Lanzarote - The Fascinating Fiery Isle

Lanzarote is the easternmost of the Canary Islands, in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 125 km off the coast of Africa and 1,000 km from the Iberian Peninsula. Covering 846 km², it stands as the fourth largest of the islands. The island‘s name in the native language was “Titerro y gatra“, which may mean “the red mountains“.

Lanzarote is located 11 kilometres northeast of Fuerteventura and 1 km from Graciosa. The elongated island has an area of 846 km². The dimensions of the island are 60 km from north to south and 25 km from west to east. It has 213 km of coastline, of which 10 km is sand, 16.5 km are beach, and the remainder are rocky. Lanzarote is the easternmost island of the archipelago and has volcanic origin. It was born out of fiery eruptions and has solidified lava streams as well as extravagant rock formations.

Its dramatic landscape includes the mountain ranges of Famara (671 m) in the north and Ajaches (608 m) to the south. South of the Famara massif is the El Jable desert, which separates Famara and Montañas del Fuego. This has created a stark contrast in landscape from one side of the island to the other; the western side is desert-like, often compared to the alien surface of Mars, while the eastern side is quite green. The mountainous area of Lanzarote is called Timanfaya National Park. The tallest mountain is Peñas del Chache elevating 670 m above sea level. The “Tunnel of Atlantis“ is the largest submerged volcanic tunnel in the world.

There are five hundred different kinds of plants on the island. After the winter rainfalls, the vegetation comes to a colourful bloom between February and March.

Climate

Lanzarote enjoys high temperatures, low rainfall and endless sunshine throughout the year. The Canaries are often called ‘The Islands of Eternal Spring’ due to their enviable climate. Lanzarote and the other Canaries are thought to receive the perfect temperature, much cooler than in the Sahara that lies at the same latitude. This is thanks to the surrounding ocean and the cool Canary Current that help to moderate the heat. Lanzarote’s position, near to Western Sahara and Morocco, makes it the hottest of the Canaries and its relatively flat topography means there is little regional variation in weather conditions.

Climate Table