The History of Lanzarote
Lanzarote’s history is as intriguing as its geography. The island has been shaped by the arrival of various cultures over the centuries, each leaving its mark on the island’s identity.
1. Early Inhabitants: The Guanches
The first inhabitants of Lanzarote were the Majos, a subgroup of the Guanches, a Berber-speaking people who are believed to have migrated from North Africa around 1000 BC. The Majos lived in relative isolation, developing their own unique culture. They practiced primitive agriculture, raised livestock, and lived in caves and stone houses.
2. European Discovery
In 1312, the Italian explorer Lancelotto Malocello arrived on the island, which is believed to be named after him. This marked the beginning of European interest in Lanzarote and the Canary Islands as a whole. Over the following centuries, the island was subjected to invasions by pirates and slave traders, primarily from North Africa.
3. Spanish Conquest and Colonization
In the early 15th century, Lanzarote was conquered by Jean de Béthencourt, a French nobleman who claimed the island in the name of the Kingdom of Castile. Lanzarote became the first Canary Island to fall under European rule. By the end of the century, the Spanish Crown controlled the entire archipelago.
During the colonial period, Lanzarote’s economy was based primarily on agriculture, including the cultivation of cereals, figs, and later, the production of wine. However, frequent pirate raids and environmental challenges such as droughts and volcanic eruptions made life difficult for the island’s inhabitants.
4. The Volcanic Eruptions of 1730-1736
The six-year-long volcanic eruptions from 1730 to 1736 were the most significant events in Lanzarote’s history. These eruptions devastated large parts of the island, forcing many inhabitants to flee and destroying much of its arable land. However, the volcanic soil proved to be fertile for certain crops, especially grapes, which led to the development of Lanzarote’s unique wine industry.
5. The Influence of César Manrique
Lanzarote’s modern identity owes much to the visionary artist and architect César Manrique (1919–1992), who championed sustainable tourism and the protection of the island’s natural beauty. His philosophy of blending art with nature can be seen in iconic attractions such as the Mirador del Río, Jardín de Cactus, and Jameos del Agua.
Thanks to Manrique’s influence, Lanzarote has avoided the overdevelopment seen in many other tourist destinations. The island’s whitewashed houses, low-rise architecture, and integration of public spaces with natural features make it a model for eco-friendly tourism.
6. UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
In 1993, Lanzarote was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, highlighting its commitment to environmental conservation. Today, sustainable practices are at the heart of tourism on the island, making it an ideal destination for eco-conscious travelers.
Geography of Lanzarote
The Geography of Lanzarote
Lanzarote, part of Spain’s Canary Islands, is a unique and enchanting destination located off the northwest coast of Africa. Known for its otherworldly volcanic landscapes, stunning beaches, and fascinating geography, it attracts tourists year-round. Here we explore Lanzarote’s rich history and geographical wonders to help you fully appreciate this captivating island.
Lanzarote, the fourth-largest island in the Canary archipelago, covers an area of approximately 845 square kilometers. Its location in the Atlantic Ocean, about 125 km off the coast of Africa, gives it a subtropical desert climate, with warm temperatures and limited rainfall year-round.
1. Volcanic Landscape
Lanzarote is most famous for its dramatic volcanic landscape, a result of intense volcanic activity over millions of years. The island is dominated by the Timanfaya National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which boasts over 100 volcanoes and vast fields of solidified lava, known as malpaís. The most recent eruptions occurred between 1730 and 1736, covering nearly a quarter of the island in molten lava and ash, creating the iconic black, red, and ochre landscapes seen today.
One of the most visited attractions in the park is the Montañas del Fuego (Fire Mountains), where geothermal experiments demonstrate the ongoing volcanic activity just beneath the surface.
2. Beaches and Coastline
Despite its volcanic origins, Lanzarote has over 200 km of coastline, with stunning beaches ranging from pristine white sands to dramatic black sand shores. The most famous beaches include:
Playa Blanca: A popular family-friendly destination with calm waters.
Papagayo Beach: Known for its clear turquoise waters and golden sands, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Famara Beach: A surfers’ paradise, with strong waves and impressive cliffs surrounding it.
3. La Geria Wine Region
In contrast to its barren, rugged appearance, Lanzarote is also home to a unique agricultural landscape. The La Geria region is famous for its vineyards, where locals cultivate grapes in shallow pits surrounded by semi-circular stone walls to protect the vines from the wind. This unusual method allows Lanzarote to produce some of the finest wines in the Canary Islands, particularly its renowned Malvasía wines.
4. Unique Caves and Lava Tubes
The island’s volcanic past has also created fascinating underground formations. Cueva de los Verdes, a series of lava tubes, offers visitors an immersive experience into Lanzarote’s subterranean world. Nearby is the Jameos del Agua, a cave system transformed by local artist Cesar Manrique into a cultural center, featuring an auditorium, swimming pool, and restaurant. Manrique’s work blends seamlessly with the natural beauty of the caves, making this one of the island’s most popular attractions.
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Photo Gallery: Lanzarote-UK