Lanzarote is located in the Canarian archipelago.  A collection of seven Spanish owned islands that are located much closer to the coast of Africa than they are to the Iberian Peninsula.  Some 80km away from the shores of Mauritania. A position that creates a climate that is clement all year round – even when Northern Europe is shivering in sub zero temperatures.

This year round sunshine is one of the reasons why Lanzarote is so popular with tourists.  Last year alone for example over 1.5 million holiday makers visited the island.  The majority of them from the UK, Eire and Germany.

Lanzarote first became a Spanish possession in the early 1400´s.  When the island was the first outpost in the Canaries to be conquered by a Norman noble called Jean de Bethecnourt on behalf of the Spanish crown. 

Bethancourt had little trouble subduing the friendly Guanche inhabitants of the island.  And quickly established a settlement at a spot called Teguise, which was to be the capital of Lanzarote until 1852.

During the 16th and 17th centuries Lanzarote was besieged by pirates on a regular basis.  As the island had become an important cog in the growing Spanish empire.  Where galleons would stop off to restock before setting sail for the New World, laden with African slaves.  Returning to the Old World via the Canaries with holds full of Inca silver and gold.

In the 1730´s Lanzarote experienced a violent series of volcanic eruptions, which went on for the best part of seven years.  Decimating the countryside and carpeting much of the island in lava.

Today however this volcanic terrain has become one of Lanzarote´s main selling points.  As the Timanfaya Volcano Park is the most popular tourist attraction on the island.  Whilst there are many other natural beauty spots to explore, such as the Green Lagoon at El Golfo.  Where an emerald lake has formed within a black sand beach.  A striking sight that has been used as a location by numerous filmmakers.  Most recently Pedro Almodovar – who filmed his latest release Broken Embraces around Lanzarote.

Ad you´d expect from an island that has been welcoming tourists for well over 40 years standards of accommodation are high.  With the best Lanzarote hotels located in the south of the island in and around the resort of Playa Blanca.  Whilst the largest selection of apartments in Lanzarote can be found in Puerto del Carmen – the oldest resort on the island.