Lanzarote is the most easterly link in the Canary Islands chain. And is located around seventy miles off the west coast of Africa – relatively close to what was once, many years ago, the enclave of the Spanish Sahara.

As you would expect from an island located in such close proximity to Africa Lanzarote enjoys a very dry climate – characterised by exceptionally low rainfall. Allied with temperatures that don’t often drop much below 20c – whatever the time of year. Creating the perfect environment for a year round holiday destination.

The UK is Lanzarote´s largest market place and the island is especially popular with British tourists. Who take advantage of cheap flights to Lanzarote to flock to this small speck of Spain in serious numbers. This year alone for example over 800,000 British tourists are expected to enjoy a holiday on the island. Along with around 200,000 visitors from the Irish Republic.

Over the course of its history Lanzarote has enjoyed a number of unusual appellations. In Phoenician times, for example, lichen called Orchilla was grown in northern regions of the island. In areas such as Famara and Haria. From which these traders extracted a purple dye – earning Lanzarote the title of the Purple Island. Whilst in ancient times the island – along with the other Canary Islands – was thought to be part of the lost continent of Atlantis.

More recently Lanzarote has been known as one of the Fortunate Islands – thanks to the clement year round climate that has helped to make it such a popular holiday destination. Whilst today Lanzarote is probably most commonly referred to as the Island of Fire. Thanks to the volcanic eruptions of 1730-1736 – along with a later major eruption in 1824.

These eruptions actually increased the size of the island by around one quarter. And obviously caused widespread devastation at the time – as some of the most fertile farming land on the island was submerged beneath a sea of molten lava. Forcing many Lanzaroteños to emigrate abroad. Today however the volcanoes that caused this devastation are Lanzarote´s most popular tourist attraction. With the Timanfaya Volcano Park attracting over one million visitors every year.

Thanks to Manrique Lanzarote has a lot more to offer tourists than just water parks and golf courses alone – as is so often the case in other Spanish sunspots. And allied with great year round weather these factors have helped to encourage many visitors to invest in the Lanzarote property market. Enabling them to rent their villa or apartment out to tourists or enjoy it for their own holidays.

For great deals on Lanzarote hotels and Lanzarote property for sale visit the Lanzarote tourist information website.