Why hire a car at Arrecife airport?
That all-important first mile: driving out of Arrecife airport?
"Don't come here if you want to sit in the Rose and Crown watching EastEnders all day. This is the Lanzarote city with a touch of culture!"
It's true that most tourists tend to head straight to the island's big resorts, leaving Arrecife pleasantly quiet. If you're in need of home comforts, you might spot the odd pub though!
Along the seafront there's a laid back air which practically forces you to take a seat, quaff some wine and watch the ocean rolling in.
Arrecife doesn't rely on tourism but it's used to holiday-makers - this is Lanzarote after all - and its residents will welcome you enthusiastically, especially if they own a bar.
It's basically warm. In the summer the temperature hovers in the mid to late 20s and in winter it rarely drops into the teens.
With a great watery larder on its doorstep you won't be surprised that seafood is popular. Order some papas arrugadas with a mojo picon - potatoes in a spicy sauce - to go with your fish.
Artist and architect Cesar Manrique was born in the city. You can see his sculptures and buildings all over Lanzarote.
Lanzarote is in the same time zone as Britain, so you can just roll off the plane and get straight into your holiday without worrying about anything trivial like sleep.
"A quiet, beautiful port city with an historic centre and attractive beaches." - Spanish Tourist Board
Once you've stretched your legs and picked up your luggage, head for the airport's arrivals hall, where you'll find a number of car hire desks.
The volcanic island has very fertile soil that is perfect for growing grapes, which means the local wine from La Geria region is a very pleasant drop.
There are a number of cash machines located around the building, as well as a bureau de change.
If you're feeling peckish before your flight there are several cafés and restaurants to choose from, before and after the security gates and passport control in the departures hall.
Don't worry about packing your PG Tips - you'll find plenty of English fare on offer in Lanzarote. But if you're looking for a taste of authentic Canarian cuisine, look out for restaurants with the word típico written on their menu - they will serve deliciously fresh local dishes.
The main resort on Lanzarote has been a tourist hotspot for more than 40 years and has a great selection of bars, restaurants and beaches to enjoy. Unlike many popular European resorts, there are very few high-rise buildings in Puerto del Carmen, which helps it retain an atmosphere of rustic charm.
The main resort on Lanzarote has been a tourist hotspot for more than 40 years and has a great selection of bars, restaurants and beaches to enjoy. Unlike many popular European resorts, there are very few high-rise buildings in Puerto del Carmen, which helps it retain an atmosphere of rustic charm.
The main resort on Lanzarote has been a tourist hotspot for more than 40 years and has a great selection of bars, restaurants and beaches to enjoy. Unlike many popular European resorts, there are very few high-rise buildings in Puerto del Carmen, which helps it retain an atmosphere of rustic charm.