Playa de Famara, Lanzarote (Wilfried Krecichwost/Getty)
The small Canary Island of Lanzarote boasts a surprisingly large amount of things to do and see. Boasting close to 100 beautiful beaches, surreal volcanic scenery, picture postcard pueblos, and the amazingly inventive work of a local artist and architect called César Manrique. This is the ideal destination for anyone who likes to combine sightseeing with sunbathing.
5. The Fire Mountains
Lanzarote´s volcanic region is an absolute must-see for any visitor. Forged in the heat of massive eruptions in the 1730s which totally transformed around one quarter of Lanzarote´s surface area this region dominates the interior. Replacing villages and farmland with lava fields and spent volcanic peaks. Fortunately all of these 300 plus volcanoes are now extinct. But the temperature just below the earth's surface here still reaches 400 degrees. Whilst the scenery is so surreal and eerie that is has been used as the backdrop for numerous science fiction films such as One Million Years B.C.
4. The Valley of 1000 Palms
On this arid little island largely devoid of trees and natural water sources the verdant Valley of 1000 Palms is a real green oasis. Created by locals from the village of Haria, the oasis is nestled deep in the folds of the valley. The locals maintain a centuries old tradition of planting a palm tree for every new born baby. The result is really breathtaking, as visitors can enjoy the spectacle of countless Canarian palm crowns swaying gently in the breeze.
3. The Jameos del Agua
Described by classic Hollywood legend Rita Heyworth as "The Eighth Wonder of the World," the Jameos del Agua was created by César Manrique, who transformed this collapsed lava tunnel into a stunning subterranean auditorium, concert venue, and nightclub. The grounds feature tropical gardens and a huge swimming pool reserved for the sole use of the King of Spain.
2. The Mirador del Rio
Manrique was responsible for the creation of six similar sights around the island—including the Mirador Del Rio, which provides visitors with a real natural high in the form of a bird's-eye view of the neighboring island of La Graciosa, from some 450 metres above sea level. The Mirador was formerly a naval gun emplacement perched at the northern tip of the island on the Famara massif range of cliffs and not skilfully converted into this lofty lookout point until 1974.
1. Historic Teguise
Lanzarote was first conquered by the Spanish crown in the early 1400s, and Teguise was their first official settlement in the archipelago, becoming Lanzarote´s capital until passing this mantle on to Arrecife in 1852. As a result, Teguise is a real treasure trove of colonial architecture, and some buildings here date back as far as 1455. On Sundays the town's cobbled streets play host to the island's largest weekly market, attracting tens of thousands of tourists and locals.
Nick Ball has lived on Lanzarote for over eight years and edits the in-depth island information guide, Lanzarote Guidebook. Visit the website to download the latest edition free of charge and to book apartments and villas in Lanzarote directly online.
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My CPA visited Lazarote and said it was one of the most beautiful places he's ever seen, he especially enjoyed the volcanoes, he said it was breathtaking. His recommendation was to wear sturdy shoes with thick soles, it was not sandal friendly ground!
Posted by: Arizona Glass | May 17, 2010 at 10:38 AM
Costa Teguise is a fairly recent resort, making a footing in the tourism industry in the 1970s. As with the rest of the island, Costa Teguise has been carefully managed and is still a pristine resort.As with most of Lanzarote, the sun shines almost all year round. It can be breezy, which makes it an added benefit during the heights of summer.Costa Teguise has quite good beaches with fine golden sand, they are all well maintained. Many of the hotels in Costa Teguise have direct access to the beach.There are plenty of shops around the main tourist area, where you can buy anything from perfulme and jewellery to electricals and gifts. There are a number of small supermarkets such as Spar and Netto which are handy for self catering holidays
Posted by: Facts About Africa | May 17, 2010 at 03:10 AM
That's so beautifull, I like it.
Posted by: abercrombie mens | May 16, 2010 at 09:01 PM