That makes this laidback holiday resort, on the scalloped south coast of Lanzarote, an ideal base for families and couples heading to the Canary Islands.

The modern resort of Playa Blanca is dotted with golden sandy beaches that can be used throughout the year, thanks to the eternal spring that blesses the Canary Islands – which sit off the coast of north-west Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. Some of the best beaches in Lanzarote – at nearby Papagayo – are a short cliff-top walk from the eastern edge of Playa Blanca, although you can also take a boat.

Away from the beach, a seafront promenade connects the hotels, self-catering apartments and villas of Playa Blanca, while the dazzling Marina Rubicon is packed full of shops and eateries. There are also a few late-night bars and a couple of places to dance and sing, but if you want nightlife in Lanzarote, consider the livelier resort of Puerto del Carmen, 25 minutes north of Playa Blanca.

Day trips from Playa Blanca include the volcano cones of Timanfaya National Park, artist César Manrique's Jameos del Agua and the César Manrique Foundation and the nearby Rancho Texas, as well as camel treks. You could also hop aboard a boat in Playa Blanca and see the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura.

Flights from the UK to Arrecife Airport (ACE) in Lanzarote take around four hours. It's a relatively small island and you can be unpacking your sunshine togs and beginning Playa Blanca holidays in a little more than 30 minutes after leaving the arrivals terminal.

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Holidays in Playa Blanca are popular throughout the year thanks to warm winter days, when average temperatures are above 18C. Spring and autumn, meanwhile, have temperatures around 25C, while in summer it can be 30C or more. Rainfall is minimal throughout the year, and a cool Atlantic breeze can keep the summer heat from becoming stifling.

Carnival; February: Though the capital Arrecife puts on the biggest carnival (carnaval) parties and parades, you can also catch a colourful, fancy dress procession though Playa Blanca during your holiday.

Fiestas del Carmen; July: The former fishing village of Playa Blanca honours the “Virgen del Carmen”, who protects fishermen, with a series of parades and special events around the resort.

Teguise Market; weekly: Consider hiring a car when in Lanzarote to reach attractions such as the Sunday market in the old capital of Teguise. The maze-like streets are filled with stalls selling bags, sunglasses, toys, sweets, clothes, and a whole range of other goods.

Relaxing: The beaches at Papagayo are picture-perfect havens of biscuit-coloured sands and inviting waters, topped off with mountainous backdrops. Just be aware that some of the sun worshippers here prefer an all-over tan, as Papagayo is a favoured spot with nudists.

Grown-up families: You can see Fuerteventura from Playa Blanca, so why not hop aboard a boat or one of the frequent ferries and visit Corralejo or the sand dunes of Lanzarote's neighbouring island?

Kids and teens: The Aqualava Waterpark in Playa Blanca attracts families looking to have fun splashing in the sun. There are rides for older children, as well as more sedate aquatic fun for your tiny tots.