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Last Updated: Sep 14th, 2008 - 22:35:57 |
For those who fancy something a little different for their holidays, then a trip to the moon could be just the thing. A space tourism company, Space Adventures, is now offering holidays to do just that. The only downside is that the two-week, 500,000-mile round trip will set you back £55 million.
For those who don't want to spend that much, or travel that far, then a trip to Lanzarote could be an alternative. It is volcanic in origin, so there are plenty of lunar landscapes to enjoy, so much so that scenes from 'Planet of the Apes' were filmed on the island.
Lanzarote is the most easterly of the Canary Islands, and is situated just 70 miles off the coast of Africa. It is the fourth largest island in the Canaries, and packs in an amazing amount of impressive landscape. Due to its warm, dry climate, with an average annual rainfall of just 5.5 inches, Lanzarote is a great destination at any time of the year.
The island has even been designated by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Preserve due to its unusual volcanic terrain. There are as many as 300 volcanoes on the island, with huge lava fields a reminder of volcanic activity.
Unsurprisingly, a lot of the tourist activities centre around the geographic and ecological brilliance the island has to offer. Visitors should check out the longest volcanic tunnel in the world, the Atlantida Tunnel, which is over 7 km long.
As part of this tunnel, you can see the Jameos del Agua, in Arrieta. This is a remarkable hollow that was created after the collapse of a volcanic cave, and is now home to an auditorium, exhibits and a restaurant. The stunning natural lagoon is home to blind white crabs. Also part of the tunnel is La Cueva de los Verdes, a system of caves formed by underground lava flows.
Another volcanic attraction is the Timanfaya National Park, also known as the Fire Mountains. These striking craters are a spectacular vision of colours and shapes.
Art fans should check out the Fundacion Cesar Manrique, the former residence of the artist Cesar Manrique. It provides a fascinating look at the artist's career, including his sculptures, paintings and architecture, and how they represent his homeland of Lanzarote.
For more Manrique, then the Museo de Arte in Arrecife is worth visiting. This museum can be found in the harbour, as part of an 18th century castle. Some impressive works are on view here, such as the creations of Manrique, Miro, Picasso and Tapies. There is also a restaurant and bar which looks down over the harbour.
Another unique attraction is the Jardin de Cactus, the last work of Cesar Manrique. An impressive stone-built enclosure contains 10,000 cacti, the enclosure resembling an ancient Roman amphitheatre. It can be found near the cactus fields of Guatiza.
Lanzarote still has several beautiful white beaches, despite the volcanic nature of the island. Perhaps the most stunning is Papagaya, near the resort of Playa Blanca. This beautiful white beach is a must for beach lovers.
At the north of the island, near Orsola, can be found other white sandy beaches. They are more isolated but can be accessed by foot. There is also the Costa Teguise resort, which has Las Cucharas beach, the heart of the windsurfing community. For those who love surfing then the beaches of Famara and La Santa are best.
Lanzarote also offers great diving. There are numerous wrecks located around the coast of Lanzarote, and even an artificially created Marine Park off the coast near Puerto del Carmen. This old town has a lovely beach, Playa Chica, perfect for all watersports such as diving lessons, jet skiing, parasailing and snorkelling.
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Book online 24 hours a day or contact our telephone helpline on:
0870 1999 038
Mon - Fri 08.30 - 22.00
Saturday 09.00 - 22.00
Sunday 10.00 - 22.00
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