There are hundreds of ways to fall in love with Lanzarote – but the two stars of this tour would make any top 10 list. It kicks off in the market in Teguise and ends by the kaleidoscopic waters of Papagayo. And in between, you'll enjoy a dramatic drive through the island's lava-scarred heart. Nancy, one of our local guides, says, ‘Even though I've lived on Lanzarote for over 20 years, Teguise market is where I go for a gift to take home to friends and family. And its setting under the church belfry gives it a real country fair feel.'
First up is the Sunday morning market in Teguise – a village that's like something out of a Wild West movie. Surrounded by desert-like badlands, it's a maze of single-storey whitewashed alleys that converge on the main square. Here, under the shadow of Guadalupe church, hundreds of stalls sell local foods and handicrafts. You'll have a couple of hours to savour the atmosphere –there are street musicians and dancers – and maybe bag a souvenir. With any purchase, you contribute to the local community and economy.
Next is a minivan drive south through Lanzarote's volcano-strewn centre to the remote Papagayo headland. The island's southernmost point is washed by waters that range from sky-blue to emerald-green. Nancy says, ‘There are 2km of beaches and coves. Choose a tiny hideout like San Marcial cove or Papagayo beach, which is hemmed in by two wave-washed headlands. It's a wonderful spot in which to wind down for a few hours.'
