History of Lanzarote
In 1987 Lanzarote was declared one of the six universal models of sustainable development by the World Tourism Organization and in 1993 it was declared a Reserve of the Biosphere by UNESCO.
Lanzarote, including the small islands of La Graciosa, Alegranza, Montaña Clara, Roque del Este y del Oeste, covers 886 km² running 60 km north to south and only 20 km at its widest point.
Lanzarote is made up of seven municipalities: Arrecife (the capital), Teguise, Haría, San Bartolomé, Tías, Tinajo and Yaiza, with an official population of nearly 125.000 inhabitants, mostly residing in the south-central part of the island.
Amongst the most outstanding attractions are the Art, Culture and Tourist Centres run under the auspices of the Insular Council. The world famous artist César Manrique’s sensitive response to Lanzarote´s unique geography and people was instrumental in creating a pervasive artistic identity throughout the island.