Lanzarote is one out of 7 Canary islands located outside the African coast. The island is different, not only compared to the other islands, but to everything else on this planet. This island has been destroyed so many times by the elemental forces of its volcanoes and reborn again. It shows some of the most incredible landscapes you may find on this planet: opulent vegetation next to bizarre forms of petrified lava, caves and lagoons. Due to the recent eruptions during the 18th and 19th centuries, many parts of the island seem to be from another world covered with ashes and lava. Cesar Manrique, Lanzarote’s most universal artist, left his indelible fingerprint converting deserts of lava into true oases of rock, water and tropical vegetation.
The landscape of Lanzarote
As a natural sanctuary, Lanzarote offers incomparable characteristics. Apart from the vast areas in Timanfaya National Park and Malpaís de La Corona with various types of lava, it has eolic sand fields as well as unrivalled sea and coast environments. Lanzarote has large amounts of flatlands and the only native tree life seen is the palm tree, found in the bottom of the valleys and gorges.
Large cities on Lanzarote
Arrecife, is the island's actual capital. It has two great fortresses, San Gabriel and San José, in the past used to defend the town against the frequent attacks of pirates.
Teguise, is the former capital. It carries the name of the last Guanche-king's daughter and although little is left of its original monumental abundance - destroyed by pirates – conserves still much of its ambience of a manorial town, with nice houses and a dominating castle, Castillo de Santa Barbara.
Tourist attractions on Lanzarote
Timanfaya National Park has a spectacular lunar aspect with different tones of ochre and grey. This land was born of hundreds of fire-spitting volcanoes. You can go to the volcanoes on camels.
Los Jameos del Agua, an intricate labyrinth of caves and volcanic tubes. Here you can enjoy live music and dance in a setting which is a spectacle in itself. La Cueva de los Verdes is a part of an incredible system of caves, of 7 km length, formed more than four thousand years ago, which connects the volcano Corona with the sea
Sports activities on Lanzarote
The favourable weather conditions, its enormous open spaces, the sea and the interior of the island allow Lanzarote to offer an ideal environment in which to do sports. Among the professional competitions held each year in Lanzarote, the IRONMAN stands out. It is one of the most important triathlon events in the world. Golf, fishing, scuba diving, surf and windsurf are more examples of the sports you can practise here.
Gastronomic characteristics of Lanzarote
The local gastronomy is typically mild and makes use of fresh, local ingredients. Typical dishes from Lanzarote include potatoes, mussels, limpets, and cheese. Canarian stew and fish are some of the most delectable dishes that you can taste when you visit the island.
The climate of Lanzarote
The local gastronomy is typically mild and makes use of fresh, local ingredients. Typical dishes from Lanzarote include potatoes, mussels, limpets, and cheese. Canarian stew and fish are some of the most delectable dishes that you can taste when you visit the island.