Lanzarote is the most easterly of the Canary Islands in fact it is just 80 miles off the western African coast. Of the main four most popular islands Lanzarote is the most compact, only 37 miles (60km) long and 12 miles (20 km) wide, this makes taking in all the attractions even if you decide on just a seven night break very easy. Lanzarote is very much a family orientated island with the emphasis on relaxation and spending hours on the beach or around the pool.
Evening entertainment is generally centred in the selection of UK owned bars and restaurants most of which appeal to families and couples alike. The main discos are to be found in Puerto del Carmen and Arrecife. Hotels will, of course, have their own entertainment programmes some featuring exceptional professional entertainers.
Beware a 'night club' has a different meaning from a disco. Ask for a night club and you will probably find something that you were not expecting!
Temperatures are 'spring like' all year ranging from about 20 degrees centigrade in the coolest month of January to a high of 30 degrees centigrade in July and August. However Lanzarote's annual rainfall is only 5 inches making it one of the drier islands in the group.
Much like the other Canary Islands, Lanzarote is Volcanic in its origin and the massive eruptions of 1730-1736 which sculptured the landscape are still as they were then due to the dry climate. This gives the island very much a 'lunar' feel.
Flying time from the UK to Lanzarote is about 4 hours from London and around 5 hours from Scottish airports, but the good news is that there is no time difference and therefore no jet lag. In fact north Florida is on the same latitude as the Canaries but with less disruption in finding that sunshine, especially in the Winter months.
The main arrival day for flights from the UK is Thursday when the airport gets a little busy between 10.30 and midday. Likewise most flights leave the island for their homeward flight around lunch time. So if you are planning a taxi ride back to the airport for your flight home it is essential that you pre-book the journey otherwise you will be in panic mode as the time approaches for your check in and still there are no taxis available.
Getting Around in Lanzarote
By far the most convenient way is to hire a car, either from the airport for the whole of your duration on the island or, if you're unsure at first hire one from the resort in which you are staying. A tip here is to arrange with the rental company to return the car back to the airport at the end of your holiday, that way you save on taxi fares and the anxiety of taxis not turning up. If you do this then make sure you know the procedure for leaving the keys at the airport, parking is easy with only one car park to look for (look for the signs to T1 and the car park in on the left).
Driving in Lanzarote, is simplicity itself, the main roads are very well maintained, signposts are clear and traffic levels are very low. Having car hire, be it for the whole of the duration or even a part saves on what can be very expensive excursion costs, especially for a family of four. In fact using the car for even one trip to a popular attraction alone can pay for itself.
However if a car is not an option the local bus service has air conditioned vehicles and they offer first rate service. If you are looking to explore the island by public transport then usually you will have to head towards the capital Arrecife and change to another bus route.
Timanfaya National Park
This without doubt is the main attraction and excursion destination on Lanzarote and worth a visit throughout the year.
The Montañas del Fuego (Fire Mountains) were created between 1730 and 1736 when more than 100 volcanoes, covering more than 50 km², rose up and devastated this part of the island (including several villages). The last eruptions were in 1824, however due to the low rainfall (and therefore lack of erosion) this area appears much the same as it did just after the eruptions. In 1968 the area was declared a national park, Parque Nacional de Timanfaya.
While it is not possible to just wander freely around the Volcanoes, a Coach Trip around the National Park (La Ruta de los Volcanos) is included in the entry fee. Not for the faint hearted as some of the drops from the sides of the coach are quite dramatic.
It is also possible to take a Camel ride across the Volcanic landscape (not included in the entry fee).
Admission: 8 Euro (Includes Coach Tour around the National Park)
Opening Hours: Everyday 10.00 - 18.00
Mirador del Rio, Lanzarote
The Mirador del Rio provides spectacular views of the Chinijo Archipelago, which consists of La Graciosa, Montana Clara and Alegranza as well as the islets of Roque del Este and Roque del Oeste.