The extraordinary light on the island of Lanzarote is undeniably one of the most startling features for the visitor. This is due in large part to the colors of the landscape caused by the various dark hues of the lava contrasting with the clarity of the sandy beaches. The climate, dry and sunny as corresponds to its easterly geographic position but with low hills, is responsible for the absence of green in the landscape, and the sparse vegetation on the island seems to grow miraculously out of nowhere, constituting botanical formations that are often very rare. One might think that this desert-like dryness would create an unfriendly landscape, but Lanzarote is just the contrary, the impression the visitor receives is of an inviting and enchanting land.

A chief attraction in Lanzarote is its extraordinary volcanic landscape with a multitude of remarkable places, including Timanfaya National Park, El Golfo, and Los Verdes caves, to which the superb, white sandy beaches must be added. Lanzarote is an example to the world of tourism sustained by its magnificent integration with the environment. The hotel infrastructure, although well-developed, has avoided agglomeration by adopting forms more in harmony with the landscape, including small housing developments and the use of traditional architecture.

The old capital of Lanzarote is Teguise. It is a charming little town and on sundays it has a great market. North of Teguise is the Mirador del Rio which offers excellent views over the Ocean and some small islands off the coast of Lanzarote.

The most popular tourist resort on the island is Puerto del Carmen. Although not very large in size, it has numerous restaurants, night spots, shops, and a nice beach. Costa Teguise, further north, assembles a group of select hotels, where we find the renowned Hotel Salinas, one of the most luxurious hotels in Europe. On the southern coast, Playa Blanca is a tourist center that has grown around a small fishing port. Nearby are the most stunning beaches on the island, the idyllic coves of Papagayo with white sand and crystal-clear waters, only accessible by dirt roads and preferably with a 4-wheel drive vehicle. The relative isolation of this succession of beaches has kept most of them unspoiled.