To me Lanzarote is the islands of the group that holds most attraction. Just as the other islands, it is of volcanic origin. But on Lanzarote there was important volcanic activity during the 18th and 19th century. The arid climate and almost complete lack of erosion has left the traces of the volcanic eruptions intact and the landscape of the island has a touch of a lunar landscape.

During my last vacation I had the opportunity to visit the Atlantida Cave system which was formed due to volcanic activity aproximately 3,000 years ago. It consists of one of the largest volcanic tunnels in the world and an impressive cave. In former times the area was used by the inhabitants to shelter from the frequent pirate attacks.

Contrasting with the volcanic scenary of the island we find quite a few lovely sandbeaches, where sunshine and a mild seabreeze invite the visitor to enjoy a bath in the deep blue ocean.

Several resorts have developed in Lanzarote over the years. Playa del Carmen, Puerto Blanco and Famara offer good acommodations and all the amenities a modern tourist expects. However everything seems to be a bit more laid back that on the neighbouring islands of Tenerife and Gran Canary. An island ideal for a relaxing vacation.

For some hustle and bustle we like to visit Arrecife. The island´s capital also has a very beautiful beach that is lined with palm trees and reminds us of the tropics.

There are many bars and places that offer night entertainment in this area. I always enjoy stopping at one of the street cafes for a cortado, the traditional coffee and then continue on to the town center for shopping. The Canary Islands have a preferential tax status which allows the visitor to bring home tax free items like cigarettes, alcoholic beverages and perfume.

In the north of the island is the mountain Penas del Cache, there are no sandy beaches. In the south of the island is another mountain Los Ajaches. The sandy and long beaches are in the south or southwest.

At the Blaya Blanca in the south there are hotels, restaurants and bars.

Puerto del Carmen is even in the south and there are hotels, restaurants and some nightlife. Costa Teguise in the southwest is quiet and ideal for families.

In the backland of the isle there are still some old typical villages. I like to visit them. The climate of the island is soft-gloved all over the year, sometimes windy. If the wind comes from the Sahara it can be very hot in summer.

The artist Cesar Manrique born on this island, now his house is a museum after his death. Wonderful to see his art. In his art you see the bond between the island and the vulcano. The beauty of the island, the climate and the sun make your holiday a unforgottable adventure.

You can choose between organized kayak trips with professional guides or you can rent a kayak and plan the trips by your own. Kajaks for one or two persons can be rent for hours or for the whole day. Normally the tarif for the rental includes a life vest.

There are different trips for kayaks ahead the coast of Lanzarote. One of the most famous trips is starting in Puerto del Carmen passing through the beaches of Matagorda until the beach Playa Chica. For this trip we recommend you to carry your diving goggles and snorkel to explore the underwater landscape.

Another kayak trip is starting in Playa Quemada along the bizarre cliffy coast to the Papagayo beaches. On the trip you pass through lonesome bays and misterious caves.

From one of the Papagayo beaches you can make a trip until Playa Blanca by kayak. On the way to Playa Blanca you can enjoy lots of sandy beaches and take a refreshing bath.

A kayak trip, which is adequate for families and amateurs, guides from the beach Playa El Reducto near Arrecife to El Charco. You come around the bridges of Castillo San Gabriel and can take a tipical canarian meal in El Charco.

On the isle of Lanzarote you find kayak rentals and many agencies, which are organizing guided kayak trips. In every bigger touristic village you have the possibility to rent a kayak or to participate on a guided kayak trip. Near the famous beaches of Lanzarote are lots of hotels and apartments available for your holidays.

Lanzarote also offers a golf course for visitors and locals, it is situated at the Costa Teguise in the south. Tennis courts form part of most of the big hotel complexes, however, courts and courses for all holiday-makers are also available in holiday centres.

Who would like to discover the island by walking, can join guided groups or take his own initiative. In any case adequate shoes and sufficient water reserves should be part of the basic equipment. On a guided walk in the national park of Timanfaya one learns about the history of origins of the island and the volcanic activities.

Night life in Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise is very eventful and you can find quite a lot of bars, pubs and restaurants in which you can let die away the day.

Holiday-makers have the choice between charming little restaurants at the port promenade and numerous discos and bars in Puerto del Carmen in the south of the capital Arrecife. The shopping centre Atlanticò is particularly popular for teenagers.

In Arrecife starts evey evening a hustle and bustle round the pubs and little bars in the streets around the lagoon Charco de of San Ginés. Not before midnight anyone goes for the first discotheques, before everybody gets in mood at the Playa del Reducto.

For example in Arrieta, El Golfo or Orzola good fish restaurants can be found, as well as in the old downtown of Puerto del Carmen in Playa Blanca.

Staying power is one of the characteristics of Lanzarote. Than in the 18th century, the Timanfaya volcano spewed ash and lava for six years and a third of the fertile ground was buried under, which along the time formed the nowadays so bizarre landscape of the island.

Instead of pausing in despair, the indigenous people got creative and invented the dry cultivation of the fields, what has given a new face to the winegrowing area La Geria.

Another important celebration on the Canary Islands is the carnival, which is celebrated for weeks with salsa music and effortful outfits.

In honor of the patron saints, church parades and traditional celebrations are held, which end with lively get-together, music and good meal .

The architect and artist César Manrique which left pieces of evidence of his work everywhere like the residential building which houses the Fundaciòn César Manrique today was extremely formative for the island and its conception. Another masterpiece by the artist is the unusual volcano restaurant El Diabolo.