Sitting in the Atlantic Ocean just off the coast of Morocco, Lanzarote is the fourth-largest island of the Canaries, and coming in at 37 miles long by 12 miles wide, the island is easily scalable. While the south is big on tourism and a favourite for those seeking winter sunbathing, the rest of the island is like an otherworldly lair of desert landscapes and bulbous volcanic rock. With its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve protected site status, the island is full of hidden treasures.

 

In the south-western part of the island, the Timanfaya National Park is not to be missed! Here you’ll truly feel the volcanic heat and be treated to views of unique lava fields that wouldn’t be out of place on Mars. Local guides will put on a show, testing nature’s scorching prowess,  from steam geysers and fire pits to dishes cooked on the open fire at the El Diablo restaurant.

 

For something a little more prickly, head to the Jardín de Cactus in Guatiza, which was designed by local artist César Manrique who made the island his canvas during his lifetime. Over 1,100 different species of cacti big and small cover this disused quarry whose labyrinths of gardens is an Instagrammer’s dream! And if you’re intrigued to learn more about this artist’s weirdly wonderful vision, you can even visit his studio-home in Taro de Tahiche, which was created in 1968 out of five giant lava bubbles.

 

To the south in the Bahía de Las Coloradas, dive to the depths of the Atlantic underworld to visit the Museo Atlántico, an underwater museum featuring more than 300 life-size sculptures created by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor. His eerie creations are designed to provoke environmental awareness and social change, with each piece creating an artificial reef that will promote marine life.

 

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