Lanzarote, an Island of Unforgettable Experiences

Lanzarote may be small but it offers everything you could wish for from a sun-drenched Spanish island. Year round sunshine, magnificent beaches and an amazing interior landscape make this one of the most popular of the Canary Islands.

This gorgeous little island is the fourth largest of the Canaries and is just 80 miles from the coast of Africa. At only 37 miles long by 12 miles wide it is compact enough to explore in a few days and there’s a lot to experience outside of the beaches. The magical Caves of Los Verdes, the stunning volcanic landscape of the Timanfaya National Park and the opportunity to explore neighbouring islands are all part of the Lanzarote experience.

Canary Island seascape image by Darren Johnson, shared under a Creative Commons Licence
Island accommodation

If you’re one of the 1.5 million people visiting Lanzarote each year then you have a wealth of accommodation choices. The island relies heavily on tourism and there’s an abundance of value for money hotel resorts located around the coastline.

The affordable prices of last minute holidays in Lanzarote is one of the reasons for the island’s popularity, especially during the peak summer months. This is a year round vacation destination however, and you can easily find great prices on private villas with swimming pools as well as self-catering apartments at any time of the year.

The island’s Best Beaches

Lanzarote was formed by volcanic activity and is known for its black sand beaches but there are plenty of golden and white bays around the coastline. Head to Papagayo in the south for the fine white sands of what is regarded as the island’s most beautiful beach.
The golden sands at Las Conchas, located on La Graciosa just off the north coast are idyllic and this is the perfect spot for sunbathing and even scuba diving. If you’re into the surfing lifestyle then the immense curved bay at Famara on the northwest coast is the place for windsurfing, kiteboarding and surfboarding. All of these beaches are easily accessible and most offer nearby bars and restaurants for snacks and cold drinks.

Island Sightseeing

There are many sights on Lanzarote that are well worth dragging yourself away from the beaches for. Timanfaya National Park offers one of the most amazing ‘Martian’ landscapes as well as active geysers and guided tours of the volcanoes.

Visit the colourful underground cave system known as the Cueva de los Verdes, which stretches for three miles and once sheltered the Hispanic people from pirates. A trip to the 475m high Mirador del Rio viewpoint will provide you with spectacular panoramic views of the island from both the walkway and the roof top observation deck.

For a day out with a difference take a boat trip to the nearby island of Fuerteventura and spend a day exploring the traditional little villages and the buzzing resort beaches. The journey takes just over two hours and a day out in the capital town of Puerto del Rosario offers shopping, restaurants and cultural sightseeing.

Lanzarote Cuisine

As you would expect from an island with a heavy tourist population Lanzarote doesn’t skimp on restaurants, cafes and bars. Fish is typically an ingredient in Canarian cuisine and the dishes have African, Spanish and even Latin American influences.

You can expect plenty of lighter meals, which are easier to digest in the hot climate, and dishes such as Sancocho Canario (salted fish in a spicy mojo sauce) are typical. However, if you’re in the mood for Chinese, British, Indian or Italian meals you won’t have to look hard for restaurants on the island.
Lanzarote definitely offers something to suit every taste whether you’re visiting as a single traveller, a group, a couple or a family. This beautiful island with the sunniest of climates will stay in your memory long after the vacation is over.