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Travel in Lanzarote Spain
Lanzarote is situated just 70 miles off the coast of Africa and
is the most easterly of the Canary Islands. The island is 37
miles (60km) long and 12 miles (20 km) wide, making it the
fourth largest island in the Canaries.
Lanzarote enjoys a mild dry climate with average daytime
temperatures ranging from about 21°C in January to 29°C in
August. Annual rainfall is just 140mm (5.5 inches). This makes
Lanzarote the perfect year-round holiday destination.
Lanzarote is remarkably different, not only compared to the
other islands, but to everything else in this world This
extraordinary landscape seems to be of another world, and it has
been said that God probably forgot Lanzarote on the Seventh Day
of the Creation, however just like all other islands in the
canaries, 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 or
lunar landscape. The good effect in the area was used for
filming of the movie 'Planet of the Apes'. The residents of
Lanzarote have made great strides to cultivate this land, and
today you will find large plantations of fruits and vegetables.
Most surprising is perhaps the region of Geria, with vineyards
in between volcanic craters.
The dry climate and subsequent lack of erosion means that the
volcanic landscape has been unchanged since the last eruptions.
Amongst the many stunning volcanic features of Lanzarote is the
longest volcanic tunnel in the world, named the Atlantida
Tunnel, which is over 7 km long and includes the La Cueva de los
Verdes and Jameos del Agua.
Surprisingly, Lanzarote has several beautiful white sandy
beaches, which have been unaffected by the volcanic effects such
as at Playa Blanca and Papagayo. Visionary artist, Cesar
Manrique was instrumental in persuading the government to ban
billboards and high-rise buildings, leaving the Lanzarote
skyline natural as possible (with the exception of the Grand
Hotel in Arrecife).
He also designed many of the buildings that are dotted about the
island. They are epitomised by simple stonewalls that
incorporate the natural environment and create a sense of
harmony, co-existing with nature, rather than clashing with one
another. (With the exception of the Grand Hotel, Arrecife).
The island's capital Arrecife, has a population of only 3,000
and is located on the eastern coast of the island. Apart from
having the finest museum of the Canaries, this little town does
not have much to offer, but its abundant supply of accommodation
makes it a good base for exploring the rest of the island.
Puerto Del Carmen, with not a spectacular town, is the largest
tourist resort on the island. It is better described as a scuba
diver's destination with the offshore reef offering some of the
best diving in the area.
Costa Teguise is one of the nicest places which have a 16th
century castle, the Castillo Santa Barbara, and some of the
finest gastronomic delights in the Islands, for which it is
famous. Anyone visiting Lanzarote would do well to spend a few
days in Costa Teguise.
The typical Canarian cuisine is a blend of Guanche, Spanish, and
Latin American food, with
bananas and 'gofio', a staple grain
which 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 and
worthwhile
The National Park of Timanfaya is know as the Fire Mountains,
continues to erupt and the landscape is a barren expanse of
solidified lava with colours of red and black resembling some
strange 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 whole
villages and buried the most fertile terrain on the island.
Travel by Taxis Taxis in Lanzarote are a useful way to travel
around the towns and visit nearby sights and attractions. The
taxi meters starts at a basic fare, but additional charges are
usually made for luggage, night time driving and travel on
public holidays in Lanzarote.
Driving Tips Citizens of EU member countries require a national
driving licence to drive cars in Lanzarote Citizens from non-EU
member countries need an International Driving Permit, as well
as their national driving licence.
You must be at least 18 years old to drive a car in Spain and
have a valid driving licence and car insurance. It is compulsory
for the driver and all passengers to wear seat belts and
children under 14 years old are not allowed to travel in front
seats
In Spain, cars drive on the right-hand side of the road and give
way to traffic coming from the right at junctions and
roundabouts. 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 brands
of unleaded petrol (gasolina sin plomo) and diesel (gas oil) .In
rural areas, there are normally only a few service stations, so
when travelling long distances, be sure to leave with a full
tank of fuel. Autopistas (toll motorways) have various toll
charges calculated by the kilometre and some roads that lead
into 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 the
maximum limit on autovias with four or more lanes or three-lane
highways.
Unless indicated, other major routes are 56 miles per hour / 90
km per hour and slower speed limits of 30 miles per hour / 50 km
per hour are enforced in urban areas. It is an offence not to
carry some form of identification, such as passport or driving
licence.
Travel by Car Hire/Rental Driving in the centre of busy towns
and popular resorts is best avoided if possible, as many of the
streets and narrow, with one-way traffic. Cars parked alongside
the pavements can also making driving conditions difficult.
However, a car in Lanzarote provides a useful way to travel
around the island and a current map of the island's roads is
useful. There are many winding roads around the island that
offer some truly spectacular views.
About the author:
For information on car hire or car rentals visit Every Car Hire
at Car Hire Lanzarote Spain.
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