Spain is a fantastic holiday destination if you like sunshine, and it doesn’t get much sunnier than in the Canary Islands. However, one of the very best things about places like Lanzarote is that there is far more to do than just lie on the beach and soak up the sun’s rays.

Ride on a Camel

The idea of riding a camel on a safari trip might sound like it belongs in Africa rather than Spain. However, we need to remember that the Canary Islands are closer to the African coast than they are to mainland Spain. This is an incredibly exotic way of getting around and the best place to do so in the incredible Timanfaya National Park. Here you will see the Islote de Hilario volcano and might even eat a meal which has been cooked thanks to the heat from the volcano. The landscape here has been sculpted from lava and it has a sometimes unearthly and unsettling feel to it.

See the Pirate Caves

The Cueva de Los Verdes area is filled with caverns which were formed by cooling lava around 3000 years ago. These are sometimes called pirate caves, although it is believed that the locals hid in them, rather than pirates using them to hid treasure. Perhaps the most spectacular thing about these caverns is the 500 seat concert hall which sometimes hosts events.

Drink the Wine

You might not expect to find wine production on a volcanic holiday island like Lanzarote but it exists alright. La Geria is the region you will want to go to if you want to try some locally made wine. There is also the interestingly titled Lanzarote Wine Run & Traditional Cuisine Festival held here every June. It is a 21 km race and it includes a stop to taste some wine, which is a great idea when you think about it.

Go Diving

It is becoming popular for any holiday resort with a beach to offer diving opportunities. However, in Lanzarote the diving is truly amazing. The warm waters, the abundant wildlife and even some shipwrecks add up to a tremendous place to get some diving done. The manta rays are among the most sought after sights.

See El Golfo

El Golfo is a village on Lanzarote which is famous for the Green Lagoon. The lagoon has actually been formed inside a volcano’s crater, which has been eroded away over the centuries. The algae in the water gives it the striking green appearance which makes it so popular with photographers. If you recognise this place from somewhere then cast your mind back to Raquel Welch in a prehistoric film. When you are in Lanzarote you won’t want to miss this treat.

Enjoy Teguise Market

Shopping is one of the great pleasures of any trip abroad and the Teguise Market is hard to beat on Lanzarote. Sunday morning is the best time to go if you want to see the market in all its glory, while it is easy to find something to eat or drink after it.

…

Photo by mike_lawrence on Flickr