Book Canary Island holidays with MyTravel.com

Lanzarote Destination Information

Not all sunbaked islands look the same - and Lanzarote is more different than most. At first glance, this intriguing landfall off the north coast of Africa looks like a little slice of heaven and hell with its gnarled, twisted lava fields softened by a frill of silky smooth sands. Certainly, away from the bright, buzzing resorts of the coast there's a strange, other-worldy atmosphere at play here - especially in the island's volcanic heartland, where centuries of successive eruptions has left a landscape of eerie beauty, and one which positively begs to be explored. If you're after a touch of spectacle with your sand dunes, you simply have to visit Lanzarote.

Less than a hundred miles from the coastline of north west Africa, Lanzarote forms part of the Canary islands archipelago - but holidays to Lanzarote offer an experience that is a world apart from its near neighbours. The popularity of package holidays to Lanzarote has presented families and couples with a brace of modern resorts - most facing immaculate pale sand beaches, backed by the ochre coloured mountains. Try Costa Teguise for a relaxing family-focused sojourn in the sun, or Puerto del Carmen for a livelier, sport and sightseeing based holiday (the resort's fascinating old town complex shows there was life here before us tourists descended on the island).

Ultimately, though, despite plenty of good-natured bars and excellent watersports opportunities, Lanzarote holidays are for those seeking out natural, striking landscapes, wide uninterrupted horizons, peaceful strolls across soft sands and simple, delicious seafood dishes.

Whatever you come to Lanzarote in search of, one destination you must visit is the island's chief attraction, the Timanfaya Natural Park. For a whistle-stop tour of the island's turbulent history this place can't be beaten. But this is a museum like no other. Instead of dusty exhibits, your guide vividly brings the explosive power of the islands to life - the ground here is so hot, dry twigs thrown into cauldrons in the ground catch fire immediately.

The longest Volcanic Tunnel in the world, the Atlantida Tunnel cuts into this lunar-like landscape for over 7 km. Take time to explore La Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua, both of which are uncanny, even spooky, glimpses into the turbulent forces that created our planet millions of years ago.

Jaw-dropping landscapes, subtle, high-rise-free resorts and world-class beaches. Family holidays to Lanzarote offer an explosive combination of attractions.