For ever immortalised by Monty Python´s Michael Palin as “Lanzagrotty” (a description which is met by bemusement from sophisticated Spaniards who holiday here in their droves) Lanzarote lies just 62 miles off the coast of Saharan Africa. On a similar line of latitude as parts of Florida and Mexico. Creating a clement year round clement with temperatures that rarely fall below 20c – even in the depths of winter.
As a result, the island is enormously popular with Northern Europeans – attracting over one million visitors from the UK and Ireland during 2007 alone. The majority of whom head for the three main resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise.
But Lanzarote has much more to offer than just bucket and spade beach tourism. The island is blessed with incredible natural beauty – from the eerie twisted shapes of the arid volcanic region in the south through to the verdant palm packed valleys around Haria and Maguez in the north.
This breathtaking landscape has been further enhanced by the island born artist and architect Cesar Manrique. Who campaigned throughout the 1970´s against over-development and sought to illuminate a different path for the evolution of tourism by creating his own unique attractions across the island.
Such as the Jameos del Agua – an incredible underground auditorium and gardens which was described by Hollywood legend Rita Heyworth as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Or his own house and studio in Tahiche – which is by some way the most unusual property in Lanzarote. As this was built into five underground volcanic bubbles and which still blows visitors away to this day.
Manrique´s influence even extends to the invisible. Advertising hoardings are banned. High rise developments are outlawed. The island’s tourist resorts remain well contained. And all of the houses are painted white – creating a pleasing, island wide aesthetic
As a result of his efforts Lanzxarote was declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1994. The first island in the world to achieve such status.
Lanzarote´s natural treasures also encompass the Timanfaya Volcano Park – scene of the worlds longest ever volcanic eruption from 1730 to 17636 – and now Lanzarote´s number one tourist attraction. The green lagoon at El Golfo. And a host of stunning natural beaches – such as Papagayo and Famara – which are amongst the best in Europe.
Whilst Lanzarote offers ideal weather conditions all year round the best time to visit the island is usually during September and October. As by then the Trade Winds which sweep across Lanzarote from April to August have died down. And the heat of high summer has mellowed a little. Whilst the sea is at its warmest – having been heated up by the sun throughout the summer months.
During the winter months the island displays a desert climate – which is little surprise given its proximity to the Saraha. Which makes for warmer days but chillier nights. As the temperature falls quickly when the sun goes down. But even so – at just four hours flight time from the UK - Lanzarote, along with the other Canary Islands, remain Europe´s only genuine winter sun destination.
Find out more about Lanzarote by visiting www.lanzaroteguidebook.com – where you can download a free 112 page Guidebook to the island.
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