[divider_5px]Awhile back we shared a post about our top destiantions to visit while living in Spain and the Canary Islands were unsurprisingly on the list. Of the islands, Lanzarote is one of the tourism hotspots. Our guest Cathy, an online marketing specialist, shares a post with us about turning a business trip to the island into a vacation. Work trips are always a great opportunity to take advantage of your situation by squeezing in a little tourism and fun while away. Be inspired and enjoy![divider_5px]

With Lanzarote being an understandably tourist-focused island, it's not too surprising that nearly 90% of its economic output comes from hospitality, service, and other tourism-related activities. So if you're visiting on business, the chances are you're in the tourism industry – and the island's main tourist city, Puerto Del Carmen, offers the perfect opportunity to mix your business with a little pleasure.

First things first though, getting to your destination is surprisingly simple. Numerous UK airports fly direct to Lanzarote Airport, which is situated between Puerto Del Carmen and the island's capital Arrecife. Once you arrive, you won't have to waste your time with lengthy transfers, as it should only take you around 15 minutes to get from the airport to the city by taxi. Your accommodation options in the city are varied, with various catering options to suit all needs – apartments like the Don Paco Castilla offer a self-catering option for those on a tight budget, or you can go all-inclusive if you want to feel like a real high-flyer.

If you need some new threads for that upcoming business meeting, perhaps a visit to Guess or Zara in the Biosphera Shopping centre might do the trick, and if you're looking to impress with designer brands, you may want to head out of town and check out the boutiques of the Paseo de la Moda in nearby Puerto Calero. On the other hand, if you're wanting to add a dash of culture to your trip, then  there are a couple of other interesting attractions just a short drive away. The El Grifo Wine Museum offers budding connoisseurs a chance to sample the island's wine, as well as visiting the 18th century winery cellar itself. Art lovers will want to visit the Fundacion Cesar Manrique just north of Arrecife, the home of the late artist Cesar Manrique. It houses a collection of his work, as well as being an architectural marvel in itself, built around natural ‘bubbles' in the island's volcanic rock.

Food-wise, Lanzarote has always had a questionable reputation for its numerous bars selling cheap British grub, but take a closer look and you'll find more suitable options for wining and dining prospective clients. Casa Roja has an excellent view overlooking the harbour and stands out for more than its striking red walls – the seafood dishes are locally sourced and excellently prepared. Those after a flavour of the orient may wish to check out the Teppanyaki Nippon, which is a surprisingly authentic Japanese restaurant nestled among the Old Town – it's the perfect place to expand your horizons and try something a little different. If a quintessentially European fine dining experience is more your style, then Quintins Restaurant will serve your needs perfectly, with a wide variety of delicious, beautifully presented dishes on offer.

Finally, there's nothing better than letting your hair down after a hard day's work, and in Puerto Del Carmen, the best place for that is the Centro Atlantic. It has a wide variety of bars and clubs available, and for real night owls there are places that open until 6am – just make sure you don't have a client meeting the following morning…