There is a saying in Lanzarote: Visit Lanzarote once, and love it forever. It is certainly true that this most northerly of the Canary Islands engenders huge loyalty amongst its visitors. Many return to the island year after year with their children, who in turn grow up, marry, and then bring their own children back every year. And so it goes on...
But what is about Lanzarote that excites such a sense of loyalty? The weather helps of course, for here is a place where the daytime temperatures rarely drop below 20 Celsius, and where cooling Atlantic breezes keep the air comfortable, even in the hottest months when the temperature gauge can hit 32 Celsius plus.
The breathtaking scenery, is so spectacular that Lanzarote has often been used as a photoshooting, and feature film location. The most recent of these was Pedro Almodovars Las Abrozas Rotos (The Broken Embraces) in 2008, starring Penelope Cruz. The first popular film that most people remember being made here was in the late 1960s, when the rural volcanic terrain of Lanzarote was chosen for the film One Million Years BC, starring Raquel Welch. In your memory goes back further than this, you may even remember Moby Dick in 1956! The combination of high volcanic mountain peaks, the dramatic and lonely timelessness of the malpais (vast fields of eroding volcanic rocks and lava that cover large areas of the island), and beautiful views of the surrounding Atlantic Ocean, is truly awe-inspiring.
Family holidays are nothing without beaches, of course, and Lanzarote has great beaches in abundance. It is true that some of these are man-made, but they are pretty convincing nonetheless. But the natural beaches of Lanzarote offer a wonderful range of seaside experiences " there are black beaches, golden beaches, beaches with high surf, and beaches with dramatic cliffside and mountain backdrops. There are lagoons formed from the rivers of volcanic lava that once flowed steaming hot and hissing into the sea; these lagoons quickly warm under the hot sun, and offer very therapeutic and safe bathing.
Water sports are big on Lanzarote. There are scuba diving activities, good for all levels from expert to beginner. Windsurfing is very popular, especially around the newer resort of Costa Teguise, and Caleta de Famara on the North coast of the island offers seasoned surfers the chance to tackle some serious waves. For those who want to be less active, there are plenty of boats trips available, some with opportunities to fish, and others with the chance to swim or snorkel.
Accommodation on Lanzarote can be chosen from apartments, villas (with or without private pools), and hotels from budget to 5 star levels. There are plenty of specialist websites offering a wide range of Lanzarote accommodation of all types.
Restaurants on Lanzarote are similarly varied, and most of the towns and resorts offer a choice of Canarian (highly recommended!), Spanish/tapas, Italian, Chinese and Indian food, as well as the full English breakfast experience if you cant do without it. We recommend that you try at least one of these local specialities: Canarian Potatoes (with mojo sauces), Pimiento de Padron (Padron peppers " watch out for the hot ones!), gofio, and (to be honest, any) locally caught fish that is for sale.
So thats a very quick summary of some of the reasons to choose Lanzarote for your next holiday, and it really is just a flavour. To do this magical island justice would fill many more articles. In the meantime, you can find out more at the All Things Lanzarote website which has lots more information about places and facilities on the island. - 29954
But what is about Lanzarote that excites such a sense of loyalty? The weather helps of course, for here is a place where the daytime temperatures rarely drop below 20 Celsius, and where cooling Atlantic breezes keep the air comfortable, even in the hottest months when the temperature gauge can hit 32 Celsius plus.
The breathtaking scenery, is so spectacular that Lanzarote has often been used as a photoshooting, and feature film location. The most recent of these was Pedro Almodovars Las Abrozas Rotos (The Broken Embraces) in 2008, starring Penelope Cruz. The first popular film that most people remember being made here was in the late 1960s, when the rural volcanic terrain of Lanzarote was chosen for the film One Million Years BC, starring Raquel Welch. In your memory goes back further than this, you may even remember Moby Dick in 1956! The combination of high volcanic mountain peaks, the dramatic and lonely timelessness of the malpais (vast fields of eroding volcanic rocks and lava that cover large areas of the island), and beautiful views of the surrounding Atlantic Ocean, is truly awe-inspiring.
Family holidays are nothing without beaches, of course, and Lanzarote has great beaches in abundance. It is true that some of these are man-made, but they are pretty convincing nonetheless. But the natural beaches of Lanzarote offer a wonderful range of seaside experiences " there are black beaches, golden beaches, beaches with high surf, and beaches with dramatic cliffside and mountain backdrops. There are lagoons formed from the rivers of volcanic lava that once flowed steaming hot and hissing into the sea; these lagoons quickly warm under the hot sun, and offer very therapeutic and safe bathing.
Water sports are big on Lanzarote. There are scuba diving activities, good for all levels from expert to beginner. Windsurfing is very popular, especially around the newer resort of Costa Teguise, and Caleta de Famara on the North coast of the island offers seasoned surfers the chance to tackle some serious waves. For those who want to be less active, there are plenty of boats trips available, some with opportunities to fish, and others with the chance to swim or snorkel.
Accommodation on Lanzarote can be chosen from apartments, villas (with or without private pools), and hotels from budget to 5 star levels. There are plenty of specialist websites offering a wide range of Lanzarote accommodation of all types.
Restaurants on Lanzarote are similarly varied, and most of the towns and resorts offer a choice of Canarian (highly recommended!), Spanish/tapas, Italian, Chinese and Indian food, as well as the full English breakfast experience if you cant do without it. We recommend that you try at least one of these local specialities: Canarian Potatoes (with mojo sauces), Pimiento de Padron (Padron peppers " watch out for the hot ones!), gofio, and (to be honest, any) locally caught fish that is for sale.
So thats a very quick summary of some of the reasons to choose Lanzarote for your next holiday, and it really is just a flavour. To do this magical island justice would fill many more articles. In the meantime, you can find out more at the All Things Lanzarote website which has lots more information about places and facilities on the island. - 29954
About the Author:
All Things Lanzarote is a travel information website about Lanzarote, the most Northern of the Canary Islands. The site contains extensive information about the island, and also features a wide range of apartments and villas for holiday rental, hotels, flights and car hire, as well as offering a comprehensive guide of places, things to do and see on Lanzarote.
