Holidays in Volcanic Lanzarote

The Canary Islands are the seven specks of Spain located just off the coast of Africa. Lanzarote is the most easterly link in this chain and has long been a hot favourite with tourists.  As the island boasts great weather whatever the time of year.  Along with nearly a hundred great beaches, historic towns and villages and loads of attractions for visitors.

Spain first took possession of Lanzarote in the early 1400´s – thanks to a Norman nobleman and adventurer called Jean de Bethencourt who subdued the island on behalf of the Spanish crown.  Over the following centuries Lanzarote became a vital strategic staging post for Spanish galleons traversing the Atlantic between the New World and the Old.  Bringing both riches and regular pirate raids to the Canaries.

During the 18th century huge seismic shocks and eruptions engulfed the island.

Transforming farmland into lava fields and forcing many inhabitants to flee for a new life abroad. Ironically, today the volcanic region is Lanzarote´s biggest tourist attraction – as hundreds of thousands of visitors tour the area to view the surreal scenery that is often likened to the surface of the moon.

Where To Stay

There’s a comprehensive range of accommodation options on the island.  Good quality four and five star hotels are available in the three main resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise.  Whilst many visitors opt for self catering accommodation in one of the hundreds of Lanzarote villas and apartments now available for rent.

Rural tourism has also grown in popularity enormously over the last five years.

As an increasing number of visitors eschew the main resorts for accommodation in Lanzarote´s peaceful countryside.

How To Get There

Lanzarote is four hours flying time from the UK.  Making the island Europe´s closest winter sun bolthole.  Flights are available with carriers such as easy jet and Ryanair from all major UK airports, with fares starting from as little as £49.99 one way, depending on the time of year.

Getting Around

There is a public bus service on Lanzarote but it doesn’t run to many of the main tourist attractions.  Most visitors keen on a spot of sightseeing therefore opt for a hire car or join up with one of the many guided tours available.

What To See

As well as the Timanfaya Volcano Park visitors should head for the former island capital of Teguise.  Which is the oldest settlement in the Canary Islands and home to a number of historic buildings dating back as far as 1455.