Facts about the Canary Island of Lanzarote

Lanzarote is situated just 70 miles off the coast of Africa and is the most easterly of the Canary Islands. The island is 37 miles (60km) long and 12 miles (20 km) wide, making it the fourth largest island in the Canaries.

Lanzarote enjoys a mild dry climate with average daytime temperatures ranging from about 21°C in January to 29°C in August. Annual rainfall is just 140mm (5.5 inches). This makes Lanzarote the perfect year-round holiday destination.

Lanzarote is remarkably different, not only compared to the other islands, but to everything else in this world This extraordinary landscape seems to be of another world, and it has been said that God probably forgot Lanzarote on the Seventh Day of the Creation, however just like all other islands in the canaries, Lanzarote is Volcanic in origin.

Due to the recent eruptions during the 18th and 19th Centuries, several parts of Lanzarote appear alien, similar to a moon or lunar landscape. The good effect in the area was used for filming of the movie ’Planet of the Apes’. The residents of Lanzarote have made great strides to cultivate this land, and today you will find large plantations of fruits and vegetables. Most surprising is perhaps the region of Geria, with vineyards in between volcanic craters.

The dry climate and subsequent lack of erosion means that the volcanic landscape has been unchanged since the last eruptions. Amongst the many stunning volcanic features of Lanzarote is the longest volcanic tunnel in the world, named the Atlantida Tunnel, which is over 7 km long and includes the La Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua.

Surprisingly, Lanzarote has several beautiful white sandy beaches, which have been unaffected by the volcanic effects such as at Playa Blanca and Papagayo. Visionary artist, Cesar Manrique was instrumental in persuading the government to ban billboards and high-rise buildings, leaving the Lanzarote skyline natural as possible (with the exception of the Grand Hotel in Arrecife).

He also designed many of the buildings that are dotted about the island. They are epitomised by simple stonewalls that incorporate the natural environment and create a sense of harmony, co-existing with nature, rather than clashing with one another. (With the exception of the Grand Hotel, Arrecife).

The island’s capital Arrecife, has a population of only 3,000 and is located on the eastern coast of the island. Apart from having the finest museum of the Canaries, this little town does not have much to offer, but its abundant supply of accommodation makes it a good base for exploring the rest of the island.

Puerto Del Carmen, with not a spectacular town, is the largest tourist resort on the island. It is better described as a scuba diver’s destination with the offshore reef offering some of the best diving in the area.

Costa Teguise is one of the nicest places which have a 16th century castle, the Castillo Santa Barbara, and some of the finest gastronomic delights in the Islands, for which it is famous. Anyone visiting Lanzarote would do well to spend a few days in Costa Teguise.

The typical Canarian cuisine is a blend of Guanche, Spanish, and Latin American food, with bananas and ’gofio’, a staple grain which plays a leading role in many menus.

Pizzerias and cheap restaurants are plentiful around Arrecife, and finding a quiet place frequented by the locals is easy and worthwhile

The National Park of Timanfaya is know as the Fire Mountains, continues to erupt and the landscape is a barren expanse of solidified lava with colours of red and black resembling some strange lunar vista. Visitors here will leave well impressed. The volcanic eruptions produced in 1730 (which lasted six years) and those in 1824 created new craters, they entombed whole villages and buried the most fertile terrain on the island.

Travel by Taxis
Taxis in Lanzarote are a useful way to travel around the towns and visit nearby sights and attractions. The taxi meters starts at a basic fare, but additional charges are usually made for luggage, night time driving and travel on public holidays in Lanzarote.

Driving Tips
Citizens of EU member countries require a national driving licence to drive cars in Lanzarote
Citizens from non-EU member countries need an International Driving Permit, as well as their national driving licence.

You must be at least 18 years old to drive a car in Spain and have a valid driving licence and car insurance. It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear seat belts and children under 14 years old are not allowed to travel in front seats

In Spain, cars drive on the right-hand side of the road and give way to traffic coming from the right at junctions and roundabouts. Beware of what appear to be shortcuts on maps - these often turn out to be unpaved roads or mountain passes.

Spanish fuel stations supply most internationally known brands of unleaded petrol (gasolina sin plomo) and diesel (gas oil) .In rural areas, there are normally only a few service stations, so when travelling long distances, be sure to leave with a full tank of fuel.
Autopistas (toll motorways) have various toll charges calculated by the kilometre and some roads that lead into cities also have fixed toll charges. 75 miles per hour / 120 km per hour is the national speed limit on motorways (autopistas) and 62 miles per hour / 100 km per hour is the maximum limit on autovias with four or more lanes or three-lane highways.

Unless indicated, other major routes are 56 miles per hour / 90 km per hour and slower

speed limits of 30 miles per hour / 50 km per hour are enforced in urban areas. It is an offence not to carry some form of identification, such as passport or driving licence.

Travel by Car Hire/Rental
Driving in the centre of busy towns and popular resorts is best avoided if possible, as many of the streets and narrow, with one-way traffic. Cars parked alongside the pavements can also making driving conditions difficult. However, a car in Lanzarote provides a useful way to travel around the island and a current map of the island’s roads is useful. There are many winding roads around the island that offer some truly spectacular views.