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| The Fortunate Isles | |
| This is the name given to the Canary Islands - seven habited islands off the west coast of Africa. These islands are blessed with an almost ideal year-round climate due in the main to the warming influence of the Gulf-Stream and favourable trade winds. | |
| Lanzarote | |
| Position and Basic Data | |
| Lanzarote is the most northerly and easterly of these fortunate islands and is some 68 miles off the African coast. A number of other smaller islands cluster around Lanzarote's northern coast. They consist of La Graciosa, Alegranza, Montaña Clara and Los Roques. With the exception of La Graciosa, they are uninhabited by human beings. They do, however, provide homes for many nesting birds. | |
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| Island of Contrasts | |
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This is an island of stark contrasts, which is all part of it's attraction. The starkness comes from it's volcanic origins - the beauty from it's beaches and even from the volcanoes themselves as they change colour with the different light conditions and stand out crisply against the sky. The beaches consist almost entirely of golden sand, but there are one or two black sandy beaches also. A series of volcanic eruptions took place in the south west of the island over a period of 6 years from 1730 to 1736. The area in which these occurred is now a national park (Timanfaya National Park). This is a beautiful and unique park and is one place which we must certainly explore. Although all of the islands of the Archipelago are of volcanic origin, it is Lanzarote which is referred to by the others as 'the volcanic island'. This gives some idea of the nature of this unique island, which consists of about 300 extinct volcanoes. It's landscape is one of volcanoes and scattered lava fields edged by beautiful beaches. Below ground level are caverns, grottoes and craters. It is doubtful whether such conditions can be seen anywhere else in the world. Some of these natural phenomina have been turned into places of great beauty. Outstanding examples are Jameos del Agua (the 'water grotto') and Cueva de los Verdes (Greens' cave). | |
| Climate | |
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The weather conditions are almost always favourable for doing a bit of exploring. Note the word 'almost'. As with any place in the world, the weather is not something which can be guaranteed. For a while, in August and September, it can get very hot, whilst during the winter it can be cool and cloudy with spells of heavy rain (but, rest assured, this is the exception rather than the rule). The average weather that one can expect is ideal - around 17° C during the winter months and 25° C in August with sunshine on most days throughout the year. So, the weather's just great for a bit of exploring. But how are we going to get around ? | |
| How To Get Around The Island | |
| By Hire Car | |
| This is the way that the majority of tourists get around the island. Hire cars are easily available and cheaper than in the UK. The roads are good. One thing to remember, however, is to keep your passport, driving licence and hire agreement with you (as the law requires). Before you set out, do ensure that you know the telephone number of the car hire company (it's unlikely that you will break down, but, if you do, just call the company and they will sort out the problem). | |
| By Bus | |
| Good bus services are becoming more available all over the island. There is a frequent service between the main towns of Arrecife, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise. Playa Blanca is on the southern coast of Lanzarote and the bus service is less frequent, but still good. Currently, there are three or four regular services per day connecting the town with the rest of the island and more are to be provided soon. | |
| By Taxi | |
| Taxis, as in the UK, are strictly controlled and regulated. The standard of the cars provided is high and they are widely available. Prices are regulated and very reasonable. Most people hire their own cars or get around by bus, but tours around the island can be arranged by taxi. There are taxi ranks in all the main towns (or, you can ask the receptionist of your hotel or holiday complex to call one for you). | |
| By Walking | |
| One cannot cover as much ground, of course, but the rewards are just as great - possibly greater. The views of the countryside and the islands across the sea are exhilarating. Guidebooks are available in the local bookshops. | |
| By Cycling | |
| Cycles are now easily obtainable in Playa Blanca. The local council is developing cycle routes to encourage this healthy way of getting around the island. | |
| By Ferry | |
| You may feel like venturing further afield - to another island. This is no problem. Ferries leave the Playa Blanca harbour at frequent intervals for the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura. The trip takes about 40 minutes. | |
| Off We Go, Then | |
| We've hired a car. The island is quite small - only 36 miles long and about 12 miles wide at the widest point - and the roads are good. Just got to remember to drive on the right side of the road !! Being a small island, the number of places to explore is limited, but, nevertheless, there are more interesting things to see than you might think. A famous local born artist (César Manrique) joined forces with the island government to transform seven places on the island into something quite unique. So, let's start with these seven centres of art, culture and tourism. |
