Visit Lanzarote

Sharing its volcanic beginnings with other islands in the group, Lanzarote's 'lunar' landscape is so fantastic it actually featured as the setting for the Hollywood blockbuster, 'Planet of the Apes'. Despite this arid 'Martian like' interior, Lanzarote is is, for the most part, an orderly garden of whitewashed villages, compact low-rise resorts, stunning palm tree adorned coasts and neatly packaged visitor attractions.

Image Gallery Lanzarote © www.lanzarotetourist.com Its turquoise blue waters stand out against beaches of dark volcanic ash but there are also beautiful stretches of dazzling white sand throughout the island and the pleasant, mild climate makes this the perfect all year-round holiday destination.

Eating & Drinking

The Costa Teguise area offers a wide choice of restaurants, pizzerias and bars in and around Pueblo Marinero (resort centre) whilst visitors to Puerto del Carmen should head to the old fishing port for a range of tempting restaurants and tapas bars - although there is a huge range of alternatives spread throughout the island.

There is also no shortage of nightlife in Lanzarote although some are certainly quiter than others. Puerto del Carmen is the undisputed holder of the 'liveliest resort' title and has a wide choice of discos and cocktail bars.

Entertainment

La Santa beach is the perfect choice of resort if you enjoy windsurfing and the nearby rocky beaches are perfect for more experienced surfers. Scuba diving, deep sea diving and various other water sports are also on offer. There is also an 18-hole golf course at Costa Teguise.

Covering the island by car is a great way to find some of the less commercial beauty spots and perhaps even uncover a few hideaways. Take a trip to the Fire Mountains to witness volcanic action among the craters and lava fields. If you're not in any hurry to cover the entire island, the gently rolling terrain in Lanzarote means it's also suitable for cycling. For the energetic visitor there are several rocky hillsides, ripe for keen hikers and hill walkers.

Alternatively, if a bit of retail therapy is as active as you like to get on holiday then hit the shops at Arrecife and Costa Teguise, on the south west coast. There is also a regular Sunday market in Villa de Teguise, which is a great place to pick up various arts and crafts.

Holidaymakers looking for a spot of culture can visit the International Museum of Contemporary Art in Arrecife.

The surrounding area

A system of volcanic caves extending some three miles to the ocean, the Cueva De Los Verdes, is well worth a visit and it is recommended that you stop at the cavern that is used as a restaurant and bar which often provides evening entertainment and the occasional concert.

The landscape of Timanfaya is also fascinating to discover. In fact, so unworldly is the scenery that many Hollywood blockbusters, such as 'Planet of the Apes' and 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth' were filmed here

Visitors can also take a ferry to Fuerteventura from Playa Blanca, which makes an enjoyable day trip.