Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Spain / Canary Islands - Canaries / Lanzarote
 |  | Destination Guide : Lanzarote |
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| | | Lunar landscapes |  | Why go on holiday to Lanzarote?
To be the closest you are likely to feel to the Man on the Moon. Lanzarote has a spectacular lunar landscape of lava fields and volcanic craters. It also has some excellent beaches - both golden and black - and year-round sunshine.
How much does it cost?
There are plenty of cheap deals to the island but as a guide price, a one week's self-catering package with flights costs from £350 in summer. Charter flights from £100.
When should I go?
The weather is hot all year round. Lanzarote is the driest of the Canary Islands - in fact it rains so rarely that all drinking water here is desalinated sea water. Temperatures often top 85F (30C) in summer and 75F (24C) in winter.
The Carnival takes place in February and March and Dia de San Gines on August 25 is another excuse for a party.
*Feeling inspired? Book a break to the Canaries.
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| | | Hot rocks |  | What should I do when I'm there?
As most tourists come here as part of a package holiday, you're likely to find yourself in one of the three main resort areas. By far the liveliest and brashest is Puerto del Carmen, while Costa Teguise is a bit more refined.
Playa Blanca is the quietest. All three are bursting with fish and chips restaurants and clubs holding wet T-shirt competitions and the like. But don't worry - there's lots of other stuff to do.
Like what?
One of the most popular excursions is to the Parque Nacional de Timanfaya in the south of the island. This eerie park is built around the Montanas del Fuego - a group of volcanoes which erupted in 1730 and were still belching out lava six years later!
In some places the pebbles on the ground are still hot and at a depth of only a few centimetres the temperature is 100 degrees. Timanfaya's lunar landscape is a favourite location for sci-fi films.
What are the beaches like?
On the whole not so good as on some of the other Canary Islands but, nevertheless, there are quite a few to choose from. They include Playa del Reducto in the capital and Arrecife, popular with divers.
Near El Golfo is a collection of black sand beaches. The best beach, Playa Blanca, has 3km of golden sand and lies just 6km away from the airport. The naff bars and clubs on the esplanade ruin it a bit and it tends to be crowded.
Any culture?
The Museo Internacional de Arte Contemporaneo in Arrecife is home to the most important collection of modern art in the Canaries and includes works by Miro, Millares, Oscar Dominguez and Lanzarote's most famous son, Cesar Manrique.
Manrique campaigned to keep traditional building methods and banned advertising billboards on roadsides. He was also responsible for projects across the island - including the Restaurante del Diablo, where food is cooked using subterranean heat.
Since his death in 1992 his house, Taro de Tahiche, with its basement rooms built in huge air bubbles, has been open to the public.
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| | | Bring home a bargain | | Where's good for nightlife?
Arrecife has a selection of clubs and bars including Disco Pub No Name on the Calle del 18 de Julio and a few more on Calle de Jose Antonio. Around Puerto del Carmen events like Miss Sexy Bum Elections take place in waterfront bars. You have been warned!
What's the food like?
Lots of fish such as swordfish and grouper. Papas arrugadas - baked new potatoes boiled in lots of sea salt and served with pepper and garlic sauce. Lanzarote wine is rated among the best in the Canaries - but it's an acquired taste.
What should I buy?
The best thing about shopping in the Canaries is that goods are virtually tax-free. There are a few shops in Arrecife - things to look out for include electrical goods, watches, perfume, tobacco, alcohol and denim.
Popular souvenirs include woodwork, basketware, embroidery, ceramics and cigars. There is a Sunday morning market in Teguise, which is worth a look.
What is there for children to do?
As well as beaches and caves, kids may enjoy the somewhat ridiculous bird show at the Tropical Park in Guinate. Camel rides are offered in the Parque Nacional de Timanfaya, but they often prove a bit scary for children, who may prefer just to watch.
Tourist office
Spanish National Tourist Office, 22-23 Manchester Square, London W1U 3PX. Tel. 020 7486 8077. Brochure line: 09063 640630 (60p per minute).
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| | Available rental properties in Lanzarote |
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| |  | | Frontline Luxury detached Villa with Private Pool
Privacy & Luxury, 150 metres from the beautiful coast and with panoramic sea views this villa is less than 1 year old. All mod cons e.g dishwasher, gas barbecue etc. Luxury Linen & Cleaning Included.
|  | | VILLA JASMIN
Luxury villa in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote with private heated swimming pool, mountain and sea views. Highest quality of fixtures and fittings. NOW WITH HOT TUB SPA.
|  | | Casa las Anclas
Casa las Anclas is situated in the heart of Playa Blanca, 50 metres from the promenade and less than two minutes walk from the nearest beach
|  | | CASA CANELA
Bright and Spacious Family and Friends Holiday Home.
The Private Heated Pool Has a Hydromassage Zone For Serious Relaxation.
|  | | Las Vistas Apartment
A superb one bedroom groundfloor apartment with a large terrace area and sea views located in a small quiet complex within walking distance of the beach and harbour.
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