Lanzarote Doscovered South And North
Tuesday, 7. September 2010
Lanzarote in the Canary Islands has long been associated with package holidays and mass market tourism. But the island essentially splits into two halves. With the south home to the main resorts whilst the north remains largely unspoiled. Thanks to strict local planning laws which have carefully restricted development here.
Whats The Difference?
This split identity becomes apparent as you tour the island. As whilst the southern half of the island is where most of the best apartments and villas in Lanzarote are located the north is still home to farmland and agriculture, remaining the preserve of the locals as a result.
It is not until you actual take time to explore the Island that the differences become so apparant. There is a good range of Visitor here are spoilt for choice given the range of holiday villas in Lanzarote so finding a place to stay is a breeze.
From the main resort of Puerto del Carmen visitors need to drive along the LZ1, past the airport and towards the ring road, the turn off for which can be easily missed. The ring road takes traffic past the capital of Arrecife and just after this is the junction for Tahiche, which is en route to the north of the island. And which is also well worth stopping off at as here tourists can take a tour of the former home and studio of the famous local artist César Manrique. Which has been constructed over five empty chambers in the lava flow.
After exploring the César Manrique Foundation there are two routes to choose from. One of these goes in the direction of Tahiche, which was the capital of the island until 1852 and which as a result boasts loads of great old architecture. Whilst the other option basically skirts the coast until reaching the atmospheric former fishing village of Arrieta. Which is the best beach spot on this part of the island. This is also a good place to enjoy lunch as there are two decent restaurants right on the beach here. The north is also home to the majority of the islands leading tourist attractions, most of which were also created by the ubiquitous Manrique. Such as the lookout point at the Mirador del Rio, the plant packed Cactus Garden and the breathtaking Jameos del Agua. The north is also much greener than the south especially in and around villages such as Haria and the Valley of 1000 Palms.
By contrast the south is very arid and offers little in the way of vegetation. But it still has some beautiful scenery in the form of the islands volcanic region. Which was created in the 18th century and which is home to hundreds of now dormant volcanoes and twisted lava fields.
Additional information on Lanzarote places to visit is available on the Lanzarote1.com website.