The climate of Puerto del Carmen corresponds to the desert-like appearance of the island due to the low rainfall, which falls here only during the winter months. In addition, the small island of Graciosa is located one kilometer from Lanzarote.
The coastline of Lanzarote is 80% rocky, only 10 kilometers of coastline is occupied by sandy beaches. It is also home to the world's largest underwater tunnel, the "Tunnel of Atlantis", which is part of the Cueva de los Verdes.
Lanzarote has a cooler climate than the western islands of the Canary Archipelago, as it is blown by the northeast trade winds. The wind shapes the weather patterns of the island. The southern resort areas are protected from the wind by volcanic cones. In turn, due to the dry climate, the local population perceives rain as a very happy event. As the rain pours, people dance and run through the puddles.
Puerto del Carmen has no rainy season at all. During the winter months, there may be 3-4 days of rain here. However, sometimes the African wind Hamadan drives clouds of sand across the island. The "desert storm" occurs on average 5 times a year.
Puerto del Carmen's vegetation and animal life
The island's plant life is relatively modest due to the climate and soil characteristics. In particular, locals found its fertile layer hidden under a thick layer of ash after volcanic eruptions.
Because of this, farmers plant vines and other plants in well pits, framing them in a circle with walls of lava pieces to collect dew and protect them from the wind. Such lava fields look very colorful against lunar landscapes. La Geria vineyards in Lanzarote's Denominación de Origen wine region are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Around 500 species of plants on the island, including 17 endemics, have adapted to the constant water shortage. Succulents, Canary date palms, pines, ferns, laurel and wild olive trees are common. After the winter precipitation from February to March, the vegetation on the island comes to life and even the lunar areas are filled with blooming green oases. There are 180 different species of fungi and lichens on the island alone!
The fauna of the fiery island is represented by the Canarian lizards Gallotia, bats and other mammals. The population used to use camels for agriculture, but today they transport tourists. The island is also home to several species of vertebrates, including birds (falcons), reptiles and blind crabs Munidopsis polymorpha. The crabs were first discovered in the lagoon and caves of Jameos del Agua Lanzarote. The island is also home to one of the two surviving populations of the endangered Canary Egyptian vulture.
The island has been designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve and protected area.
