This post is also available in:
Español (Spanish)
Visiting such a place like this it is important to know that apart from natural beauties it has a lot of history and details to tell. As experts in airport transfers in Lanzarote we want you to know about the curiosities, as well as a little history of the Island of Lanzarote. Keep reading and discover more about this spectacular tourist destination.
In which way has Lanzarote been formed?
Lanzarote is the northest and eastes point of the Canary Islands. The origin of this island is volcanic: this means that it was born from eruptions of volcanoes, and the lava expelled solidified originating spectacular rock formations.
It is estimated that the Island emerged at least 15 million years ago as a result of the Canary access point. It’s a volcanic point that is believed to be in the Canary Islands, north of the coast of Africa. It is supposed to be supported by a mantle plume quite deep and that appeared about 60 million years ago.
The island emerged with others after the breaking of the continental tectonic plates of America and Africa.
The eruptions through which the island emerged were a long time ago and there is no real information about them. The last great eruption for which we have datas, took place between 1730 and 1736, in the area known as Timanfaya National Park.
History of the Island of Lanzarote
We already talked about a basic point of history, which is the formation and origin of the island. But, now it is important that you know about the aborigines of Lanzarote.
Before the conquest in the fifteenth century, Lanzarote was inhabited by aborigines known as majo or maho. They were the residents of the islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, belonging to the Canary Islands.
This town is of Berber origins, a race that inhabits North Africa since ancient times. Bereber arrived in Lanzarote around 500 BC. The majos were of Neolithic origin, of the chromañoide type. In Lanzarote is a common idea that they were a surviving group of the european companion”
The informations available about them describe the first conquerors as of European aspect, tall, with a clear complexión but with a primitive culture. They lived of cattle ranching and fishing but in a very rudimentary way. Agriculture was very basic. They lived in houses built with stones and just fews of them in caves.
About morals and religion, they honored the sun, the moon and the mountain. They had a high sense of justice, they practiced polyandry and women had three husbands. At the time of the conquest of the island the Majos were about 800 in Lanzarote. They did not oppose any resistance to the invasion.
In 1927 Lanzarote became part of the province of Las Palmas. The island today has the status of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The conquest of Lanzarote
In the 14th century started the conquest of the island. At the beginning arrived the Genovese navigator Lancelotto Malocello, known as “Lanzarote da Franca”. Then a fort was built on the Guanapay Mountain near the town of Teguise. Years later the slave trade began on these islands.
The conquest took place in 1402 by French led by the explorer Jean de Béthencourt, who came to the island through the auspices of Castile. They arrived in the south and in a few months they invaded the island. The majos were taken as slaves and only 300 remained on the island.
The first European settlement on Lanzarote was established in The Rubicon. There the first cathedral was built but the situation was not so simple, they had fights with English pirates and with locals until the seventeenth century.
As we already said between 1730 and 1736 took place the last big volcanic eruption for which data are available, then there were just smaller ones. At that time the lava ended part of the surface of the island, with 11 villages and smaller volcanoes were formed. Then came the drought and with it the migration of a large part of the population.
Curiosities of the Island of Lanzarote
Before visiting Lanzarote you must know these curiosities of the island.
Which is the best beach in Lanzarote?
It is difficult to choose the best beach in Lanzarote among so many beauties that surround the island. But it seems to be a popular opinion that the best one is in Playa Blanca, the area of virgin beaches of Papagayo. On our website you can book transfers from/to the airport from/to Playa Blanca.
The beach of the town is ideal for sunbath, swimming and enjoy the environment offered by the port where yatches daily arrive. Close to this area you will find a market, hotels, restaurants and sightseeing as the Volcano Montaña Roja.
It stands out for its perfect colors, perfect blue water, white sand and very dark rock formations.
Another beach that also stands out is Playa Francesa by la Graciosa Island and you can find other good beaches in Puerto del Carmen and Caleta de Famara, among others.
Which is the best place where to stay in Lanzarote?
The answer to this question can vary depending on what you want to do on the island and according to your travel mate. The capital, Arrecife, is perhaps the first option, it offers different interesting and historical places to visit.
- Best area for families: Playa Blanca is ideal to relax, a zone of resorts.
- Best area to explore the island: Costa Teguise, is a growing destination located north of the capital. It offers amenities and facilities.
- If you are looking for a calm and coastal environment, the best option could be Punta Mujeres.
- To get closer to the nightlife in Lanzarote, Puerto del Carmen would be the best for you.
Which is the distance between north and south of Lanzarote?
If we see a map of Lanzarote we can notice that this island is 60 kilometers from north to south and 25 kilometers from east to west. It has 213 kilometers of coastline, of which only 10 have an area and 16.5 are beaches, while the rest are rocks. The surface of Lanzarote is estimated at 845.9 square kilometers, plus the islets, so aproximately 900.
How many people are there in Lanzarote?
According to the National Institute of Statistics (INE) in Lanzarote until 2016, 145,084 people were counted. Most of the population is concentrated in the capital Arrecife. Most of the residents are Spanish (75%), followed by Colombians, British, Moroccans, Germans, Irish, Ecuadorians and other nationalities.
With these details about curiosities and history of Lanzarote you can learn a little more about this popular destination and its spectacular landscapes are its best letter of introduction. If you want to really discover the island, contact us.
This post is also available in:
Español (Spanish)