The Red Mountains
The name Lanzarote is derived from the native Guanche title Titero(y)gaca, thought to mean “the red mountains”. The island is of volcanic origin that is thought to have been created roughly thirty-five million years ago from fiery eruptions. The mountainous zone of Lanzarote is called Timanfaya National Park, offering a sea of colourful dormant volcanoes, of which Peñas del Chache is the tallest at 670 m above sea level. The “Tunnel of Atlantis” is the largest subterrain volcanic tunnel in the world and the island is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Lanzarote`s 200km stretch of coastline ranges from sandy to extremely rocky and boasts a wealth of Blue Flag beaches, particularly in the main tourist resorts of Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca. The locals are especially proud of Papagayo, a collection of small crystal clear bays separated by high rocky promontories featuring some of the finest white sand beaches on the island.
Puerto Calero (also known as Costa Calero) is a compact and peaceful resort with stunning views and one of the best harbours on the island, nicknamed Millionaires Harbour. The nearest beach is at Puerto del Carmen, which boasts a wide curved beach that is very safe for children.
Playa Quemada is a quaint fishing village that has retained much of its original charm. Its very sheltered bay is protected from the prevailing winds and currents and has a black, rather rocky beach that gives its name of Burnt Beach.
Many locals and regular visitors regard September and October as the best months of the year to enjoy Lanzarote, when the prevailing North Easterly winds have dropped. Air temperatures average around twenty-three degrees Celsius, with balmy nights.
The Canary Islands host some of the biggest and most riotous celebrations in the world, and Lanzarote`s Carnival traditionally kicks off in the last week of Februrary, best witnessed in Arrecife. Canaries Day on May 30th marks autonomy from Spain in 1983 and is now celebrated as an annual holiday with traditional events and cultural displays that can be enjoyed by all.
From the UK and Ireland there is now a growing number of direct flights to Lanzarote, including departures from Birmingham, Bristol, Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Glasgow, and Manchester, which will also take you to the best Lanzarote Hotels.
