Lanzarote

Lanzarote overview

Lanzarote is the furthest North East of the Canary Islands. It is found about 70 miles west of the Sahara Desert. The island is 60 kilometres long by 20 kilometres wide. Many experts believe that the Canary Islands have the best climate of any European country.

How the island came to be

The whole Canary Island archipelago was formed along a fault in the ocean floor. Lava spilled out raising up the ocean floor until it broke the surface of the ocean. Volcanic eruptions lasted for many years and gradually formed the seven Canary Islands. The most recent eruptions were in the 1850's and lasted five long years. These eruptions took place in the area now called the Timanfaya National Park. Imagine the surface of the moon and you've got it. The eruptions were closely documented by a priest living on the island.

Commerce

Lanzarote's main form of income is via tourism, thanks to the great weather, beaches, landscape and friendly residents. Out of tourism grew other lines of income and business for the island like property, bars, restaurants, golf courses.

Tourism

The island has three main tourist resorts and lots of smaller rural locations. The tourist resorts in order of popularity are Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise. Popular rural tourist areas are places like Yaiza, Arrieta, Punta Mujeres, Famara and La Santa.

Puerto del Carmen was the first and is by far the most developed of all the tourist areas. It is located seven kilometres south of the airport so is a short taxi ride away. There is plenty to do here. The whole stretch of coast it covers has beach. There is a recently built golf course plus loads of bars, restaurants and shops.

Playa Blanca is located on the very southern tip of Lanzarote and as Puerto del Carmen did, it grew out of a small fishing harbour. There are some really beautiful beaches in this area. Some very safe family beaches can be found right in the heart of town like the Playa Flamingo beach. A short car journey outside of town will bring you to the unspoilt golden sands of the Papagayo beaches. The town has plenty of do with lots of sea front bars and restaurants. There is a great pedestrianised shopping area with a good selection of things to buy. There are the most five star hotels in Lanzarote in this area.

Costa Teguise is to be found about ten kilometres north of the airport. It is known as one of the best windsurf destinations in Europe. The area also boasts some lovely sheltered beaches close to the shops, bars and restaurants. Just inland from the main town is a great Aqua park and a golf course.