The lure of the volcanic Canary Island Lanzarote continues to go from strength to strength. jumped at the chance to enjoy some winter sunshine and see what he has been missing out on.MIKE REES

THE Canary Islands are often regarded as just a cheap holiday option for the bucket-and-spade brigade.

Four-hour flights and year-round sun attract visitors in their thousands to these seven islands of Spain, just off the coast of Africa.

As a result, the larger and more populated islands, such as Tenerife and Gran Canaria have long since traded authenticity for full English breakfasts and pints of the Amber Nectar.

More than 12 million tourists flock to the Canary Islands every year but Spanish paradise still exists if you know how to avoid the crowds.

On Lanzarote, it is still easy to savour the flavour of traditional Canarian culture and enjoy peace and tranquility away from the main resorts.

Located only 90 miles off the Africa coast and enjoying 40 years of tourism, Lanzarote has developed into a popular all-year round destinations.

It continues to surprise first-time visitors who come primarily attracted by the climate and 90-plus beaches, captivated later by its dramatic scenery and picturesque villages.

Hesperia Hotels have brought a welcome dash of informal luxury to the hotel market in Lanzarote with their stunning development at Puerto Calero just 10 minutes from the island’s airport.

With numerous bars, restaurants, stunning spa and three outdoor swimming pools, there is no shortage of things to do.

Hotel manager Josep Maria Serra said: "We take a huge pride in our friendly service.

"To us, five-star does not equal stuffy – more the real luxury of having your every wish anticipated and your every need catered for."

"This is a real chance to stay in a top luxury hotel for the price of something much more ordinary."

The hotel is situated next to the Puerto Calero harbour which boasts some of the most exclusive fashion shopping and fine restaurants on Lanzarote.

From the hotel, there is direct access to a sandy beach.

The choice of restaurants means that in a week it is almost possible to eat in a different area, inside or out, every day of your holiday.

For the more active there is the nearby 18-hole Lanzarote Golf course, designed by Ron Kirby.

Lanzarote is a surprise to the first-time visitor with a wealth of attractions – many due to the volcanic composition of the island.

Timanfaya Volcano Park (pictured below) is the No.1 tourist atrraction.

And it’s little wonder as the landscape here is literally out of this world. The terrain was created by the world’s longest ever volcanic eruption, which lasted six years from 1730 to 1736. The eruption buried what was once the most fertile farm land on the island under a sea of lava.

Visitors are treated to a coach tour through this surreal landscape which ends at The Devil’s Diner restaurant where food is cooked over the heat of a volcano.

Make sure you also enjoy a leisurely stroll at the Sunday market in the old historic capital of Teguise steeped in tradition. You can barter for local produce, arts and crafts, or souvenirs accompanied by Canarian music.

Any idea that a little island devastated by volcanic explosions and blanketed by lava might not have much to see, could hardly be more wrong.

The development of tourism on Lanzarote has been carefully controlled and the country is undoubtedly reaping the rewards.

But don’t take my word for it, pay a visit and find out for yourself.

FACTFILE

The Hesperia Hotel offers a range of 335 suites and rooms.

Hesperia Lanzarote,

Phone: +34 828080800

Fax: +34 828080810

Email: hotel@hesperia-lanzarote.com

Monarch offers year-round flights to Lanzarote from Birmingham, London Gatwick, London Luton and Manchester airports with fares, including taxes, starting from £52.99 one way (£89.50 return).

For more information or to book, visit www.monarch.co.uk