Highlights of Lanzarote

125 kilometres off the west coast of Africa, Lanzarote is the easternmost island of the Canaries, and was the first to be settled in 1100BC. The island was created about 35 million years ago by an upheaval of volcanic activity from the Canarian hotspot, and its modern mountainous layout - including the ranges of Famara at 617 metres in the north and Ajaches at 608 metres in the south - is evidence of its volatile past. Due to the 18th and 19th century eruptions, much of Lanzarote's centre and southern regions have taken on a lunar feel, a surface with an extra-terrestrial characteristic, most of it unaffected by erosion.

Other startling geological features include the Parque Nacional de Timanfaya and the 'Tunnel of Atlantis', the latter the largest underwater volcanic tunnel on the planet. Lanzarote's highest peak is Peñas del Chache which stands proud at 670 metres above sea level.

Being 100 kilometres from the Moroccan coastline, and historically under Spanish ownership, some of the island's areas and villages have a distinct north African flavour to them, and naturally the speed of life is more pedestrian outside of the urban areas.

Even in the more built up areas, local authorities have ensured the skyline has stayed free from high-rise buildings and smatterings of commercial billboards; refreshing, considering the cities of many of its Canarian counterparts have turned into relative concrete jungles. This initiative, in many ways, is influenced by César Manrique, Lanzarote’s beloved son, with his many works represent timeless evidence of his unbridled passion for both Surrealism and his native island.

Arrecife, the modern capital, has thriving port and commercial trade and provides a relax and unpretentious atmosphere in which to shop, eat and stay over. It has a pleasant promenade stretches along the sandy beach Playa del Reducto, a couple of castles and the fascinating Charco de San Ginés -  salt-water lagoon in the city centre encircled by fishermen's houses.

Villa de Teguise, Lanzarote's former capital, is a tourist magnet. Around every of its corner lies a glimmer of Lanzarote's storied past and Canarian architecture. Sunday market here is one of the busiest and largest on the island. Venturing north, many of César Manrique’s impressive creations such as Jardín de Cactus, Jameos del Agua, and Mirador del Rio can be admired. La Graciosa island, located north of the island is full of natural riches to discover. Its pristine white sand coastlines are overlooked by mountains of red, yellow, and colours in between. This beautiful landscape is worth a day-trip, alternatively, it can be admired from Mirador del Rio, without leaving the island.

The main resorts of Lanzarote dot the eastern coastline of Lanzarote. Costa Teguise is modern and is built to cater for sun worshippers and activity junkies, offering perhaps the best scuba diving experiences. South of Costa Teguise sits the oldest resort of Puerto del Carmen featuring Lanzarote’s most popular beach; followed by Playa Blanca on the southern tip of the island. The latter also serves as the hopping point to neighbouring island- Fuerteventura, only half an hour away by ferry. For a more tranquil surrounding and extra beach tower space, head to El Papagayo (east of Playa Blanca) where several beaches can be found; facilities are limited and access to some of the beaches can be difficult, however.

Western side of Lanzarote is famed for its lunar moonscapes and Timanfaya National Park. But don’t stop at just that, take a detour southward: sample fresh seafood at the fishing village of El Golfo, visit the green crater lake of Charco de los Clicos, marvel at Los Hervideros coastline made of steep cliffs and volcanic caves, and be amazed by the colour-rich salt fields of Las Salinas de Janubio. All within short driving distance. Alternatively, if you are into surfing and wind sports, head north towards La Santa where a sport resort can be found, or La Caleta de Famara for some superb swells.

Wine lovers are in for a treat in Lanzarote. Numerous wineries offer wine tasting (some with excellent restaurants) along the scenic wine trail LZ-30 between San Bartolomé and Uga. From the Bodega El Grifo (1775), the oldest winery in the Canary Islands to the contemporary players the likes ofBodega Stratvs in La Geria, the choice is endless.

With subtle, gentle greenery, alien rocky territory in the centre and UESCO Biosphere status though, Lanzarote is perhaps the best example of balance between nature and urban life in the Canaries.