Haria is one of the most fertile areas of Lanzarote being located in the wetter, northern section of the island.

Legend has it that for every boy born in Haria, two palm trees are planted and one for every girl.

Ed´s Opinion: Haria has bundles of character and is one of the best places on the island to simply be and do nothing; you can walk around taking in the peace and tranquility and wile away the hours at one of the many bars and restaurants. This is a taste of real Lanzarote and a million miles away from the main tourist zones.

The seven wineries on the island employ 1,500 people and the wines are exported all over the world. You can sample the wines for yourself at some of the island's vineyards.

La Geria is situated close to the National Park in an area of volcanic activity and has, over the centuries, been close to devastation brought on by the burning fluids of volcanic eruptions. However, the farmers have always fought back against the elements and created a system, which allows the grapes to grow and flourish in a landscape of ashes, and lava, which looks barren to the inexperienced observer.

They have dug thousands of craters into the earth and built surrounding walls to protect the vines from the strong easterly wind.

As you drive around the island you can clearly see these vineyards and see the labour and dedication that has been lavished by the farmers.

Legend has it that Shakespeare was a fan of Malvasia wine. High praise indeed!

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Playa Blanca, at the southern-most tip of Lanzarote, is fast becoming one of the island's finest tourist areas. Almost always basked in warm sunshine and with the sea a constant calm, clear blue, Playa Blanca is a holidaymaker's paradise. There are superb views of the mountains and the islands of Lobos and Fuerteventura across the water.

If it's lazy days in the sun you are looking for, this is the ideal place.

Playa Blanca's beaches are small but perfectly formed and benefit from excellent nearby amenities such as the shops, bars and restaurants. Luxurious apartment complexes and hotels offer visitors first-class, modern accommodation for their holiday. Quieter than the other main resorts, Playa Blanca is fantastic for families who want to spend the day around their pool or at the beach and their nights enjoying fine food at one of many international restaurants. Most hotels and apartments offer in-house entertainment for kids and adults alike so there is no shortage of fun.

From the harbour at Playa Blanca, ferries cross several times a day to Fuerteventura. It is possible to go to the island as a foot passenger or with a car and the 45-minute crossing is good fun in itself as you can sit on the open-air terrace and enjoy the ocean.

One of the most beautiful beaches on the island (and some people say in all of Spain) is in close proximity to Playa Blanca. Payagayo beach is a must-see place for anyone staying in Playa Blanca.

Ed´s Opinion: Playa Blanca is a beautiful resort for families and people who want to really chill-out. A bus service takes passengers to Puerto del Carmen (it's a good half hour's drive) so if you want a bit more action you have the option. Cabs are also reasonably priced.

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From Orzola you can take a ferry to La Graciosa. Lineas Romero departs from Orzola daily to make this short 15-minute crossing in a safe modern boat which has a 100-passenger minimum capacity. Tickets are available from every port in Lanzarote. For futher information, contact Lineas Maritimas Romero.

Situated at the north of the island, it is the ideal place to have lunch if you have been Jameos del Agua or Los Cuevos Verdes (The Green Caves), which are both nearby.
When you reach the T-junction in Orzola, turn right and it will bring you to the main town where you will find a variety of bars and restaurants with terrace seating. From here, you might be lucky enough to see the local fishermen bringing in their catch.

If you turn left back at that same T-junction you will come across a little place called Las Pardelas Farm. This is a small unit with rabbits, goats, pigs, donkeys, horses and chickens and for 3 euros for adults (children go free) they will issue you with a basket of lettuce and bread to feed the animals. Children love it.

Before you get to the main town, you will pass one of the island's most stunning beaches on the right-hand side. Only one road leads to Caleton Blanco - the main coastal road from Mala towards Orzola. And you will know the beach when you see it. It seems to glow because of the purity of the white sand.

A dirt road leads down to a small stretch of sand, which has evolved, into a makeshift carpark. From here, there is a very short walk to the smooth, sandy areas used for sunbathing close to the lagoon. The lagoon - a long stretch of water cradled in some low, black rocks - is only about three feet high in most areas. It is extremely clear and still and perfect for children to swim safely and comfortably. Because of the lack of depth the temperature of the water is very pleasant.

Ed´s Opinion: Orzola and Caleton Blanco are definitely worth visiting. When you go to Caleton Blanco, either bring a picnic or plan to have lunch afterwards at one of the restaurants in Orzola as there are no shops near the beach.

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Puerto Calero
The island's yacht marina
ONE of the island's many special treasures is the spectacular harbour, Puerto Calero.

Home to 420 yachts and boats, the harbour, on the south coast near Puerto del Carmen, is totally pristine and it's clear to all visitors that this place is a jewel in Lanzarote´s crown.

Luxury yachts and boats ranging in size from eight to 60 metres are moored in the crystal clear water, which is home to thousands of Blue Marlin fish (be sure to have a look into the water and you will clearly see them swimming close to the edge).

If you want to enjoy a meal, or just a long, cold drink, then Puerto Calero has a number of fine restaurants for you to try. Everything from Chinese, to Italian to, of course, Spanish and Canarian cuisine is here to enjoy.

Sea excursions start here too including trips on submarines and catamarans.

So, whether you are on holiday or you live in Lanzarote, be sure to make Puerto Calero your next port of call! You won't regret it.

Ed´s Opinion: I cannot speak highly enough of Puerto Calero! I love this place and spend as many lazy afternoons as possible having lunch here. There are several good restaurants all with terrace seating where you can sit and gaze longingly at the yachts...!

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Puerto del Carmen is the biggest and most popular choice of holiday resort for thousands upon thousands of tourists every year. They flock to Puerto del Carmen because of the high quality accommodation, excellent choice of bars and restaurants (both British and Spanish as well as a good selection of Scandinavian, Chinese, Indian and other international establishments) and, of course, the amazing beaches.

The beaches consist of several kilometres of golden, sandy beaches, from Playa Fariones to Playa Grande to Playa de Matagorda. They are very well maintained and the sea is perfectly clean and safe, usually quite calm apart from the odd gentle wave. Sunbeds and parasols can be hired for a reasonable fee at many points along the coast. You will find several little rocky bays along the coast, which are ideal for the kids to climb over with a fishing net and try their luck!

The Old Town is home to the picturesque harbour and is a lively, exciting part of Puerto del Carmen while retaining a traditional charm. With colourful bars and restaurants (including many to tempt the Scots and Irish on the island) and some interesting shops, the Old Town is a must-see. It also has a brand new shopping centre, Biosfera, where you can find the likes of Zara, Timberland, Levi´s, Footlocker and others.

Centro Atlantico on the main strip of Avenida de las Playas is where to find the action if you are a party-animal! It houses several bars and nightclubs that stay rocking until the wee small hours...

Puerto del Carmen, though being a lively hotspot, is also ideal for families. There are several parks, crazy golf courses and places where the kids will receive a very warm welcome. Though it is a busy place, the local government takes great pride in maintaining Puerto del Carmen and keeping it looking clean and modern.

Ed´s Opinion: What can I say? Puerto del Carmen's success as a tourist Mecca speaks for itself. Everything the fun-loving holidaymaker requires is right here. I would say make the effort to walk the length and breadth of Carmen from the Old Town to Matagorda. Some parts are quieter than others and the coastline changes too so explore a little. One little tip: Don't peak too soon if you want a night at the clubs - they don't really get going until after midnight!

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Teguise was formerly the capital city of Lanzarote. Back in the 17th century, Arrecife became the capital when San Miguel de Teguise (as it was then known) was destroyed by pirates.

Today, Teguise is a charming, and in some ways, stately town with many attractions to draw visitors. The main one being the Sunday morning market which is a thriving hubbub of activity. Several stalls and small shops offer a range of unusual and often exotic goods - be prepared to haggle over the price and you may go home with a bargain! Even if you don't want to purchase something at the market, it makes for a very interesting stroll round.

While in Teguise, be sure to climb to the top of Gaunapay, a now extinct volcano, and have a look around the fortress of Santa Barbara, constructed in the 15th century, and enjoy the spectacular views of the Teguise valley, the coast and the distant dark profile of Fuerteventura.

If you want to enjoy at its tranquil best, don't go on Sunday because it is always heaving with people. On any other day, a stroll around the main square and surrounding streets of Teguise will give you a real flavour of Canarian life. The elegant church in the centre of the square captures the attention of most visitors and is worth a look around.

Ed´s Opinion: Be prepared to fight your way through the crowds on market day and beware of paying over the odds. Apart from that, it is a pleasant way to spend Sunday morning and when the market starts closing down you can enjoy the sound of live music in the town square and a traditional Canarian lunch in one of the many fine restaurants in Teguise.

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Yaiza has remained untouched by the changes of modern life and the influx of tourism to Lanzarote.

The village was founded by peasant farmers emigrating from Spain during the early years of colonisation of the islands and this is how it remains today. Many times throughout history, Yaiza was abandoned by its inhabitants fearful of volcanic activity but gradually over the years, the population has increased and is now a well-kept, thriving agricultural area.

You will find many quaint Canarian bars and restaurants in Yaiza as well as some interesting architecture in the form of houses and churches.

Ed´s Opinion: Yaiza is an interesting place to visit to see the real Lanzarote of years gone by.

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