Lanzarote Porta Del Carmen

Luxury two bed apartment situated 500 yards from the beach
with panoramic sea views

For a day out, there's the island's capital, Arrecife, just a short bus ride away, where you can wander around the picturesque lagoon, lined with white-washed fisherman's houses or browse the modern art gallery, housed in the Castle of San Jose. For a generous helping of scenic splendour, you can head straight across the island to the Timanfaya (Fire Mountain) National Park, populated by volcanoes, lunar-like landscapes and eerie rock formations. Alternatively, if you're looking for some sunbathing in splendid isolation, you can take a boat trip down the coast to the beautiful, unspoiled beaches of Papagayo.

There are enough bars many with live entertainment to keep you going for months. The locals eat 'potaje' which is lentil stew, try some of the popular goats cheese which is great grilled with honey or 'al natural'.