"From the vivid shapes of its lunar-like landscape to the traditional charm of its whitewashed towns, Lanzarote is an island of contrasts boasting glorious golden beaches and an excellent sunshine record."

Bathed in year round sunshine and boasting glorious beaches, Lanzarote is considered by many to be the most beautiful of the Canaries. Swirling multi-coloured rock strata, soaring purple volcanic peaks and jet black solidified lava streams punctuate Lanzarote's stark, moon-like landscape giving it a hauntingly beautiful, otherworldly magnificence.

Beaches
Whether you want to relax on soft sands and soak up the sun or enjoy some superb watersports, Lanzarote plays host to some of the Canaries' best beaches. Puerto del Carmen boasts a 5km stretch of fine, golden sand while quiet beaches can be found in Playa de los Pocillos and Matagorda. There are a number of scuba-diving schools, especially at Costa Teguise, and windsurfing is also particularly popular. Of course, if all you want is the occasional cooling dip, the clear turquoise waters are sure to tempt you from your sunbed. For those seeking an all over tan, head for the almost deserted coves around the famous Papagayo peninsula, just around the headland from the sandy beaches of Playa Blanca.

Shopping
Every Sunday, the whitewashed town of Teguise hosts a vibrant market. Its cobbled streets come to life as traders set up stalls and people flock from across the island to shop for bargains. From table cloths to ceramics, there's plenty to choose from. Head to the main square, where locals, dressed in traditional Canarian costume, perform folk dances.

Nightlife For serious nightlife, you�ll need to head for Puerto del Carmen which is buzzing until the early hours. Centro Atlantico, in the centre of the main strip, is home to a wide selection of bars and discos where tourists and locals alike dance the night away to the latest chart sounds. The island's other principle holiday resorts are considerably more low key offering a handful of sedate bars and inviting restaurants but most holidaymakers opt for relaxed evenings centred around their hotels or apartments.

If you haven't heard of Cesar Manrique before your visit to Lanzarote, you'll certainly remember him afterwards. Wherever you go on this sun-kissed isle you'll come across his name and influence time and time again. A contemporary of Picasso and Dali, Manrique was a skilled artist and designer. With the advent of mass tourism, he was eager to preserve Lanzarote's unique beauty and campaigned to protect the island's stunning scenery and local traditions. His legacy is still evident today as Lanzarote's hotels and apartments are low-rise while towns and villages are whitewashed and adorned with jaunty green and blue window shutters. Manrique also constructed a number of monuments and objets d'art which are can be seen across the island. Some of the most interesting pieces are colourful moving sculptures that are powered by the wind and underpin his philosophy of the subtle fusion of art with nature.

Local Specialities From Spanish tapas bars to fast food outlets, from informal pizzerias to candle-lit restaurants, Lanzarote offers a wide range of eateries, whatever your taste. Puerto del Carmen is the place to go if you want to sample some typical tapas dishes and fresh fish. As Lanzarote is an island, the sea provides a wealth of seafood which finds its way onto most menus. For a real flavour of the Canaries, try 'sama frita', a white fish that's shallow fried. Most dishes are accompanied by 'papas arrugadas', wrinkled baked potatoes that are heavily salted, and drizzled in a 'mojo', a sauce which is made with either paprika or coriander. At first glance Lanzarote is a dry and barren island, incapable of growing anything. However, it's actually home to thriving farming communities that have developed ingenious methods to work the seemingly inhospitable land. The hillsides around La Geria are peppered with 'zocos', crescent-shaped pits filled with fertile volcanic ash which collect moisture and allow vines to flourish. The town of Mozaga is known for its production of rich, sweet and highly alcoholic wine. Why not head to a bodega where you can enjoy a spot of wine tasting?

Highlights
Southern Sights The Timanfaya National Park is Lanzarote�s number one attraction - find out why on this trip through the volcanic wilderness. Drive through the eerie lunar-like landscape and watch guides demonstrate the awesome power of the volcanoes - subterranean heat turns a cup of water into a shooting geyser in seconds. Round off the day with a trip to the bodega at La Geria and enjoy a tipple or two of the locally produced wine, before arriving in Playa Blanca for relaxation and shopping.

Catalanza Sail out of Puerto Calero and relax aboard the largest catamaran in Lanzarote. You can even have a go at the helm! You�ll be served drink by the attentive crew, so lie back and enjoy a glass of wine or take a dip in the refreshing waters before lunch, with the picturesque coastline in the distance.

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