Lanzarote — Overview

About Lanzarote

Lanzarote is the easternmost of the Canary Islands, located approximately 125 km off the coast of Africa. Covering an area of 845 km², it is the fourth-largest island with a population of approximately 155,000. The capital is Arrecife.

The island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (designated 1993), recognised for its unique volcanic landscapes shaped by major eruptions between 1730 and 1736 that covered approximately one-quarter of the island in lava. The landscape is dominated by lava fields, volcanic cones, and unique geological formations.

Lanzarote's aesthetic is deeply influenced by the work of artist and architect César Manrique (1919-1992), who advocated for sustainable development and integration with the natural environment. His influence is seen in the island's building regulations (no buildings taller than a palm tree, traditional white with green/blue paint), and in cultural attractions he designed including Jameos del Agua, Mirador del Río, and the Cactus Garden.

The island's climate is subtropical with very low rainfall (approximately 150mm annually) and average temperatures ranging from 17°C in winter to 25°C in summer. The only airport is Lanzarote Airport (ACE) in San Bartolomé, serving approximately 7.3 million passengers annually.