From all the islands I have been to and all the landscapes I have seen, there is nothing quite like Lanzarote. This volcanic island has of course largely volcanic scenery that makes you feel like you are on a different planet. Its completely original and iconic landscape seems like a set from a sci-fi movie and anyone who would like to experience something different from the nature and feel its creator’s force and beauty will definitely enjoy the stay on this island.
A part of the Spanish Archipelago of Canary Islands, Lanzarote is located around 1000 km from the Iberian peninsula and only around 125 km from the north coast of Africa. Having a Subtropical Desert climate, the island is perfect to visit at any time of the year with approximately only 18 rainy days per year and the average daily temperature from 21°C in January to 29°C in August, making it ideal for anyone who likes to enjoy the sun.
There are many beautiful places in Lanzarote where you can stay – from hotels to B&Bs and private accommodation, either in bustling or calm areas, surrounded by nature – the choice is entirely up to you. The one we stayed in and can recommend is Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa, near Puerto Calero. Located in a quiet private spot, right by the sea, you will enjoy the serenity, silence and nature just a 10 min walk along the coast to the vibrant centre of the Puerto Calero where you can find many shops and restaurants. In any case the hotel itself has everything you could possibly need – open and closed swimming pools, spa and wellness, delicious food and wonderful hotel staff that will arrange for anything you need. What we loved the most about this place, besides the most beautiful view from our room, were definitely walks along the coast with amazing scenery just outside the hotel.
Although Lanzarote is a volcanic island, there are also many beaches with the golden or even white sand. One of the favourite tourist spots is definitely Playa Blanca that offers not only a beautiful beach to enjoy but also numerous restaurants where you can try some of the traditional dishes in Lanzarote such as Puntillas de Calamar, delicious deep fried baby squids, or any type of fresh fish or prawns for that matter, usually prepared very simple, with a bit of salt, oil and garlic.
It is needless to say that Lanzarote offers many different activities – from hiking through the unique landscape an camel riding to kayaking, fishing, diving and snorkelling. If you are not so adventurous to go diving but would still like to explore the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, you can enjoy the ride in a submarine with Submarine Safaris – it goes 30 m under the sea and you will discover many fish and marine life as well as the sights of shipwrecks.
One of the things everyone should visit is definitely the National Park Timanfaya which geologically resulted by the volcanic eruptions that were in the 18th and 19th century. Its extraordinary beauty lies in the volcanic landscape of the ruggedness of the terrain, beautiful nuances of earthly colours, lack of vegetation and the extraordinary lines and silhouettes of volcanoes and shapes created by the lava.
Don’t miss the Montañas del Fuego (Mountains of Fire), the small entrance fee is well worth to see first hand the geothermal activity and enjoy the incredible view from a volcano. To try something a bit different, taste the dishes in El Diablo restaurant cooked using the heat of the volcano.
A place not to miss is also Charco de los Clicos or the Green Lagoon. You will be mesmerised by the view! Here you can truly testify the incredible art of the nature as the extinct volcano immerses itself in the Atlantic, creating the lagoon. The contrast between the green of the lagoon, the colour caused by the algae and blue of the sky and the sea all framed in the dark volcanic sand will just take your breath away.
To see the true creative collaboration between the nature and man, visit Los Jameos Del Agua, the place of admiration for anyone who visits. The natural cave and galleries were created during the volcanic eruption of Monte de La Corona while César Manrique, the painter, sculptor and architect who created the look of the island, intervened in the space and created an underground auditorium which is frequently used for shows and concerts because of the superb acoustics. The cave houses a natural lake with many endemic species such as blind crabs which stayed intact and is strictly preserved, making it a place of true harmony between man and nature.
When traveling around Lanzarote, you will also come across very interesting areas of geometrical shapes that you will immediately recognise as a human intervention – these are the fertile areas of the volcanic land that are turned to very unique vineyards to produce the vine of Lanzarote with distinct flavour.
Stop by at one of the small vineries for a vine tasting and maybe return home with a bottle or two to remind you of this amazing island.
