Ride a camel through lunar landscapes, dine in lava caves and sunbathe on volcanic beaches on holidays to Lanzarote.
Born out of volcanic eruptions, Lanzarote is the easternmost of the seven Canary Islands. The eerily beautiful north hides startling crater lakes like neon-green El Golfo, the “fire mountains” of Timanfaya National Park and oasis-like Haría, nicknamed the Valley of a Thousand Palms. The mountains give way to the old colonial capital of Teguise, where cobbled lanes lead to dazzling white palacios, cafés and craft shops. Bordering the Atlantic, the south coast has the pick of Lanzarote's 99 beaches, offering watersports, family beach fun and, for escapists, total seclusion.
Best of Lanzarote holidays for...
- Grown-up families: Explore the otherworldly Timanfaya National Park by coach or camel. You'll be amazed by the hissing geysers, craters and colour-changing, moonlike landscapes. Hungry? Stop off at artist César Manrique's El Diablo restaurant for fresh fish and meat grilled over a volcanic vent.
- Babies & toddlers: Little ones can play safely on the gently sloping beaches and in the clear, shallow sea at Playa Blanca. Choose from the main blue-flag beach, the sheltered golden sands of Playa Dorada and Papagayo's quiet, cliff-backed coves.
- Romance: Fancy a romantic night out with a twist? A subterranean lake glitters in the lava tunnel of Jameos del Agua, strikingly converted into tropical gardens and a restaurant-bar. Venture down to the cave for Canarian favourites like grilled fish with papas arrugadas (wrinkly potatoes).
- Kids & teens: Kids have a fantastic time spotting toucans, cockatoos, meerkats and flamingos at Guinate Tropical Park in the Valley of a Thousand Palms. The park is set in lush grounds with waterfalls, lakes and a prickly cactus walk.
- Relaxing: Enjoy sweeping views of hard-to-reach beaches, salt flats and volcanic island Isla Graciosa from Mirador del Rio at Lanzarote's northern tip. The clifftop viewpoint is at its quietest and calmest in the late afternoon.
- Active types: You'll find action above and below the water at Costa Teguise. Surfers and windsurfers flock here for Atlantic waves and steady breezes. Or scuba dive in volcanic caves and reefs - look out for rays, barracudas and (harmless) angel sharks.
- Nightlife: In the mood to party? Puerto del Carmen keeps things lively on holidays to Lanzarote. Check out the fun-loving music bars, Brit pubs, karaoke bars and pumping discos on the main drag, Avenida de las Playas.
