The Canary Islands are volcanic in origin and were created by the Canary hot spot. Today, Lanzarote is home to nearly 200,000 people and is considered one of the hottest vacation spots in the world. Millions of people per year visit the Canary Islands in search of a warm, tropical atmosphere. They are never disappointed in the luxury that awaits them.



Lanzarote, at 37 miles long and 12 miles wide, has much to offer visitors of all ages. Due to the location of the island and volcanic eruptions as recent as the 19th century, people often describe parts of the island as lunar.

Some say it gives them the feeling of being in another world. Families with small children find this an exciting way to teach their children about the planets and how each area of a planet can differ from others.

Some of Lanzarote's most stunning features are its naturally formed volcanic tunnels and caves. The longest and most famous volcanic tunnel in the world is Lanzarote's Atlantida Tunnel.

The Atlantida Tunnel is more than four miles long and includes La Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua.

La Cueva de los Verdes was created from the eruption of La Corona. In 1964, Jesus Soto, a master architect, designed lighting that would enhance the natural beauty of the caves. The gentle, ambient lighting is accentuated by the equally fitting music that accompanies it. Deep inside the cave, an auditorium has been created to offer music lovers an acoustically amazing concert venue.

Some of Lanzarote's beaches have darkly colored sand due to the island's volcanic origins. However, the island still has several beautiful white sand beaches.

Strictly enforced building regulations have helped maintain the beautiful beaches and landscapes on Lanzarote. The same regulations ensure that there are no annoying billboards or high-rise buildings.

The island's tallest building is the 17-story Grand Hotel in Arrecife. Because no other building is nearly as tall, the hotel offers spectacular views in every direction. The top floor is home to a restaurant overlooking the ocean and the city of Arrecife.

Resorts and hotels on Lanzarote are often booked months in advance. Around some of the most popular resorts, other accommodations are readily available but are also often booked months in advance.

Personally-owned villas, apartments and homes are self-catering accommodations that offer the tourist more privacy than most resorts and hotels.

Renting a personally-owned villa offers added flexibility for large families or groups. Some villa owners also understand the importance of taking the four-legged family members on vacation.

More hotels and resorts are becoming tolerant of pets every year, but some require the pet to be kenneled when the owner isn't with it. Personally-owned villas often include rentals that welcome the family pet.

Renting a personally-owned villa is just as simple as renting a hotel room.

Many villa owners advertise online. The owner probably will require a deposit, but it may not be as expensive as the deposit required by hotels or resorts.

Villas often offer a private pool, something that can be very important for families with small children.

Renting a villa also offers the choice of renting in a populated city with all the comforts of home or in a rural area with more privacy.

Renting a villa or apartment in a city leaves the option for a rental car to the vacationer's discretion. Supermarkets, shopping and other attractions are within walking distance from some villas.

However, renting a villa in a more rural setting may require the additional price of a rental car.