It is the most easterly, most northerly and fourth largest island of the volcanic chain of the seven main Canary Islands, which are part of Spain but located just off the African coast. Lazarote is only 37 miles (60km) long and 12 miles (20km) wide, with 130 miles (213km) of shoreline. The whole island has Unesco World Biosphere Reserve status and an ecological style of tourism without mass high rise developments.

I cannot describe in just a few words why Tamariu counts as one of the loveliest places I have ever visited in my life. It is not just the smell of the pine woods and cypresses, the mild climate and the wild, cleft coast that hides probably the best dive sites of the Mediterranean Sea under the surface of the water, Tamariu is a small pearl that has preserved its original face in the midst of the big tourist centres of Spain’s Costa Brava for over six decades.

At first sight, the aquatic desert appears to be devoid of life, but appearances can be deceiving. Under thin veils of sand, scores of subtly camouflaged rays and cryptically coloured angel sharks lay dormant, waiting for divers to arrive with their tasty treats.