"Lanzarote - a fiery island" Isla de Lanzarote by Bernd_L

Isla de Lanzarote Travel Guide: 953 reviews and 1,591 photos

It's not the moon - it's Lanzarote - Isla de Lanzarote

Lanzarote is one of my favourite islands. But it's a controversial travel destination. Some people find it too drab because there isn't that much vegetation. But others - like me - are fascinated by its bizarre volcanic landscape. On some places of the island you can feel like being on the moon. So this Canary gem is a special nature experience.

vacation homes near the village of Mala

With its mild and mostly dry climate Lanzarote is a perfect vacation destination all year long and only a couple of hours flight away from Central Europe. So tourism is a major source of income for the population. For a long period Lanzarote didn't make the mistakes of other Spanish holiday resorts. When they started to build up their resorts, they allowed only two-storied buildings instead of huge hotels. And they build most of the resorts in the traditional Canarian way. This way the island has not been spoiled like many other destinations.

Coast near El Golfo

This has been the merits of Lanzarotes most famous son Cesar Manrique, an artist and architect who built a lot of the beautiful spots you can see on the island. He wanted his island to avoid these ugly holiday urbanisations and he fought a successful fight. During his lifetime only one tall building - a hotel in the capital Arrecife - has been built. But after his death there is a danger that greedy investors may ruin all this. Some beautiful places - like the Papagayo Beaches and the formerly picturesque village Playa Blanca - are being turned into ugly tourist sites. But there still remain a lot of unspoiled places on the island. So go there now before the charm of the island vanishes.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Mild climate, fantastic bizarre landscape, perfect for vacation
Cons:Only few vegetation
In a nutshell:A piece of art made by volcanism

Last visit to Isla de Lanzarote: Dec 2003
Intro Updated Jan 10, 2005
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Reviews (20)

Pool at Jameos del Agua - Isla de Lanzarote

A nightclub in a cave Nightlife (1)

This extraordinary nightclub has been installed into a natural cave which had been developped when the neighbouring... more travel advice

Haria - valley of the thousand palms - Isla de Lanzarote

Haria - the valley of the thousand palms Off The Beaten Path (3)

Haria is a small town in the northern part of Lanzarote. It is not so touristy as it is not at the coast and doesn't... more travel advice

The former capital Teguise - Isla de Lanzarote

The former capital Teguise Off The Beaten Path (3)

The town of Teguise was the former capital of Lanzarote before Arrecife. This town isn't located at the coast so you'll... more travel advice

Business like usual in tourist areas - Isla de Lanzarote

Market in Teguise Shopping (1)

Every sunday there is a market on the streets of Lanzarotes former capital Teguise. In a lifely atmosphere and the... more travel advice

Comments (16)

balhannah Jun 27, 2010 at 6:04 AM Report Abuse

What an interesting Island, thanks for sharing.
hunterV Jun 5, 2010 at 11:33 PM Report Abuse

Hello, Bernd! Thanks for your story and recommendations....Es ist wirklich ein wunderbarer Ort!...
catnl Apr 13, 2008 at 10:35 PM Report Abuse

i agree one of the most fantastic nature, i love this island as well:-)
himalia11 Oct 25, 2007 at 12:29 PM Report Abuse

Super page, brings back nice memories! The volcanic landscape is really impressive, and it's fascinating that they can grow wine there!
ncfg Jun 11, 2007 at 1:26 PM Report Abuse

Great page! Lanzarote seems lovely and a nice island to relax (i need it!) I just know Tenerife from Canary islands.
pikuu May 6, 2007 at 10:33 AM Report Abuse

Hi Bernd! thanx for your descrptions! I plan to go there in May or June and for sure I will use your recommendations!
zweiblumen Jun 19, 2006 at 3:25 AM Report Abuse

Hi Bernd! Great pictures and tips, I hope to be travelling to Lanzarote in November on a cycling tour of the island. Cheers, Steve
scottishvisitor Jun 1, 2006 at 12:45 PM Report Abuse

Your lovely page brought back some good memories of this rather different Island
HORSCHECK May 19, 2006 at 10:37 AM Report Abuse

Bernd, fabulous page with brilliant photos. So it looks liked you hadn't a VT meeting here, had you? *winkygrin*
Trekki Sep 13, 2005 at 10:35 AM Report Abuse

Ach wie schööön, Lanzarote hat einen ganz besonderen Charme !! danke für die Bilder und Tips, müßte auch glatt mal wieder hinfahren, bei meinem derzeitigen "Geologie-Tick" :-) Liebe Grüße in den Süden