What makes Lanzarote different from the other Canary Islands?

Fundación César Manrique Eingang panoramio

The Canary Islands are a popular holiday destination choice but what makes Lanzarote different from the other Canary Islands?

The visionary Cesar Manrique

Cesar Manrique lobbied successfully to ensure that Lanzarote was not subject to numerous high rise buildings and that the exterior of the buildings are painted with traditional colours, white walls and green or blue woodwork.  This has resulted in many feeling that Lanzarote is one of the less spoilt Canary Islands.

Timanfaya-cycling
Timanfaya

The scenery

The scenery and terrain is like nothing you will have seen before, there are in excess of 130 volcanoes on the island which allow you to feel like you are on another planet!  The dramatic excursion at Timanfaya National Park is an absolute must for all visitors to the island.

Ironman bike course
Ironman bike course

Ironman

The island hosts one of the toughest triathlons in the world!  Lanzarote Ironman is a big deal for the island, more than 2000 athletes take part and 5000 officials and volunteers make it happen.  The event consists of a 3.8KM sea swim, a 180KM bike ride and a 42.4KM marathon.  The Lanzarote event is considered to be one of the toughest because of the swells in the Atlantic ocean, the fact that the bike course climbs over 2500 meters and the run takes place in serious heat!

Accommodation

There is a full range range of accommodation on the island from inexpensive apartments, multi room apartments, luxury yurts, boutique hotels, large complexes, villas, top quality 5* hotels and sports hotels.  There really is something for everyone in Lanzarote.

Punta Mujeres, clear waters
Punta Mujeres, clear waters

The ocean

The ocean temperature holds up well even in the winter months and it rarely drops beneath 18 degrees and it is normally around a fabulous 24 degrees throughout the summer months.

The beaches

There are over 100 beaches in Lanzarote!  You can chose from the golden sand beaches found in the resorts, to the black lava rock & sand beaches found tucked away and the surfers paradise of Famara.

Museo Atlantico

Lanzarote is home to Europe’s only underwater sculpture musuem, this unusual dive site is an absolute must for all divers.  Museo Atlantico is off the coast of Playa Blanca and it was constructed by British artist Jason deCaires, it is made up of over 200 figures and it sits at a depth of around 14 meters.

Cooking on a volcano

Lanzarote is the only place in the world where you can cook food using the heat from a volcano.  A giant grill has been placed across the opening of the heat source which is bubbling lava at around 400 degrees!

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