Lanzarote

Like the rest of the Canaries, Lanzarote is a volcanic island, and eruptions long past have helped give it a landscape which is almost lunar in parts. In contrast, it is home to some beautiful white and golden-sanded beaches, which offer excellent conditions for watersports.

The perfect island holiday

Lanzarote’s perfect if you want a relaxed holiday spent cycling, walking, surfing or sampling the local wines. Thanks to the influence of artist and architect César Manrique, the landscape is relatively unspoiled - planning regulations mean there’s no billboard advertising and very few high-rise buildings.

Top 5 Lanzarote points of interest

  1. Cave of Los Verdes - This impressive sight is part of the Atlantida underground cave system which was formed 3,000 years ago during the eruptions of the Corona Volcano. The cave is more than 15 metres wide and 15 metres high, and the lowest part is used occasionally as a concert hall
  2. Castillo de San Jose - Built in 1799, the castle now houses a modern art gallery and a restaurant
  3. Lanzarote Aquarium - Home to hundreds of marine species, including tropical fish, fish native to the Canary Islands and stingrays. You can also dive with sharks inside the main tank
  4. The Cactus Garden - Home to more than 1,000 species of cactus – there’s also a restored windmill and some metal sculptures
  5. Lanzarote Wine Museum - Take a tour of the buildings and the vineyards before settling down for a tasting

Top 5 Lanzarote beaches

  1. Puerto del Carmen - The main beach is known as Playa Grande. At the smaller one, Playa Chica, you can take diving lessons, hire jet-skis and go parasailing or snorkelling
  2. Playa Blanca - The beautiful golden-sanded beaches at this popular tourist resort are perfect for relaxing on with the family. There’s also a small beach within the centre of the town itself
  3. Famara - The area is world-famous for its surf and attracts hundreds of adventure-seeking surfers every year
  4. Costa Teguise - The main beach here, Las Cucharas, is one of the world’s best windsurfing spots and has hosted the Windsurf World Cup
  5. Arrecife - The El Reducto beach is lined with palm trees and a number of bars where you can have a coffee, a cocktail or a beer