The most easterly of the Canaries, Lanzarote, is a dry and spectacular island which owes its eerie inland moonscape to the activity of volcanoes long since dormant. The volcanic ash and craters have now been turned to the islanders' advantage in a novel and very picturesque method of vine cultivation.

The capital and cruise port, Arrecife, is to be found on the southeast coast. It has recently been given a makeover and has an attractive palm-lined promenade backed by restored Colonial buildings. From the cruise port it is a short distance to almost anywhere on the island with the main highlights all within an hour's drive or less.

Lanzarote is famous for its strict conservation ethic and, above all, its other-worldly volcanic landscapes which have been enhanced by the inspired landscaped creations of island genius, César Manrique (1919-1992). Even a short tour of the island should allow you to take in three or four of the amazing and often surreal seven set-piece Centros de Arte, Cultura y Tusimo attractions that are his legacy.  

Highlights
• Arrecife's beautiful Museum of International Art in an old fortress, visible as you cruise into the port.
• Teguise, the wonderfully preserved Spanish Colonial ex-capital.
• Jameos del Agua: A spectacular César Manrique fantasy grotto, created from the natural volcanic landscape.
• The adjacent (unadorned) volcanic cave system of Los Verdes.
• A trip around the National Park of Timanfaya, an awe-inspiring landscape of volcanoes and volcanic debris which covers nearly one-third of the island You can explore part of it by camels.

Arrecife Tourist Information
Muelle de los Mármoles (Cruise Terminal), Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Tel: +34 928 801 326.
Website: www.turismodecanarias.com

Within a few minutes of leaving your cruise ship you can be strolling among Arrecife's excellent shopping area with the latest Spanish fashions and duty-free shopping with finds including electrical goods, cameras, jewellery, perfume, spirits and tobacco (including the famous Canarian cigars). Teguise hosts an excellent Sunday market showcasing island crafts such as pottery, basketwork, rugs and woodcarvings.

The cuisine of the Canaries is heavily influenced by Spain. Fish dishes are often the best choice and are traditionally served with boiled wrinkly potatoes (papas arugadas) and a green herby sauce. Drinks originating from the Canaries include honey-rum (ron miel) and wines, which thrive in the volcanic soil.

Sunshine is guaranteed daily from February through October though a little rain may fall at either end of the season and in April. Between November and January the weather is a mix of sunshine and showers with day time temperatures around 23°C (73°F).

Spain

GMT (GMT + 1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Euro (€) = 100 cents.

Spanish.

Europe and Spain.

55,203.

Parliamentary monarchy since 1978.

There is no official religion, but the majority of the population is Roman Catholic.

Smoking is still permitted in many bars and restaurants and even where bans are notionally in place the law is flouted.

Tipping: Some restaurants include service in the bill. Tipping is discretionary - around 10% in restaurants and for taxi drivers and guides.