Lanzarote – Island Of Fire

January 15, 2009

Lanzarote is the most easterly link in the Canary Islands chain. And is located around seventy miles off the west coast of Africa – relatively close to what was once, many years ago, the enclave of the Spanish Sahara.

As you would expect from an island located in such close proximity to Africa Lanzarote enjoys a very dry climate – characterised by exceptionally low rainfall. Allied with temperatures that don’t often drop much below 20c – whatever the time of year. Creating the perfect environment for a year round holiday destination.

As a result of this enviable climate Lanzarote is popular with tourists from all over Northern Europe. Scandinavians visit the island in large numbers – especially during the winter months. Whilst around one million British and Irish tourists arrived on flights to Lanzarote during the course of 2007.

Lanzarote was once thought to be part of the lost continent of Atlantis. Phoenician traders dubbed it the Purple Island – as a lichen called Orchilla was once grown here, which was used as the basis for a purple dyestuff. In the Middle Ages Lanzarote was referred to as one of the Fortunate Islands – thanks to the spring like year round climate.

Today though Lanzarote is best known as the Island of Fire. An appellation created by the six year long volcanic eruptions which engulfed the island backing 1730. Burying around one quarter of Lanzarote beneath a sea of molten lava. These eruptions caused widespread devastation and forced many islanders to flee altogether. Heading for new locations such as Latin America and Cuba.

Ironically the Fire Mountains of the Timanfaya National Park are today Lanzarote?s number one attraction. Drawing around one million visitors every year. Who are enthralled by the eerie moon like appearance of the terrain. Other key attractions include the Jameos del Agua and the Mirador del Rio. Tourist sites which were developed by the island born artist and architect Cesar Manrique.

It’s not just the scenery that attracts tourists in such numbers though. As there are a number of high quality hotels in Lanzarote, such as the Gran Melia Salinas in Costa Teguise. As well as a wide choice of holiday apartments and villas located across the island. Creating an ample choice of accommodation for visitors.

For great deals on flights to Lanzarote visit the Canary Islands website, or go here for detailed information about holiday villas in Lanzarote. A holiday on this beautiful Island will see you coming back again and again as there is literally so much to see and do here from the cultural Legacy of Manrique to the outstanding natural beauty, and for those preferring to holiday aU natural their is a good selection of naturist beaches on the island too.

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Lanzarote – Island Of Fire

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