There is hardly a person in the world today who has not heard of the Canary Archipelago. Its name has long become synonymous with a great holiday; tourists from all over the world come here. One of its largest islands is Lanzarote. It is located in the northeast of the archipelago. It is separated from Africa by one hundred and forty kilometers.
The island is famous for its volcanoes and "alien" landscapes. How did these amazing landscapes appear, as if taking travelers to other worlds? In the 30s of the 18th century, a large number of volcanoes erupted here, as a result, basalt and ash covered about thirty percent of the island's territory. This explains the peculiarities of the local landscapes (for example, the strange color of the soil).
Near the foot of Monte Corona is a volcanic cave, one of the largest in the world. This is a natural monument of amazing beauty.
If you dream of visiting the island, seeing its unearthly landscapes, visiting a volcanic cave, then it is better to have a little information about where to stay.
Municipalities of Lanzarote Island
There are seven municipalities on the island:
- Arrecife;
- Aria;
- San Bartolomé;
- Tegise;
- Tias;
- Tinaho;
- Yaisa.
All of them have a constant attraction for tourists, although each of these municipalities is interesting in its own way. Let's tell you more about them.
Arrecife
It is the capital of the island and its most populous municipality. The area of the capital is a little less than twenty-three square kilometers, its population is more than fifty-eight thousand people. The municipality is located in the east of the island. The airport is located five kilometers from it.
The city will be appreciated by shoppers. But there are not only shops here: there are many interesting sights in the city. Among them are an old fortress, the Museum of Modern Art, the wreckage of a British cargo ship (you can have a great photo session there).
It is impossible not to mention the five-star hotel, towering over the blue of the ocean and over the surrounding buildings. The history of the construction of this hotel is interesting. After its construction was almost completed, for a number of reasons, the work stopped for three decades. During this period, the government was deciding what to do with the unfinished hotel; some planned to burn it down, but concrete walls prevented. As a result, the building was completed and today it is one of the most prestigious hotels on the island.
There is a port (passenger and fishing) on the territory of the municipality.
Aria
It is a beautiful oasis, the greenery of which contrasts with the surrounding "lunar landscapes". It is located in the northern part of the island. It is often called the Valley of a Thousand Palms. Indeed, there are a huge number of these trees. Other tropical plants can also be seen here.
If you love nature, you may be advised to stay here. The landscapes here are so delightful that you immediately want to capture them - photograph or even draw. There is an observation deck here; climbing it, you can enjoy one of the most impressive views that you have ever seen. You will see the distant islands of the famous archipelago among the blue waves of the ocean.
But the municipality is famous not only for its greenery: there are wonderful beaches, a market where you can buy various food products.
On the territory of this municipality there is a volcanic cave. This is one of the main local attractions.
San Bartolomé
The municipality is located in the central part of the island. There is a monument to the Peasant, created by one of the famous Canarian sculptors. The monument depicts the average resident of the municipality: agriculture has always played an important role in the life of the local population, this situation has not changed at the present time.
The municipality is one of the largest inhabited parts of the island. Its territory stretches along a magnificent beach.
Teguise
This municipality is rightfully considered the historical capital of the island. It is one of the oldest cities in the archipelago. If you are attracted by the island's unusual volcanic landscape, this municipality is the place to be. Here you will live surrounded by unearthly landscapes and historical sites.
In fact, the entire municipality is a historical and architectural complex. Walking along its narrow streets, you will see many interesting mansions and monuments. The architecture of many buildings is simple and noble. The houses here are painted white.
One of the most interesting sights here is the cactus garden. Be sure to visit it. This garden was once created by the famous local artist Cesar Manrique. The municipality also houses his residence, which is also one of the artist's masterpieces.
On the territory of the municipality there is an unusual museum "Lagomar". This is the former villa of the actor Omar Sharif, which has now become a museum. The building, like Manrique's residence, can be called an architectural masterpiece without exaggeration.
If you prefer a beach holiday to sightseeing, then you better choose another place to stay. The fact is that the municipality is located at some distance from the coast. However, ten minutes by car - and you will find yourself on a magnificent beach.
On the last day of the week, the municipality becomes a huge fair. In general, there are always a lot of tourists here (the main tourist routes pass here). On the days of fairs, residents of other municipalities come here. Here you can even see those who came for shopping from Africa (as noted above, it is located only one hundred and forty kilometers from the island).
Thus, if you like to be in the center of events, adore the "boiling of life", then the municipality is simply created for you. If you prefer peace and quiet, then it is better to stay elsewhere.
Tias
Tias is perhaps the most touristic area on the island. One of the reasons for its popularity is that it is adjacent to the ocean. The local beaches are surprisingly picturesque: volcanic stones blacken on the white sand (however, there are not many of them on the coast).
There is a former fishing village here. It is located near the beaches, five kilometers from the city, which bears the same name as the municipality.
The city will appeal to shoppers: there are a lot of shops. It also has a large selection of good restaurants. The tourist infrastructure of the city is well developed. It will interest history buffs: it is one of the oldest cities on the island. Here you will see many colorful houses, the architecture of which can be called typically Canarian.
But the main thing that attracts tourists to the municipality (in addition to beach holidays) is, of course, the bright, exotic nature, which the locals treat very carefully.
Tinaho
Agriculture flourishes here. To a large extent, this is facilitated by fertilizing the soil with volcanic ash, which retains moisture.
The main attraction of the municipality is the chapel of Saint Dolores. Here she is also called the Virgin of the Volcanoes. According to legend, during the eruption of the Timanfaya volcano, she cried out to God and stopped the destructive element. Since the island has suffered greatly from volcanic activity in the past centuries, the cult of Dolores is considered very important here. She is revered as the patroness of the entire island. Every year in mid-September, pilgrims from different municipalities come to her chapel to pay tribute to her. All of them are dressed in national costumes. This is an impressive sight.
Yaisa
The municipality of Yaisa is located in the south of the island. It (like Tinajo) occupies part of the territory of the national park, which the locals called the "Mountains of Fire".
Virtually all of the landscapes in this area of the island were created by lava and volcanic fire. They make a huge impression on even the most sophisticated travelers. When you see these landscapes, you will have the feeling that you are on another planet. The contrast of red and black earths is impressive. Your eyes will surely be stopped by the combination of red or black with yellow - another unusual feature of the local soil. Once near the green lagoon, you will probably immediately grab your camera. All these landscapes seem unreal, fantastic, as if they were invented by a surrealist artist. That being said, they are undoubtedly beautiful.
Separately, a few words should be said about the local beaches. This is a real paradise for all beach lovers. The local lost coves in many ways still retain their original appearance: once in one of them, you can imagine what this coast looked like several centuries ago.
It should be emphasized that this area is one of the most well-groomed not only on the island, but throughout the entire archipelago. You will appreciate it immediately, as soon as you start walking along the neat, clean streets and see cozy, carefully painted houses, decorated with bright flowers.
