Outdoor Pursuits

Lanzarote.

  Black sands; cool seas, blazing sunshine. Long lazy days and not so lazy nights, in one of the numerous clubs and bars. That is what the Canary Islands are all about. Or are they? Not if you can tear yourself away from the pool or beach and venture inland where the island of  has so much more to offer.
 A clean environment and fresh air make Lanzarote an ideal venue for any kind of outdoor pursuit. The dramatic landscape gives walkers and hikers plenty of spectacular scenery to enjoy, be it from the cliff top or the beach. The walkers will also get the opportunity to admire the work of Cesar Manrique, who was determined to save Lanzarote from the ravages of tourism .
 Cycling is another popular way of taking in the scenery. There are even tours to an offshore island where you can spend the day cycling through the sand dunes. But if wheels or two legs don`t appeal to you can opt for the four legged form of transport and view the "Island of Fire" on horseback. Local authorities on the island are determined to try and preserve the islands natural assets and have created bridleways (Plan de Rutas de Ecuestres) for horse riders. Many of the riding centres on the island offer other facilities as well such as restaurants and childrens playgrounds, so you don`t all have to take to the saddle for a day out.
 No island is complete without its fair share of watersports and Lanzarote is no exception. All beaches carry the blue flag and paragliding is a popular sport which can be paid for by the hour often straight off the beach.. One of Europe`s top surf destinations the beaches are always full of people taking a body board or surf board into the evening waves to try their luck, but for those who feel they can stay vertical for more than a few minutes the sport of kite surfing is a big attraction. The undisputed champions of the surf scene are the staff at Volcano Surf (Costa Teguise) where you can receive tuition on how to stay on top of the waves and not underneath them.
 The island is also rapidly emerging as a diving hotspot. Little wonder as the same volcanic activity that shaped the mountains was also at work beneath the waves and has left a fascinating collection of caves, lava rivers and arches of black volcanic rock that stand out dramatically against the clean blue water and white sand. One of the most famous dive spots is the Blue Hole, where divers can encounter Angel Shark and Barracuda.
 Because of this popularity the island is smattered with dive schools and as it has comfortable sea temperatures all year round, it`s not just a summer destination for the sport. Any beginner should make sure that they have the assistance of a PADI qualified tutor and the Aquatis school in Costa Teguise covers everything from accompanied snorkelling to courses for Rescue Divers.
 Another popular outdoor pursuit with holiday makers is Golf. Lanzarote has had Golf courses for over thirty years but has never been a well known destination for the sport. The dry climate does not lend itself to lush greens and fairways but a number of new and exciting venues are now open. The Lanzarote Golf resort in Puerta Del Carmen is an 18 hole 72 par course designed by the well known American Ron Kirby. Its hilly locations gives it a spectacular ocean backdrop The staff are all Bi Lingual and summer courses are available from beginners to advanced there is even a Summer Golf school for children!
 The oldest course on the island is in Costa Teguise at the foot of the volcanic mountains. It`s a championship course but with many new more upmarket courses opening all over the island it will have hot competition to stay at number one.
 
 Most of the above activities can be booked on the island so the best way to sample them is get a cheap break and have the time and money to spend doing what you want to do.cheap holidays could help you find that bargain package that will start your trip to the island of Fire and all it has to offer. It`s not all about the beach!

Lanzarote.

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Lanzarote