Exploring Volcanic Lanzarote
Whilst the sun loungers have now been packed away in mainland Europe there’s still one set of islands where the season continues. As the Spanish owned Canaries are located off the coast of West Africa – creating a great climate all year round.
Unlike the larger islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria Lanzarote remains largely untouched by tourism. Thanks to the influence of a local artist called César Manrique – who campaigned against over development. Successfully securing a ban on high rise buildings and ad billboards. Leaving Lanzarote largely unspoiled.
This is just as well – as the island boasts some breathtaking, if unconventional, natural beauty spots. Such as the volcanic region – the Timanfaya National Park – where twisted lava flows and spent volcanic peaks cover around one third of Lanzarote´s surface area. The legacy of a series of massive eruptions in the 18th and 19th centuries.
In contrast, the north of the island is green and verdant. Thanks to the tradition observed in villages such as Haria of planting a Canarian palm tree for every new born baby. Whilst historic towns such as the former capital of Teguise are a veritable treasure trove of colonial architecture – with some buildings dating back as far as the 15th century.
César Manrique used Lanzarote´s volcanic terrain as both inspiration and a backdrop for his work. Creating a series of unique visitor attractions in order to provide ecologically friendly alternatives to golf courses and theme parks. His best known project is the Jameos del Agua – where he transformed a huge lava tunnel into an underground concert venue, restaurant and nightclub.
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