Picture Lanzarote

Volcanoes

themadcatlady — Wed, 25 May 2011 17:04:11 +0000

Volcanoes, in particular the ones in the National Park of Timanfaya, are what Lanzarote is most famous for. The last major eruptions were in 1824, but the ones that shaped most of the island as it is today (and created Timanfaya) occurred from 1730 to 1736. Their stark beauty is in some places reminiscent of a lunar landscape…

Lanzarote Landscapes

themadcatlady — Wed, 25 May 2011 15:13:19 +0000

The north and the south of Lanzarote are distinctly different from one another. While in the south you will find the busiest tourist resorts and the best beaches, the north offers tranquility, tiny little villages and lots of nature to explore. Famara in the north is also a heaven for surfers, with almost constant strong north and north-east winds creating formidable waves (not recommended for swimming though!).

The north tends to get a lot more rain during the winter than the south, so the vegetation is much lusher up there, especially between November and February, whereas the south generally has the dryest weather on the island.

Both the south and the north have their own, unique character – as you will see from these photos.

The South

The North

Carnival

themadcatlady — Mon, 23 May 2011 14:56:40 +0000

Carnival in Lanzarote can be compared to Carnival in Rio – it is simply on a smaller scale! However, the fun and parties are just as “loco” as those celebrated in Brazil. It takes place around February/March every year and if you haven´t been yet – come on over and party with the locals and tourists alike, and don´t forget your costume!

Arrecife

themadcatlady — Sun, 22 May 2011 18:57:16 +0000

Arrecife has been the capital of Lanzarote since 1852. Most of its inhabitants are Spanish/Canarios. It is not a major tourist area, but it is an absolute must to visit if you want to get some shopping done on the island!

Papagayo

themadcatlady — Sat, 21 May 2011 18:58:33 +0000

Papagayo Beaches are a group of beaches near Playa Blanca in the south-west of Lanzarote. They are only accessible by a few kilometres of bumpy dirt road (for the use of which you must pay a small fee) or by water taxi from Playa Blanca. They are the most beautiful beaches and lagoons in Lanzarote. However, they are not disabled-friendly and have no facilities.

Flora & Fauna

themadcatlady — Fri, 20 May 2011 19:34:44 +0000

Even though volcanic and rather barren, there is no shortage of vegetation and plant life in Lanzarote. From cacti and succulents, to palm trees and the colourful Bougainvillea, Oleander and Hibiscus, the warm climate benefits plants that bloom all year round and spread beauty to just about every corner of the island….

Architecture

themadcatlady — Fri, 20 May 2011 18:57:00 +0000

Lanzarote´s architecture is influenced by various cultures and countries including Spain, South America, Northern Africa and other parts of Europe…

El Golfo

themadcatlady — Fri, 20 May 2011 18:55:13 +0000

El Golfo is in the west of Lanzarote and is famous for its black beaches and tiny, semi-precious green stones called Olivina.

La Graciosa

themadcatlady — Thu, 19 May 2011 19:01:25 +0000

La Graciosa is a tiny, picturesque and tranquil island to the north of Lanzarote with a population of only around 600. At Mirador del Rio, the highest point in Lanzarote, you will get amazing views down onto La Graciosa (see first 4 photos). To visit La Graciosa, a ferry commutes from Orzola several times a day and costs €15 return, €10 for residents.

Beaches and Ocean

themadcatlady — Wed, 18 May 2011 18:53:14 +0000

Lanzarote is blessed with many beautiful beaches – to mention just a few, in the north you will find the surfer´s heaven of Famara, and in the south there are the beaches of Playa Honda, Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca, and the wonderful Papagayo Beaches.