideal base for exploring.

You can find out more about Lanzarote and find great quality self catering accommodation on the island by visiting the Holiday Villas in Lanzarote website, at www.holidayvillasinlanzarote.co.uk.