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Do you want to know some fun facts about the island of Lanzarote? At First Minute Transfer, we bring you some information that will encourage you to get to know the island even more. From endemic animals, volcanic tunnels, to key geological investigations to learn more about climate change.
Much to see in Lanzarote
Lanzarote is one of the most popular Canary Islands among tourists. Its unique volcanic landscapes have much to offer. Life on the island revolves around these, as well as the beaches and the art.
If you plan to do tourism in Lanzarote, we suggest research well what to see and do on the island. This way, you will make better use of the time you spend visiting.
Visit the castles of Lanzarote if you are interested in history, find out about the legends related to the different points of interest. This way, you will see them from a different perspective.
The island is known for its volcanic landscapes, ideal beaches for surfers, the mixture of art and nature that characterises the works of César Manrique, and for its unique wines. It has been the scene of numerous films and sports competitions, especially related to water sports.
But behind all this, there are stories and data that you would like to know and that we present to you below.
Fun facts about the Lanzarote island
You have probably read a lot about Lanzarote. The island has a lot to offer to visitors, and the locals themselves. Here we tell you some information that will surely interest you.
Venue for one of the most demanding Ironman
The Lanzarote Ironman is among the strongest triathlons in the world due to the geographical conditions, and the changing weather. The competition has been held thirty times, and it has one of the highest dropout rates.
A triathlon is a competition that consists of three tests. The first is swimming, which is 3.86 kilometres. The second is a 180 km cycling race, the route includes ascents and descents, and the third is a marathon, that is a 42.2 km run.
Athletes have a maximum of 17 hours to complete the entire route. The tests are performed one after another without a break.
In the Lanzarote Triathlon, the athletes swim in the Atlantic, where the ocean currents make the recovery very complicated. Then the cycling route where they have to deal with strong winds is also very demanding. Finally, the marathon, in which the heat of the island is added to the physical exhaustion.
Geodynamic research
From sports, we move on to science. Did you know that the Lanzarote Geodynamics Laboratory is located here? It has three modules located in the Cueva de los Verdes, Jameos del Agua and the Timanfaya National Park.
The investigations focus on the activity of volcanoes, changes in water temperature and sea levels. These last two related to climate change.
Projects have been carried out in the laboratory with universities and scientists from various parts of the world. Some data that can be known include the temperature of the earth, the tilt of the earth’s axis, seismicity, among others.
Longest flooded volcanic tube
The eruption of the La Corona volcano gave rise to a volcanic tube almost 7 kilometres long. About 1.5 kilometres of the tunnel are flooded. This is known as the Tunnel of Atlantis, and inside there is microscopic fauna that has been the subject of research.
You can get to know part of the volcanic tunnel by visiting Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua. These are two of the excursions in Lanzarote that you cannot miss.
Albino crabs
Since we are talking about Jameos del Agua, here you will find albino crabs, an endemic variety of Lanzarote.
The jameitos are blind crabs, that are in the lake inside the volcanic cave.
They are a delicate species, and it is in danger of extinction, since this is the only place where they live. That is why they are one of the fun facts about Lanzarote island that you should know and keep in mind of when you go to the island.
Destination for surfers
We return to sports, this time to talk to surf lovers. Lanzarote is one of the preferred destinations for surfers in the world. There are several beaches that are among the fixed destinations to practice this discipline.
It is also the venue for some of the most famous international competitions.
For example, Quemao Surf, that every year brings together the best surfers. El Quemao Beach is the best on the island and one of the best in the world to practice this discipline.
The Quemao is located in front of the town of La Santa and produces fast pipes that can open from the right or the left.
Due to the characteristics of its waves, it is a beach for expert surfers. However, around the island you will find other places where beginners can learn and practice their skills.
Ink made with cochineal
For a time, cochineal was key to the island’s economy. With this insect, an ink is produced that is not toxic and is used in different products. It was mainly used in the textile industry.
To obtain the dye, the cochineal is dried and boiled. From there, a crimson colour is obtained, and is used, for example, in lipstick. This product is still used on the island.
Bird observatory
Bird lovers find in Lanzarote the ideal place to observe these animals. Due to the location of the island, various species of birds are found here during their migration between Europe and Africa.
Some species that you can observe are the Egyptian vulture, tagarote falcon, riots, the Moorish partridge, Saharan runner, among others.
Around the island there are different observation points, one of the most popular is the Salinas del Janubio.
Which of these fun facts about Lanzarote? Are there any others you’d like to see on the list?
This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)