Isle of Lanzarote - Weblog

The ironman competition on Lanzarote

The ironman competition on Lanzarote is a very well known triathlon event in a beautiful volcanic island vegetation.

With 180 km of biking, 3.8 km of swimming and 42.2 km of running it is one of the world´s hardest triathlon competitions. The winners (totally 60 qualifiying slots) will automatically qualify for the most famous ironman competition in Kona, Hawaii.

Its similar conditions (Lanzarote island is often called “the Hawaii of Europe”) make it an ideal competition experience on each professional´s way to the World´s number one event in the States.

Also, Lanzarote government and sports associations made it one of the best organized triathlon competitions of the world - especially for the athletes and the members of the race headquarters they created a base with state-of-the-art sports and accomodation facilities. These facilities are located in the club “La Santa”, which is one of the leading sports and leisure complex areas on our planet.

Every year 1,200 participants are taking part in this big event which is also live-covered by many TV- and radio-broadcasters throughout the world.

A journey to the hinterland of Lanzarote is recommended to everyone who wants to try out the canary cuisine. Where little restaurants serve typical stews and braising pans you will find the original canary taste.
Rule of thumb:
Where many locals come together, the meal cannot be bad.

For example in Arrieta, El Golfo or Orzola good fish restaurants can be found, as well as in the old downtown of Puerto del Carmen in Playa Blanca.

Staying power is one of the characteristics of Lanzarote. Than in the 18th century, the Timanfaya volcano spewed ash and lava for six years and a third of the fertile ground was buried under, which along the time formed the nowadays so bizarre landscape of the island.

Instead of pausing in despair, the indigenous people got creative and invented the dry cultivation of the fields, what has given a new face to the winegrowing area La Geria.

Another creative vein of the indigenous people are the splendid street paintings and carpets of flowers, sand and coloured salts finding place to celebrate Corpus Christi.
The artists start already weeks before with the work; during a church parade it is destroyed within minutes.

Another important celebration on the Canary Islands is the carnival, which is celebrated for weeks with salsa music and effortful outfits.

In honor of the patron saints, church parades and traditional celebrations are held, which end with lively get-together, music and good meal .

The architect and artist César Manrique which left pieces of evidence of his work everywhere like the residential building which houses the Fundaciòn César Manrique today was extremely formative for the island and its conception. Another masterpiece by the artist is the unusual volcano restaurant El Diabolo.

Lanzarote, a black beauty, an island where the earth has spat its innermost to the outside, a place with a magic charm for tourists who want to know an exotic landscape.

For most Germans the isle is part of the attainable aim to escape from the cold, grey winter.

In only four hours of flight from the center of Europe you can reach the islands of the never-ending spring – the Canary Islands.

An Eldorado for surfers and those who like long sand beaches is called Fuerteventura, while lovers of a lively night-life shall book their holidays in Gran Canaria or Tenerife.

The ones among you who want to discover a bizarre and charming landscape shall visit Lanzarote.

Lanzarote is situated 1000 kilometers from the Spanish mainland and owes her worldwide good reputation beside the climate and nature to the star architect and artist César Manrique.

As architect and artist it has protected her natural beauty and particularly its volcanic composition. He combined art, architecture, tradition and nature, this is one example why tourism and environmental protection do not have to be a contrast.

Lanzarote, the volcano island which is occupied with over 300 volcanic cones, got famous as a typical tourist destination.

This beautiful little piece of earth has to offer a lot more than only tourist attractions, if you explore the isle you can get to know its charm.

Lanzarote offers a big choice of activities for everyone, like wonderful beaches for a relaxing holiday under the sun, the fascinating beauty of nature for who likes to explore the bizarre lava formations, rocks and landscapes and many historic buildings and museums.

With 795 km ² Lanzarote is the fourth biggest Canary Island after Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura. Lanzarote is less green the the more western Canary islands because of its drought.

The Isle of Lanzarote impresses the visitors with its contrast of rude rocks and cliffs and the deep blue colour of the Atlantic Ocean.

The countryside of Lanzarote radiates quiet and inspiration while in the main tourist resorts rules the eventful life. For example in the capital Arrecife and in the touristic stronghold Playa del Carmen the visitor can enjoy a lively nightlife and lots of shopping possibilities and restaurants.

The famous artist Cesar Manrique is mainly responsible that tourism has not influenced too much on the landscape of Lanzarote. One can almost admire everywhere his creation, which is combining nature and tradition with art and architecture.