Lanzarote was a late developer as a tourist resort compared to some parts of Spain. Care has been taken to avoid some of the man-made features that disfigure some earlier resorts, especially high-rise culture. Apart from tourism, agriculture and fishing are the main employers for the 80,000 permanent inhabitants.

Lanzarote's volcanic past is in evidence over much of the island. Timanfaya National Park is a centre for tourists to see its still active features - as recently as the 18th. century the Montanas del Fuego cover a quarter of the 37 mile long island with volcanic debris.

The main resorts.

Costa Teguise is a new development around a good quality sandy beach. There are good watersports and golf facilities. It has an upmarket feel in its main area.

Playa Blanca is a former fishing village which has been transformed into a tourist haven. The old area behind the beach and the marina retain some of the original charm. Although the beach is small, Playa Blanca is a good centre to explore the superb beaches of Pueto Muelas, Playa Papagayo and Playa de Mujeres.

Puerto del Carmen, near the island's capitol of Arrecife, is Lanzarore's main tourist resort. The original fishing port still survives and is a pleasant place to eat and drink. There is a 5 mile stretch of beach, giving plenty of opportunity to find quieter spots.