We are pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Anne-Marie, a member of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook. Anne-Marie is from Belgium, and submitted the following report about Lanzarote. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Solo travel rating: 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Languages spoken: Spanish, English
En route to Parque Nacional de Timanfaya – Lanzarote
Reasons to go: Wanna go moonwalking? Lanzarote is your scene!
Lanzarote is an island off the northwest coast of Africa. It’s the ideal destination for those who lack all sense of orientation: with its 31 by 12.5 miles (58 by 20 km) you’re never far off from your goal.
Lanzarote is part of the Canary Islands. This Spanish archipelago is volcanic in origin but the climate on the easternmost island is the sunniest and driest, therefore vegetation is much scarcer than on neighboring isles.
North of the wineroute La Geria (the Drink) a bizarre landscape stretches out like a perfect backdrop for staging a moon landing. During six years of volcanic eruptions in the 18th century, lava covered part of the island which is now designated Timanfaya National Park.
Since no private transport is admitted inside the park, a coach takes visitors on a 6 mile (10 km) loop to the Montañas del Fuego, the highest point, and back to the Islote de Hilario. This is the hottest spot, with temperatures of 284°F (140°C) only 4” (10 cm) under the surface. Park attendants demonstrate the effect of this source of energy by pouring cold water into a hollow pipe. Within seconds sizzling hot water spouts out of the ground, like a geyser eruption.
Visitors who become fascinated by these desolate surroundings can learn more about volcanism and even experience a simulation of an eruption in the partly underground Interpretation and Visitors’ Centre (Centro de Visitantes e Interpretación), located at the park boundaries.
Houston, we have touchdown.
First small shrubs appear nearly three centuries after a volcanic eruption.
Mother earth serves hot water.
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 2 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 1 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)