The landscapes of the volcanic island Lanzarote usually inspire one of two reactions. The arid and almost treeless expanses either delight visitors or put them off, depending on the individual’s taste. This is not that surprising, as the black swathes of lava and rusty coloured craters can be rather daunting.
Not least because they remind you just how powerful the forces of nature can be. And that there is little humans can do once a volcano blows its top, except not get in the way. Which is why thousands of local residents fled Lanzarote during 1730-36, when the catastrophic eruptions transformed this Atlantic island.
Today, the volcanoes form the most popular tourist attraction to be found on Lanzarote. The Timanfaya National Park gives visitors a close view of the craters and molten rock that were formed during this historic eruption. And also demonstrates that geothermal heat can be used to cook upon at the El Diablo restaurant.
Evidence of the volcanic influence can be found all over the island, with many buildings sporting walls made out of basalt stone. But that’s where the rough edges end, as the general aesthetic has lent a tropical air to the main resorts and the better quality Lanzarote hotels.
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