Most people recognise Lanzarote as a year round holiday destination thanks to its ever spring climate. The temperature very rarely drops below 16 degrees at any point during the year and can hit the late 30's in the summer. It goes without saying that the weather is a huge pull for both summer and winter holidays in Lanzarote.
What people might not realise is that the island of Lanzarote is home to some wonder, natural attractions that stem back thousands of years. It's easy to see how many of the attractions on Lanzarote are definitely influenced by the volcanic activity that took place in the 1700 and 1800's. Add to that a talented artist by the name of Cesar Manrique and you have the perfect blend to create some inspiring visitor attractions.
Lets's start with the Timanfaya National Park - after all this is where the main focus on volcanic activity lies. Between 1730 and 1736, the area to the east of the island was completed devasted by volcanic activity. Whilst no deaths were recorded villages were destroyed and the area was left baron and sparse. In 1968 the area was declared a national park, now known as Parque Nacional de Timanfaya (The Timanfaya National Park). Manrique stamped his mark on the national park by designing the 'El Diablo' restaurant which sits overlooking the magnificent views out over the park and the Atlantic Ocean. The restaurant is also home to a natural volcanic grill where you can watch the food cooked by the natural heat that lies just a few feet under the ground.
To the north of the island sits Mirador del Rio. This lookup, again one of Manriques creations, sits built into the cliff face overlooking the small island of La Graciosa. There is a small bar / cafe on site along with a gift shop. It's not expensive to get in (around €4.70) and the views really are spectacular.
On the East of the Island are two attractions that have been built around a lava tunnel that stretches as long as 6km with a further 1.6km that goes out to sea. Most of the tunnels have been closed off for research and only around 2km are open to the public.
Close by you will be Jameos del Agua, which is built around a collapsed part of the lava tunnel. This attraction is also home to a species of Blind Albino Crab that is found nowhere else in the world.
The natural attractions on Lanzarote are wonders in themselves, and just by visiting them you can get a sense of what live on the island was like thousands of years ago. If you are going to Lanzarote on your holiday I would highly recommend either taking an excursion to these attractions or hiring a car, even if just for a couple of days.
No comments:
Post a Comment