The island of Lanzarote is not known for its innate beauty despite the fact that is has several distinct types of landscape, most of which are completely untouched. For many people, the defining characteristics of the island are the three hundred odd volcanoes that were created during the eighteenth century eruptions.
However, the northern half of the island was hardly affected by this event and as a result, much older scenery abounds here. In the valleys around Haria, visitors can see terraced hillsides that were created by hardworking farmers in the past. The north is also far greener than the south.
The coastal areas also have their own feel and style, with low rise towns and villages full of whitewashed houses and palm trees. The oldest resort, Puerto del Carmen, still resembles a typical Canarian village despite its expansion over the last four decades.
It nestles into the eastern coastline and has a long stretch of sandy beaches along its seafront. The accommodation is almost entirely of the self-catering variety, with Puerto del Carmen offering some of the best apartments and villas in Lanzarote.
The town is well equipped to provide an excellent base for holidaymakers, even those who want to spend most of their time exploring the rest of Lanzarote. As its central location makes almost every attraction the island has only a half hour drive away.
And driving is certainly the best way of seeing all there is to see, as car hire in Lanzarote is very affordable, whilst the roads themselves are generally quiet, especially away from the motorway.
One of the most striking vistas that deserves a visit has to be the beach at Famara. This is a seven kilometre stretch of golden sand in a horse shoe curve which is very popular with local surfers and kite-surfers. Behind the beach are the cliffs of the Risco de Famara forming a stunning backdrop.
The other area that regularly surprises and charms visitors is the wine region of La Geria, where vines are cultivated by a unique method of viniculture. Many tourists find their holidays in Lanzarote are incomplete without a visit to one of the bodegas in this region.
Apart from natural beauties, the island also has a range of tourist attractions that are well worth a visit. Each was designed by local artist César Manrique and has been created to work in harmony with the natural beauty surrounding it.