Lanzarote: An Island of Two Halves

Playa de Papagayo   Lying just 78 miles off the coastline of continental Africa, the ochre-colored island of Lanzarote is a popular destinat...

Playa de Papagayo

 

Lying just 78 miles off the coastline of continental Africa, the ochre-colored island of Lanzarote is a popular destination with travelers from all walks of life. There are those who prefer an action-packed vacation, choc-full of new activities, adventure, and nightlife. Then, there are those who are hoping to chill on the beach with a cool drink and a book. Whichever category you fall into, this cozy Canary Island is sure to accommodate. Here are some of its best activities: covering the full gamut from decadent relaxation to adrenalin-pumped excitement.

The ultimate chill: Spa Day

Whether you’ve been partying a little hard the night before or you need to ease your aching shoulders after a tough day’s windsailing, hit one of the spas for a decadent treatment. There are spa resorts across the island, offering everything from thermal pools to sports massage, the perfect way to unwind your body, and perhaps even prepare for adventure.

Timanfaya National Park

 

The epic adventure: Timanfaya National Park

A rugged wilderness, venture into Lanzarote’s very own fire mountains for an excursion of volcanic proportions. Hike across a landscape peppered with crevasses and lava tubes, see geysers shoot from the pressurized inferno just below the surface and examine the traces of ash and lava from previous eruptions. Once you’ve had your fill of geological revelation, enjoy a thrilling lunch cooked by the heat generated by the molten lava beneath at the unique El Diablo restaurant.

The ultimate chill: Playa de Papagayo

This sheltered curve of beach is one of six golden stretches of sand in the southern part of the island, and is also known as one of finest. Pack a picnic hamper, some cool beers, an umbrella and lots of sun cream, and make the trip to this secluded little sand-bar for a day of relaxation. Bring your snorkel and you can take advantage of the clear waters and spot a few fish!

The epic adventure: Surf’s up

Whether you’re new to the sport, or you’ve been catching waves for years, Lanzarote is one of the best islands in Europe for surfing, with a variety of breaks making for a varied surf experience. There are also various surf schools dotted about the coastline, to help you perfect your technique in no time. Grab your wetsuit: it’s time to hit the waves.

Images by Irene Grassi and simonturkas, used under Creative Commons license