Lanzarote Island
28°25' to 29°25'N; 13°20' to 14°57'W
Lanzarote is a beautiful island situated at the far right of the Canarian archipelago, the closest island to the African continent at the same longitude as the southern tip of Morocco. This location means that we enjoy a temperate sunny climate all year round. Lanzarote has the most consistent climate of all the Canary Islands, with stable temperatures throughout the year, averaging 17ºC (63º F) in January/February and 24º C (75º F) in summer time.
The whole of the Canary Islands are volcanic, but it is in Lanzarote that the most recent volcanic history is evident and accessible. A visit to Timanfaya National Park located in the south of the island is a must.
Lanzarote is also a unique example of how one single man can have so much influence on its aspect that one can say César Manrique ‘sculpted’ Lanzarote! Lanzarote’s greatest and internationally renowned son, left his genius signature everywhere on the island… as sculptor, painter, architect and environmentalist. It is also largely his responsibility that tourism on Lanzarote developed within certain aesthetic guidelines and above all without spoiling the island’s landscape heritage, customs and traditions. Except for one hotel building in Arrecife, all buildings on the island are low-rise – “not taller than a Canarian palm” – and you won’t find any advertising hoardings at the roadsides! But what you will find at the roadside are fascinating wind mobiles and sculptures and pretty villages in a symphony of white and green!
Lanzarote is a Biosphere Reserve. It covers 84600 ha including the northern minor islands of La Graciosa, Alegranza and Montaña Clara, and has a population which is estimated of over 150.000. The Biosphere Reserve designation by UNESCO corresponds to the social choice of the local communities: the Biosphere Reserve Council has become of high social and political relevance. The reserves are nominated by national governments and must meet certain criteria and adhere to certain conditions before being admitted into the World Network. Each Biosphere Reserve is intended to fulfil three basic functions; to contribute to the conservation of our heritage; to foster sustainable economic and human development; and to provide support for research, monitoring, education and information exchange related to the above. The individual Biosphere Reserves remain under the sovereign jurisdiction of the countries in which they are situated.
