just came back from a trip to Lanzarote and am still absolutely awe struck by its natural beauty and the different sights, therefore the post. But please feel free to add this post to another thread, I m sure there are lots of existing questions and answers on this topic already. I just want to stress how much there is to see in lanzarote so that people know what they are missing, when they decide to stay just in the hotel or at the beach every day.

The best way to see lanzarote is to hire a car and drive around the island. Driving is extremely easy. There aren't too many roads in the first place, not much traffic and hardly any rules you need to know. There is ample free parking at all the sights. The roads are not too well sign posted, but it's easy to get back on trck again if you have lost your way. We got a map from cicar, our car rental, and that was more than sufficient.

1. Timanfaya National Park:
Absolutely must see!!! It's right in the centre of Lanzarote, so close to all resorts. Once you enter the national park (signs will tell you when you have done so) it's a beautiful drive through volcanic landscape, quite impressive in all its barrenness. The centre of the national park is called islote del hilario which is really an active though dormant volcano. You are not allowed to walk freely in this area but once you get to islote de hilario you can park your car (lots of free parking) and the timanfaya national park wardens will take care of you. The entrance fee is 8 Euro per person. First you are taken on a guided coach tour. The commentary is recorded and available in different languages( I have heard english, german and spanish, but probably there are others). The coach takes you on a breathtaking journey past the main craters on narrow steep roads (You wouldn't want to drive here, if you have sensitive stomachs beware. Though I am notorious for travel sickness but was too awe struck to think of anything else but what I saw. Some kids were sick though) The trip lasts for about an hour. Back at the Islote centre there is a restaurant called El Diablo that cooks or grills meat on volcanic heat. At regular intervals the wardens perform experiments to show you the power of the volcano. (they pour water into a hole and it bursts out in a jet of steam, they demonstrate branch catching fire and show you the grill on which the restaurant cooks on volcanic heat). These demos are about every twnety minutes but the wardens don't mind quickly giving you a demo if you have missed one. We did not eat in El Diablo but the dishes look tasy and it is extremely reasonably priced.
Everything is very low key, they don;t make much advertisement, the entrance is really cheap, etc. but it is the most impressive and best non-private tourist attraction I have ever seen.

2. La valle de geria.
This is an area where the local have planted vineyards on the volcanic landscape on the road that runs next to timanfaya national park (between uda and magache). Very pretty and very impressive how the locals have managed to grow wine using volcanic ash to protect the vineyards and preserve moisture. This can be easily combined with a trip to islote he hilario. There are some bodegas or wine shops along the road where you can stop and taste their wine. The dry white wine is called malvasia after its grapes. All wines are excellent, I especially liked the sweet white wine though. In the shop we went a bottle was 8 Euro, which seems cheap for such high quality wine.

3. Famara

Golden Beach in the north west of lanzarote. Quite pretty; though the waves and strong under currents make swimming dangerous. There are lots of windsurfers though and you can rent the gear in shops in the nearby village.

4. El Golfo

Lagoon type beach. Black, very fine pebble sand. Feels very funny but nice against your feet. It is famour for a little lake that has been formed between the cliffs and the beach. It's yellow because of the mineral content. Very pretty again.

5. Los Hervidores

Again on the west coast (Very close to el golfo), los hervidores consists of a a series of cliffs into which the force of the sea has formed caves. Very impressive. There are paths to admire these caves from the top of the hills but watch your kids because there is no fence on these paths.

6. Salida de Janubio
These are salt pans (south of el golfo and los hervidores) that have been formed (manmade) in shallow areas of the sea. Another example of how locals have managed to use the resources of this barren island without causing much damage.

7. El Patio

This is an agricultural museum (in interior lanzarote) which looks like an old deserted farm house with windmills and an animal yard (which has a few goats and a camel). There are lots of explanations about how locals have lived before and you can view their rooms, kitchens, etc. The best about this place is the feeling of peace and quiet it conveys. I could have just watched the camel for hours or listened to the wind while sitting in the garden. The entrance is 5 Euros I think and you get to taste their wine and they also offer bread with goat cheese. Very soothing and there are hardly any people.

8. Jameos del Agua

One of the more touristy, man made attractions. It's on oasis built in an underground volcanic tunnel whose roof has collapsed. I think the entrance is about 10 Euros but am not sure. There is a bar and in the evening they hold shows or concerts there and it is lit. You can see white blind crabs in the crystal clear water but please don't throw any coins into the water (as many people do) because the metal in the coins corrodes and spoils the habitat for these crabs). There is a pool (though not for swimming) and everything is set among pretty flowers, etc.)

9. Cueves des Verdes

I did not go here but heard it's good. It's five minutes from Jameos del Agua so you can combine these two.

10. Haria

On the way to these to attractrions above (if you are coming from the south) lies the vilage of Haria. Very charming with again a very peaceful feel to it. There is a pedestrian square with a few cafes, which are slightly more expensive but make a very pleasant stop.

11. The whole of Lanzarote is influenced by the architect cesar manrique. You wills ee his name everywhere. All buildings are built according to his style. Low key, white one storey buildings with greyn or brown dors and window frames. There is a museum about hijm, the cesar manrique foundation where he used to live, which seems well worth a visit, though I did not get the time.

12. Beaches

The best Beaches I think are just next to Playa Blanca in tha papagayo nature reserve. They are golden, unspoilt sand beaches with very calm, crystal clear water. No sunbeds or umbrellas but lots of free ample parking (though it does not spoilt your view when you are lying at the beach). You need to climb down to the beaches though and it can get steep. You have to pay an entrance for your car, but it's quite cheap and valid for the whole day. I did not like playa mucheres so much, which seems more of a pebble beach but the papagayo beach is great. You can even see fish in the shallow water.

13. Mirador del Rio

Phew, almost forgot this one. It's up north and gives a clear view of the small but oretty island la graciosa. The entrance is 4.5 euros per person and includes a drink per person. If you don't want to pay you can walk around the building and enjoy the same view. The building is pretty, cesar manrique style but the view is really more impressive.

Phew, my apologies for the long post. There are many more things to see on lanzarote, but this is what I did in five days. A guide can give more information. (I used to the AA pocket guide) Even if the other sights don't tempt you, please go to timanfaya national park. You won't regret it.

All sights are extremely accessibly, not expensive at all and there are restroms everywhere (which are surprisingly well maintained and clean) and free parking.