Exploring the Natural Wonders of Lanzarote

by Nick Ball
(Lanzarote, Spain)

Volcanic Lanzarote

Surreal emerald green lagoons, palm packed valleys and raw volcanic landscapes – Lanzarote really does offer an amazing variety of natural wonders, especially for an island that only measures some 60km by 40km.

Lanzarote is one of the seven Spanish owned Canary Islands, which remain part of the European Union despite the fact that they are located off the coast of Morocco. The bigger and better known islands such as Tenerife and Gran Canaria tend to attract far more media attention and visitors – but that´s all to the good. As Lanzarote´s incredible landscapes deserve to be preserved intact.

During the 1970´s a local artist called César Manrique campaigned to ensure that Lanzarote didn’t become subjected to the sort of over development that has blighted other Spanish sun spots. As a result visitors today will find an island bereft of high rise buildings and ugly ad hoardings, as these were banned by law as a result of his efforts and influence in high places.

What they will encounter is an amazing, arid and in places eerie landscape, largely forged by the heat of volcanic eruptions during the 1730´s. Which has often been compared to the surface of the moon. Indeed the scenery here is so unusual and dramatic that it has become a natural choice for the makers of science fiction films, such as One Million Years BC and Krull.

The volcanic region of the island was declared a National Park in the 1970´s and is known locally as the Fire Mountains. An accurate description given the large scale devastation wrought during the 18th century. But today this area is the hottest tourist attraction on Lanzarote, playing host to well over one million sightseers every year.

The fact that the island is so small makes it very easy to explore. Both petrol and car hire in Lanzarote are very cheap, especially in relation to the UK and there is very little traffic on the roads, so getting around is easy. The Green Lagoon at El Golfo is just a short drive away from the Fire Mountains and is another surreal and impressive sight.

Here a land locked lake, just yards from the sea, has turned an emerald green colour as a result of an interaction between algae, volcanic minerals and sea water. Creating yet another highly photogenic natural wonder that has also been used as a backdrop by various filmmakers, most recently Pedro Almodovar in Broken Embraces.

Flights to Lanzarote from the UK take just four hours, and if you are looking for a different type of destination where you can combine sunbathing with sightseeing then Lanzarote might be just the ticket.