Lanzarote is just 125 km from the coast of Africa, and like its neighbour, enjoys a dry hot climate with little rainfall. With average midwinter temperatures about 21 C and mid summer temperatures around 29, Lanzarote is a perfect year round destination.

Timanfaya National Park is the perfect place to explore the flora, fauna and terrain of this dramatic volcanic island. The park is a UNESCO site with strict rules for the public who wish to visit. There are two footpaths, and a popular short route where visitors can tour the park by camel ride. Alternatively, there is a public car park from which one can tour the volcanic park by bus using a road that is otherwise closed to the public.

For another blast of nature, do visit The Cactus Garden (El Jardin del Cactus) designed by the Lanzarote artist Cesar Manrique. The collection of includes over 1000 species of Cactus and it's displayed in a very impressive way. There is a restored windmill and curious metal sculptures in the park, too.

An unmissable day out is the spectacle that is Jameos Del Agua, located in the north of Lanzarote. This is part of the Atlantida volcanic cave system formed by the eruptions between three and four thousand years ago. The word 'Jameo' refers to a volcanic cave with a caved roof, of which there are many in this part of Lanzarote. These natural collapsed volcanic roofs have been transformed into an auditorium (with amazing acoustics), swimming pools, gardens and restaurants, while seamlessly blending into the surrounding landscape. Jameos del Agua first opened to the public in 1966, though it has seen near-continuous additions and upgrades since then. The underground salt water lagoon is home to a very rare species of blind albino crab, munidopsis polimorpha.

One of the finest examples of Lanzarote's Spanish heritage is the impressive Castillo de San Gabriel in Arrecife. Now housing an archaeological museum, it was first built in 1574 in order to defend Arrecife Harbour before its destruction in 1586 by Algerian pirates. The castle was then rebuilt in 1599 and was used for military purposes until the 1950s.