The hottest new fitness destination: Lanzarote

You may have been surprised by the claim that the hottest new fitness destination is Lanzarote. As like many beach destinations in Europe, Lanzarote is a port of call for young people looking for a holiday fuelled by sun, sea, sand and a whole lot of sangria (and maybe 10 shots of sambuca too!). But you should never let what others get up to in one place define it, or you’d miss out on so much. Like for example, seeing the natural beauty of Lanzarote, which is even declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. And there’s more. Here are just a few things to do in Lanzarote that don’t involve a shot glass…

Admire the work of Mother Nature

Everyone loves a clear blue sea and a beautiful stretch of golden sand, but the scenery in the Canary Islands offers much more. As a volcanic island, Lanzarote is home to incredible lava streams, cliffs and volcanos – the result of eruptions and lava flow hundreds of years ago. You can explore cool cliff formations at Los Hervideros, admire the Cueva de los Verdes lava tube, or explore inside the volcanic tunnel of Jameos del Agua. Or if you want to see some volcanic action, visit the Timanfaya National Park, where the surface temperature in the core can be as high as 600°C just 13 metres below. You’ll get to see the sudden burst of steam when the guides pour water in a hole in the ground!

Island fare

One to tick off the hit-list is dining at El Diablo at the Timanfaya National Park, where meat is cooked over a dormant volcano. Pair this with a bottle of wine locally produced from the volcanic vineyards, and you’ll want for nothing more. If you’re a fan of the wine, it may be down to the years of grafting that went into producing it. Eruptions destroyed the land and the locals sought a new, innovative method of growing grapes – planting them in the ashes! The stretch of craters, each protected by a stone wall, might appear bizarre but it certainly works (even if it does take much longer than the typical method).

Get involved

Whether or not you’re a runner or wine enthusiast, Lanzarote’s Wine Run in June is a hugely popular sporting event that’s worth getting involved in. You can choose to run the longer 22.3K or run/walk the shorter 12.7K distance, but both routes will take you through the best of Lanzarote’s vineyard region – with a wine break at each vineyard stop of course (or water if you’re not game). Complete with snack stops and an epic food festival at the end, the atmosphere is incredible and unlike any other run you will have done before.

Where to stay

For more of an active break, opt for Club La Santa – one of the world’s best sports holiday resort, visited by amateurs and professionals from across the globe. The resort caters for over 40 sports and activities including: cycling, tennis, basketball, swimming, and a myriad of fitness classes like yoga and Pilates. Or if you fancy a more low-key, relaxing trip, Hotel Costa Calero Talaso & SPA is located right by the yachting harbour of Puerto Calero in a tropical garden – bliss! And if you haven’t experienced thalassotherapy before, you’re in for a treat. Costa Calero is home to a lush indoor and outdoor seawater pool with various muscle therapy jet installations. We wouldn’t blame you if you stayed here all day…