Visit Lanzarote
Lanzarote is the most easterly of the Canary Islands, a dry and fairly flat island which owes its landscape to volcanoes long since dormant. The volcanic ash and craters have now been turned to the islander's advantage in a novel method of vine cultivation. The capital, the port Arrecife, is to be found on the southeast coast and in the area of the flattest land on the island, so communications with nearby towns are good. The highest areas are in the north and the east.

Places of interest include Teguise (the old capital), with the Guanapay Castle set on a volcanic cone, the oasis-like Haria, Malpais de la Corona, where an immense volcanic cave called Los Verdes, 6.5km (3.5 miles long) is located, and the nearby Jameo del Agua lagoon, they are the home of the blind albino crabs, usually only found 200 meters below. The national park of Timanfaya is a spectacular stretch of lava, which covers nearly one-third of the island and its awe-inspiring in its majesty and barrenness.

The most popular excursion is to the volcanoes on camels. Sea trips by schooner from Arrecife to Papagayo beaches. These remote beaches can also be explored by jeep. Lanzarote boasts many pretty inland villages; Yaiza wins the best kept in Spain award year after year for its pristine white painted houses. Famara: on the west coast of the island is one of Lanzarotes prettiest beaches with its magnificent backdrop of mountains. The sea is not recommended for swimming as the undercurrents are strong but surfing here is great fun. Take a stroll over the rocks to La Caleta, a quaint fishing village nearby with a few restaurants and bars. Cesar Manrique foundation, the famous architects former home can be visited daily. Each Sunday there is a market in the old inland town of Teguise from 8am. Cactus Gardens: Near Guatiza, Cesar Manrique designed the garden where you can see over 1,420 different species of cactus. This beautiful garden is open from 1O.00-18.O0hrs.

Homes Abroad offers quality accommodation in Lanzarotes three main holiday resorts. The largest and most famous being Puerto del Carmen, on the south coast, 10 miles southwest of Arrecife and 7 miles south of the airport. Puerto del Carmen forms part of an almost continuously broad bay (some 3 miles long) linking Los Pocillos and Matagorda. The old town, centred around the harbour retains something of a traditional fishing village atmosphere and is home to some of the finest fish and tapas restaurants in Lanzarote, but there are numerous alternatives spread throughout. These include fast food and international cuisine as well as local fare. The choice here is the widest on the island. The main avenida is home to a continuous selection of shops, stretching 2 miles long which more than cater for every day to day needs. Local linen and cotton table clothes and ceramics are particularly good buy. There are also many supermarkets and gift shops which are also found here. Puerto del Carmen has two large beaches of mid-tone sand, the largest can be found at Los Pocillos in the north of the resort. The main beach is called Playa Grande and is found in the centre of the resort, the beach is superbly kept and is an all round favourite for water sports and general leisure. Smaller coves can also be found. Nightlife here is the most varied out of all the resorts, live music and cocktail bars, restaurants and clubs can all be found stretching the length of the main avenida which runs parallel to the beach.

Costa Teguise is a modern purpose-built resort located on the east coast of Lanzarote about 10 miles from the airport. Very new and well planned, with palm dotted promenade and broad tree-lined avenues. The beaches here are broad and crescent shaped, of fine light sand (popular with surfers), protected by a stone breakwater. There are 4 beaches in total two large beaches and two small, separated by a headland. Water sport is very popular in Costa Teguise windsurfing, scuba-diving sailing are all favou rites. There is a wide selection of restaurants in Costa Teguise mainly found in Pueblo Maritimo (resort centre), these include pizzerias, Chinese and Mexican. Fast food restaurants can also be found. Lanzarotes only water park (open daily) and golf course can be found in Costa Teguise. Nightlife here is lower-key compared to Puerto del Carmen the only nightclub and casino can be found in the Oasis Hotel, although a plentyfiful selection of bars can be found around the resort.A great choice for families and couples.

Playa Blanca at the southeast tip of the island was once a small fishing village and has since developed in to a popular holiday destination. Built around the harbour some older buildings and fishing boats still remain. Green-shuttered white buildings line the pretty seafront walk, with old fashioned lamp posts and pavement bars. Playa Blanca has a small sandy town beach, with a few stony patches and low cliffs of black rock. A larger man made beach can be found at Playa Dorada, on the opposite side of the port, with beautiful clear water, a favourite for snorkelling. Several ferries run to neighbouring Fuerteventura making for an ideal day-trip. Nightlife in Playa Blanca is subdued with some alluring fish restaurants and bars near the sea front. There are also 2 music bars which can be found. A commercial centre is located by the harbour as well as traditional gift shops. Playa Blanca will suit couples and families in search of a more peaceful holiday.