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.
Just like this near neighbour Lanzarote has a very dry and arid climate, characterised by very low rainfall – on average just 9mm a month. With temperatures maintaining a minimum of around 20c all year round. Two factors which help to make Lanzarote a popular year round holiday destination too.
The UK is Lanzarote´s largest market place and the island is especially popular with British tourists. Who take advantage of cheap flights to Lanzarote to flock to this small speck of Spain in serious numbers. This year alone for example over 800,000 British tourists are expected to enjoy a holiday on the island. Along with around 200,000 visitors from the Irish Republic.
Lanzarote has enjoyed a number of unusual appellations over the years. It was once thought to be part of the lost continent of Atlantis. Whilst during the Middle Ages it was known as one of the Fortunate Islands – due to this great year round climate that is often likened to an eternal Spring.
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.
Thanks to Manrique Lanzarote has a lot more to offer tourists than just water parks and golf courses alone – as is so often the case in other Spanish sunspots. And allied with great year round weather these factors have helped to encourage many visitors to invest in the Lanzarote property market. Enabling them to rent their villa or apartment out to tourists or enjoy it for their own holidays.
For great deals on Canary Islands Holidays visit the Canary Islands tourist information website.
