Lanzarote Holidays - Hot Stuff

Lanzarote is the most easterly link in the Canary Islands chain. And is located around seventy miles off the west coast of Africa – relatively close to what was once, many years ago, the enclave of the Spanish Sahara.

And as you’d expect from an island that is located in such close proximity to the continent of Africa and the Sahara desert, Lanzarote enjoys very little rainfall – with a total precipitation averaging out at just 11 centimetres a year. Whilst temperatures on the island stay at a minimum of 20 Celsius all year round. Climatic factors that combine to make Lanzarote an ideal holiday destination.

As a result of these favourable conditions Lanzarote is hugely popular with tourists from Northern Europe. And the UK is the islands number one market – with around 800,000 British tourists arriving on flights to Lanzarote during the course of 2007. Bolstered by a further 200,000 plus visitors from the Republic of Ireland. Who visit Lanzarote more than any other destination in the whole of Spain.

Lanzarote was once thought to be part of the lost continent of Atlantis. Phoenician traders dubbed it the Purple Island – as a lichen called Orchilla was once grown here, which was used as the basis for a purple dyestuff. In the Middle Ages Lanzarote was referred to as one of the Fortunate Islands – thanks to the spring like year round climate.

More recently Lanzarote has been known as one of the Fortunate Islands – thanks to the clement year round climate that has helped to make it such a popular holiday destination. Whilst today Lanzarote is probably most commonly referred to as the Island of Fire. Thanks to the volcanic eruptions of 1730-1736 – along with a later major eruption in 1824.

Today, the islands volcanic region – located in the Timanfaya National Park – is by far and away the biggest tourist draw on Lanzarote. With over one million visitors enjoying the moon like lava scape left in the wake of the volcanic eruptions. Elsewhere on the island the Jameos del Agua, another major tourist draw, has also been created from the remnants of volcanic activity. Thanks to the efforts of the island born artist and architect Cesar Manrique.

It’s not just the scenery that attracts tourists in such numbers though. As there are a number of high quality hotels in Lanzarote, such as the Gran Melia Salinas in Costa Teguise. As well as a wide choice of holiday apartments and villas located across the island. Creating an ample choice of accommodation for visitors.

For great deals on hotels in Lanzarote and Lanzarote property visit the Lanzarote guide book.