Lanzarote: a Short Holiday Guide

Lanzarote is the most easterly of the Canary Islandsvolcanic tunnel in the world, stretching roughly four
off the north coast of Africa. Its mild and dry climateand a half miles.
make it an ideal year-round destination withIn spite of being a volcanic island, Lanzarote has
temperatures ranging from 21°C in the winter tosome beautiful sandy beaches such as Playa Grande
29°C in the summer and the yearly rainfalland Papagayo. For those on Lanzarote holidays
averaging a mere 5.5 inches.looking to enjoy some water sports, Playa Chica
As with all the Canary Islands, Lanzarote is a volcanicnext to the old town of Puerto Del Carmen is host
island and this makes for some extremely interestingto a great variety of activities including diving,
scenery. Lanzarote's volcanic activity has providedsnorkeling, jet-skiing and paragliding. On the west side
many of the islands tourist attractions. Timanfayaof the island, Famara and La Santa beaches both
national park was created when over 100 volcanoesprovide excellent conditions for surfing and body
destroyed an area of more than fifty squareboarding with Famara in particular being world famous
kilometres. Demonstrations of how hot the area isfor its surf.
just a few metres below the surface (betweenFor those Lanzarote holidays makers looking to shop,
400°C and 600°C!) are available at thethere are a few excellent shopping districts in
park; dry grasses are thrown into a deep hole in theArrecife, Puerto del Carmen and Playa Honda. There
ground and immediately catch fire and water pouredis also a large market in Teguise every Sunday
into a bore hole erupts as steam within seconds.morning where you will find many stalls selling
Camel rides and coach tours are available across thejewellery, paintings, wood carvings, local wines and
unique landscape which has been described asthe expected counterfeit watches and handbags.
appearing 'lunar' or 'Martian', so much so in fact that itAlong with the rest of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote
was used as a setting for the movie 'The Planet ofhas a duty free tax status. This means that
the Apes'.cigarettes, perfumes and alcohol are available much
Another of Lanzarote's volcanic attractions Thecheaper than in the rest of the EU.
'Cueva de los Verdes' (Or, 'The Green Caves') areWhile not as lively as some of its neighboring islands,
part of the Atlantida underground cave systemLanzarote still has an active nightlife. Puerto Del
formed approximately three thousand years ago andCarmen is the busiest area at night with lots of bars
once provided sanctuary for residents from piratesand clubs and live music while Teguise and Playa
that inhabited the island. The caves are artificially litBlanca also have several bars, clubs and restaurants.
for the public to view and are part of the longest