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.
Just like this near neighbour Lanzarote has a very dry and arid climate, characterised by very low rainfall – on average just 9mm a month. With temperatures maintaining a minimum of around 20c all year round. Two factors which help to make Lanzarote a popular year round holiday destination too.
The UK is Lanzarote´s largest market place and the island is especially popular with British tourists. Who take advantage of cheap flights to Lanzarote to flock to this small speck of Spain in serious numbers. This year alone for example over 800,000 British tourists are expected to enjoy a holiday on the island. Along with around 200,000 visitors from the Irish Republic.
Lanzarote has enjoyed a number of unusual appellations over the years. It was once thought to be part of the lost continent of Atlantis. Whilst during the Middle Ages it was known as one of the Fortunate Islands – due to this great year round climate that is often likened to an eternal Spring.
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.
Ironically the Fire Mountains of the Timanfaya National Park are today Lanzarote´s number one attraction. Drawing around one million visitors every year. Who are enthralled by the eerie moon like appearance of the terrain. Other key attractions include the Jameos del Agua and the Mirador del Rio. Tourist sites which were developed by the island born artist and architect Cesar Manrique.
The bulk of visitors opt to stay in apartments or holiday villas in Lanzarote during their stay. As hotel accommodation only accounts for around 40% of the islands total tourist capacity. Many visitors also go on to purchase a property on the island from local estate agents. Which they are then able to enjoy as a holiday home whilst also renting it out to other tourists for the rest of the year. A potentially lucrative business given Lanzarote´s year round rental calendar.
For great deals on Lanzarote hotels and Lanzarote property for sale visit the Lanzarote tourist information website.