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Tourism in lanzarote: Inicio » Turismo Lanzarote

Опубликовано: June 29, 2022 в 11:12 am

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Категории: Miscellaneous

Responsible tourism in Lanzarote

Responsible tourism in Lanzarote

TRAVEL RIGHT IN LANZAROTE

To really understand responsible tourism in Lanzarote, there are few more important gurus to touch base with than Csar Manrique. He was a local visionary artist and architect, who worked closely with local authorities throughout the late 20th century to prevent his homeland from resort ruination. Tragically he died in 1992, but his work lives on and can be seen and read about throughout the island. Manriques statue El Diablo, the symbol of Lanzarotes National Park of Timanfaya, is like a reminder that all of us now need to keep the badness at bay. Dont let the devils of development do their worst. Dont let the water run out. And let the great creatures that love these waters as much as we do, swim free.

Wildlife & environment

WATER ON THE BRAIN

Say no to captive dolphins

Lanzarote has four captive dolphins, only introduced in 2017, in spite of a growing worldwide movement to put a stop to the captivity of sea mammals. Tourists can interact with captive dolphins and sea lions all in the name of education, apparently at over 100 a go.

At Responsible Travel, we are totally opposed to the use of animals for entertainment purposes. See our campaign against captive orcas for more details of our stance on this, about the harm that it causes to mammals, and how there are so many alternative ways to see these beautiful creatures in the wild. Thankfully, many tourists are now aware of the impacts, and indeed some vacation companies are removing such parks from excursion lists. We encourage our responsible travelers to do the same.

What you can do
Go and see dolphins in the wild. There are several companies offering trips off Lanzarote. Various species of dolphins and whales can be seen throughout the year, and not too far from shore. Make sure that you use a company that has a responsible tourism policy of some sort and respects international guidelines on responsible dolphin or whale watching. Take a look at our Dolphin watching travel guide and our Whale watching travel guide for more details.

Tap into the water issue

Water is a big issue in Lanzarote, although when you see some resorts with their large swimming pools you would be forgiven for not realising. But it is important to realise that this is an arid island, not far from the Sahara. There is not a lot of rain – that is one of Lanzarotes big selling points after all. The remote location combined with its volcanic geology means that Lanzarotes water resources have to be carefully monitored at all times and most of it is desalinated sea water. This process also takes a lot of energy. So, when you see a sign asking you to be really careful about water usage, they mean it. We can enjoy these all year round gorgeous temperatures, but the impacts on water resources can be serious.

What you can do
All common sense, really. Dont shower three times a day, dont insist on your bed linen and towels being washed all the time, dont leave the tap running when you brush your teeth, and seek out places to stay that are environmentally aware, with smaller pools and an ethos that encourages you to use the much bigger, natural pool nearby: the Atlantic Ocean.

People & culture

ALL INCLUSIVE RESORTS

At Responsible Travel we feel that the nickname Lanzagrotty is an unfair one. However, when you examine the negative impacts of all inclusive resorts and some stretches of overdevelopment along parts of the south coast, you can soon see the grottier side to tourism. And by grotty, we mean tourism that doesnt value local community, the local economy or local culture. Where wrist bands mean more than doing the right thing. When profits and packing in the crowds overlook local culture and natural heritage.

What to do
Quite simply dont do the all inclusive resort thing. Stay local, eat local, play local. You will also have a more enriching experience of this island. Oh, and drink local too. Lanzarote wine is grown in a unique way and tastes wonderful. And spread the word among friends on social media that this island is about so much more than all inclusive.

Responsible tourism tips

TRAVEL BETTER IN LANZAROTE

Be aware that Lanzarote is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, thanks to its unique landscape made up of 300 volcanoes. So be extra careful and leave absolutely no trace when you go hiking or biking.

Electric car rental should be easier on an island like this, but sadly there are not enough quick charging stations. However, our fabulous vacation supplier, Lanzarote Retreats, has its own charging points for electric cars that they have on site for guests use.

Cruise ships are an issue on Lanzarote, with some of the giant, floating hotels doing their irresponsible bit throughout the Canary Islands. We recommend small ship options instead.

There is plenty of solar and wind power on the Canary Islands, and yet few of them use it as a main source of energy. Seek out eco accommodations that have the sense to go renewable, in a landscape where such resources are plentiful.

Please dont pick wildflowers or lichen. Some of them have spent hundreds of years fighting to emerge again through the volcanic soil, so best leave them to continue their journey in peace.

Please learn some Spanish and dont presume that because tourism is everywhere, so is English. Gracias and buenos das, or a por favor when you can, helps a bit. But be brave and try a few more phrases, or take a course before you go.

Photo credits: [Manrique’s ‘El Diablo’: Paul Stephenson]
[Swimming with dolphins: Alicatsouth]
[All inclusive resort: Terry Whalebone]

Written by Catherine Mack

Lanzarote Tourism – Hotel Reservations and tourist attractions

Lanzarote is far from falling short of the natural diversity, beauty and uniqueness shared by all the other islands belonging to the Canary Islands Archipelago. The island in itself is a declared UNESCO biosphere reserve, which is a pretty powerful incentive for tourists in search of unspoiled nature. Yet, this is not the only asset with which Lanzarote takes pride in.

On the contrary, a great deal of visitors believe that the efficient tourist formula of Lanzarote comes down to a combination of beaches and sun. Indeed, idleness seems to be one of the best ways of spending time in Lanzarote – further enabled by the beach bars, coffee shops and eating venues – but thorough tourists should be aware of the fact that the island is much more than that.

Short History of Lanzarote

The famed volcanic eruption in the 18th century obliterated much of the historic remnants in Lanzarote. Yet, the historic past of the island is not to be disregarded. Lanzarote is said to have been the first island of the Canary Islands Archipelago which was inhabited by man, and there are plenty of references made to this island praising the beauty and the fertility of the place. Herodotus, Plato, Plutarch and Pliny the Elder made such records, and the fact that Lanzarote was alternately visited and dominated by Phoenicians, Romans, Moors and, finally, Spain, proves that the place has been able, all this time, to draw the attention and the interest of such powers.

Accommodation in Lanzarote

Most of the cities, towns and villages in Lanzarote have developed into successful resorts, since the main economic activity of the island is represented by tourism. By consequence, accommodation solutions are to be found throughout the island. Beachfront hotels are the most popular among tourists, since they offer great views and are in the close proximity of beaches. As a curiosity, Arrecife, the capital city of Lanzarote, has the tallest hotel on the entire island, so one should expect the view not to fall short of the money paid for accommodation.

Canarian traditional cuisine in Lanzarote

Just as any of the Canary Islands, the gastronomic display of Lanzarote ranges from the ever present traditional Spanish cuisine – tortilla, tapas, paella, kebab – to international cuisine, of which the best represented is English food, given the historic and tourist relations between all of the Canary Islands and England. However, specific Canarian dishes are extremely high thought of by locals and tourists alike. So, the wrinkly potatoes (papas arrugadas) possibly dipped in mojo belong to the must-try category, along with the many pastry specialties made from gofio.

Tourist Attractions and Objectives in Lanzarote

The Canary Cetacean Museum, the Ethnographic Museum Tanit, the El Grifo Wine Museum and the Museum of Canarian Emigrants open the tourist objectives picture of Lanzarote, and they are paralleled by the Cesar Manrique Foundation and by the Museum of Contemporary Art. The Monument of the Farmer and El Morador del Rio complement the attractions which appeared as a result of the work of man. Yet, the natural objectives the island is replete with must be ticked off, the most notable being the Water Caverns (Los Jameos del Agua), the Green Caves of Lanzarote (Cueva de los Verdes) and El Golfo (located nearby the homonymous village).

Events and Festivals of Lanzarote

The year starts off with two major carnivals, namely, the Arrecife Carnival and the Puerto del Carmen Carnival. The International Jazz Festival, which is an event hosted by the entire archipelago, is also held in Lanzarote. Ironman Lanzarote and the National Day Festival are the most notable secular events. But one should not forget that Lanzarote, just as all the other Canary Islands and the entire Spain, in fact, has a pretty eventful calendar bristling with religious manifestations.

Hotels in Lanzarote

Oceano

El Molino de Guatiza

Marconfort Atlantic Gardens

Sun Island

Fariones

Residencia Cardona

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Residences in Lanzarote

Apartments Aloe

Bitacora

Apartments Aguazul

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Campings in Lanzarote

Finca de las Salinas

Caserio de Mozaga Rural

Villa Canaima

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Lanzarote is leading the way of sustainable tourism in Canary Islands

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Lanzarote is a unique destination full of contrasts and surprises, where people live in harmony with nature. Devastating volcanic forces from the 18th and 19th centuries have shaped the island of Lanzarote in its magnificent beauty as we see it today. With dramatic volcanic peaks, craters, and lava rock rivers on one side and white-sanded beaches with crystal-clear waters on the other, Lanzarote will make you want to stay longer.

Did you know, Lanzarote has such a unique landscape that back in 1993, UNESCO declared the island a Biosphere Reserve? The objective of a Biosphere Reserve is to preserve and generate natural and cultural values of a place through thoughtful use of resources, respect for the local society, and overall sustainable development.

The sustainable tourism vision of Lanzarote island

Canary Green met with Héctor Fernández Manchado, the CEO of Turismo Lanzarote, to get more insights on the vision of sustainable tourism in the Canary Islands and the success of Lanzarote. Héctor explains:

“Even though sustainability is a trending topic nowadays, Lanzarote sustainability vision actually started more than 50 years ago when hardly anyone was talking about sustainable development linked to tourism. At the time, we were lucky to have president of the Cabildo de Lanzarote, José Ramírez Cerdá, and artist César Manrique leading the way. They had the vision to limit tourism activity to safeguard the cultural heritage of the island.”

“This vision is still the foundation of what we are doing as an organization and as a community here in Lanzarote. Turismo Lanzarote aims to promote sustainable, slow tourism on Lanzarote island, encourage local businesses to be more sustainable as well as urge Lanzarote holidaymakers to approach nature with care, respect, and stay informed. Leave a minimal impact.”

Héctor Fernández Manchado

CEO of Turismo Lanzarote