Article by Ian Sheldon

Lanzarote is part of the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago, of which it is the fourth largest and most easterly. Being the closest island to the Sahara the desert like climate creates a dry and barren looking landscape

Now sat peacefully in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of Africa, Lanzarote still shows evidence of the volcanic destruction caused by eruptions during the late 1800s. Indeed 35 million years ago Lanzarote was in fact formed by the eruption of an underwater volcano. These days, with the volcanoes sitting peacefully at rest, Lanzarote provides holiday makers and tourists with an escape from reality and all year round sunshine and warmth, which makes it an obvious choice for a winter sun break.

Lanzarote is not short on places to stay. The choice of 5 star luxury hotels, self catering apartments and private bungalows and villas is second to none. The three main resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca are a hive of activity and provide tourists with golden beaches and a huge selection of bars and restaurants with cuisines from all over Europe.

The shores of Lanzarote are very clear, mainly thanks to the volcanic rock that slopes into the Atlantic Ocean. The minerals from the rocks attract many species of fish which makes it ideal for scuba diving enthusiasts, although at certain times of the year the water can be rather cool!

For a small island it isnt short on things to do, including visitor attractions created by the late Cesar Manrique, an artist who lived on the island. Manriques influence can be seen all over the island today. Not only in his work in creating attractions such as Jameos del Agua and Mirador del Rio, but by the fact that all the houses are whitewashed with either blue or green doors and window shutters. Manriques legacy helps to seperate Lanzarote from the ‘rest’ of the islands that form the Canaries.

Its not only the natural attractions such as The Timanfaya National Park that draw in the tourists. Professional athletes from around Europe come to Lanzarote to train at the La Santa sports complex towards the north of the island. Providing world class facilities the Club La Santa complex is ideally situated for athletes who compete in outdoor sports but are unable to train during the winter months in Northern Europe.

Famara, sat under the intimidating cliffs that look over the neighboring island of La Graciosa is also a favorite destination for Windsurfers and Kite Surfers.

For families Lanzarote provides a perfect holiday destination. Most restaurants and bars are family friendly and there are activities for the kids on most beaches and resorts, such as Pedalos, Banana Boats, Tennis Courts and even the ‘Aqua Lanza’ Water Park in Costa Teguise.

If Safari Parks are your idea of fun then you can take a trip to Guinate Tropical Park or Rancho Texas Park, or if all you want to do is relax, unwind and soak up the rays then simply chill out on one of the many, perfect beaches around the coastline of the island.

About the Author

Lanzarote is a hugely popular year round holiday destination with something to offer everyone, from young couples to families.