Can you imagine feeling like you’re on another planet without leaving Earth? In Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands, you can make that a reality. Its volcanic landscapes, arid and reddish, have led many to compare it to the planet Mars. In fact, the island has been the setting for numerous space missions and film shoots seeking to recreate the Martian surface. Today, on the FirstMinute Excursions and LastMinute Transfer blog, we talk about how to visit Mars in Lanzarote.

Mars in Lanzarote, an Island from Another Planet

Lanzarote is the result of intense volcanic activity that spanned millions of years. The island is formed by over 400 volcanoes, resulting in a unique and spectacular landscape. You’ll find fields of petrified lava, gigantic craters, multicolored mountains, and black sand beaches.

An Ideal Setting for Space Exploration

NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) have chosen Lanzarote on several occasions as a training ground for their astronauts. The reason is simple: the island’s landscapes closely resemble those found on Mars. Astronauts train in Lanzarote to familiarize themselves with Martian terrain and practice exploration techniques they will use in space missions.

Moreover, Lanzarote plays a significant role in education and outreach about space exploration. Numerous educational programs and outreach activities take place on the island, allowing students and the general public to learn more about Mars and the challenges of its exploration.

At the same time, Lanzarote’s similarities to Mars have also caught the attention of the film industry. The island has been the backdrop for numerous movies set on the red planet, such as “Mars” (2005), “Red Planet” (2000), and “Volcano” (1997).

If you’re looking for a different and surprising tourist destination, Lanzarote is an ideal choice. On the island, you can explore extraterrestrial landscapes, feel like an astronaut on a space mission, and discover the unique beauty of this volcanic place.