Lanzarote is the most easterly link in the Canary Islands chain. And is located around seventy miles off the west coast of Africa – relatively close to what was once, many years ago, the enclave of the Spanish Sahara.

Just like this near neighbour Lanzarote has a very dry and arid climate, characterised by very low rainfall – on average just 9mm a month. With temperatures maintaining a minimum of around 20c all year round. Two factors which help to make Lanzarote a popular year round holiday destination too.

The UK is Lanzarote´s largest market place and the island is especially popular with British tourists. Who take advantage of cheap flights to Lanzarote to flock to this small speck of Spain in serious numbers. This year alone for example over 800,000 British tourists are expected to enjoy a holiday on the island. Along with around 200,000 visitors from the Irish Republic.

Lanzarote was once thought to be part of the lost continent of Atlantis. Phoenician traders dubbed it the Purple Island – as a lichen called Orchilla was once grown here, which was used as the basis for a purple dyestuff. In the Middle Ages Lanzarote was referred to as one of the Fortunate Islands – thanks to the spring like year round climate.

Today though Lanzarote is best known as the Island of Fire. An appellation created by the six year long volcanic eruptions which engulfed the island backing 1730. Burying around one quarter of Lanzarote beneath a sea of molten lava. These eruptions caused widespread devastation and forced many islanders to flee altogether. Heading for new locations such as Latin America and Cuba.

These eruptions actually increased the size of the island by around one quarter. And obviously caused widespread devastation at the time – as some of the most fertile farming land on the island was submerged beneath a sea of molten lava. Forcing many Lanzaroteños to emigrate abroad. Today however the volcanoes that caused this devastation are Lanzarote´s most popular tourist attraction. With the Timanfaya Volcano Park attracting over one million visitors every year.

It’s not just the scenery that attracts tourists in such numbers though. As there are a number of high quality hotels in Lanzarote, such as the Gran Melia Salinas in Costa Teguise. As well as a wide choice of holiday apartments and villas located across the island. Creating an ample choice of accommodation for visitors.

For great deals on Lanzarote hotels and Lanzarote property for sale visit the Lanzarote tourist information website.