Lanzarote is the easternmost main island of Spain’s Canary Archipelago. It is the fourth-largest of the seven main islands and the site of volcanic activity that dramatically changed the landscape. In the 1700s, more than 100 separate eruptions sent waves of quickly hardening lava rock that have created an eerily desolate interior reminiscent of the moon's surface.
Despite these vast lava fields, Lanzarote has its own collection of plants, many of which are showcased in unique botanical gardens such as the Cactus Garden designed by renowned artist, Cesar Manrique. These and other items of ecological interest have gained the island status with UNESCO as a biosphere reserve.
Outdoor activities on or near the waterfront are extremely popular here. Holiday makers and locals alike can be found along the coast diving, windsurfing or simply relaxing on the countless golden- and white-sand beaches. Resort communities such as Puerto del Carmen host a myriad of facilities, shops and waterfront restaurants catering to tourists' every need.
The island's former capital, Teguise, is now one of Lanzarote's most important centres of tourism. The scuba diving available here is some of the best, and a number of theme parks in the area (including Ranchos Texas and Aqua Lanza water park) attract families with children.
Visitors find a collection of colonial period castles on the island, headlined by Castillo de San Gabriel and Castillo de San Jose. The latter operates an art gallery showcasing the work of Cesar Manrique. Opposite the manmade attractions are a unique set of natural wonders. Most notable are the Green Caves, prized by the island's inhabitants for thousands of years for the refuge they have provided against invading armies and pirates.
Accommodation on Lanzarote consists largely of upscale hotels and resorts although you'll also find a satisfying collection of historic inns kept in heritage buildings in cities like Arrecife and Teguise. Visitors are advised to book hotel rooms well in advance when planning a visit during the peak summer months (June to August).
There are two modes of transportation used to reach Lanzarote. Most tourists arrive by air at Arrecife Airport from neighbouring Canary Islands or from mainland Europe. However, it is also possible to arrive on a ferry from nearby Fuerteventura. While buses are available for transportation between cities, most tourists opt to hire a car for the freedom it affords when touring the island.
Lanzarote enjoys a comfortable climate year-round, with warm summers and mild winters. The summer season gains momentum in mid-June, and during the following three months daytime highs can peak out just shy of 35°C. The trade winds sweep in at this time, buffering the heat and keeping humidity comfortably low. This is the most popular time to visit Lanzarote, when the beaches and resort communities are very busy.
The winter season stretches from November to February, when daytime highs usually weigh in above 20°C. Precipitation is greatest during this season, and the beaches don't see nearly as much traffic as in summer. Generally, visitors that arrive during the winter months are in search of reprieve from the cold weather in their home countries rather than a beach holiday.
