Lanzarote is the easternmost island of the Canary Islands, 125 kilometres off the coast of Africa. It is also the fourth largest island geographically, but its relatively barren terrain keeps it from overpopulation or over-development. Lanzarote is further protected because the entire island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The worldwide network of Biosphere Reserves are designed to protect the natural environment and promote sustainable development. As such a protected natural area, it shouldn't be surprising that the most popular sites to visit in Lanzarote are natural ones.
Timanfaya National Park
Timanfaya National Park is spread over two islands: the northern portion of Yaiza and the southwestern portion of Lanzarote. The entire park is made of volcanic soil, as Lanzarote itself is a volcanic island. Between 1730 and 1736, volcanic activity in what is today Timanfaya National Park wiped out much of Lanzarote; in fact, little is known today about Lanzarote's history because most of its history was erased during this six-year period of volcanic activity.
Timanfaya National Park has very delicate, rare flora and fauna. To protect the flora and fauna, public access into the park is strictly regulated. Within the park, you might want to see the Montanas del Fuego, or mountains of fire, where one hundred smaller volcanoes were once located. From Montanas del Fuego, you can go on a lava field tour, and eat at the restaurant, which has a panoramic view of the park. The meat at the restaurant is roasted over the underground heat of the volcano, which is hundreds of degrees only a few metres below the surface of the earth.
The park's Visitors' Centre is free to visit and includes a permanent set of audio-visual presentations explaining the history of the volcanic islands and the most recent volcanic activity that formed the park itself.
Beaches can be found anywhere in the Canary Islands, but not every island has such a fascinating volcanic history. Many visitors to Timanfaya National Park find it to be the highlight of their trip.
Cueva de los Verdes
Cueva de los Verdes, or 'Greens' Cave', is another protected area of Lanzarote. A lava tube created during a volcanic eruption over 3,000 years ago, the cave was formed when lava cooled and hardened into a cave-shape.
The cave has a colourful history. In previous centuries, the cave was used by residents of Lanzarote to hide from pirates. Today, the cave has a concert hall within it that can hold almost 500 people. Without doubt, Cueva de los Verdes is one of the most unique concert halls in the world.
Watersports, Beaches, and Kids' Activities
Like all of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote is also well-known for its beaches. Visitors to Lanzarote are usually in or around the water when they aren't exploring caves and lava fields. Lanzarote's waters are perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, windsurfing, and parasailing.
Besides the water, visitors to Lanzarote enjoy the Guinate Park zoo, the wild-west themed animal park known as Rancho Texas, and even submarine tours that leave from Puerto del Carmen and Puerto Calero.
Summary
Lanzarote is a great spot for a family vacation. In the same time zone as Britain, you don't even have to set your watches backward or forward when you arrive. Between the beaches and the incredible natural beauty, Lanzarote definitely has something on offer that the other Canary Islands do not.
