Lanzarote y Fuerteventura from Tenerife

About the destination: Situated just 79 miles off the coast of Africa, Lanzarote is the most easterly of the Canary Islands. As with the other Canary Islands, Lanzarote is Volcanic in origin. Due to the recent eruptions during the 18th and 19th Centuries, many parts of Lanzarote appear to be from another world, often described as 'lunar' or 'Martian'. Amongst the many stunning volcanic features of Lanzarote is the longest Volcanic Tunnel in the world, the Atlantida Tunnel, which is over 7 km long and includes the La Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua. Despite the Volcanic nature of the island, Lanzarote has several beautiful white beaches such as those at Playa Blanca, Papagayo and Caleton Blanco. Alternate lying on the beach with visits to the extraordinary sights created in the volcanic landscape by local artist and environmentalist César Manrique. Don’t miss a tour of the Timanfaya national park either. Take the boat over to the island of La Graciosa off the northern tip for a blissful day swimming in crystal clear water. Visit some of the vineyards in La Geria and hire bikes to test your stamina on some of the excellent cycling routes around the island. The capital city, Arrecife, where cruise ships dock, is uncharismatic but welcoming. South-west of here is the main resort of Puerto del Carmen. It is a buzzing place with a long, tiled promenade linking four miles of beaches and bays. It is ideal for a family with teenagers looking for a bit of excitement, or for holidaymakers who require a dose of shopping, eating out and nightlife. Costa Teguise, on the other side of Arrecife, is a more modest and peaceful alternative which has gone steadily more upmarket in recent years. It tends to appeal to an older generation.

About the destination: Fuerteventura, the second-largest island in the Canary archipelago after Tenerife, is a natural paradise, so much so that the island was granted the status of a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in May 2009. The airport on Fuerteventura is on the coast close to Puerto del Rosario, its capital city, but the main tourist resorts are located at Corralejo, to the north, and Morro Jable, to the south. In addition to the island's dramatic natural landscape, Fuerteventura boasts some of the most dazzling beaches found anywhere in the world. This aspect of the island's geographic make up, combined with the constant breezes, makes it extremely popular with water sports enthusiasts and sun worshippers alike and at least two of the sandy beaches have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag award. The islanders, like the inhabitants of the rest of the Canary Islands, are warm and friendly. This previously overlooked island has become increasingly popular with the European holidaymaking community. Fuerteventura is one of the most unspoilt places that you will ever see. With clear blue sea, miles of endless golden sand and views to die for, you just won’t want to leave!