Story: Discover Lanzarote

Few islands in the world boast the raw dramatic scenery of Lanzarote. The small Canary Island located off the coast of Morocco that was almost submerged in a sea of lava during the 1730´s. When massive eruptions rocked the island to its core and threatened its very existence.

Up until that point Lanzarote had been a peaceful rural island – relying on agriculture and fishing until the events of 1730. When massive seismic activity created over 300 new volcanoes. Which burst from the ground across a six year period. Totally remodelling the island’s terrain and plastering around a third of Lanzarote´s entire surface area in a carpet of solid black lava.

Naturally enough this caused enormous hardship and deprivation at the time. As farmland became buried beneath this new twisted terrain whilst 11 villages were destroyed. As a result many Lanzaroteños were forced to leave in search of a new life abroad. With many resettling across Latin and Central America.

Today though people flock to Lanzarote in order to view this incredible scenery – and the whole region has been declared a National Park. Indeed it is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Spain – welcoming close to one million visitors every year.

The scenery is certainly out of this world – as the whole region looks very much like a planet just formed or the surface of the moon. Legend has it that Apollo 13 astronauts were even shown pictures of Timanfaya before making their own lunar landings and the Park has provided the backdrop for numerous science fiction films over the years. Such as One million Years BC and Krull.

Lanzarote boasts other volcanic wonders such as the Green Lagoon at El Golfo. Where a landlocked lake has been turned emerald by an interaction between salty sea water and algae. Creating another stunning sight which recently featured in the latest release from Spanish film maker Pedro Almodovar. Who shot scenes for Broken Embraces staring Penelope Cruz at various points around the island.

Elsewhere a local artist called Cesar Manrique worked with this terrain to create unusual visitor attractions. Such as his own house and studio – which he constructed over five bubbles in the surrounding lava flow. Creating what is to this day the most unusual property in Lanzarote.