<\/span>Vacationing in Lanzarote: General Information<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe northernmost island of the archipelago with a population of just 140 thousand people. By the way, on the popular tourist islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, there are nearly 1 million inhabitants on each island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Summary of general information about Lanzarote:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nThe capital – the city of Arrecife, where 65 thousand people live. It’s quite a large city with all the necessary infrastructure, shopping malls, hypermarkets, and so on. Almost half of the island’s population lives in the capital.<\/li>\n\n\n\n The highest peak of the island is only 607 meters above sea level. It’s the “lowest” island of the archipelago. It’s swept by winds from all sides. There’s one plus for novice drivers: there are almost no mountain serpentine roads, cliffs, or difficult terrain. All roads are straight and designed for comfortable driving.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\nImportant to know:<\/p>\nAccording to accounts from witnesses of that time, in the early 18th century, Lanzarote was a flourishing paradise. But everything changed in 1730 when powerful volcanic eruptions began, lasting continuously for 6 years. Lava, in some places up to 50 meters thick, covers almost 40% of the island’s territory. Endless lava fields are what you’ll see on Lanzarote today.<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nThis is a satellite image of the island of Lanzarote, with yellow polygons highlighting the area completely covered by solidified lava after the volcanic eruptions 300 years ago. And the red lines along the coast indicate where people live today, almost 95% of the island’s population.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nGeothermal activity on the island continues today. There’s a unique restaurant on Lanzarote where they barbecue and cook meat right in the mouth of a volcano. Read about this restaurant and other top attractions on Lanzarote<\/a> through the link.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTourists often compare Lanzarote and its neighboring Fuerteventura, as these two islands are desert-like and unlike the other green islands of the archipelago. Yes, partly that’s true, and in fact, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote were once one island. As a result of volcanic eruptions and rising sea levels, the two islands are now separated by a narrow strait. Here’s the main difference between these islands:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nFuerteventura resembles more Mars and a desert. The volcanoes on the island have long been dormant. For those interested, there’s a review of Fuerteventura Island <\/a>and many photos via the link.<\/li>\n\n\n\nAnd on Lanzarote, there are lunar landscapes, everywhere solidified lava. Well, the island is distinguished by its rather “fresh” volcanic activity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Just so you know, I haven’t been to Mars or the Moon, but I’ve seen many photos from there.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nThe top photo shows a typical landscape on Fuerteventura, and the bottom one – Lanzarote. Someone might say, “Well, both are desolate deserts,” maybe you’re right. But only by visiting both, you realize how different these islands are.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n