LANZAROTE
INTRODUCTION
Lanzarote is about much more than simply the best climate in Europe. Recent media coverage exploring the less ‘beaten tracks’ have highlighted it as a haven of culture and beauty. Or as the London Evening Standard put it, the new ‘hipster destination’.
Lanzarote is the closest of the Canary Islands to Africa about 100km off the sub-Saharan coast. Although part of Spain, Lanzarote actually is over 1,000km away from mainland Europe. We are 11 km north-east of Fuerteventura and 2 km from Graciosa. Both these diverse islands are easy to explored from here.
The Landscape of Lanzarote offers 213km of coastline, of which 10 km are sand, 16.5 km are beach, and the rest is rocky. Its landscape includes the mountain ranges of Famara (671m) in the north and Ajaches (608m) to the south. South of the Famara massif is the El Jable desert, which separates Famara and Montañas del Fuego. The highest peak is Peñas del Chache, rising to 670m above sea level. The “Tunnel of Atlantis”, the largest underwater volcanic tunnel in the world is part of the Cueva de los Verdes lava tube.
Often called the “Island of Eternal Spring”, Lanzarote has a subtropical-desert climate with most Summers having no rainfall whatsoever and year round averages of 7 – 11 hours of sunshine daily.
Daytime temperatures range from about 21°C in January to 29°C in August. With total annual rainfall at 140mm (5.5 inches), Lanzarote is the perfect year-round holiday destination.
The most defining influence on Lanzarote, as it looks today, is the work of legendary local artist, César Manrique. Manrique had a major influence on the planning regulations in Lanzarote. He recognised its tourist potential and lobbied to encourage sympathetic development of tourism. One aspect of this is the lack of high rise hotels on the island.
The main tourist hubs of Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca & Costa Teguise contain the mass tourist market in a small proportion of the island. Leaving the majority of the island untouched by commercialism and major development. Villa Alcalde is surrounded by vast areas rich in traditional culture and unspoiled beauty.
LANZAROTE
walk, cycle, run
If you like to get fit with your feet firmly planted on dry land then Lanzarote is the place to be. Breathtaking terrains await you. There is a full calendar of events here for all interests and levels. Bodega hopping walks, fun run’s, Olympic distance triathlon, Lanzarote’s famous Ironman and much more besides. There is an event for every interest, age and ability.
LANZAROTE
surf
Lanzarote is know as the Hawaii of Europe. That tells you something about the waves that you can expect on a surf trip here. The surf, swell, weather and location are almost identical to that of Fuerteventura. It can get big, powerful waves firing off its reefs throughout October to March. Consistent enough throughout the rest of the year, good waves await you no matter when you visit.
LANZAROTE
beaches
However you define your ideal beach paradise Lanzarote will never disappoint. The Landscape of Lanzarote offers 213km of diverse coastline, of which 10 km are sand, 16.5 km are beach, and the rest is rocky. The tourist beach areas with lots of activities and facilities offer family fun to visitors. Yet the majority of our coastline hides gems that mostly only the locals know about, remote bays and coves hidden from view.
Read more to out about a few of our favorite ones but don’t hesitate to ask us for further guidance.
LANZAROTE
culture
The Canary Islands have a vibrant, lively culture involving fiestas, music, literature, art, dance, interesting traditions and food. A holiday to the extraordinary island of Lanzarote will show you just how rich and artistic the Canary Islands can be.
The town of Teguise, is where much of the Canarian culture originated. This dignified colonial town was considered to be the most important town on the archipelago for more than a century.
Most of the musical events – such as the famous Visual Music Festival – take place in the awesome volcanic caves of Lanzarote’s amazing nature attractions Jameos del Agua and Cueva de los Verdes in the northern part of the island. They are extraordinary entertainment venues with outstanding acoustics providing a truly unique experience.
Everywhere you go on this island you will not escape the work of legendary local artist, Cesar Manrique, Lanzarote’s most famous resident. César was a painter, architect, sculptor and interior designer. But equally he was an activist who loved this island. He defined much of what makes Lanzarote unique through his influence on the planning regulations in Lanzarote, when he recognised its tourist potential and lobbied successfully to encourage sympathetic development of tourism. There are several places to visit from former homes he built to his architectural and design work in many municipal locations.
Event listings can be found HERE
LANZAROTE
cuisine
From Villa Alcalde you can explore the best dining the island has to offer. Whether you wish to explore local rural locations for traditional cuisine or venture into more modern and lively environments, nothing is too far.
Within walking distance from Villa Alcalde is one of the islands most respected restaurants, the owner, Antonio Hernández, devoted four years to creating and building his gastronomic dream, which culminated in the opening of LaTegala in 2006.
We also recommend:
