Visitor Guide to Lanzarote
Part of the Canary Island chain Lanzarote is one of the most popular holiday hot spots in Spain. Boasting weird and eerie volcanic terrain, breathtaking beaches and a clement climate that makes it possible to enjoy a break here all year round.
Lanzarote can be found just off the coast of West Africa, on the same line of latitude as the Bahamas. And as a result has a semi tropical climate that makes it an ideal destination even in winter. Like the other six islands in the chain it has been owned by Spain ever since the 1400´s. So it is a very familiar for anyone who has enjoyed an Iberian holiday before.
Most visitors to the island arrive on flights to Lanzarote from the UK. As more British visitors spend their holidays here than any other nationality. With around 900,000 UK tourists expected to pass through Arrecife airport during the course of 2010.
There are three main holiday resorts which are all located in the south, whilst the north has been left largely untouched by tourist development. And as a result has become a growing focus for rural tourism on the island.
Around half of all visitors stay in hotels, the other half in self catering accommodation. With the island offering thousands of tourist beds all year round. As here, thanks to the climate the holiday season never stops.
Hotels in Playa Blanca are especially popular, as this resort has been developed more recently than the others. So facilities and amenities here are all still virtually brand new. Prices are reasonable here too with room rates starting at about €60 per night. Although there are some more upmarket establishments for those seeking a little more luxury. Such as the Gran Melia Volcan located next to the Rubicon Marina.
Exploring the islands many attractions is relatively easy. Lanzarote is a small island and the roads are all well signposted. Car hire in Lanzarote is also very affordable, as is petrol. The Timanfaya Volcano Park is the most popular sight, along with the works of the local artist César Manrique. Who designed breathtaking visitor attractions such as the Jameos del Agua – an old lava tunnel and now a concert venue.
Lanzarote is also home to wealth of pretty, traditional towns and villages. Such as Teguise, where some of the buildings date as far back as the 1450´s.
