Lanzarote- Canary Islands
Also see: Fuerteventura and Gomera and Tenerife and Hierro and Gran Canaria and La Palma
Like the moon!
Lanzarote is different, not only compared to the other islands, but to everything else on this planet. This extraordinary landscape seems to be of another world, and the inhabitants of the islands use to say that God forgot of Lanzarote on the Seventh Day of the Creation.
Lanzarote is of volcanic origin, as the other islands of the archipelago as well, but here volcanos have been active still in 18th and 19th century. Great parts of its surface are covered with ashes and lava, making you feel that you were on the moon.
Anyhow, Lanzarote's inhabitants made a great effort to cultivate this land, and today you find large plantations of fruits and vegetables. Most surprising is perhaps the region of Geria, with vineyards between volcanic craters.
Not to forget about are also the works of great Canarian architect and artist Cesar Manrique, adding more attractions to this unique island.
 Arrecife, formerly having been just the port of Teguise, has grown to be the island's actual capital. Above its port, there are two great fortresses, San Gabriel and San José, in the past defending the town against the frequent attacks of pirates.
Another fortress, the Castillo de San Gabriel of 15th century, is located at a small island in front of the port and connected with Arrecife by a draw-bridge.
The town's Museum of Contemporary Art, inside another castle, the Castillo de San Juan (called as well Castillo del Hambre), showing several outstanding works of Cesar Manrique, is among Arrecife's major attractions.
Teguise, the former capital, carries the name of the last Guanche-king's daughter. It is one of the oldest settlements on the archipelago, but little is left of its original monumental abundance, as it once was destroyed by pirates.
Anyhow, Teguise conserved much of its ambience of a manorial town, with nice houses and its dominating castle, Castillo de Santa Barbara. A highly demanded souvenir are the "Timples", traditional instruments similar to guitars, which are manufactured here.
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