The tourist strongholds of the Canary Islands are marked - and marred - by huge holiday developments. Massive building in the past decades has destroyed the beautiful coastlines of these Atlantic islands off the coast of Morocco. Not Lanzarote, though. The fact that Lanzarote has not reached the dimensions of other Spanish locations can be ascribed to the island's most famous native son: the artist Cesar Manrique. Already in the 1970s, Manrique recognized the dangers tourism would bring to Lanzarote's fragile environment.

Not only did Manrique ensure that the coasts aren't paved with ugly hotels, his work as an artist is also evident all over the island. My personal favorite is Jameos del Agua.

Manrique turned this lava tunnel into a piece of art in 1968, with a lake, rich tropical plants, a pool and art exhibitions. There's also a really unusual underground concert hall.

For a spectacular view, I always visit Mirador del Rio, that Manrique built in 1973. It's so well-integrated into the landscape, you don't even see it until you're practically at the door. And the decor is very cool.

But Manrique died in 1992 and the influence of his followers is waning. I hope Lanzarote can keep its unique perspective.

The cold weather is dragging on in Germany and lots of people here head to the Canary Islands during the winter. Located off the coast of northern Africa, they're called the islands of eternal spring for their mild climate all year round.

My personal favorite is Lanzarote. It's definitely a matter of taste, but I think it's the most unusual and bizarre of the islands. There are no forests, few trees and it's very black, due to hundreds of years of volcanic eruptions. It's like being on the moon. But the beaches are beautiful, like Playa de Famara. 

Famara is a mecca for the island's surfers. There are lots of waves -- Lanzarote is often called "Europe's Hawaii." But when the wind is right, Playa de la Garita is also great.

Not only that, Lanzarote also has fantastic cultural highlights.