There are few places on earth where it is feasible to view the recent impact of volcanic activity on a grand scale. As eruptions were much more commonplace millions of years ago. But Lanzarote in the Canary Islands is an exception to this rule. As here it all happened as recently as the 1730´s – a blink of the eye in terms of the passage of time. & as a result all of the landscapes here are brilliantly pristine & impressive. in & around the region known as the Fire Mountains – which was the actual epicentre of the action.

Most first time visitors to Lanzarote have tiny idea what to expect from the island until we touch down. & at first the lunar landscape can come as a tiny bit of a shock. As low rainfall means there is not much in the way of trees & vegetation here.

But Lanzarote possesses a unique charm that sets it apart from its Canarian cousins such as Tenerife. Much of which can be attributed to the fact that it hasn´t been spoiled by tourism despite the fact that it is attracting close to 2 million visitors per year. plenty of of them arrive from the United Kingdom – as it’s easy to book Lanzarote flights cheaply from there. With prices beginning as low as €100 return. But the island is also very popular with italian tourists & visitors from mainland france too.

The volcanic region is located right in the heart of the island & occupies about one quarter of Lanzarote´s surface area. It´s much like visiting another world as the scenery here is unusual – typified by loads of black lava fields & surpisingly colourful volcanic cones. Thanks to the ores & minerals released in the coursework of the eruption method.

Elsewhere tourists will find that plenty of of the main attractions combine volcanic elements in to their structure. Such as the home of Cesar Manrique in Tahiche which was created over five chambers in the surrounding lava flow.

there’s loads of great places to stay. As there’s loads of Lanzarote hotels to select from – the best being the Gran Melia Salinas in Costa Teguise. Along with an abundance of self catering accommodation – in the form of Lanzarote villas & apartments. plenty of of which are located in rural locations in the countryside as well as in the main resorts.

perhaps the main allure of Lanzarote though is the fact that you can spend a holiday here at any time of the year. A thought that is well worth bearing in mind as winter starts creeping in across Northern Europe.

Many people think they know what to expect when Lanzarote is mentioned. The unhelpful epithet ‘Lanzagrotty’ has been in wide circulation in the UK since it’s invention in the 1980’s, reputedly by Michael Palin of Monty Python fame.

But it really is a misnomer, as the island is about the furthest you can get from grotty, particularly in comparison with other holiday destinations. For example, there are very few other places that have been so dramatically influenced by one person, who happened to be a renowned artist.

Island born architect, painter and sculptor César Manrique was the person who really put Lanzarote on the map. After his return from New York in the late 1960’s he was able to help shape the island’s tourist development and thus avoided many of the mistakes made elsewhere.

This included banning the construction of high-rise buildings, with anything over three storeys forbidden. It also meant an absence of billboards covered in advertising, which not only preserves the landscape but also reduces the commercialisation of the local culture.

Visitors to the island often remark on these aspects, which become more apparent as they explore the island’s interior. Car hire in Lanzarote is one of the most affordable ways to see all there is to see and has the added bonus of giving holidaymakers a degree of freedom they don’t experience simply lying next to the pool.

Being mobile is more of a natural choice for visitors who decide to take their Lanzarote holidays in a self-contained villa. Not only do they get bags more space and privacy, but there are often a variety of entertainment options on hand for the odd day when you don’t want to go out.

And in terms of relaxation, there can be few things better than lying by the side of a private swimming pool, which virtually come as standard in holiday villas and apartments in Lanzarote. Combined with a fresh fish barbecue and a bottle of the local wine, it is easy to see why holidaymakers enjoy their time on the island.

The fishing industry is not what it used to be, but visitors can still purchase a huge variety of the freshest catch at one of the numerous fishmongers dotted around the island. And the locally produced wines, which are the product of a unique style of viniculture, also deserve to be tried. Dry white Malvasia wine serves as the perfect accompaniment for any meal.