Contrasts of Lanzarote

Arriving at the airport, pick up the hire car and travel to your hotel for your stay on Lanzarote.

Your exploration of Lanzarote starts with a short drive to the village of Femes, where the walk begins with an ascent to the Pico de La Aceituna, the summit rising above the village at 450 metres above sea level. These ancient mountain ranges were once the seat of aborginal tribes and provide a perfect vantage point from which to see the islands of Fuerteventura and Lobos, as well as the Papagayo National Park, located in the south of the island. From here the path continues until it reaches the next peak: the Pico Redondo and after enjoying the incredible views, you will begin to descend towards the sea. Upon reaching the coast, enjoy a break and a swim if you like at Playa Quemada, a quiet fishing village before your walk back to your car.

Today's hike is to the widest volcano on the island, the Caldera Blanca, a memorable walk with a gradual ascent. Situated close to the Timanfaya National Park, the crater is believed to have been caused by a single eruption millions of years ago and is 1.5km in diameter. Reaching the crater rim, the view is quite breath-taking, as you try to imagine the powerful eruption that caused this natural phenomenon. Very windy at the top, you can walk into the crater itself or trek along the rim and then head back through the lava fields to the National Park, where you should still have plenty of time for a visit. The most significant volcanic eruptions here were in the 18th century, shaping this landscape with huge geomorphic structures and providing the variety of colours which can be seen in the rocks.

Travel north today until you reach Soo, a village in the Chinijo National Park, in the northwest of Lanzarote. After a quick break for refreshment or to pick up a picnic for lunch, leave the car and begin to ascend towards the Pico Colorado (206m) located behind the village. This whole area is protected as a 'Special Protection Area for Wild Birds', so be on the lookout for some of its residents, the white-faced petrel, Scopoli's shearwater, western osprey and Eleonora's falcon, all endemic to Lanzarote. From here you climb to the Caldera Trasera, a steep volcano almost 300 metres high, with incredible panoramic views over the volcanoes below. The return journey provides vistas of the islands of Alegranza and the tiny Montana Clara. These uninhabited islands feature huge volcanic craters and are also part of Chinijo Archipelago Nature Reserve, providing refuge for marine birds and other wildlife.

Your day begins with a visit to the final project of one of Lanzarote's most famous inhabitants, the artist Cesar Manrique. Drive to Guatiza and first visit the Jardin de Cactus, a botanical paradise created by the Canarian artist to help preserve the islands rich biodiversity. With its huge collection of some 4500 cactus species, you can see works of art dotted amongst the sculptured paths in the extensive gardens, well worth a couple of hours visit. Leave the village and head towards the Caldera de la Montana Tinamala (old mouth of the volcano) to the coast at Los Cocoteros, with its natural swimming pool providing a welcome break on a hot day. After your break, head up the coast towards the further natural pools at La Olla, and the quite magical Cueva del Agua, before turning inland back towards the cactus gardens at Guatiza and your drive back to the hotel.

The choice is yours today, as you can choose to relax by the pool at the hotel, explore another part of Lanzarote by car or enjoy a day trip to the beautiful and unspoilt island la Graciosa. Drive to the port of Orzola, where the short ferry trip of about half an hour takes you straight to the main town, Caleta del Sebo. Pick up your bicycle and route map, not forgetting to stock up for the day, as this is the only settlement on the islands with shops and restaurants. With no asphalted roads on the whole island, you will feel like you have stepped back in time, enjoying a relaxing ride with hardly any traffic, discovering hidden spectacular beaches such as Pedro Barba, Playa de Las Conchas in the north or the Playa Francesa in the south. These golden sand beaches are perfect to spend some time relaxing, or jump into the turquoise waters for an idyllic swim, far away from the crowds. Later, if you can bear to tear yourself away, return to the town for your ferry back to Lanzarote.

Starting at the northern village of Haria, your final day begins at one of the oldest villages on the island. Tucked away in a green and fertile area known as the Valley of the Palms, the legend says that a palm was planted for every child that was born in the village. You can visit the Cesar Manrique Museum, as he used to live in the village and was buried in the local cemetery. From here the path takes you towards Risco de Famara, 15km of volcanic cliffs situated on the northern coastline and with fantastic views over the sea and towards La Graciosa. The path runs southwards along the edge of the cliff with a spectacular panoramic view towards the Beach of Famara. A must - see is the restaurant at the end of the cliffs called Mirador del Rio, another of Cesar Manrique's creations, it was once an old artillery position until being transformed into an example of surrealist architecture and is now a restaurant and breath-taking viewpoint. Amble back towards Haria and enjoy some time in the village at the beautiful, shaded plaza, with plenty of shops and cafes for you to while away the hours, or if you are lucky enough to visit on a Saturday, be sure to check out the market full of local hand crafts. Journey back to your hotel for your final evening.

Depart your hotel for your flight home, or stay on a few extra days on Lanzarote, or another island.