If you're looking for villas in Lanzarote, why not book a property in Puerto del Carmen? This is one of the island's most popular resorts, with around 6 km of golden sandy beaches for you to choose from. Should you feel like taking a break from sunbathing, there's plenty to see and do.

A new golf course is being built near the resort, while if you want to take advantage of your seaside location you could book a course at one of the windsurfing or diving schools and get to grips with the sports before trying them for yourself.

You may also wish to hire a bike so you can enjoy cycling down the promenade in the sun looking for the perfect spot on the beach to take a break, before pedalling back to your luxury villas.

Back at the resort, there are a host of popular bars and restaurants, with the latter serving up some of the best seafood on the island – so you should treat yourself to at least one night out to sample the local delicacies.

Indeed, it is no wonder Puerto del Carmen is so popular with holidaymakers, yet another part of the draw of this destination is the opportunity you have to take excursions to other nearby places of interest.

One example may be the island capital of Arrecife. Home to around half of Lanzarote's entire population, the city received early mentions in maps dating back to the 15th century, when it was still a simple fishing harbour.

Today it is a bustling destination, where golden beaches lie side-by-side with a busy city characterised by its distinct lack of skyscrapers, making for a beautiful clear skyline.

Interestingly, one of the city's most famous sons was Cesar Manrique, an artist and architect whose style influenced many of the buildings on the island. He was also vocal in his belief that tourist developments should be traditional-looking and aesthetically-pleasing, as well as practical. As a result, many of the properties in Lanzarote are not much taller than the largest palm trees.

The tallest is The Grand hotel, which has seventeen stories. The top floor restaurant, bar and coffee shop therefore offer stunning views across the rest of the lovely island.

Other places to visit in the area include the saltwater lagoon of El Charco de San Gines and the historical La Casa de Los Arroyo, where you will find a science centre.

If you plan to hire a car for the duration of your stay in villas in Puerto del Carmen, you could head inland towards Guime.

The town sits close to the La Geria wine-producing region and you may wish to visit this spot to find out more about the unusual growing techniques. Traditionally, the vines are planted separately in a small, low-walled pit filled with volcanic gravel, which helps to protect the fruit from the hot breezes while maintaining its moisture.

As a result, it is said that the grapes grown here taste unique – and you can see if you agree by taking advantage of the free samples you may be offered at whichever bodega you visit.

Take a tour around the newly built Stratus Bodega and learn about wine as well as enjoying a delicious lunch or dinner.

To learn more, you could also go to San Bartolome and take a wander around Casa Museo y Monumento al Campesino, a museum that covers the development of farming techniques on the island.

The facility is also home to a gift shop where you can pick up beautiful pottery prepared in the traditional local way. The items are not moulded on a potter's wheel and are baked in an open fire.

With so many fascinating places to visit it is certainly worth taking an excursion or two when you stay in Puerto del Carmen.