Lanzarote has a good climate throughout the year and winter temperatures rarely fall bellow 70 degrees farenheit. There can be some wind as it is a fairly exposed Island being stuck out in the Atlantic Ocean some 70 miles off of the coast of Africa. Lanzarote has avoided the over crowded development and beer swilling culture of many of the larger Canary Islands and has it's own distinctive character, with dramatic volcanic landscapes in the South of the Island and a greener more verdant side in the North.
Most of the resorts are low key small complexes, which come well equipped for the holidaymaker and the coastline offers some lovely beaches with varying degrees of black and yellow sand.
Cesar Manrique (1919-1992) was born on Lanzarote and his artistic influence can be found all over the Island. He was given a free hand by the council to create whatever he wanted and created artistic marvels out of the Islands geographical oddities.
You will not find any roadside billboards on the Island because of his influence and most of the buildings are no higher than two storeys, apart from some of the tourist areas. A lot of the roundabouts on the Island have fantastic wind driven mobile scultures and his influence can be found almost everywhere.
There are numerous resorts on the Island but in my opinion the best is Playa Blanca right down on the southern tip of the Island in a sheltered location.
Playa Blanca is a reasonably quiet resort and offers excellent beaches, great shopping, quality restaurants and low key nightlife. The resort is good for couples and children alike.
It was a great base for exploring the Island and about 3 miles away at Papayago are 5 of the best beaches on the Island. These are accessed by a dirt track and a fee of 3 Euros is payable on entry. Be warned the last two beaches are for naturists so if you want to let it all hang out then these are the beaches for you.
If you smoke or drink then the Island offers probably some of the cheapest prices in the world for tobacco and alcohol and food is reasonably priced too. There are many Canarian dishes you can try, or standard European food is freely available.
All in all it was a super holiday and a superb location for a winter break, we thoroughly enjoyed our visit and plan to go again next winter.
Below is a list of the top five attractions on the Island and a link to more detailed Lanzarote information.
Timanfaya National Park
Take a trip to Lanzarotes stunning volcanic landscape dominated by the fire mountain. If you do nothing else on the Island you must visit here.
Cactus Garden
Another of Cesar Manriques artistic creations, built in a disused quarry and boasting over 1200 species of cactii from around the world.
Fundacion Cesar Manrique
Cesar Manriques half submerged home, built in a string of volcanic lava bubbles. this place really astounds the visitor with it's artistic flairand superb design.
Jameos Del Agua
Cesar Manrique created a wonderfuly exotic subterranean water garden built in a volcanic tunnel with a partly collapsed roof. Tiny blind albino crabs live in its eerie underwater lake. As you walk round haunting music gives the place a surreal atmosphere.
Mirador Del Rio
Another of Manriques marvellous creations, this is a restaurant and a viewpoint giving superb views across to the neibouring island of La Graciosa
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Contributor's Note
Took these photos while inebriated on Canarian Wine (only $2.00 a bottle)
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