Lanzarote is a very popular all year round holiday destination and a favourite with northern Europeans who escape to find a bit of winter sun. Unlike some of the other Canary Islands Lanzarote remains largely unspoilt by tourism and is a natural beauty created by volcanic eruptions up to 5000 years ago.
The landscape of Lanzarote is split, very much, into two different sides in the east and the west (some would argue also the north which is much greener and damper).
The west of the island is home to the Timanfaya National Park, the most popular tourist attraction on the island. The park is home to Fire Mountain which caused complete devastation to the island during a 5 year eruption. The Montanas del Feugo, created between 1730 and 1736, are a formation of nearly 100 individual volcanoes and form the landscape of the baron, west side of the island. Today the Timanfaya National Park is visited by tens of thousands tourists every year.
The northern and easterly side of the island tend to be greener than the west, more so in recent years. Around the villa of Haria the land tends to be surprisingly green and agriculture plays a large part in the way of life. Many people think this is due to the altitude of the northern part of the island and the low clouds which form over the cliffs around Famara. Famara is often known to be quite damp compared to the rest of the island.
The area between the north and west of the island (towards the centre) is famous for it’s vinyards and wine production. The ‘soil’ is perfect with the minerals from the volcanoes and lava fields.
Although the island has a lot to offer in terms of its landscape and natural beauty it is unfortunate that many people do not get chance to witness it as they stay within the towns of their accommodation. I would always recommend that you hire a car for a couple of days and get to see some of the amazing natural sights that the island holds. Some of the natural attractions aren’t advertised that well so check out a guide to Lanzarote before you visit and prepare your schedule well.
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
Monday, 17 May 2010
Volcanic Ash sparks fresh UK Airport delays
Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the skys! UK Passengers now face another period of disruption and UK airspace is once again taken over by Volcanic Ash from eruptions in Iceland.
Britain's busiest airports face delays, and in some cases complete closure and planes remain grounded across the UK.
This latest disruption leaves many business passengers and holiday makers stranded for now, and one major airline has branded the latest closures as a 'joke'.
Ash from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano has led to thousands of flights being delayed or cancelled across Europe since April.
If you are travelling to Lanzarote over the next few days I recommend that you check with your airline before making the trip to the airport.
Ryanair passengers can check for updates here
Britain's busiest airports face delays, and in some cases complete closure and planes remain grounded across the UK.
This latest disruption leaves many business passengers and holiday makers stranded for now, and one major airline has branded the latest closures as a 'joke'.
Ash from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano has led to thousands of flights being delayed or cancelled across Europe since April.
If you are travelling to Lanzarote over the next few days I recommend that you check with your airline before making the trip to the airport.
Ryanair passengers can check for updates here
Saturday, 15 May 2010
Lanzarote Ironman – The event of a lifetime
Many people, if not most, will know Lanzarote for it’s laid-back life style and all year round climate. During the month of May however, don’t be surprised to see athletes out and about training for the famous Ironman event.
Every year the island of Lanzarote plays host to a gruelling event, where 1500 athletes take part in a battle against endurance and personal mental strength with a 3.8km swim, a 180km bike ride and 42.2km marathon to earn the privilege of being an Ironman Lanzarote Spain finisher.
As if that doesn’t sound tough enough the island of Lanzarote is just 79 miles of the coast of Africa which brings average maximum temperatures of 24.2 degrees Celsius!
The event is a test of personal stamina, and attracts many athletes from around the world. Prize funds aren’t to be snuffed at either with the winners receiving 8500 USD. Finishing in the top 60 also gives athletes the chance to qualify for the Ironman World Championship event in Hawaii. The Lanzarote event gives athletes the ideal conditions to test their metal in a climate that is not too dissimilar to that of Hawaii.
Registration for the event can be very difficult, with entries limited to just 1500 places. In fact, registration for both the 2009 and 2010 events were fully booked within 4 months of opening.
The event is really aimed at serious athletes and ideally preparation for the competition would involve a medical health check and investment in a personal trainer to help acclimatise and condition your body to the test ahead. Many athletes travel to Lanzarote to adjust to the conditions and will spend time on the island during the run up to the event.
The swim will take place at Playa Grande, Puerto del Carmen, which is the main tourist resort on the island. The swim takes place around the bay just off the beach and involves two circuits of a designated course. The bike race is more than challenging, with a 180km circuit, battling against strong winds and over 2500m of climbing across the volcanic landscape of the island. The run takes place over a course the distance of 42.2km and is 3 laps of a designated course.
One of the beauties of taking part in this event is the stunning landscapes and beautiful sunsets, although I think I would rather be watching than taking part!
Every year the island of Lanzarote plays host to a gruelling event, where 1500 athletes take part in a battle against endurance and personal mental strength with a 3.8km swim, a 180km bike ride and 42.2km marathon to earn the privilege of being an Ironman Lanzarote Spain finisher.
As if that doesn’t sound tough enough the island of Lanzarote is just 79 miles of the coast of Africa which brings average maximum temperatures of 24.2 degrees Celsius!
The event is a test of personal stamina, and attracts many athletes from around the world. Prize funds aren’t to be snuffed at either with the winners receiving 8500 USD. Finishing in the top 60 also gives athletes the chance to qualify for the Ironman World Championship event in Hawaii. The Lanzarote event gives athletes the ideal conditions to test their metal in a climate that is not too dissimilar to that of Hawaii.
Registration for the event can be very difficult, with entries limited to just 1500 places. In fact, registration for both the 2009 and 2010 events were fully booked within 4 months of opening.
The event is really aimed at serious athletes and ideally preparation for the competition would involve a medical health check and investment in a personal trainer to help acclimatise and condition your body to the test ahead. Many athletes travel to Lanzarote to adjust to the conditions and will spend time on the island during the run up to the event.
The swim will take place at Playa Grande, Puerto del Carmen, which is the main tourist resort on the island. The swim takes place around the bay just off the beach and involves two circuits of a designated course. The bike race is more than challenging, with a 180km circuit, battling against strong winds and over 2500m of climbing across the volcanic landscape of the island. The run takes place over a course the distance of 42.2km and is 3 laps of a designated course.
One of the beauties of taking part in this event is the stunning landscapes and beautiful sunsets, although I think I would rather be watching than taking part!
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