All Inclusive Holidays in Lanzarote

Dramatic Landscapes, a year round warm climate and just a few hours from the UK.  Its easy to see why Lanzarote is so appealing when it comes to getting away from it all.  Lanzarote is one of the Spanish Canary Islands.  The archipelago is made up of 13 small (and not so small) Islands that sit just off the west coast of Africa.  Although governed by European Spain, they are physically part of the African Continent.

Tourism is very important to Lanzarote.  Its weather, landscape and natural attractions, including the Timanfaya National Park, bring hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.  Over the last 12 months we have seen airlines increase the number of flights scheduled to Lanzarote to help with the demand of tourists wanting to visit the island.

Holiday makers who come to Lanzarote have a wide selection of accommodation to chose from.  From private villas to luxury 5 star hotels there is accommodation to fit every budget.

All Inclusive Holidays are popular in Lanzarote.  In the three main resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise there are a number of large hotels that line the sea front.  However, in the interest of the islands legacy created by the late Cesar Manrique these hotels are very tastefully built and they fit reasonably well within the architecture of the island.

All Inclusive holidays are great for people who go on holiday to relax.  Both hotels and apartment complexes offer All Inclusive packages which means that all your food and drink is supplied as part of the cost of the holiday.  The only down side of this is that you have to eat at set meal times so you do lose a degree of flexibility that so many people enjoy whilst they are on holiday, but it terms of budgeting you know where you stand from the moment you have booked your vacation.  Another issue is that if you are staying in a hotel where the food isnt quite up to your own standards you may find yourself having to dine out incurring extra costs.

At night, you might find that only locally produced alcoholic drinks are provided as part of your package, so if you fancy a more mainstream beer you may have to dig out a few Euros to cover the cost.    Generally soft drinks and coffee / tea are provided free of charge for all inclusive guests all day every day - ideal if you have a family with small children who find the heat a little too much to deal with and needing regular refreshment.

All Inclusive Holidays in Lanzarote are not for everyone, but they are definitely popular packages and here to stay.  They are a great way to simply relax and not have to worry about anything apart from what time the next meal is!

Lanzarote Tourism Shines through difficult year around Europe

Its been a difficult year for many.  All over Europe the economy has been turned on its head.  Countries requiring bailouts, companies making redundancies and yet little Lanzarote has still recorded an increase on tourist figures from 2010.

Thanks to its climate and close proximity to the Sahara Desert, Lanzarote is an all year round holiday destination, and very popular with people looking for either Summer sun or a Winter break.  The three main resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca offer tourists an excellent choice of 5 star luxury hotels, apartment complexes and private villas.

The Centro de Datos, has reported that foreign arrivals through Lanzarote Airport (ACE) for 2011 are up 17.82%  with foreign tourists accounting for an 18.81% increase against the period of January to October in 2010.

So why is Lanzarote doing so well?

There are few candidates for reasons as to why Lanzarote has had such a good year.  Over the last 12 months we have seen a number of airlines ,such as Jet2, increasing the number of scheduled flights being made to Lanzarote.  Naturally, this has helped the island become more accessible to more people.  

The Lanzarote tourist board are also upping their game in terms of marketing, not only the island, but the resorts, events and attractions within.  

Its not just the British....

It isn't only the British Tourists who are deciding that, no matter how difficult times are financially, they will not relinquish their summer or winter breaks in the Sun.  Indeed, this trend follows similar patterns across debt stricken Europe with German, Irish, Swedish and Italian tourists all flocking to the island.  During October Italian tourists to Lanzarote increased by a whopping 393.90% with a recorded 4188 tourists in October 2011 against just 848 in October 2010.

And this is welcoming news for Hotel and Villa owners. The increase in tourist numbers has naturally meant to an increase in accommodation occupancy. Recorded occupancy rates for October were up 7.7% on 2010 .  Out of the three main resorts, Playa Blanca recorded the highest occupancy figures for October with 82.59% across hotels, villas/bungalows and apartments.

As Lanzarote continues to enjoy such a great year its focus now turns to the busy festive season as people around Europe look to swap the commercial Christmas environment of Europe for the more subtle approach taken by the Spanish residents and businesses of Lanzarote.

Lanzarote - Hotels, Apartments and Villas

The popular holiday destination of Lanzarote is blessed with a year round warm climate.  It is because of this that holiday makers flock to the island all year round.  This means that the island enjoys year round tourism and there is very little 'seasonal' drop in the tourism trade.

People who fly to Lanzarote will usually stay in one of three different types of accommodation.  A luxury Hotel, an Apartment either within a complex or standalone or a Villa / Bungalow.  The type of accommodation is really down to personal preference and possibly budget, but you don't have to spend the earth on accommodation to enjoy your holiday in Lanzarote, as lets face it, you shouldn't be spending too much time in it!

Luxury Hotels in Lanzarote tend to be spread out rather than built up.  This is due to a building restriction on the land that means that any building must not be taller than a certain height.  Unfortunately, it does appear that some of the larger chains of hotels on the island have been built illegally and contravene the regulations, but I don't see them disappearing any time soon!

In a luxury hotel you can expect to get well looked after from the moment you arrive.  From porters taking your luggage to a friendly welcome at the check-in desk.  The rooms are generally well furnished and maintained and include a bed (or beds), TV, minibar and shower / bathroom.  Meals in the hotels are usually served in a dining area, but of course in many cases it is never to far to venture out into the resort where restaurants are to be found a plenty.

If you fancy something a little more 'practical' then a self contained apartment might be for you.  There are many different apart-hotel complexes on Lanzarote that usually have their own pool (or pools), on site facilities such as shops and bars, and they give you the freedom to decide if you want to eat in or out.  Apartments usually come with a living area, kitchen area, bathroom and bedroom - so its like living at home on holiday!

Villas and Bungalows are generally the same as apart-hotels apart from the fact that they are privately owned and will usually be furnished to a higher standard.  They will also sleep more bodies.  For larger families or 'groups' Villas are usually a very cost effective way to rent accommodation for your holiday as you tend to pay for the Villa, and not for the number of people staying in it.  Most Villas in Lanzarote tend to have a small private pool and terrace area where you can enjoy the weather that the island has to offer.

The choice of accommodation is usually down to personal preference, what you can afford and what type of holiday you are looking for.  

Why you should consider hiring a car when on holiday in Lanzarote

Lanzarote, popular with europeans as a holiday destination, is the perfect location for people looking for year round sunshine. Wether its a one week of two week vacation, the climate, food and culture can certainly make for a relaxing and entertaining holiday. One of the big pulls to Lanzarote is the weather but there is a lot more that the island has to offer holiday makers who fancy venturing outside of their resort.

One of the easiest and most convenient ways of exploring the island outside of your resort is by car. There is no shortage of car hire companies in Lanzarote, and you will probably see more than one branch of the same company in any of the resorts.

Car hire in Lanzarote is very reasonably priced as is the cost of fuel. The reality is that as Lanzarote is such as small island you would do well to get through a full tank in a week, even if you visit all the attractions and towns on the map!

In terms of the type of car on offer, you can pretty much get whatever you fancy driving. Be it a small economical car, a family MPV or a convertible sports car to enjoy the sunshine in!

So why would you hire a car when on holiday in Lanzarote?

Visiting the attractions...

There are a number of attractions spread out around the island - some natural and some man made - some a combination of the two - but some of them aren't accessible from the main resorts without a car or excursion. Attractions such as the Timanfaya National Park, Guinate Tropical Park, Rancho Texas Park and the Lanzarote Water Park are all worth a visit and then there is the famous Mirador del Rio, Green Caves and Jameos del Agua that provide a perspective on the culture and history of the island.

Visiting other resorts...

Been to Lanzarote before but always end up staying in the same resort Why not venture further afield and spend a day in one of the other resorts. Maybe take a trip into Arrecife to see what 'city' life is like on the island.

Sampling the 'Real' Lanzarote

Lanzarote isn't just about the holiday resorts. By jumping in a car and driving around you will pass through some quiet, rural parts of the island such as the Wine Regions. Drive through Haria and the valley of 1000 Palms and sample what real Lanzarote towns are like.

Finally, if you like your shopping then a trip up to Teguise Market on a Sunday is a great way to empty your wallet on gifts for both yourself and the family back at home.

Whilst the weather on Lanzarote is usually pretty good, from time to time the sun might not show. It might even rain! Jumping in a car on an 'off' day is a great and cost effective way of seeing Lanzarote at your own pace.

The best places to eat in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote

Playa Blanca is a small resort on the very south tip of the island of Lanzarote. Very popular with the German and Irish Tourists, it is a small, friendly resort with a lot to offer both couples and families.

The year round climate of Lanzarote makes Playa Blanca an appealing holiday destination 365 days a year. Temperatures in the summer can often hit 40 degrees Celsius, whilst in the winter rarely drop much below 20 degrees. Whilst Lanzarote is known to be a windy island, Playa Blanca is relatively sheltered as it sits in front of a backdrop of mountains.

One of the appeals of Playa Blanca is the sheer number of quality restaurants that are available across the sea front. The two main commercial areas of Playa Blanca are the town itself and the Rubicon Marina.

The Marina plays host to a number of very well presented restaurants that serve many different types of food from Italian to Tex Mex. The Marina is generally quieter than the main sea front of the town and so dining tends to be a little more relaxed and, in my opinion, is better suited for couples or more grown up families.

The main town has a very large selection of restaurants offering different cusines from around the world. No matter if you fancy an indian, or if you want to sample a traditional Spanish dish then there is something for everyone. The restaurants here are family friendly and kids can be entertained by attractions such as Parrots and a small fireworks display that takes place each evening.

Its very difficult to choose the best place to eat in Playa Blanca, simply down to the amount of choice and personal taste, but in our opinion these restaurants top the bill in terms of quality of food, service and value for money.

Afrodite Little Italy

If you are looking for a first rate Italian meal then this is the place for you, although prices for some of the dishes, in our opinion are a little pricey. Having said that the quality of the food is second to none and it's fair to say that you get what you pay for here.

La Vaca Tijuana

Situated on the main promenade in Playa Blanca, La Vaca Tijuana is a Steak House / Pizzeria that offers one of the best Mixed Grills you will ever taste. Prices are very reasonable and you will never leave feeling hungry! Whilst maybe not everyones cup of tea the service here is fantastic. I have had many a laugh and joke here whilst tackling their special mixed grill!

Tipico Canario

One of the first restaurants you will come across as you walk across the sea front from Playa Dorada is Tipico Canario. The food quality and portion size here is amazing. The waiter service is OK and the restaurant is generally pretty full all of the time giving it a good atmosphere.

These are just three of our recommendations. Of course, its down to personal preference of what you like to eat, and in some cases who you are dining with and how much you have to spend. There are some quite expensive restaurants in Playa Blanca, but in general you can get a really nice meal without having to break the bank.

Lanzarote - Island of Nature, Food and Music

Lanzarote is my all time favourite place.  Not only just my favourite holiday destination but my favourite place on earth bar none.  The climate is just right and the island has a mystique that surrounds its preserved natural beauty.  Its a place that draws me back time after time.

When your flight starts to descend over Lanzarote, the first thing you will notice (usually out of the left hand window of the plane) is the volcanic landscape.  The view of crater, after crafter is truly amazing and the colours of the mineral rich landscape set off against the blue of the sky and the sea are a real sight to behold.  You will also notice how sparse Lanzarote appears from the air.  Its only a small island and yet is not overrun with high rise developments.  It really has the mix of tourism and nature spot on.

When the Plane touches down and you make your way out of the airport the landscape may appear quite literally, bone dry.  Lanzarote doesnt get much rain (it is off the coast of the Sahara Desert).  The landscape on Lanzarote has been likened to that on the moon and whilst this might not be for everyone it certainly has its hold on me.

There are three main tourist resorts on Lanzarote.  Puerto del Carmen (the largest and just minutes from the airport), Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise.  Each resort has its own appeal to different age groups but the one thing they all share is great food.  When it comes to dining out Lanzarote sets the standards.  Go into any restaurant that lines the sea front of the resorts (and they are a few) and you will, more often than not, be presented with a wide selection of outstanding dishes.  And the portions dont come small!  The price you pay for eating out in Lanzarote does vary.  You can basically pay as little or as much as you want, but the average price usually gets you a really nice meal.  A couple can easy have a nice meal for around €50 including starter, main, desert and drinks.

Finally, the music.  I dont know what it is about Lanzarote but the live music on offer tends to be so much better than anywhere else I have been.  It really seems to blend in with the island and provides a great nights entertainment.  Not only that but the musicians tend to be accessible so it easy to get to know them if you are a regular visitor to the island.

All in all, Lanzarote is the perfect place.  The climate, the nature and the tourism all seem to sit together so well.  Its not over commericalised and there is a real sense that whilst Tourism is very important to the island that it will not be forced into destroying the identity that has created the island we have come to know and love.

Christmas in Lanzarote

Being an 'all year round' holiday favourite, Lanzarote is a very popular choice of destination during the Christmas season.  Christmas is often a time when friends and family get together at home but more and more recently people are deciding to swap the cold, dark winter days with the warmer climate of Lanzarote and the Canary Islands.

Christmas is now one of the busiest times of the year in Lanzarote and visitors numbers are comparable with the summer season.  The nice thing about Christmas in Lanzarote is that there is no 2 month commercial build up where you are forced to listen to Christmas carols and fight your way through Christmas decorations in shops from the beginning of November.  Christmas in Lanzarote, whilst still celebrated, is a much more understated affair.

As is always the case in Lanzarote, you will be able to find a nice meal on Christmas day although you might have to hunt around if you fancy the traditional turkey.  The Spanish tend to have their Christmas feast on Christmas Eve, where Lamb and Lobster are usually ever present on the menu!  In typical Spanish fashion the Christmas feast usually consists of several courses and many different side dishes!  As the Christmas Eve meal is such a big event you will find that many of the local restaurants and bars close early on Christmas so that the staff can spend the evening with their families and also attending the Christmas Eve Mass celebrations.

The food aside, probably one of the biggest reasons that people choose to spend their Christmas in Lanzarote is the weather.  However strange it may seem to wake up on Christmas morning to blue sky, sunshine and warmth there is nothing better than a stroll beside the sea on Christmas morning (apart from maybe spending some time on the beach in the afternoon!)

Whilst I have said that the Spanish do celebrate Christmas the actual exchange of Christmas gifts takes place after New Year, on January 6th.  This is known as the day of the Kings and is a day of festivals, street parades and entertainment.

So in all, Christmas in Lanzarote is a very relaxing time, celebrated in an understated fashion (compared to the UK) in the warm climate of the Canary Islands.  If you've decided that you have had enough of the frantic festive Season in the U.K then maybe its time you thought about spending Christmas on the Island?