Lanzarote is situated just 125 kilometers from the coast of Africa, and is the fourth largest of the Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura being the largest three). Due to its volcanic history, Lanzarote has an almost lunar landscape, and has been the site of a number of movies over the years due to it’s prehistoric looking backdrop. Who can forget, for example, Raquel Welch frolicking by the green lagoon, at El Golfo. Most recently, Penelope Cruz has arrived to film her new movie - Broken Embraces. Rumour also has it that Eastenders (the popular British soap opera) was first conceived of during a holiday in Lanzarote all those years ago. The population is eclectic, with native Canarian, Spanish, British, German, Indian and Chinese familes, to name but a few, all rubbing shoulders together on this sunshine rock.

Once you have visited the Island, it will remain in your heart forever - whether it is because of holidaying in the popular resorts, remembering the fire mountains of Timanfaya, or by experiencing the art of Cesar Manrique - the Island’s most famous resident past or present.

The island has a fairly even temperature all year round, making it an ideal winter sun spot. A real outdoor-lover’s paradise… it caters well for snorkeling and diving fans, surfers and sun worshippers alike.

There are 3 main resorts here, Costa Teguise (the oldest), Puerto del Carmen (the largest), and Playa Blanca (the fastest growing, and our favourite of course!). Lanzarote relies heavily on tourism, and last year 5.5 million passengers passed through the gates of the Island’s airport, Arrecife.

At first glance, the stark landscape would make you wonder how anything could survive here… yet survive it does. Palms, banana trees, cacti, and the Island’s favourite vines and aloe vera all flourish in the rich fertile soil. A drive through La Geria will leave you breathless as you gaze upon the ten of thousands of horseshoe shaped vine enclosures, embracing the valleys and volcanoes.

Being an island, seafood is plentiful here, and all of the resorts offer a plethora of restaurants geared up to serve a wide range of culinary delights for you. The aromas of paella, merluza, pulpo, and langoustines emanate from all directions… tempting you to partake. Many restaurants in the smaller villages do not provide a menu. You simply order meat or fish, and are provided with an overflowing platter of variety - accompanied of course with papas arrugas (small, wrinkly, salted potatoes), and the spicy mojo sauces. Rabbit and suckling pig are just two of the other specialities available here on the Island. So don’t stick to your safety zone… let loose, and try some of the traditional fayre.

This is an island of contrast… and this is reflected in the landscape, as well as in the people themselves. Discover the flat golden sands of Famara for example, set against the stunning backdrop of the cliffs up to Mirador, beyond which lies the valley of a thousand palms (Haria). Move further south and experience the Timafaya mountains, which provide a gateway to the south, where the weather is usually a couple of degrees warmer.