Lanzarote in the Canary Islands has long been popular as an island holiday destination. It is perhaps known best for its ‘all round crowd pleaser’ appeal. The wide variety of watersports, shops, restaurants and bars, alongside a good choice of high quality, yet affordable Lanzarote hotels are a vital part of the island’s tourist economy. For many holidaymakers, though, it is the mysterious and intriguing terrain found in Lanzarote – or Fire Island as it is also known – which sets it apart from other typical island destinations.
The southern region of the island is known by many as a volcanic wonderland and travellers come from far and wide to see sights such as the world’s longest submarine volcanic tunnel and the intriguing ‘Fire Mountains’. Volcanic eruptions during the 18th and 19th centuries in particular greatly influenced the landscape of the island and have given it the distinct appearance visible today. The scenery is often referred to as 'Martian' or 'Lunar' because of its unique characteristics. At points visitors appear to be faced with a vast and barren panaroma, but on closer inspection the fertile lands have much to offer the curious holidaymaker. Here are just some of the natural wonders awaiting visitors to ‘Fire Island’ today:
Atlantida Tunnel
This is an excellent example of the incredible volcanic treasures awaiting visitors to Lanzarote. The Atlandia Tunnel is in fact the longest recorded submarine lava tunnel in the world. It is more than four miles long and includes the Jameos del Agua tourist centre - which is expanded upon below - and the popular and breathtaking La Cueva de los Verdes - or green caves.
Jameos del Agua tourist centre
Created by volcanic activity which took place over 3,000 years ago, this network of caves is part of the Atlantida tunnel. Nowadays, visitors can enjoy this section of the tunnel in comfort as a tourist centre, with a swimming pool, auditorium, restaurants, and gardens all on offer.
Timanfaya National Park
The region surrounding Lanzarote's Montaņas del Fuego, also known as the Fire Mountains, is barren and desert-like in appearance. It is these landscapes in particular which have contributed to descriptions of the island's volcanic scenery as Lunar and Martian. Despite its appearance, volcanic terrain is often highly fertile and there are plenty of rare plants to be found in the National Park. A guided tour helps visitors to appreciate the many offerings of the region, and for additional thrills there is even the opportunity to enjoy the intriguing landscape while riding on the back of a local camel!
To help preserve the island's many natural wonders, Lanzarote's authorities have imposed strict rules and regulations to curb over development. There is still plenty of infrastructure to support the successful tourist trade, of course. From its many food, leisure, sporting and shopping facilities to its good variety of cheap hotels, Lanzarote has been careful to maintain a balance between natural and man-made attractions and conveniences, so that tourists can truly make the most of their visit to this stunning island destination.
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