LAGO MARTIANEZ PUERTO DE LA CRUZ TENERIFE

As a traditional resort, Puerto de la Cruz had a major drawback in the new era of mass package tourism: it had no decent beach. The solution was this beautiful lido, designed by the inspirational Lanzarote architect Cesar Manrique and completed in 1977. Manrique was also responsible for the Playa Jardin, also in Puerto de la Cruz, which he developed in 1992.

In the 1970s, when the town wondered how to respond to the growing demand for swimming and sunbathing facilities, it consulted Manrique, who was based on Lanzarote. An internationally acclaimed modern artist, he had recently returned to his native Canary Islands, where he had been given a free hand to develop tourist attractions. Manrique had strong views on mass tourism, which he believed could be of great benefit to the Canary Islands, but at the risk of destroying the landscape, local culture and traditional architecture. He argued that tourism should be encouraged within strict controls and that facilities should be of the highest, most creative standard.

Marketed under various names (Costa Martianez, Lido de San Telmo, Lido de Martianez), the Lago contains some 27,000 cubic metres of filtered seawater. It consists of eight attractively shaped pools and a larger swimming lake, interspersed with refreshing fountains and islets of lush greenery; the complex has proved a great success. Waterside sunbathing terraces, shaded by palms, are laid out in white and black volcanic rock.

Touches of art and humor are everywhere: a popular feature is a central lava isle which periodically erupts as a fountain. The summit of Pico del Teide makes a dramatic backdrop inland. Besides several onsite bars and restaurants, there's also a glitzy cabaret show restaurant called Andromeda at the Isla del Lago.