And only a few decades since welcoming its first tourists, the island is still reveling in the bright stage lights as one of the most inimitable island escapes.
Despite being a relatively new destination, Lanzarote has several lodging options to cater to its youthful tourism industry. If you ever need time away from the kids and work, there are several adult-only hotels in Lanzarote. With over 850 square kilometers of coast and numerous lava fields, Lanzarote has so many hidden troves that you will need some help finding where all the fun is. Here is a complete guide to Lanzarote to help you plan your vacation.
What is the weather like in Lanzarote
The island has a sub-tropical climate with sizzling summers and very mild winters. Lanzarote is close to West Africa and the Sahara, so the region is likely to overheat. The summer months (June to September) on the island are sweltering and humid, with temperatures reaching highs of 29°C. The cooling breeze is a big plus during the summers and makes for a pleasant beach vacation. The average temperature of the ocean in the summer is 22°C and drops to 18°C towards the winter months.
March marks the end of winter and is an excellent alternative for travelers looking to avoid the sweltering heat and a great time to enjoy adventurous activities such as hiking and cycling. Also, remember to wear high-factor sun protection during the summer months because the continuous sea breeze makes it hard to feel the full wrath of the sun.
What to expect from Lanzarote
Lanzarote has undoubtedly had a turbulent history, reflected in its demeanor. Yet, the island has forged a path to stardom despite the extensive sweep of volcanic activity, scheming pirates, marauding Berbers, and conquering Spaniards. Since the 1960s, several airliners started to offer trips to the island, which brought a wave of travelers looking to find their next adventure.
Unlike other islands with a severe facelift, Lanzarote has had low-rise development to preserve its identity. The drive was spearheaded by visionary local artist César Manrique who envisioned an island where style and design accompany substance. César also curated some of the island’s cultural attractions and modeled several outdoor sculptures. In addition, the island is a UNESCO biosphere site.
Lanzaroteños are friendly, which makes travelers feel welcome and treasured on the island. So, don’t be surprised when a waiter starts a conversation with you like an old acquaintance. The best way to get around the island is by car. However, there is limited public transport on the island, and car hire is the next best thing. For a culinary trove, Lanzarote has several dine-out options serving the land’s best cuisines. There is no better way to learn about a culture than through food.
What to do and see in Lanzarote
With sprawling volcanic sites, Lanzarote offers many attractions to outdoor and traditional travelers. And the remarkable Timanfaya is a revered site with breathtaking scenery. The region has several attractions, such as Montaña Rajada, Montaña de Fuego, the Caldera del Corazoncillo, the islet of Hilario, Pico Partido, and the Rodeos Mountains, among others. The region takes on a myriad of colors which makes travelers feel like they are on another planet. In addition, there are countless hiking trails in the area.
For some sweeping views of the island, the magnificent Mirador del Rio offers the best vantage point in the region. Built by César Manrique, the Mirador del Rio is built into the rock above sea ground and has a café. For a unique beach experience, head to Playa de Papagayo, where you will find a series of beaches nestled between rocks. There is also a small restaurant along the beach if you need a quick bite.