Situated only 70 miles from the African coast lies Lanzarote, the most easterly of the Canary Islands. 37 miles long and 12 miles wide, Lanzarote is the fourth largest island in the canaries. Daytime temperatures range from approx 21°c in January to 29°c in August with an annual rainfall of just 140mm.

The Canary Islands are of volcanic origin to which Lanzarote is no exception. Described as a 'Lunar Landscape', Lanzarote resembles an other-worldly appearance due to eruptions in the 18th and 19th century where large parts of its surface is covered with ashes and solidified lava. These eruptions have left stunning volcanic features such as the Atlantida Tunnel, the longest volcanic Tunnel in the world at over 7km in length. Lanzarote, although Volcanic, has in contrast several white beaches such as Playa Blanca and Papagayo.

The inhabitants of Lanzarote have gone to great lengths to cultivate the land and in the region of Geria you will find Vineyards between the volcanic craters.

Once destroyed by pirates, the former ancient capital of Lanzarote, Teguise, has proudly preserved its 500 year history. With its restored palaces and stately homes and its dominating castle, Castillo de Santa Barbara, Teguise offers an escape from the bustle of the city.

Plenty of opportunities for shopping and the famous Sunday outdoor market make Teguise a not be be missed location during your stay.

Arrecife, the island's actual capital once defended itself from pirates by the two great fortresses, San Gabriel and San José. The 15^th century fortress Castillo de San Gabriel, situated on a small island is connected to Arrecife by a draw-bridge and yet another castle Castillo de San Juan, another of Arrecife's attractions boasts the towns Museum of Contemporary Art.

Timanfaya National Park, destroyed by frequent eruptions between 1730-1736 and again in 1824, provides a landscape that draws visitors and biological researchers to a wide variety of geological phenomena and 180 different plant species.

More to come soon . . .

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