If you´re seeking a complete contrast to the urban sophistication of Barcelona or simply need to escape the summer heat of the city then the unique volcanic island of Lanzarote is just a couple of hours away.  With regular flights available daily from Barcelona airport.

Lanzarote is one of the seven Canary Islands, situated off the West coast of Africa, which were all conquered and subdued by the Spanish crown as long ago as the 1400´s.  Yet they still retain their own unique and distinct identity, boasting strong Latin and African influences.  Reflecting the Canaries once important strategic role as a trading post between the New World and the Old.

These days most visitors to Lanzarote jet in on cheap flights from countries such as the UK and Germany, taking advantage of the fact that this is the closest winter sun destination to mainland Europe.  Seeking accommodation in the main resorts of Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen, which is where the best selection of Lanzarote villas, apartments and hotels can be found.  Independent tourism is also growing in popularity thanks to the proliferation of cheap flights and there are an increasing number of chic rural hotels and fincas catering to this sector.

One of Lanzarote´s many plus points is that the island is quite small, measuring just 60km by 40km.  Yet at the same time it also boasts many attractions.  A combination that makes sightseeing simple.  Car hire in Lanzarote is cheap too – especially in comparison to other Spanish islands such as Ibiza and Majorca.  With rental rates starting from around €13 per day for a basic two door model.

The island´s star attraction is the Timanfaya National Park and to visit Lanzarote without taking in this breathtaking volcanic region would be like going to Egypt and ignoring the pyramids.  The scenery here really is something else, forged by fierce eruptions some 300 years ago, which is just a blink of an eye in geological terms.  So the landscapes here are as pristine as they get.  Characterised by twisted fields of lava and multi-hued burnt out volcanic peaks.  A sight so surreal that it has been used as backdrop for many science fiction films such as Krull and One Million Years BC.

The influence of these eruptions is evident everywhere on Lanzarote.  Farmers use volcanic chippings called picon as a mulch in their fields, creating the strange sight of black rather than green pastures.  And the colours and textures of the region are also reflected in the paintings of the famous local artist César Manrique.  Whose many projects on Lanzarote, such as the Cactus Garden and the Jameos del Agua are also must sees for any visitor.