Lanzarote, a Canary Island that stayed out of the tourist spotlight until the 1970s, has a rich history and a way of life once defined by simplicity and ingenuity. Before beaches and hotels dominated the landscape, Lanzarote was mainly a farming and fishing community, where everyone found their own clever ways to make the most of the island’s arid yet surprisingly fertile environment.
Want to share your experiences or ask questions about Lanzarote? Join our Facebook group dedicated to the island and connect with other passionate travellers. Click here to join the group!
Innovative Farming on Volcanic Land
On Lanzarote, farming had to adapt to a particularly arid environment and soil made up mostly of volcanic ash, the result of the historic eruptions that shaped the island’s landscape. Yet, despite appearances, volcanic soil is extremely fertile and offers good growing conditions – as long as you know how to manage the lack of water.
The Enarenado Technique
Lanzarote’s main farming innovation is the enarenado technique, which uses rofe or picón – a porous volcanic gravel that captures and holds moisture from the air, especially mist and night-time dew. The method was perfected after the devastating eruptions of the 18th century. Farmers noticed that plants grew back vigorously in the ash-covered areas, a phenomenon that inspired this revolutionary farming technique.
The most common crops grown this way are vines and vegetables. The vines in particular are planted in large pits dug into the picón, protected by low stone walls that shelter each plant from strong winds and scorching sun while concentrating the moisture it needs. This unique way of farming isn’t just suited to Lanzarote’s climate – it also produces distinctive wines that are highly prized locally and internationally.
Dromedaries in Farming
Historically, dromedaries were an integral part of farming on Lanzarote, used to plough fields and carry goods and harvests across the island’s difficult terrain. This made it possible to farm the land effectively despite the challenges of the arid climate and volcanic ground.
With the rise of tourism, however, the role of dromedaries changed. Today, these animals are mainly used for tourist rides, a practice often criticised because of animal welfare concerns. This shift marks a significant change in how the island uses its natural and cultural resources – from a practical role to a recreational one which, while preserving a certain traditional image, raises important ethical questions.
Fishing and the Arrecife Sardine Factory
Historically, Arrecife was home to Spain’s most important fishing port, thanks to fishing agreements with Morocco that gave access to the rich fishing grounds near the Saharan bank. These agreements broke down in the early 1990s, however, leading to a significant decline in activity at the port. The number of tuna boats fell dramatically, forcing the remaining vessels to travel as far as Madeira to fill their quotas.
Charco de San Ginés and the Small Boats
The Charco de San Ginés in Arrecife has always been a refuge for small fishing boats, or “chalanas”. Used mainly for local fishing, these boats symbolise the continuity of seafaring traditions, although their commercial use is limited today.
Punta Mujeres and the Fishing Campaigns
Punta Mujeres (“Women’s Point”), known for its long fishing campaigns, owes its name to the fact that only the women stayed in the village while the men went fishing for up to four months off the Western Sahara. This way of life left a deep mark on the community, creating a unique dynamic in which the village was run mostly by women during those periods.
Architecture and Adaptation
Lanzarote’s architecture reflected the ingenuity of its people and how they adapted to their unique, arid environment. Houses were built mainly from local materials such as volcanic stone, which was not only plentiful on the island but also provided excellent insulation against the intense heat of the sun. The stones were often laid without mortar, using traditional building techniques handed down through the generations.
House fronts were traditionally whitewashed with lime – an aesthetic choice, but above all a practical one. The lime reflected sunlight, helping keep the interiors cool.
The roofs are always flat, a distinctive feature suited to the island’s low rainfall. This design also made it possible to collect the rare rainwater and channel it into cisterns, making the most of limited natural resources. Around the houses, low dry-stone walls protected gardens and farmland from the sometimes fierce winds.
This simple architecture, perfectly suited to its surroundings, shows the deep bond between the people of Lanzarote and their land. Despite harsh natural conditions, they created a way of life that not only met their needs but enriched their daily lives, all while staying in harmony with Lanzarote’s spectacular volcanic landscape.
Traditions and Community Life
Lanzarote’s culture and traditions, rooted in a farming and seafaring past, played a central role in islanders’ daily lives before tourism arrived. These traditions weren’t just a way of keeping the island’s cultural heritage alive – they were also essential to social cohesion in small rural communities.
Religious Festivals
Religious festivals were especially important. One of the main celebrations was the Virgen de los Dolores (“Our Lady of Sorrows”), the island’s patron saint. On that day, people from all over the island took part in a procession in her honour, often in traditional dress. The celebration was also a chance to ask for protection from volcanic eruptions, an ever-present danger on this volcanic island. You can watch a video of us at the Dolores celebration by clicking here.
Local Markets
Weekly markets were another pillar of traditional life on Lanzarote. They were where people from different villages met, swapping not only farm produce and fish, but also news and services. The markets were full of singing, traditional Canarian music and often folk dancing, which helped pass the island’s culture down the generations. I’ve listed the island’s markets – you can find them by clicking here.
Crafts
Crafts also played a crucial role in preserving local customs. Weaving, pottery and embroidery were highly valued skills, often passed from parents to children. These handmade items weren’t only used in daily life but were also sold or traded at markets, supporting the local economy.
Food
Finally, Lanzarote’s food reflected the island’s farming and seafaring traditions. Dishes were simple but tasty, often made with seafood, locally grown vegetables and gofio, a toasted flour typical of the Canary Islands. Festivals and market days often came with traditional dishes that strengthened the sense of community and pride in local culinary traditions. If you’d like to find out more about Canarian food, click here.
These traditions aren’t just relics of the past – they still shape life on the island today, a testament to the richness of its cultural heritage and its people’s ability to hold on to their unique identity in the face of modernity and growing tourism.
Conclusion:
Before tourism redefined its economy and landscape, Lanzarote was an island of hard work and innovation, where people had learned to make the most of a tough environment. Today, although the island has changed, traces of that past remain, offering a fascinating glimpse into the resilience and adaptability of its people.
Lanzarote is now a popular destination whose charm keeps drawing visitors from all over the world. Aware of the impact of mass tourism, I’ve carefully selected small-group activities that respect the essence and traditions of Lanzarote. These unique experiences are designed for people who want to discover the island in a more intimate, authentic way. To explore these activities and maybe find your next adventure, click here.