There’s much more to the Canary Island of Lanzarote than just sun and beaches alone. As this small speck of Spain is home to a whole host of visitor attractions and things to see. Encompassing natural wonders, picturesque towns and villages and the incredible creations of a famous local artist called Cesar Manrique.

Best of all Lanzarote is very manageable when it comes touring and exploring. As the island is tiny and can be covered from end to end in under an hour. Car hire in Lanzarote is cheap too – unlike some other Spanish sunspots. With rental rates starting from as little as €13 per day.

So what are the top five must see attractions the island?

Timanfaya National Park
Visiting Lanzarote without viewing the volcanic region would be like going to Paris and ignoring the Eiffel Tower. The weird and wonderful scenery here covers about a quarter of the island and was created by eruptions centuries ago. Leaving this whole area carpeted in solid lava and peppered with burnt out volcanic peaks.

This is such a photogenic location that numerous film makers have used it as a location. Most recently the makers of next year’s big Hollywood smash Clash of the titans which is scheduled for release some time during 2010.

The Green Lagoon
No less a surreal sight is the Green Lagoon at El Golfo. Created by a chance interaction between sea water and algae this emerald coloured lake is locked in a black sand beach right on the coastline. Creating a striking sight which has also been used by various filmmakers over the years. Most recently Pedro Almodovar who shot Broken Embraces on the island.

Cesar Manrique Foundation
This has to be the strangest property in Lanzarote. The former home of Cesar Manrique was created over five chambers in the lava flow. And houses all of the artist’s most important paintings and sculptures.

The Jamoes del Agua
The Jameos perfectly demonstrated how Manrique worked to unite the islands terrain with his own creativity. This collapsed lava tube was converted by Manrique into a stunning underground auditorium, tropical gardens and nightclub in the late 1960´s. And really put Lanzarote on the map as a unique tourist destination for the first time.

Valley of 1000 Palms
Perfect proof that Lanzarote isn’t all about volcanoes and rock formations. The north of the island is in fact surprisingly green. Nowhere more so than in the Valley of 1000 Palms. Where an amazing oasis comprised of the crowns of countless Canarian palms swaying gently in the breeze.