Lanzarote

Lanzarote is a volcanic island too, and with its exceptional lunar-like landscape and lively nightlife scene, it too has all the ingredients for a memorable stay.
HISTORY & CULTURE
The islands of Tenerife and Lanzarote were a suitably fiery place for the Guanches - the original natives and considered the strongest and bravest inhabitants of the Canaries. In the 1300s, one of the first explorers to 'discover' Lanzarote was an Italian seafarer by the name of Lancelloto Malocello. It's thought the island's name might be derived from his first name. By the end of the 15th century the Spanish had arrived, and the islands have been under Spanish rule ever since.
PLACES TO VISIT
Lanzarote is a wonderful place to witness the power of nature first hand. Timanfaya National Park is the volcanic birthplace of the island - go at sunset to see the spectacular volcanic mountains bathed in a fiery red glow. In the north of the island take a look underground, in the illuminated grottoes of Cueva de los Verdes, or take a bus up to the viewpoint Mirador del Rio for a truly spectacular high. The Cactus Garden near Guatiza is a dizzying concoction of terraces, stone statues and more than 1000 types of cacti, and was the last work of local artist Cesar Manrique.Well worth a look.
ENTERTAINMENT
On Lanzarote you'll find the liveliest nightlife takes place in the capital, Arrecife, and the two main resort areas of Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise. The hottest nightspot on the island is the 'golden mile' of Avenida de las Playas in Puerto del Carmen, and local festivals take place all year round particularly in Teguise, Arrecife, Haria and Tias. In all the main tourist areas a good selection of bars, restaurants and clubs will keep you out until the small hours, but this isn't the island for wild party scenes.
FOOD & DRINK
Canarian cuisine is, of course, intimately linked with that of the Spanish mainland but, geographically, the islands are closer to North Africa - a fact you can't help but be reminded of in the combination of African and Mediterranean flavours. Fresh vegetables are everywhere, as is 'gofio' - a maze-like cake which is often used instead of bread. Papas Arrugadas (tiny baked potatoes, cooked until wrinkly) are delicious, especially when drizzled with mojo (a sauce wither made with chillies or herbs). Fish, of course, is fantastic. Salted fish - Caldereta and Sancocho Canario - served with salsa verde (green sauce) is an excellent combination. For pudding, try bienmesabe - a rich concoction of honey, almond, cream and rum. Canarian wine is delicious. Young whites and reds from 'Tacoronte-Acentejo' are among the best while the most consistent is the sweet Malvasia, great for rounding off a memorable meal.
WALKS & SCENERY
Lanzarote, the 'Fire Island' has a variety of stunning walking trails, from coastal promenades to alpine style meadows, lava fields to the steaming slopes of volcanic mountains. A new coastal walkway means you can walk from Puerto del Carmen to the centre of Arrecife without having to cross a road, while the coastal promenade at Playa Blanca takes you right to the edge of the desert.

Factfile
Currency:	Euro
Language:	Spanish
Flight details:	Approx 4hrs - 4hrs 30mins from the UK.
Departure airports:	Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Bournemouth, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Exeter, Gatwick, Glasgow, Humberside, Leeds/Bradford, Luton, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich, Nottingham East Midlands and Stansted.