Why holiday in Lanzarote?

Image provided by www.movingsegwaylanzarote.com

Image provided by www.movingsegwaylanzarote.com

It is easy to let Lanzarote’s small size of 845.9km2 deceive you into thinking you’ll struggle to find things to do. Quite on the contrary, whether you’re looking for some light hearted family fun, a taste of culture or exposure to some astounding natural beauty there is sure to be something that will appeal. Although in recent years Lanzarote has evolved into a country best known for its lounging beach holidays and poolside relaxation that is not representative of the abundance of activities available to you.

One of the architectural features that you may find surprising as you drive through the country is the absence of high-rise commercial buildings; this sympathetic development of the island was inspired and fore fronted by Cesar Manrique, an architect whose home on the periphery of Costa Teguise has been developed into the Cesar Manrique Foundation. Receiving over 300,000 visitors a year the museum serves to represent the cultural platform upon which the country’s visual identity was founded. Manrique took much of his inspiration from nature and throughout his work there is a consistent sense of commitment to the natural environment. If you are at all interested in the fields of art and architecture or are simply interested in the man whose vision is attributed as the route of commercial and residential construction in the country to which you have travelled, Manrique’s house is definitely worth a visit.

In the same way that the other Canary Islands have volcanic origins, Lanzarote displays this heritage in its stark lava fields, large plains and numerous craters. Two thirds of the island was devastated in the Timanfaya eruptions of 1730 to 1736, which created a blackened, lifeless landscape. The Timanfaya National Park, whilst dusty and bleak is coated with volcanic ridges and rocks that will express to you the magnitude of the eruptions. The coach tours will take you to some of the most striking landforms where you can see how the massive volumes of molten rock excreted by the volcanoes have solidified to form incredible structures irreplaceable by any man made construction.

The town of Teguise was originally the capital of Lanzarote and its quaint style of cobbled streets bordered by rows of palm trees creates the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing day trip or convivial afternoon stroll. On Sundays you may even visit the Plaza de San Miguel where there is a busy market and you can pick up some souvenirs or some authentic local goods. However fort he more adventurous visitors there are many dive sites on the island – marine life visible includes parrot fish, stone bass, bream and occasionally octopus, which can be spotted residing between the rocks. Schools of dolphins have been identified from the shore of Puerto del Carmen and whale spotting has been recorded in the water surrounding the island.

So whether you want to tap into some culture, let loose in the market or delve deep into the sea Lanzarote is not short of options to give you the holiday you truly deserve.

 

Written by Florence Hardy

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