Lanzarote, is one of the Canary Islands, as part of Spain and this island chain these islands are popular and reliably sunny warm holiday resorts. The seemingly endless beautiful sandy beaches and the development of what Lanzarote calls it culture centres means that as an island it is an ideal mix of relaxation, shopping, museums and art galleries. The extinct volcano on the island has given rise to some truly breathtaking and unusual scenery, offering a varying landscape depending where on the island you are. For the more active tourist there are organised tours, markets, festivals and even small theme parks developing on the island. If you prefer to make your own way and not be restricted by a tour car hire is possible from the local Lanzarote airport, allowing your freedom of the entire island at a moment whim.
Lanzarote Airport information
Lanzarote Airport (ACE) is based 5km southwest of the city, between Arrecife and Puerto del Carmen. Just over 4 million passengers use it annually and destinations are predominantly domestic and within the European Union. The airport is composed of two terminals: Terminal 1 deals with international flights and Terminal 2 with national and inter-island destinations. Shops can be found located in both terminals after security check-in.
Cafes, cafeterias and bars are also located through the airport building. ATMs and Bureau de change are located throughout the airport. For lost property there are desks in both terminals. cheap car hire in Lanzarote can be arranged at car rental desks between the terminals. An information desk is also located in this area. Disabled facilities include car parking spaces, ramps, toilets and wheelchairs on request.
Places to visit around Lanzarote
Most tourists come to Lanzarote for its spectacular coastline and its beautiful weather. The majority of the beaches are fine, white sand as opposed to black. Each beach offers up its own delights, from the turquoise waters of Plazas de Papagayo and fish-filled waters of Playa del Jabillo to the surfers’ shoreline of Playa de Famara.
Castillo de San Jose was built in the late 18th century. Now the Modern Art Gallery, the castle was originally constructed to protect the city from pirates. Castillo de San Gabriel is an even older castle, built in 1574 and now home to a museum of archeology. In conjunction with these ancient buildings there’s the Lag Omar Museum. This unique structure of caves was apparently owned by Omar Sharif for only one day before he lost it in a game of bridge to Sam Benday, the developer of Nazaret Oasis.
For an alternative cultural experience there’s the Wine Museum. This is housed in the former El Grifo wineries, dating from the 1700s and the Canary Islands’ most ancient example of architecture. Constructed over volcanic lava from an eruption in the 18th century, even the building is made from volcanic stone. The Casa Museo y Monumento al Campesino exhibits the special cultivation methods used by farmers on Lanzarote through the ages. There’s also a restaurant where you can sample local produce.
Timanfaya National Park is the site on which over 100 volcanoes erupted during the early 1700s. You can walk, get a coach, or even ride a camel across this alien-like terrain. Another wondrous natural site is El Golfo. This is a volcanic crater is surrounded by black sands and filled with sea water. The green lagoon which it encloses gets its bright hue from algae. Close by is Los Hervideros: the water rushing through the blow holes and caves at this site make the sea appear as if it’s boiling. This is a fantastic area for walks around the cliffs and affords amazing views.
Caves are another amazing feature of Lanzarote. Jameos del Agua, a section of the Atlantida system of volcanic caves, is now used as an auditorium and also includes restaurants, a swimming pool and spectacular gardens. While there you should also visit the underground salt water lagoon, home to the blind albino crab found only in Lanzarote. Also part of the same system is the Cueva de los Verdes. Dating back 3000 years, this spectacular cave stretches out more than 6km, making it one of the world’s biggest volcanic tunnels. A good way to reach these attractions is to car hire in Lanzarote.
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