The most northeasterly of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote has
embraced the tourism boom with a more laid-back feel than its
popular sister islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Nature is
still a big attraction on this small volcanic island, which
measures only 38 miles (60km) long and 13 miles (21km) at its
widest point. Camels are often used to transport goods (and
sometimes tourists) in this desert-like climate, across the dry
volcanic ash that covers most of the landscape. UNESCO declared the
whole island a Biosphere Reserve in 1993, and visitors exploring
the dozens of enchanting spots on the island will soon see why.
Lanzarote's capital, Arrecife, is a small town on the eastern
coast, its harbour packed with fishing boats. Although the town
itself has little to offer in the way of sights or nightlife, it
does have a magnificent, clean beach, El Reducto, which has been
granted blue flag status by the European Union. A promenade runs
along the beach front around the San Gines lagoon with its fine
golden sand and placid waters.
