LANZAROTE The ?Island of Fire? Lanzarote is one of the seven Canary Islands lying 100kms from the coast of Africa but belonging to Spain. Clashing between the Sahara temperatures and the currents from the Gulf of Mexico the island has year round temperatures of 22°C with a calm cooling breeze.
The unique landscape left by the now dormant 300 volcanoes brings the imagination to life with the encrusted lava having spilled over to roll down the hillsides and lay untouched and piled high on the roadside.
In contrast the dormant fertile ash which covers many of the fields has been used to cultivate the vines giving a mass array of flourishing vineyards which produce some fine wines. While agriculture and fishing used to be the main occupation of the now 100,000 population, tourism has provided a growing employment.
The Islanders are proud of their acclaimed high level of service and professionalism and a warm and friendly welcome is guaranteed. A visit to Lanzarote is not complete until you have experienced the geological phenomena of Fire Mountain where temperatures as high as 600°Ccan be found only 13 metres below ground level and 120°C on the surface.
Canarian cuisine is of a healthy nature with a good choice of fish restaurants and don?t forget to try the papas arugas (wrinkled potatoes) and huge selection of cheeses washed down with their local wines.