Less of a 'popular tourist destination' than neighbours Gran Canaria and Tenerife, Lanzarote is one of the most intriguing islands in the Canaries as it has a little bit of everything for everyone.

Nature is still a big attraction on this small volcanic island, which measures only 38 miles (60km) long and 13 miles (21km) at its widest point. The landscape is totally volcanic, almost moon-like, and many film directors have used the island as a backdrop when shooting scenes supposedly set on the moon.

Lanzarote’s capital, Arrecife, is a small town on the eastern coast, its harbour packed with fishing boats. The nearby airport has a good selection of flights from the UK, and you're not more than half an hour from all of the major tourist resorts. From the more mainstream Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise, to the more refined Playa Blanca in the south - the choice is yours!

The resorts of Lanzarote

Costa Teguise is the newest resort on Lanzarote situated on the south-east corner of the island. A haven for families and sun-seekers, this relatively lively resort centres around the many bars and restaurants within it.

The main resort on the island, and the one you'd expect to find the most visitors. On the south coast of the island, Puerto del Carmen enjoys two miles of golden (but often crowded) sands. If bars and nightclubs are more your thing head for the Strip, where you are bound to find somewhere to drink and dance the night away. The Old Town retains some of the Canaries history but on the whole this is a popular resort for families looking for lots to keep them occupied.

If loud and brash is not your style, then head to Playa Blanca. This quiet resort situated in the very south of the island is named after the surrounding white sandy beaches. Although growing to keep up with the increasing numbers of visitors who want to spend time here, the recent expansion is being done very much in keeping with local traditions. The promenade offers some fantastic places to eat and watch the world go by, or why not catch the ferry across to Correjelo in Fuerteventura. The best beaches in the Canaries are nearby at Papagayo.