Journey To The Centre Of The Earth On Vacation

The Island of Lanzarote is located around 70 miles from the coast of Africa north of the island of Fuerteventura. Lanzarote is Volcanic in origin and because of the eruptions that occurred throughout the 18th and 19th Centuries, many areas of the island look like they would not look out of place on another planet!

The lunar like landscape provided the perfect scenery for many movies over the years such as Journey to the Centre of the Earth, Enemy Mine and others. The arid climate and little erosion makes the Volcanic Landscape seem much as it looked just after the eruptions.

Lanzarote owes its well preserved Canarian characteristics largely to one man - local artist Cesar Manrique. He formed the seven tourist centres of Lanzarote (such as Jameos del Agua) and wielded great influence concerning the protection of the nature and culture of the island. It was Manrique’s persuasion that convinced the local government to forbid the construction of high rise buildings and ban advertising billboards to protect the natural beauty of the landscape.

Lanzarote was declared a World Biosphere Reserve in 1993 in recognition of Cesar Manrique’s selfless work on the island. This declaration was made not long after his death due to a tragic car accident in 1992. The house he had built is now the headquarters of the Cesar Manrique Foundation.

Lanzarote has the most constant climate of all the Canary Islands, with steady temperatures all through the year. During the summer months temperatures average around 25ºC and can reach 30ºC or more. The winter months have an average of between 21ºC and 24ºC. Inland volcanic areas will generally have a cooling breeze from the northeast trade winds that will make it feel more comfortable. Lanzarote Airport (ACE) is located around 6km from Arrecife, between Arrecife and Puerto del Carmen.

Arrecife is the capital of Lanzarote and is a bustling port city, nearly half of the island’s inhabitants reside here. The city has a variety of shops, beaches,parks, promenades and plenty of nightlife venues. Although Arrecife is rather lacking in classic architecture, the area around El Charco and the main seafront promenades and parks offer some fascinating historical heritage.

Initially known as Puerto de Arrecife, Arrecife was the main port gateway to Lanzarote because of its closeness to Teguise (the old capital) and also for its natural deep water harbour at Los Marmoles which now houses the the city’s ferry and container ports.

Piracy was the scourge of the whole of the Canary Islands during the 17th and 18th centuries, with Lanzarote taking the brunt of raids by pirates and Arrecife was frequently attacked.

Excellent beaches can be found at Puerto del Carmen the largest and most lively resort of Lanzarote. The neighbouring resorts of Matagorda and Playa de los Pocillos offer a more serene setting. Costa Teguise also offers some wonderful white sandy beaches. There are even beaches in the capital of Arrecife. Wilder unspoilt beaches can also be located at Papagayo which is near to Playa Blanca – the chic and less lively resort.

For a taste of real Canarian life the picturesque northern fishing villages of Orzola and Arrieta are worth a visit. Inland villages including Yaiza and Tias offer classic Canarian bars and restaurants. The island is a haven for water sports activities such as windsurfing, parasailing and scuba diving, especially around the coast of Costa Teguise. Lanzarote also plays host to the Ironman competition, which is one of the most famous triathlon events in the world.

No visit to Lanzarote is complete without a visit to the Timanfaya National Park. Originally it was a fertile area with vineyards, agriculture and cattle farming. Immense volcanic eruptions that began in 1730 lasted until 1736 devastated several villages changing the landscape considerably, giving it a lunar like appearance.

The island also boasts the Atlantida Tunnel, which is the longest volcanic tunnel in the world at more than 7km long and includes the La Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua.

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