There are many different holiday experiences to be enjoyed in Spain.  As this huge country welcomes more tourists every year than most, especially visitors from the UK who have had a long term love affair with all things Iberian.  And boasts a wealth of attractions from the beaches of the Costas to the architecture of Barcelona.  But many will be surprised to learn that the second most visited region in the country are the Canaries  – the set of seven islands that are situated in the Atlantic close to the West African coast.

The islands are many miles south of Spain and as a result boast a semi tropical climate which is the key to their popularity.  As the Canaries are effectively the European Caribbean – providing good value winter breaks for Northern Europeans as well as sun packed summer holidays.  The best known island is Tenerife – but there are plenty more to explore and Lanzarote is arguably the real jewel in the crown.  Thanks to the fact that it boasts some great natural attractions too – as well as some man made marvels.

Famously Lanzarote was subjected to a series of massive volcanic eruptions in the 1730´s which created a lunarscape of  the islands interior.  Characterised by raw, eerie scenery that looks like it belongs on Mars rather than Earth.  It comes as no surprise then to learn that many science fiction films have been shot right here.  Such as the latest Warner’s release – Clash of the Titans 3.

Holidays in Lanzarote are available from all of the main tour operators and travel companies in the UK and well over one million tourists visit this little island every year.  With around half opting for a self catering stay in Lanzarote holiday villas or apartments.  Whilst the rest reside in hotels.  During the winter months especially villas in Playa Blanca are enormously popular – as this is the hottest spot on the island come December and January.

As well as the breathtaking volcanic region tourists can explore other natural wonders such as the Valley of 1000 Palms in the north of Lanzarote.  And the green lagoon at El Golfo, which provided a backdrop for the makers of the classic sci fi movie One Million Years BC.  Along with some stunning beaches such as Famara and Papagayo.

Culture vultures will also love the work of the local artist César Manrique, who developed no less than seven centres of tourism and culture around the island.