Located 125 kilometers from the northern part of the African continent, Lanzarote is the fourth largest island of the Canary Islands. Described as an extraordinary paradise, this place is full of natural parks, protected areas, volcanic landscapes and beaches with crystal clear water that will make your summer a magical and special experience. If you want to spend unique days where nature meets culture and unforgettable nights, Lanzarote Island is what you’re looking for.
Location: Atlantic Ocean
Archipelago of Canary Islands
Area: 845.9 km2
Highest elevation: 671 m (2,201 ft)
Highest point: Peñas del Chache
Administration: Spain
Province: Las Palmas
Largest settlement: Arrecife (population of 55,300)
Population: 149,200 (2018)
Ethnic groups: Spanish, alternative minority teams
Capital
Being the most popular city on the island, Arrecife, capital of Lanzarote, is located to the east and it’s a mix of history and fashion. Although in the 15th century the place was a fishing center without any importance, in 1852 it became the capital of the island and, over the years, it was developed to become a metropolis considered a paradise for any shopaholic.
Other cities
In Lanzarote each town and city has its own history and traditions, that’s why the six municipalities on the island attract tourists thanks to their uniqueness.
First of all, Tinajo is located to the west of the island and has a landscape dominated by very rich lands for agriculture, impressive volcanoes, such as the Tinguatón, and the Timanfaya National Park, between this municipality and Yaiza. If you like sports tourism, this city is ideal for you since there are many places to go hiking and enjoy the wonderful flora and fauna that predominates in the place.
In the heart of Lanzarote you will find San Bartolomé, a city where cultural vibes can be felt in the streets. With several historic buildings, cultural centers and museums such as Casa Mayor Guerra, San Bartolomé represents a must for those who want to know more about Canarian customs and traditions.
In addition, if you prefer to explore the nature and have the best adventures, Yaiza is a protected municipality and has Los Ajaches Natural Monument and the Timanfaya National Park; there are also landmarks such as Salinas de Janubio, La Geria, Los Hervideros and El Charco de los Clicos, where you can enjoy long days discovering the natural wonders that the island hides.
On the contrary, for a summer full of beach, sun and sand, Tías is the right destination thanks to Puerto del Carmen, a port that has the most paradisiacal beaches of all the Canary Islands. Moreover, Teguise, the old capital of the island, is also considered an excellent municipality for summer because it has the Costa Teguise, a coast with the best hotels and beaches where you can practice windsurfing, but also relax in the calm ocean.
Finally, Haria, known as the greenest municipality in Lanzarote, is a city where volcanoes and several underwater caves, explored daily by the bravest tourists, are found. It also has the Risco de Famara and Peñas del Chache, which constitute the highest point of Lanzarote with 670 meters above sea level. Basically, Lanzarote is the perfect destination for all types of tourists
How to get there
There are two ways to get to Lanzarote, by air or by water. The most popular is the first since the Arrecife Airport (ACE) has several airlines that connect the island with many European cities such as: Amsterdam, Vienna, Barcelona, Dublin, Brussels, London, Prague, Madrid, and Hamburg. The costs go from € 38, although you can find very economical options on the airline Canarias and Islas Airways
If you prefer to travel to the island by water and reach a destination other than Arrecife, you can take a ferry from other Canary Islands through the companies Transmediterranea, Naviera Armas and Olsen Express, whose routes reach ports like Puerto del Carmen, Puerto La Graciosa y Puerto Calero.
How to get around
On the island there are traditional means of transport, bus stations, taxis and car rental. The bus companies have routes to all the municipalities of the island; however, they do not have transfer from the airport to Arrecife. On the other hand, taxi services are found in hotels, the airport, ports and major attractions throughout Lanzarote, they are very cheap and have easy accessibility.
At last, if you want to go on your own during the holidays, car rentals are a perfect option and not so expensive; in addition, by car you can go through the island from end to end in an hour or so.
What to do and what to see
Like most of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote has several tourist attractions in its 846 km² that are a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1993. From beaches with crystal clear waters and golden sand, to volcanoes with perfect grounds for hiking, the island is the perfect place for those who want to relax and enjoy nature.
