The Canary Islands, located off the coast of Africa, are Europe´s most popular winter sun destination. Attracting around 9 million tourists every year. The bulk of them from the UK. Yet despite the fact that millions of tourists flock to the island every year some of them, such as Lanzarote, remain relatively unspoiled. Especially in relation to the larger island of Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Retaining much of their original character and identity intact.
Lanzarote is the most easterly of the islands and outside of the three main resorts of Puerto de Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca its rural roots really shine through. As the landscape is unencumbered by high rise developments – as these were all banned back in the 1970´s. Whilst there’s not an advertising billboard in sight – as these were similarly outlawed.
Until modern package tourism first reached the island in the 1970´s Lanzarote was mainly dependent on farming and fishing. And agricultural production is still very much in evidence in many fields around the island, particularly in the north where the climate is a little cooler and damper.
Much of the south of the island is beyond cultivation – as it is carpeted in fields of solidified lava. The eerie legacy of a series of volcanic eruptions dating back to the 1730´s. Today this whole area is a National Park – one of the most popular in Spain. And around 900,000 tourists visit this region every year to view the spent volcanic peaks and surreal scenery.
Lanzarote also boasts over ninety beaches – most of the made up of golden sand rather than the the black grains common on many other Canary Islands.
The two most impressive beaches are at Famara in the north – a huge 8km bay which is highly popular with surfers. And Papagayo in the south – a stunning collection of picturesque coves and bays.
There’s plenty of good quality accommodation options available on the island.
Playa Blanca in the south is home to a large selection of four and five star hotels, all constructed in the last decade or so. Whilst Puerto de Carmen the islands oldest resort, is home to the best selection of Lanzarote holiday villas on the island. With properties in the Los Mojones area in particular proving very popular with holidaymakers.
Lanzarote is just four hours flying time from the UK, with flights available from all major UK airports and with prices starting at around £150 return.
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