Lanzarote is situated just 70 miles off the coast of Africa and is the most easterly of the Canary Islands. The island is 37 miles long and 12 miles wide, making it the fourth largest island in the Canaries.
Volcanic Origins
Lanzarote enjoys a mild, dry climate with average daytime temperatures ranging from about 21°C in January to 29°C in August. Annual rainfall is just 140mm (5.5 inches). This makes Lanzarote the perfect year-round destination.
As with the other Canary Islands, Lanzarote is volcanic in origin. Due to the recent eruptions during the 18th and 19th Centuries, many parts of Lanzarote appear to be from another world, so much so that parts of 'Planet of the Apes' were shot here. The dry climate and lack of erosion means that the volcanic landscape appears much as it did just after the eruptions.
Among the many stunning features in Lanzarote is the longest volcanic tunnel in the world, the Atlantida Tunnel, which is over 7km long and includes La Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua.
Despite the volcanic nature of the island, Lanzarote has several beautiful white beaches including Playa Blanca and Papagayo.
Local authority regulations on the amount and style of development mean that there is no billboard advertising and no high rise buildings.
