Lanzarote Explored North And South
Sunday, October 31st, 2010Lanzarote has something of a split personality. As although this popular Canary Island welcomes millions of tourists every year the main holiday resorts are all concentrated in the south. Leaving the north of the island largely undeveloped. A result of local laws governing development that have created an island of two distinct halves.
Why The Difference?
To most tourists the differences will never be known as most tend to visit the south of the island which is home to the three main holiday resorts and the bulk of the tourist accommodation. And this is where visitors who have booked breaks in Lanzarote villas and apartments will find themselves staying. But the north remains the preserve of the locals – with agriculture and farming very much to the fore and with life is conducted at a slower pace. Finding accommodation here should not be a problem as their are plenty of Finding accommodation here should not be a problem as their are plenty of Lanzarote holiday villas so most needs and requirements are going to be well met.
From the main resort of Puerto del Carmen visitors need to drive along the LZ1, past the airport and towards the ring road, the turn off for which can be easily missed. The ring road takes traffic past the capital of Arrecife and just after this is the junction for Tahiche, which is en route to the north of the island. And which is also well worth stopping off at as here tourists can take a tour of the former home and studio of the famous local artist César Manrique. Which has been constructed over five empty chambers in the lava flow. After Tahiche tourists have a choice of two routes. They can head for the former capital of Teguise, which is home to some superb examples of colonial architecture such as the Palacio Spinola. Or instead follow the coastal road in the direction of Arrieta. Which is the main beach resort in the north of the island and very popular with locals. Arrieta is also an ideal spot for a lunch break as there are some great fish restaurants here. The north is also home to the majority of the islands leading tourist attractions, most of which were also created by the ubiquitous Manrique. Such as the lookout point at the Mirador del Rio, the plant packed Cactus Garden and the breathtaking Jameos del Agua. The north is also much greener than the south especially in and around villages such as Haria and the Valley of 1000 Palms.
The terrain in the south of the island is much drier and volcanic in origin thanks to eruptions which shook this region as recently as the 1730´´s. The scenery is still beautiful here but much more unconventionally so. Dominated by loads of dormant volcanoes and mile after mile of lava fields.
Lanzartote places of interest is available here.