Lanzarote hotels

Lanzarote has harnessed the drama of past volcanic catastrophes into an orderly garden of sugar-cube villages and contained resorts. All year round it draws visitors who crave the Canaries but without the madness of some of the other islands.

Peppering 250km of coastline are 99 beaches of shingle, black sand and curving swathes of gold. Gaze out from the former cannon battery at Mirador del Rio for dizzying views of the northern coastline and the islet of La Graciosa. At the other end of the island, make your way to Punta de Papagayo for the best sandy coves.

Take in the bizarre volcanic ash vineyards of La Geria, where single vines poke up from behind half-moon windbreaks, then pick up a bottle of wine from one of the many bodegas (wineshops) scattered throughout the region. Wander through Yaiza, an exemplary icon of the perfect whitewashed village.

Nip across the 1km stretch of water to Isla Graciosa and lose yourself in the sandy labyrinth of streets criss-crossing tiny Caleta de Sebo. You might even get a beach to yourself. Alternative sandy solitude can be found on the golden beaches of Papagayo's hidden coves. Immerse yourself in the eerie silence of Timanfaya National Park.

Try your hand at the big three of watersports – surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing – at Famara beach, or take your pick from one of dozens of scuba diving schools around the coastline. Take to horseback at Lanzarote a Caballo near Yaiza. Satisfy the need for speed at the Gran Karting Club in Puerto del Carmen.

Gofio , a type of toasted maize or wheat, is available in various guises in most traditional restaurants. Try sancocho Canario , a dried fish and potato stew, or fish baked in salt. Don't miss Papas arrugadas , boiled new potatoes in sea salt. Savour the spicy mojo sauce and the locally produced wines.

Though not as boisterous as its noisy sister, Tenerife, the bars and clubs along Avenida de las Playas in Puerto del Carmen pack a mighty punch with the latest sounds. The Centro Atlantico is ground zero for the heavy hitters with clubs such as The Big Apple and Cesar's drawing a mixed bag of locals and visitors. For more of a Spanish feel, with salsa et al, hit the dance floors along Calle Jose Antonio in Arrecife.

Splash out on woven hats from Yaiza and Tinajo, lacework made by the island's nuns, jewellery fashioned from the local olivine stone and anything bearing the designs of the local hero, artist Cesar Manrique. Try the Casa-Museo del Campesino in Mozaga for the widest selection.