Lanzarote is the most easterly of the
seven major Canary Islands and lies in the Atlantic Ocean only some
100 km (60 miles) from the coast of Africa and 1,000 km from the
Iberian Peninsula.
The island enjoys an average temperature of 22ºC all year-round
due to its advantageous location in the Tropic of Cancer
Arrecife is the political and commercial capital and home to half
of the island’s population. Five minutes away is the international
airport with its daily flights to the other Canary Islands as well
as to mainland Spain and continental Europe.
Lanzarote, including the small islands of La Graciosa, Alegranza,
Montaña Clara, Roque del Este y del Oeste, covers 900 km² running
60 km north to south and only 20 km at its widest point.
Lanzarote is made up of seven municipalities: Arrecife (the
capital), Teguise, Haría, San Bartolomé, Tías, Tinajo and Yaiza,
with an official population of nearly 100,000 inhabitants, mostly
residing in the south-central part of the island.
The island was named after a Genoese navigator called Lancelotto
Malocello who arrived on the island during the second half of the
XIV century opening the way to successive expeditions of French,
British and Spanish sailors and merchants. Previously the isles were
known as the Fortunate Islands.
Fishing and agriculture once formed the basis of the island’s
economy but have since been overtaken by the excellent quality of
its tourism industry.
Amongst the most outstanding attractions are the Art, Culture and
Tourist Centres run under the auspices of the Insular Council. The
world famous artist César Manrique's sensitive response to
Lanzarote´s unique geography and people was instrumental in
creating a pervasive artistic identity throughout the island.
Great care has been taken in preserving its historical and
artistic heritage, its monuments and characteristic houses, local
festivals and customs... in short, the full expression of its
culture and folklore
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