Lanzarote is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Spain. Although it is in fact located a long way south of the Spanish mainland – and is part of the Canarian archipelago, which is located around 80 miles off the Atlantic coast of Africa.
The autonomous region of the Canaries is split into two main administrative zones. The eastern Canaries comprise Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and the ´capital´ of Las Palmas in Gran Canaria. Whilst in the west the well known holiday destination of Tenerife is the lead island – with La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma orbiting around it.
However despite being all part of one single autonomous region these islands are in fact all very different. Lanzarote for example is very much drier and more barren than the other islands in the archipelago. The result of very low rainfall and a desert climate - which is little surprise as the outer reaches of what was once the Spanish Sahara are just 100 miles away. So the weather is very warm here but can feel chilly once the sun has set.
The barren feel of the island is further increased by the fact that much of the interior of Lanzarote was obliterated by volcanic eruptions in the 18th century. With fields of lava wiping out farmland and trees – leaving a lunar like wasteland in its wake. Which is today by far the most popular attraction on the island as a well as a popular location with science fiction film makers.
Local Holiday Accommodation - Playa Blanca Villas and Lanzarote Hotels
Tourists arrive at the islands only international airport at Arrecife before heading on to their accommodation. With Lanzarote hotels paying host to about half of all visitors. Whilst the other 50% of tourists book apartments and villas in Lanzarote. Favouring the privacy and flexibility of self catering accommodation.
One of the most popular destinations on the island is Playa Blanca, particularly during the winter months. As it is located at the southern end of the island and enjoys the best climate as a result. With higher temperatures and more sunshine hours than resorts to the north.
Playa Blanca is also located quite close to the volcanoes of the Timanfaya National Park – which are just a ten to fifteen minute drive away. Making this the ideal base for anyone planning to mix sunbathing with sightseeing.