Lanzarote

Holidays to Lanzarote introduce you to some of the best beaches in the Canary Islands, plus a landscape that’s like something from another planet.

First-class beaches

The Canary Island of Lanzarote has been in the business of sun, sea and sand breaks since the Seventies. In fact, as one of Europe’s first mainstream holiday destinations, it helped to invent the classic beach break. Take one look at this Spanish hotspot and you’ll see what made it the perfect prototype. The main resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Playa de los Pocillos, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca are hemmed by long ribbons of sand, and their shores are excellent for watersports.

Lunar landscapes

Away from the coast, Lanzarote’s landscape is unique. In fact, UNESCO has given the island World Biosphere Reserve status, in order to protect it. Stand among the silver mountain peaks and black rock formations in the island’s interior and you’d be forgiven for thinking you were on the surface of the moon. The landscape in Timanfaya National Park deserves a special mention. It’s pockmarked by the craters of more than a hundred volcanoes, known as the Fire Mountains.

The legacy of Cesar Manrique

You can’t visit Lanzarote without seeing at least one art installation by the famous artist, Cesar Manrique. The island is covered with his off-the-wall creations. Head to the Jameos del Agua, 20 minutes’ drive north from Costa Teguise, to explore the underground caves he converted into a chic bar and a concert hall.