The History Of Lanzarote

Lanzarote is one of the Canary Islands, an archipelago located off the northwest coast of Africa. The island itself is around 60km long (north to south) & 25km wide (west to east) with 213km of coast and beach's. It has a surface area of almost 900 sqkm. The history of Lanzarote is closely intertwined with the history of the Canary Islands as a whole. Here's a summary of its historical journey:

Ancient Times: The Canary Islands, including Lanzarote, were originally inhabited by an indigenous people known as the Guanches. These early inhabitants arrived on the islands around 2,000 BC and lived a relatively isolated existence. They had a unique culture and way of life, with their own language and customs.

European Discovery and Conquest: In the 14th century, European explorers, primarily from Spain and Portugal, began to venture into the Atlantic Ocean. In 1312, Lanzarote was officially visited by the Genoese explorer Lancelotto Malocello, who gave the island its name. However, it wasn't until the 15th century that the Spanish Crown showed significant interest in the Canary Islands.

In the early 1400s, a Norman knight named Jean de Béthencourt  sailed to Lanzarote. With the support of the Castilian crown, he established the first European settlement on the island. Over time, the Spanish gradually conquered the Guanche people and integrated the Canary Islands into the Kingdom of Castile.

Pirate Attacks and Turmoil: During the 16th and 17th centuries, Lanzarote faced frequent attacks from pirates and privateers. The island's strategic location along the Atlantic trade routes made it a target for plunder and slave raids. Pirates such as the infamous pirate John Hawkins targeted Lanzarote, causing significant devastation to the island's towns and economy.

Volcanic Eruptions and Economic Transformation: Lanzarote is characterized by its volcanic landscape, and the island experienced a series of devastating volcanic eruptions during the 18th and 19th centuries. The most significant eruption occurred between 1730 and 1736, known as the Timanfaya volcanic eruptions, which covered a large portion of the island with volcanic ash and lava.

However, the volcanic eruptions also had a transformative effect on the island. The resulting fertile soil, known as "lapilli," proved to be ideal for agriculture. Lanzarote's inhabitants developed an innovative method of cultivating the land by creating small, enclosed fields known as "jameos." These fields protected crops from the harsh winds and maximized water retention, allowing for the cultivation of crops such as vineyards, potatoes, and onions.

Modern Era and Tourism Development: In the 20th century, Lanzarote, like other Canary Islands, experienced significant economic growth through the development of tourism. The island's pleasant climate, beautiful beaches, and unique volcanic landscapes attracted tourists from around the world. Now, almost all of Lanzarote's finance now comes by way of tourism, from bars, restaurants, shops, go-karts, boat trips, sightseeing and of course hotels. Lanzarote has also been used as a perfect destination for many films.

In the 1960s, Lanzarote's most renowned artist, César Manrique, played a crucial role in shaping the island's development. Manrique promoted a concept of sustainable tourism that respected the natural environment and integrated architecture with the island's volcanic aesthetics. His influence led to the creation of several iconic attractions, such as the Jameos del Agua and the Cactus Garden.

Today, Lanzarote continues to be a popular tourist destination, offering a mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor activities and tourist attractions mentioned above. The island's unique history, combined with its stunning landscapes and vibrant communities, makes it a fascinating place to explore via land or sea.