View from the top of Mirador del Rio in Lanzarote

The Spanish island of Lanzarote lies about 80 miles off the coast of Africa.

It has a desert-like climate, long white and dark sand beaches and is a popular package holiday destination for British and German tourists.

Unlike other islands in the Canaries, Lanzarote's tourism industry has not compromised its relaxed ambiance.

Covered in dry volcanic ash, the landscape on Lanzarote is sometimes likened to the surface of the moon. It is not unusual to see camels moving around the island carrying goods - and sometimes tourists - from place to place.

Lanzarote owes much to the political connections of the artist Cesar Manrique for the island's strict development codes. No building on the island can be more than six stories high and houses with sea views must be painted white with blue woodwork, or green or brown if they face inland. Manrique's work is also dotted throughout the island and is worth checking out.

The beaches of Lanzarote are clean, pristine and accessible. Water sports are popular along the coast, especially snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing, parasailing and boat tours.

One of the island's key attractions is Monte de la Corona volcano. It features four miles of underground grottos formed several thousand years ago during a volcanic eruption. Visitors can explore the grottos which illuminate the unique shapes and colours of the lava flows.

Another site worth visiting is Timanfaya National Park, where you will find lava and rock formations caused by extraordinary geothermic and geological forces. The park restaurant uses heat from nearby steam geysers to cook the food.

Lanzarote is hardly bereft of luxurious resorts or spas at Costa Teguise, Playa Blanca, Matagorda and Puerto del Carmen. There's also a large selection of small hotels and self-catering cottages and apartments.

The weather in Lanzarote ranges from mild to hot. Bring a sweater or light jacket for venturing down into the grottos and staying comfortable in heavily air conditioned buildings.

The main language spoken on Lanzarote is Castilian Spanish. Restaurant menus are usually also in English and German.

The airport is located to the west of Arrecife, Lanzarote's capital, and is serviced by charter flights from northern Europe as well as major airlines such as Air Berlin, Iberia and British Airways.