AT A GLANCE Lanzarote is situated just 79 miles away from the coast of Africa and benefits from an enviable climate.

The most easterly of all the Canary Islands, Lanzarotes volcanic landscape makes it a fascinating destination to explore. It also has all the amenities that make Spain such a popular destination for British travellers, including nightclubs, cabaret bars and beaches offering up watersports and a spot for the sun dwellers. WHEN TO GO Lanzarote is a good all year round destination, and as such its a popular choice for people wanting a bit of winter sun over the Christmas period. If you want to visit Lanzarote while its still relatively quiet then consider a break in May/June or September/October. Although the weather is still relatively warm these months are considered the islands off-season, where cheap deals on hotels and flights can often be found. Weather Spring: This is one of the most popular seasons for holidaymakers to visit Lanzarote, particularly in February when Carnival takes place. Temperatures are typically between 23-25C. Summer: In the summer season temperatures can reach up to 27C. This is a popular time to visit particularly in the school summer holidays. However, trade winds do blow during the season, disappearing by late August. Autumn: With temperatures in the low 20s and fewer crowds, many consider this season the best time to visit Lanzarote. The sea is often hotter during autumn than it is during the summer. Winter: Temperatures in winter are around 21C making it the warmest destination in Europe. The trade winds cool down considerably during the season; however its unlikely that youll find the sea hot enough to swim in. The nights can also be considerably cooler.
Images: Lanzarote summer by Brenma / Redshank in winter by Frank Vassen

THINGS TO DO From volcanic landscapes and national parks to water parks and wildlife, Lanzarotes attractions will appeal whether you want to experience the great outdoors, or are looking to entertain the little ones: Attractions Castillo de San Jose: Arrecifes castle built in 1799 now contains a modern art gallery Guinate Tropical Park and Penguin Paradise: Meet many exotic birds and reptiles El Golfo: A volcanic crater filled with vivid green sea water owing to a type of algae Timanfaya National Park: Volcanic attractions including the El Diablo restaurant Casa Museo y Monumento al Campesino: A farming museum exploring the islands past Lanzarote Aquarium: Discover the fish at the largest aquarium in the Canary Islands LagOmar Museum: A former house belonging to the famous actor Omar Sharif The Wine Museum of Lanzarote: Visit wineries built over volcanic lava Aquapark: Costa Teguise has Lanzarotes only public waterpark with flumes and rides Nightlife The lively resort of Puerto del Carmen alongside the islands capital of Arrecife are said to have the best nightlife in Lanzarote. Youll also find nightclubs in the popular tourist resorts of Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise, although theyre far more low-key. Bar Andalucia: Feast on tapas and sample sangria in this straight-from-Seville themed bar El Convento: DJs spin house, retro and rocky Latino music amongst the arches and columns Divino Doblon: A nautical themed nightclub housed in a cavernous place with three floors Tequila Bar: Located in Puerto Del Carmen, live music can be found here three nights a week Discoteca RUMM: Attracts an international crowd near Puerto del Carmen harbour Caf del Carmen: A stylish lounge venue with classy cocktails and DJs on the decks Caf del Mar: The Lanzarote outpost of this famous bar can be found in Playa Blanca Blue Note Jazz Bar: Listen to the strains of jazz at the Marina Rubicon Chispas: Some of Lanzarotes cheapest drinks can be found in the resort of Costa Teguise

Day Trips from Lanzarote One of the highlights of staying on Lanzarote is its proximity to the other Canary Islands. During your holiday youll find it possible to pair your stay with a trip to any of the islands in the Canaries, but there are also several smaller islands which you can visit: La Graciosa This island has a long history concerning pirates and is believed by many to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevensons Treasure Island. Talk of buried treasure along with the areas deserted beaches makes the destination a big draw for holidaymakers. Travel Time: 1 hour

Los Lobos Primarily a nature reserve situated near the island of Fuerteventura, Los Lobos was named after the large population of sea wolves or monk seals that once made their home on the island. Los Lobos is an ideal destination for bird watchers. Travel Time: 1 hour

Fuerteventura Fuerteventura is just 20 minutes away from Lanzarote and easily reached by ferry, which depart several times a day from Playa Blanca arriving in the resort of Corralejo. This popular beach resort is considered to be one of the best places in Europe to surf and also has its own national park. Travel Time: 20 minutes
Images: El Golfo by SergioBarberi / Lanzarote Aquarium by Foilman / La Graciosa by Aikijuanma / Los Lobos by Blob79 / Fuerteventura by Bright Meadow

SHOPPING Arrecife, the islands capital, is where the majority of Lanzarotes shops are located. Calle Real is the main thoroughfare, and contains a number of Spanish high-street favourites, such as Mango, Zara, Vero Moda and Jack Jones. Shops can also be found in the main resort of Puerto del Carmen but these predominately cater to tourists. Souvenirs to take home include pottery which incorporates the local volcanic ash and small bottles of the tasty mojo sauce. Shopping Areas: Arrecife: Contains several Spanish high street favourites and a department store Puerto del Carmen: The shops here cater to tourists selling souvenirs and beach supplies Markets: Haria Market: A traditional farmers market operating on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm Arrecife: Handmade goods and local produce can be found in this market on Saturdays Teguise: Caters to holidaymakers offering souvenirs and traditional Canarian entertainment Marina Rubicon: Open on Wednesdays and Saturdays this market specialises in jewellery Mancha Blancha: Sample local produce such as fig jam at this Sunday market

Shopping Centres: Biosfera Plaza Shopping Centre: Many clothes shops can be found in this mall C.C Deiland: An indoor shopping centre with a bowling alley and a soft play area for toddlers FOOD & DRINK Youll find an eclectic selection of food in Lanzarote with restaurants serving up anything from Chinese takeaways to English breakfasts. Fish is extremely popular and many restaurants serve it salted or dried in a stew called Sancho Canario with potatoes, while Papas Arrugadas are a favourite with many visitors to the Canaries. These wrinkly potatoes are boiled in sea water and served with mojo, a sauce made from paprika, herbs and garlic. Popular Lanzarote Hotspots: Arrecife: Many of Lanzarotes best restaurants can be found in the islands capital Costa Teguise: A great selection of restaurants including budget options and tapas bars Playa Blanca: Many seafood restaurants line this stretch of beach and there are fine-dining options Arrieta: One of Lanzarotes most unspoilt locations is home to superb seafood restaurants El Golfo: The restaurants here are rumoured to serve up the freshest fish on the island
Image: Papas Arrugas by Martinwcox

CULTURE & ETIQUETTE In Lanzarote, the locals like to dress smartly and visitors are advised to dress up when attending restaurants outside of the main resorts for fear of feeling under-dressed in what they may have deemed to be a casual environment. As with mainland Spain, siestas take place between 2pm-5pm in the afternoon. Useful Phrases Hablas Ingles? Do you speak English? Cuanto cuesta? How much is this? Donde esta el bano? Where is the toilet? Te amo I love you Dos and Donts Do cook your own meal over the heat from a volcano at El Diablo restaurant Dont offend the locals by calling them Spanish, they consider themselves Canarian Do make the most of the islands duty free status and stock up on low-priced goods Dont forget to cover your legs and shoulders when visiting churches in Lanzarote Do get involved in some of the islands festivities if travelling during carnival season Dont forget to put on sunscreen Do try the local wine from Lanzarote. Even Shakespeare was believed to be a fan Dont forget to enquire about child or senior citizen discounts at the main attractions Do sort out a hotel transfer beforehand, as there are no public buses from the airport

Tipping Restaurants in Lanzarote have to add a service charge onto the receipt by law; however it is customary to round it up to the nearest euro if you receive great service. For taxi drivers on the island 5-10% is customary and you should tip hotel staff a euro or two for carrying bags up to your room.
Image: Tipping by Tom Rafferty

TRANSPORT If you want to see Lanzarote beyond the main resorts its advisable to rent a car. The island is small and getting from one side to the other will take you less than an hour, but even if you dont drive, Lanzarote is easy enough to get around. Getting Around Buses: A good service runs between the main resorts and tourist attractions Taxis: Relatively cheap and a good way of getting around your resort Ferries: From Lanzarote you can travel to Fuerteventura and Cadiz in Spain Airport: Lanzarote Airport is the main airport, served by a number of international airlines Fare Information Taxis: A 15 minute journey in a taxi will cost about 20
Image: Lanzarote airport by IDS Photos

HEALTH & SAFETY British Embassy in Spain Foreign and Commonwealth Office Emergency number: 112 LANZAROTE BLOGGERS: TOP TIPS Barrie Mahoney - Twitters from the Atlantic Car Hire in Lanzarote Hiring a car is certainly the best way to explore the wonders of Lanzarote. As with all the Canary Islands, car hire is usually trouble free and good value. However, we sometimes hear of holidaymakers credit cards being charged even after they have topped up with fuel before returning the vehicle. The solution is simple: Take a photo of the fuel counter just before returning the vehicle, preferably showing date and time. You then have the evidence available for the card company to support any claim against the car hire company.