There is no room here for a detailed history, suffice to say it is the usual tale of "discovery" by Europeans in the 14th century, conquest, near extermination of the aboriginal inhabitants (the Majos), by settlement, impoverishment and enslavement.

• known to the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans
• rediscovered in 1312 by Genoese navigator, Lancelotto Malocello
• conquered on behalf of King Henry III of Castille by Norman privateers, Juan de Bethencourt and Gadifer de la Salle in 1402
• attacked many times by pirates in the 16th to 18th centuries, among them Sir Walter Raleigh
• catastrophic volcanic eruptions in the 1730s
• 19th and 20th centuries saw emigration to South America, Cuba and the USA, (particularly Louisiana and Florida)
• since the 1960s, tourism has brought prosperity, aided by the work of César Manrique

Despite being so close to the Sahara, Lanzarote enjoys a mild sub-tropical climate, with low rainfall and warm temperatures. Ths is because the Canary current, driven by the north-easterly Trade Winds, brings in cooler water from further north in the Atlanic Ocean. However, when the wind comes from the east, over the Sahara Desert, scorching temperatures and dust storms known as la Calima, can result. The north of the island is slightly windier and wetter than the south, where some resorts enjoy over 2,500 hours of sunshine per year. The weather data for the airport by month for 2015 shows that the winter months of December to March are slighly wetter and cooler. However, the data also highlights the uncharacteristic weather in October, when rainstorms caused flash floods.

Personally, I have experienced la Calima (not pleasant) and I have also seen flurries of snow in January.

The island of Lanzarote is of volcanic origin, but in the early 18th century it was a quiet, agricultural community. All this changed in 1730, when a series of volcanic eruptions began, which lasted until 6th April 1736. No-one was reported killed, but the most fertile land in the south, along with many villages were obliterated by lava flows and over 100 cones. Elsewhere on the island 32 new volcanoes were formed.

Father Andrés Lorenzo Curbelo, parish priest of Yaiza "On the first day of September, 1730 between nine and ten o'clock at night, the earth suddenly opened near Timanfaya, two miles from Yaiza. An enormous mountain emerged from the ground with flames coming from its summit. It continued burning for 19 days. Some days later, a new abyss developed and an avalanche of lava rushed down over Timanfaya, Rodeo and part of Mancha Blanca. The lava extended over to the northern areas to begin with, running as fast as water, though it soon slowed down and ran like honey."

This devastation caused much suffering and poverty among the inhabitants and was one of the drivers of emigration to the New World.

Much of the affected area is now part of the Timanfaya National Park and the Los Volcanes Natural Park. There is still evidence of geothermal activity and the landscape looks almost as it did in the 1730s.

Things to do at Timanfaya

• be amazed by the views of the Montañas del Fuego
• take a guided tour by bus, on foot or for the brave, by camel
• watch the displays of geothermal activity
• enjoy barbequed chicken cooked over a volcano in the "El Diabolo" restaurant
• admire the Manrique-designed visitor centre

Traditional cookery in Lanzarote is based on fish and stews containing whatever meat and vegetables are available. Flavour is added with spicy sauces (mojos). Gofio, toasted maize flour, is a staple and nutritious ingredient used to make dough and porridge, and to thicken stews.

A classic recipe is Papas Arrugadas con Mojo Picón

Ingredients

• 2 ½ lbs (1.25 kg) small potatoes
• 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt
• 1 garlic bulb, chopped
• 3 chilli peppers chopped with seeds removed
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp paprika
• 3 tsp wine vinegar
• up to 10 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp breadcrumbs

• Wash potatoes well and remove any “eyes”.
• Add potatoes to a large pan and just cover with salted water. Boil for 15-20 minutes until softened.
• Remove from heat and drain. Return pot with potatoes to the stove and let the steam evaporate until a layer of salt forms on the dry skins.
• Using a blender, crush the garlic, cumin, chillies, paprika and vinegar.
• Slowly add the oil to make a paste.
• Thicken with breadcrumbs and season with salt.

One of the few benefits of the catastrophic volcanic eruptions was the creation of a soil, that with the addition of human ingenuity, is ideal for growing wine grapes. In the valley of La Geria, vines are grown in individual miniature craters, protected from the prevailing winds. The black gravel absorbs condensation and rain like a sponge, releasing moisture slowly thus helping to keep the roots cool. The most common grape variety is Malvasia, the sweet wine from which was known as "malmsey". Today a wide variety of wines are produced and can be purchased from the bodega where they are made. The oldest bodega dates back to 1775.

A selection of the many sites giving further information about Lanzarote. Visit these sites at your own risk! They will open in a new tab.

• Detailed weather forecast
• Lanzarote Tourist Board

• Lanzarote Guidebook - current info on where to go and what to see

• Fundación César Manrique