Lanzarote (Spain)

Strikingly dramatic Lanzarote looks more like a lunar landscape than a sunny island basking in the warm Atlantic, just off the coast of North America. Still, the landscape softens considerably at the coast, where ochre coloured sands create a gentle barrier between land and sea, and a perfect environment from which to enjoy the clear, unpolluted blue waters, and well-managed resorts.

Beaches

Package holidays to Lanzarote generally make the modern, spic and span resorts of Puerto del Carmen or Costa Teguise their base. Both offer golden sandy beaches, enjoying a fantastic year round climate. Clustered around the coast, you'll see plenty of chances to enjoy a spot of water sports - whether windsurfing, scuba diving or simply paddling is your thing, Lanzarote won't disappoint. Unlike other Canary Islands, many of Lanzarote’s beaches are intimate coves and crescents, rather than desert-like and dune-dotted.  Many of the smaller beaches are very secluded, with some of the best only be reached by long walks. But, we promise, they're worth the effort.

Eating Out

Cuisine in Lanzarote is surprisingly eclectic. Naturally, in the large international resorts, you can enjoy a different nationality's dishes every night. But it would be a shame if you didn't enjoy some authentic Canarian cooking while you were here. The islands’ cuisine combines Spanish recipes with African and Latin American twists. Tapas (small plates of meat, cheeses and salads) are popular, and great with a cool beer. During the evening, seafood restaurants serve up deliciously simple, fresh plates of Sea bass (lubina), hake (merluza), swordfish (pez espada) often served with mojo sauce and papas arrugadas (‘wrinkled potatoes’, baked or boiled in their skins, and crisped up with sea salt. Wonderful). A reliable local speciality is sancocho, a fish stew or, for the adventuous, roasted rabbit.

Shopping

This beautiful island enjoys 'duty free' status, making cheap holidays to Lanzarote even better value. The malls and souvenir stalls of Puerto del Carmen feature delicate island crafts, striking jewellery and the island's signature, fiery mojo sauces. Arrecife, the island's engaging capital offers even more choice. International brands, the latest electronic gadgets and exotic-looking sculptures made from the island's volcanic rock offer thought-provoking gifts.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Lanzarote is wild and fun. If you want it to be, that is. That said, it's not as wild as Gran Canaria, so don't expect hoards of clubbers descending on your favourite local bar - it's not that kind of island! The busiest stretches are around Puerto del Carmen's 'Avenida de las Playas', with its garishly lit discos advertising their wares to an up-for-it young crowd. Arrecife has a more traditional range of after-dark options, including Flamenco shows and Spanish-flavoured discos. Costa Teguise is more family-friendly, with local and international singers performing at the larger hotels and waterfront bars.

Attractions and Activities

The César Manrique Foundation - the island’s undoubted cultural centre - is devoted to the works of the world famous island-based artist. Not to be outdone, the island itself has created some dramatic art of its own. The Timanfaya National Park is one of the best examples of a volcanic habitat anywhere, with geysers and geothermally heated rocks used to grill your steaks in the neighbouring restaurant. The result of a dramatic volcanic eruption 200 years ago, and now a popular location for filmmakers and photo-shoots, Timanfaya Natural Park explains this turbulent history  - the ground here is so hot, dry twigs thrown into cauldrons in the ground catch fire instantaneously! The longest Volcanic Tunnel in the world, the Atlantida Tunnel cuts into this lunar-like landscape for over 7 km and includes the La Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua, both of which are definitely worth exploring, as there's nowhere quite like them on Earth.