Lanzarote Travel and Tourism Guide
Lanzarote boasts arguably the most dramatic scenery of any of the seven Canary Islands. As whilst all of them are volcanic in origin Mother Nature left her imprint on Lanzarote most recently. Bestowing the island with a raw terrain that is often likened to the surface of the moon.
This volcanic region occupies around 200km square of Lanzarote’s interior and is one of the reasons why this Spanish outpost located close to Africa is such a popular holiday destination. The real key however lies in the fact that Lanzarote enjoys incredible weather all year round. Thanks to its semi tropical climate which delivers high temperatures even during the winter months.
Around 1.4 million visitors a year arrive on cheap lights to Lanzarote from across Europe, with the UK the main source of tourist visitors. Followed closely by Germany and Eire. All of whom touch down at Arrecife airport, flight code ACE, which is the islands only international terminal.
There are three main holiday resorts which are all located along the placid south eastern shoreline. And these are home to lots of different types of accommodation, with thousands of apartments and villas in Lanzarote available for rent. As well as a large range of Lanzarote hotels.
Lanzarote has been ruled by Spain since the early 1400’s and played an important role in the growth of the empire. As during the 16th and 17th centuries this is the spot where galleons would dock on their way to and from the New World in South America. Laden with African slaves and Inca gold. Creating quite a colourful past, as this trade attracted the unwanted attentions of pirates from all over Europe. Including English buccaneers such as Drake and Raleigh.
This period of prosperity can sill be glimpsed in the historic former capital of Teguise. Which is home to lots of former noblemans and merchants mansions. Some of which, such as the Palacio Spinola, are now open to the public as house museums. Teguise is also the venue for the islands largest weekly market. Which transforms the quiet cobbled streets into a maelstrom of activity every Sunday.
Modern day tourism kicked off in the early 1970’s, although intrepid Victorians had been visiting the island during the previous century. And by the 1980’s Lanzarote had become well established as a package holiday resort. Since then however the island has moved towards attracting more independent travellers.