Experiencing new cultures and foods is one of the best things about going away. Last minute holidays to places that you don't know much about, combined with a little bit of last minute research on the impromptu getaways out there, can result in some of the most exciting trips. If you're thinking about a trip to Lanzarote, Spain, but are unsure about taking the plunge, read on to find out a little bit more.

Feast on traditional Spanish food with a personal chef

If you've managed to bag yourself some holiday accommodation that's big enough for you and your friends, La Bociana catering will come to you. Although based in the popular Playa Blanca, La Bociana will travel all over the island to cook a custom menu for you and your guests and even do the washing up! Whether you're after a Spanish feast or a taste of home, these talented chefs have all bases covered.

Image by Marco Zanferrari, used under CC license

Uncover Lanzarote's secrets on a quad or buggy tour

Regular quad and buggy tours depart from the popular coastal town of Costa Teguise. Get off the beaten track with off road driving in groups of up to 4 accompanied by some of Lanzarote's most knowledgeable and experienced tour guides.

With brief stops in between driving, these tours take you to places that it's impossible to get to otherwise. Learn more about Lanzarote's geography and history while zooming through the North and center of the island on dusty dirt tracks. These tours guarantee some fantastic sights (and photo opportunities!) in areas that most tourists hardly ever get to visit.

Pretend you're a Martian at Timanfaya National Park

Take part in one of the day tours of the park and explore the space-like landscape which was created when more than 100 volcanoes rose up and erupted. The land never recovered due to low rainfall but the sea in this area is still full of life: there are 59 species of fish, 120 invertebrates and 105 species of marine plants!

Image by Mike Lawrence, used under CC license

Dig for treasure at Teguise Market

Teguise Market is the biggest market in Lanzarote and takes place every Sunday. Just 12 kilometres from Costa Teguise and with plenty of extra buses put on, there's no need to worry about how to get there. Teeming with musicians, artists and artisan craft makers, there are lots of opportunities to experience more of the local culture - and even pick up a few gifts to bring home.

Visit an underwater museum

Museo Atlántico is the first undersea sculpture museum in Europe and is currently home to 3 different sculptures by Jason deCaires Taylor. This collection is set to keep growing as the museum plans to increase this number to 10. There are several diving and snorkeling trips a week to the museum, situated in a quiet area of Colorados, Playa Blanca at a depth of around 15 meters, so there are lots of opportunities to visit no matter how short your trip may be.

Image by Ratha Grimes, used under CC license

Lanzarote certainly is the place to see something different. Buggy tours, underwater museums, and a landscape a bit like outer space — take yourself there and experience something new!