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Travel in Lanzarote Spain

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Lanzarote is situated just 70 miles off the coast of Africa andis the most easterly of the Canary Islands. The island is 37miles (60km) long and 12 miles (20 km) wide, making it thefourth largest island in the Canaries. Lanzarote enjoys a mild dry climate with average daytimetemperatures ranging from about 21°C in January to 29°C inAugust. Annual rainfall is just 140mm (5.5 inches). This makesLanzarote the perfect year-round holiday destination. Lanzarote is remarkably different, not only compared to theother islands, but to everything else in this world Thisextraordinary landscape seems to be of another world, and it hasbeen said that God probably forgot Lanzarote on the Seventh Dayof the Creation, however just like all other islands in thecanaries, Lanzarote is Volcanic in origin. Due to the recent eruptions during the 18th and 19th Centuries,several parts of Lanzarote appear alien, similar to a moon orlunar landscape. The good effect in the area was used forfilming of the movie 'Planet of the Apes'. The residents ofLanzarote have made great strides to cultivate this land, andtoday you will find large plantations of fruits and vegetables.Most surprising is perhaps the region of Geria, with vineyardsin between volcanic craters. The dry climate and subsequent lack of erosion means that thevolcanic landscape has been unchanged since the last eruptions.Amongst the many stunning volcanic features of Lanzarote is thelongest volcanic tunnel in the world, named the AtlantidaTunnel, which is over 7 km long and includes the La Cueva de losVerdes and Jameos del Agua. Surprisingly, Lanzarote has several beautiful white sandybeaches, which have been unaffected by the volcanic effects suchas at Playa Blanca and Papagayo. Visionary artist, CesarManrique was instrumental in persuading the government to banbillboards and high-rise buildings, leaving the Lanzaroteskyline natural as possible (with the exception of the GrandHotel in Arrecife). He also designed many of the buildings that are dotted about theisland. They are epitomised by simple stonewalls thatincorporate the natural environment and create a sense ofharmony, co-existing with nature, rather than clashing with oneanother. (With the exception of the Grand Hotel, Arrecife). The island's capital Arrecife, has a population of only 3,000and is located on the eastern coast of the island. Apart fromhaving the finest museum of the Canaries, this little town doesnot have much to offer, but its abundant supply of accommodationmakes it a good base for exploring the rest of the island. Puerto Del Carmen, with not a spectacular town, is the largesttourist resort on the island. It is better described as a scubadiver's destination with the offshore reef offering some of thebest diving in the area. Costa Teguise is one of the nicest places which have a 16thcentury castle, the Castillo Santa Barbara, and some of thefinest gastronomic delights in the Islands, for which it isfamous. Anyone visiting Lanzarote would do well to spend a fewdays in Costa Teguise. The typical Canarian cuisine is a blend of Guanche,


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Spanish, andLatin American food, with bananas and 'gofio', a staple grainwhich plays a leading role in many menus. Pizzerias and cheap restaurants are plentiful around Arrecife,and finding a quiet place frequented by the locals is easy andworthwhile The National Park of Timanfaya is know as the Fire Mountains,continues to erupt and the landscape is a barren expanse ofsolidified lava with colours of red and black resembling somestrange lunar vista. Visitors here will leave well impressed.The volcanic eruptions produced in 1730 (which lasted six years)and those in 1824 created new craters, they entombed wholevillages and buried the most fertile terrain on the island. Travel by Taxis Taxis in Lanzarote are a useful way to travelaround the towns and visit nearby sights and attractions. Thetaxi meters starts at a basic fare, but additional charges areusually made for luggage, night time driving and travel onpublic holidays in Lanzarote. Driving Tips Citizens of EU member countries require a nationaldriving licence to drive cars in Lanzarote Citizens from non-EUmember countries need an International Driving Permit, as wellas their national driving licence. You must be at least 18 years old to drive a car in Spain andhave a valid driving licence and car insurance. It is compulsoryfor the driver and all passengers to wear seat belts andchildren under 14 years old are not allowed to travel in frontseats In Spain, cars drive on the right-hand side of the road and giveway to traffic coming from the right at junctions androundabouts. Beware of what appear to be shortcuts on maps -these often turn out to be unpaved roads or mountain passes.Spanish fuel stations supply most internationally known brandsof unleaded petrol (gasolina sin plomo) and diesel (gas oil) .Inrural areas, there are normally only a few service stations, sowhen travelling long distances, be sure to leave with a fulltank of fuel. Autopistas (toll motorways) have various tollcharges calculated by the kilometre and some roads that leadinto cities also have fixed toll charges. 75 miles per hour /120 km per hour is the national speed limit on motorways(autopistas) and 62 miles per hour / 100 km per hour is themaximum limit on autovias with four or more lanes or three-lanehighways. Unless indicated, other major routes are 56 miles per hour / 90km per hour and slower speed limits of 30 miles per hour / 50 kmper hour are enforced in urban areas. It is an offence not tocarry some form of identification, such as passport or drivinglicence. Travel by Car Hire/Rental Driving in the centre of busy townsand popular resorts is best avoided if possible, as many of thestreets and narrow, with one-way traffic. Cars parked alongsidethe pavements can also making driving conditions difficult.However, a car in Lanzarote provides a useful way to travelaround the island and a current map of the island's roads isuseful. There are many winding roads around the island thatoffer some truly spectacular views. About the author: For information on car hire or car rentals visit Every Car Hireat Car Hire Lanzarote Spain .

Written by: Ispas Marin

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