Lanzarote is location 79 miles off the west coast of Africa and is the fourth largest island in the Canaries. In recent years it has become known as one of the best tourist destinations in Europe, many have bought one of their own Lanzarote Villas or Lanzarote Apartments. This is a short introduction to Lanzarote’s tourist attractions.
Timanfaya National Park – The Timanfaya National Park takes visitors to see the Fire Mountains. Here visitors can see what remains after 100 volcanoes erupted in the 1700′s and devastated the landscape and since the climate is dry, the lack of erosion has left the area looking much as it did after the eruptions. El Diablo Restaurant in the reserve uses geothermal heat. The temperature just below the surface can reach 600°C meaning, with a hole cut into the ground and a simple grill, the restaurant can easily cook traditional Canarian food in a very different way.
Jameos del Agua – Jameos Del Agua, in the north of the island, is a volcanic cave formed three or four thousand years ago and it is connected to a larger system of caves. The area has been changed into a tourist site, with restaurants, gardens, Auditorium and swimming pool.
The Cactus Gardens – El Jardin del Cactus is an impressive collection of Cacti with over 1000 species, other attractions include a restored windmill, and metal sculptures.
El Golfo – El Golfo is a volcanic crater filled with sea water that is filtered through the black sand that separates the lagoon from the sea. The Algae living in the water has turned it green making for a fantastic sight.
Los Hervideros (Boiling Waters) – Are a series of volcanic caves and holes that have been eroded by the sea, as the waves crash into the caves, white surf is produced that looks like the water is boiling.
Lanzarote Aquarium – The Lanzarote Aquarium is the largest in the Canary Islands and contains hundreds of species of marine animals. The collection includes local Canary Islands species like Trigger Fish or tropical fish such as clown fish or poisonous fire dragons. One of the Aquariums main attractions however is the submarine tunnel, where visitors can see a verity of warm water sharks. Other notable attractions include three touching pools, where children or adults can touch some of the animals and learn about their way of life.
Cueva de los Verdes – Cueva de los Verdes (Green Caves) are a volcanic cave system formed by the eruptions of the Corona Volcano 3000 years ago. The 6km tunnel (an extra 1.6km is underwater) is one of the longest volcanic tunnels in the world and was once used by the locals to escape from the pirates that once tormented the island. 2km of the tunnel is open to the public and are artificially lit.
Guinate Tropical Park – Located in the North of Lanzarote at the foot of Mount Corona and set in 11 acres of gardens, Guinate Tropical Park is home to many species of birds, animals, reptiles and fish. One of the parks most popular attractions is the Penguin pool, here visitors can see the birds through an underwater viewing pool.
Whale and Dolphin Museum – Located in Puerto Calero, The Whale and Dolphin Museum is a place for visitors to learn about the lifestyle of whales and dolphins through many exhibits that include life size replicas, models, skeletons and biological exhibits.
Lanzarote Golf – The Year round good weather in Lanzarote makes it perfect for golfers who want to spend their holiday golfing. Set in the middle of a volcanic landscape, golfing in Lanzarote is a unique experience. Currently the only golf course is in the Costa Teguise area, but there is expected to be more opening in the near future.
Castillo de San Jose – Built in 1799 to protect the island from pirate attack, the Castillo de San Jose is now a modern art gallery and restaurant.
Castillo de San Gabriel – Castillo de San Gabriel was built in 1574 and once defended the Arrecife Harbour. It was destroyed only a short time after its construction by the Algerian Pirate Morato Arraez in 1586. In 1599 the caste was rebuilt and used by the military until the 1950s. It is now used as an archaeological museum.
