The island of Lanzarote is startling to the first time visitor and is different from the other Canary islands due to its extraordinary landscape – typically described as a ´Lunar Landscape’ as a result of the eruptions of over 300 volcanoes in centuries past.
On Lanzarote, black is beautiful. Even the island´s name evokes romantic legends, the most popular being that after the island was conquered in 1404, Jean de Béthencourt celebrated by breaking his lance in front of the pacified islanders, crying ‘lanza rota’ (broken lance). Inland from Arrecife, fruit and vegetables grow in abundance, the black topsoil acting as a sponge for the moisture of the night air – a good thing since rain is a rare commodity on the island. Arrecife is the island’s capital and principal port and above the port are two great fortresses which in the past defended the town against the frequent attacks of pirates. Another fortress is located at a small island in front of the port and is connected to Arrecife itself by a drawbridge. However, tourism has become the most important feature in Lanzarote’s economy and for the holiday maker there is much to see and do.
