Swapping Snow and Santa for Sun, Sea and Sand

OK, so it's not everyones cup of tea, but more and more of us are ditching the cold UK for warmer climates at Christmas, and Lanzarote is proving to be a very popular destination.

Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands and just 70 miles off the coast of the Sahara, enjoys a year round warm climate and is a popular year round holiday destination. The weather in Lanzarote around Christmas averages at around 21.5 degrees and with 6 hours of sunshine it's perfect to sit out in the sun whilst enjoying a Christmas drink (Canaries Honey Rum is our favorite!)

Spain doesn't celebrate Christmas until the 6th January so it might seem strange that 25th December comes across as 'business as usual'. This does mean that there are plenty of places for you to enjoy a nice meal whilst looking out over the sea - however whilst many restaurants put on a Christmas Menu don't expect a traditional turkey meal with all the trimmings!

Generally we have found that holiday deals during the festive period can be a little more expensive than usual, probably due to demand, but what you can guarantee is a fantastically, warm festive celebration.

How to create the perfect Lanzarote Holiday

Since the arrival of Autumn here in the UK, you'd be forgiven for dreaming of getting away from the drop in temperate and the early nights that set in. Autumn and Winter can be full of doom and gloom, but Lanzarote offers an escape and an opportunity to soak up some summer sun.

But on top of this, you don't want your winter break to be just an escape to the sun. You want it to be a pleasurable, relaxing experience with no unnecessary hassles or hiccups. Naturally, you want the Perfect Lanzarote holiday.

So what defines a perfect holiday in Lanzarote? The answer to this depends largely on taste, and what you are looking for. However, for a small island Lanzarote offers so much it's very easy to cater for (almost) everyone.

The integral part of any holiday is the accommodation. Although if the weather is good you probably wont be spending much time there. Lanzarote Accommodation is generally of a high standard, especially if you visit Playa Blanca in the south of the island. There are a number of 4 and 5 star hotel resorts in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise which are ideal for the family or older couples who simply want to relax.

Want to do more? For adrenaline junkies Famara is the perfect place on earth. The open Atlantic provides winds and waves that are superb for wind surfing, kite surfing and all sorts of types of sports that send your blood to your head! Not one for the water? Check out the Lanzarote Buggy Safaris where you can take a tour of the island via quad bike - or even better why not take a trip on Camel back in the Timanfaya National Park!

For me, one of the most important part of any holiday is the food and drink. I like to be able to find a nice restaurant, with a good menu and a good beer (preferably San Miguel!). For me it's about relaxing, having somewhere nice to stay and enjoying a fantastic evening meal with my better half.

If you are ever in doubt about where to stay or what to do when you visit Lanzarote you can always talk to your travel agent, or head on over to www.destination-lanzarote.com where you can find a wealth of information. There is plenty to do for families, both older and younger couples and those seeking out more adventure.

Monarch Airlines - Credit were credit is due

We have just returned from a weeks holiday in Lanzarote. All in all it was a good week (it always is!) although the weather could have been a little kinder to us. Still, we managed to get a few days on the beach.

On our return flight the plane developed a technical problem before take off. This is the first time I have experienced such a thing and probably not the last, but I was extremely impressed with the way that Monarch handled the situation.

Our plane was pulled out ready to taxi down to the runway. And that's where the problem started - it didn't, or rather couldn't, move. We sat on the plane for a while wondering what was going on. At first I thought that we were just waiting for our slot to use the runway, but then it became more apparent that there was a problem. After sitting on the plane for around an hour the captain advised us of a technical issue and that someone was coming out to investigate and hopefully fix the problem as Monarch had an engineer on the island.

The Engineer promptly arrived and we sat on the plane for a while longer before being told that the starter motor on one of the engines had died and that we would not be able to fly until it was fixed. We were looking at a 2.30 departure - the following day!

Not long after we disembarked the aircraft and collected our luggage which had been promptly removed from the plane. After a couple of minutes of waiting in the baggage hall we were then collected by coach and taken to the nearby Hotel San Antonio in Puerto del Carmen. We were a little bit distressed at hearing that we were going to be staying in PDC, it's not our cup of tea, but to our surprise the hotel (just down near Playa de los Pocillos) was a very impressive 4 star accommodation. Not only that but Monarch had arranged for our evening meals and breakfasts to be paid for.

On arrival, the reception were ready with a passenger list and check in was fast and efficient. We settled into the room and made our way down for a very nice buffet style evening meal and then enjoyed some excellent entertainment in the bar. The staff at the hotel were first class, especially the gentleman walking the reception floor who I assume was the duty manager for the evening.

The following day we started with a fantastic buffet style breakfast and enjoyed a last couple of hours of sunshine before the coaches collected us again to take us back to the airport. The plane was a little late in departing but better to be safe than sorry when it comes to planes and technical issues!

To top it all off, as a gesture of good will Monarch provided us with free meals on the flight home.

The party I travelled with (my girlfriend and her parents) all thought that Monarch provided a fantastic and efficient service to resolve what was an unfortunate situation. Mechanical things break down from time to time, it's the nature of the beast. Its how things are put right that counts, and Monarch were top class.

Lanzarote to lose its biosphere status?

Thanks to its year round warm climate, Lanzarote attracts many tourists looking for a relaxing and lazy holiday in the sun. Perhaps what many tourists don’t realize is that Lanzarote is a Unesco biosphere site, one of only 564 in the world!

With pioneering use of land a large part of the western coast of Lanzarote has been declared a nature reserve, the volcanic Timanfaya National Park, which is largely intact except for a tour-bus route, camel rides and a restaurant where food is cooked over a naturally lava-heated barbecue pit.

However, thanks to the so called ‘illegal’ building of 24 hotels in coastal resorts such as Playa Blanca the island is in danger of losing its biosphere status. The Canary Island Supreme Court has ruled that these hotels have been built illegally, with EU grants – issued partly with thanks to the islands biosphere status!

The biosphere status was issued to the island based on its development plans to promote sustainable tourism that respected the environment. The Cesar Manrique Foundation, named after the late artist Cesar Manrique himself, fights the development of large concrete buildings such as hotels on the other Canary Islands.

However, as you will see from the larger hotels that have been built on the sea front in resorts such as Playa Blanca there is reason for concern with regards to the biosphere status of the island.

Maybe the saving grace is that it is the Cesar Manrique foundation who have in fact ‘whistle-blown’ on these developers which may give the island a fighting chance in retaining the biosphere status.

There is no doubt that some of the larger hotels, such as those in Playa Blanca have helped the towns tourism trade, but at what cost? Playa Blanca, one a small fishing port is now a vibrant tourist destination enticing people from all over Europe.

The island has proven that, for years, it has been able to sustain repeat tourism through natural, low-key visitor attractions and it would be a tragic shame to see the Manrique legacy and biosphere status fall over the sake of corrupt property development.

5 things to do when staying in Playa Blanca

Once a small fishing port at the southern tip of Lanzarote, Playa Blanca is now a thriving resort, although it’s fair to say that unlike some of the other resorts on the island it has done very well when it comes to sticking to its roots.

Although relatively small, there is plenty to do in Playa Blanca, both for couples of all ages and families.

It is not unusual for people to book into a hotel or stay in an aparthotel when on holiday in Playa Blanca, and with the extreme summer heat can be too easy to just sit around the pool all day. But there are plenty of other things to be doing in Playa Blanca. Here are our top 5:

1. Hire a bike. There is a footpath in Playa Blanca that stretches from the lighthouse(s) in Faro de Pechiguera right through to Punta de Papagayo. It’s a fair treck and be careful of pedestrians!


2. Take a trip on the Glass Bottom boat. The sea around Playa Blanca is crystal clear, so what better way to see what’s beneath it than taking a trip on the glass bottom boat? The boat departs from both the harbour and the Rubicon Marina and heads towards the Papagayo beaches.


3. Relax on one of the beaches. There are a number of small(ish) beaches along the coastal footpath, scattered amongst a number of rocky coves. The main beach in Playa Blanca is sandwiched between two man-made beaches in Playa Dorado and Playa Flamingo. (At the time of writing Playa Flamingo is currently undergoing an overhaul and unavailable to the public)


4. Go Diving! Playa Blanca is home to the Lanzarote Dive College. Located by the Hotel Natura Palace (a short walk from the Playa Flamingo beach, towards the lighthouse) the Dive Centre caters for everyone from beginners to instructors.


5. Visit the bi-weekly market at the Rubicon Marina. Twice a week (Wednesdays and Saturdays) a local trade market takes place at the Rubicon Marina. You can find all sorts of bargains here from local crafts (a fantastic trader who builds leather chairs while you wait!), local wines and local products such as Aloe Vera gels and creams.

So, although Playa Blanca is the ideal place to relax, there is still plenty going on should you feel the need to venture outside your hotel during the day!

The secret to a great Lanzarote tan

The Lanzarote Sun is one of the reasons that the island attracts so many tourists all year round. Lying on a beach or by the hotel pool is one of the most enjoyable pleasures you will experience whilst on your holiday but there are a few things that you might need to know before you get a little bit 'too much' sun.

Lanzarote, part of the Canary Islands, is 1100 kilometres nearer the equator than the southern tip as Spain, and on the same latitude as the Sahara desert! Even 20 minutes sat outside on an overcast day can have disastrous consequences for your skin.

Lanzarote Sun TanWhilst on your holiday your skin will be exposed to between 8 and 10 hours of sunshine a day. The recommended amount is no more than 2 hours a day! Skin care protection is the secret to getting a great tan whilst on holiday in Lanzarote.

Different people have different skin, and different tolerances to the sun and it's harmful rays. It is important to know your limits.

The secret to a good Lanzarote tan is protection and rehydration. By using a good quality sun tan lotion (not necessarily Factor 50 - a good quality 25 would do the job) and applying it correctly you will decrease the chances of burning your skin. Sun tan lotion that contains Aloe Vera will also allow the heat in your body to escape, via the pores.

After a long day in the sun your skin will become dry and and red. It is important to apply a quality after sun lotion and moisturiser - ideally with one that contains Aloe Vera as it's first ingredient. The great thing about Lanzarote is that Aloe Vera creams aren't in short supply as it is one of the products of the island!

With a bit of care and attention, and a sensible head, there is no reason why you should come home with a fantastic tan, instead of coming home sore and uncomfortable with skin burns!

5 Tips when driving in Lanzarote

Lanzarote is a small island with few roads (although more than when we first started visiting), but the one thing you will find is that the roads are virtually empty! This makes it very easy to get around and you can travel around the entire island in around half a day.
There are a few things to consider when driving in Lanzarote, as the laws are probably different than you are used to back home.

Here are 5 tips to give you a heads up about driving in Lanzarote:

1. Drive on the right – Driving Laws in Lanzarote are the same as Spain. You drive on the right and overtake on the left. There are many roundabouts on the island so make sure you look left as that is where the traffic is coming from!

2. Carry your ID at all times – Drivers in Lanzarote can be subject to on the spot searches so make sure that you are carrying your driving license, photo ID and your car hire documents (if applicable) at all times.

3. Seatbelts - The use of seatbelts is a lawful requirement. Any Children under the age of 12 must travel in the back of the car, as they are not allowed in the front seats.

4. Drink Driving – Although this speaks for itself the laws are quite tough when it comes to drink driving or driving under the influence of drugs. If you get stopped on a spot check don’t be offended if you are asked to give a breath test – it’s standard procedure.

5. Parking – Don’t park on white or yellow lines. It’s against the law. If you find yourself parking on a blue line this means you must find a ‘pay-and-display’ machine and purchase a ticket. Also, do not park in front of any bins! The local refuge collection collects at all hours of the day and you could find yourself being towed away!

Although the roads are quiet you may find that parking in a busy resort can be quite tricky. In Puerto del Carmen there is a new one way system that has been introduced so even if you have travelled before be sure to stay alert for changes to any of the roads as they try to make them more efficient.

Driving in Lanzarote can be fun, but make sure that you take great care, especially if you are used to driving in the UK. Driving on the ‘other’ side of the road can be difficult to get used to at first.

This article is brought to you by Destination Lanzarote - Your Lanzarote Holiday Guide. For more information on Car Hire in Lanzarote visit our web site.

Lanzarote - A tale of two islands!

Lanzarote is a very popular all year round holiday destination and a favourite with northern Europeans who escape to find a bit of winter sun. Unlike some of the other Canary Islands Lanzarote remains largely unspoilt by tourism and is a natural beauty created by volcanic eruptions up to 5000 years ago.

The landscape of Lanzarote is split, very much, into two different sides in the east and the west (some would argue also the north which is much greener and damper).

The west of the island is home to the Timanfaya National Park, the most popular tourist attraction on the island. The park is home to Fire Mountain which caused complete devastation to the island during a 5 year eruption. The Montanas del Feugo, created between 1730 and 1736, are a formation of nearly 100 individual volcanoes and form the landscape of the baron, west side of the island. Today the Timanfaya National Park is visited by tens of thousands tourists every year.

The northern and easterly side of the island tend to be greener than the west, more so in recent years. Around the villa of Haria the land tends to be surprisingly green and agriculture plays a large part in the way of life. Many people think this is due to the altitude of the northern part of the island and the low clouds which form over the cliffs around Famara. Famara is often known to be quite damp compared to the rest of the island.

The area between the north and west of the island (towards the centre) is famous for it’s vinyards and wine production. The ‘soil’ is perfect with the minerals from the volcanoes and lava fields.

Although the island has a lot to offer in terms of its landscape and natural beauty it is unfortunate that many people do not get chance to witness it as they stay within the towns of their accommodation. I would always recommend that you hire a car for a couple of days and get to see some of the amazing natural sights that the island holds. Some of the natural attractions aren’t advertised that well so check out a guide to Lanzarote before you visit and prepare your schedule well.

Volcanic Ash sparks fresh UK Airport delays

Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the skys! UK Passengers now face another period of disruption and UK airspace is once again taken over by Volcanic Ash from eruptions in Iceland.

Britain's busiest airports face delays, and in some cases complete closure and planes remain grounded across the UK.

This latest disruption leaves many business passengers and holiday makers stranded for now, and one major airline has branded the latest closures as a 'joke'.

Ash from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano has led to thousands of flights being delayed or cancelled across Europe since April.

If you are travelling to Lanzarote over the next few days I recommend that you check with your airline before making the trip to the airport.

Ryanair passengers can check for updates here

Lanzarote Ironman – The event of a lifetime

Many people, if not most, will know Lanzarote for it’s laid-back life style and all year round climate. During the month of May however, don’t be surprised to see athletes out and about training for the famous Ironman event.

Every year the island of Lanzarote plays host to a gruelling event, where 1500 athletes take part in a battle against endurance and personal mental strength with a 3.8km swim, a 180km bike ride and 42.2km marathon to earn the privilege of being an Ironman Lanzarote Spain finisher.

As if that doesn’t sound tough enough the island of Lanzarote is just 79 miles of the coast of Africa which brings average maximum temperatures of 24.2 degrees Celsius!

The event is a test of personal stamina, and attracts many athletes from around the world. Prize funds aren’t to be snuffed at either with the winners receiving 8500 USD. Finishing in the top 60 also gives athletes the chance to qualify for the Ironman World Championship event in Hawaii. The Lanzarote event gives athletes the ideal conditions to test their metal in a climate that is not too dissimilar to that of Hawaii.

Registration for the event can be very difficult, with entries limited to just 1500 places. In fact, registration for both the 2009 and 2010 events were fully booked within 4 months of opening.

The event is really aimed at serious athletes and ideally preparation for the competition would involve a medical health check and investment in a personal trainer to help acclimatise and condition your body to the test ahead. Many athletes travel to Lanzarote to adjust to the conditions and will spend time on the island during the run up to the event.

The swim will take place at Playa Grande, Puerto del Carmen, which is the main tourist resort on the island. The swim takes place around the bay just off the beach and involves two circuits of a designated course. The bike race is more than challenging, with a 180km circuit, battling against strong winds and over 2500m of climbing across the volcanic landscape of the island. The run takes place over a course the distance of 42.2km and is 3 laps of a designated course.

One of the beauties of taking part in this event is the stunning landscapes and beautiful sunsets, although I think I would rather be watching than taking part!

Why I would want to move to Lanzarote

I have an uncontrollable urge and passionate desire to move to Lanzarote. I can’t put my finger on a specific reason but have a collective of reasons for wanting to do so. It’s almost like the island has a spell on me.

I’ve worked in the corporate rat-race for 14 years, four of which I have ran my own business. When I visit Lanzarote on holiday I feel totally at ease. Even when I have had to pull out my laptop on the last couple of visits, it’s felt totally different to when I’m in the U.K. It’s difficult to explain.

The pace of life in Lanzarote feels less pressured, but that doesn’t mean that things wont get done. To me, it just means that things will get done properly – something that I have struggled to find evidence of in the UK for a good while. The U.K. has become a country of overworked, and in my view, underpaid individuals (unless you are a banker of course!)

Then of course there is the weather. Since arriving back from Lanzarote in November I have felt tired and de-motivated. The dark, cold nights just don’t do anything for me and when the days draw in all it makes you want to do is sleep – which is such a waste of valuable time! In fact, the only motivation I have had is the fact that we booked to visit again in July – with a view to looking at property whilst we are there.

The problem I have is convincing the better half. She works at a Theme Park in the U.K. and finds it difficult to disconnect from the place. Lanzarote is too quiet for here, in that things to don’t jump out at you to say ‘I’m here. There is plenty to do on the island but a lot of things have to be found.

Finally, the people on the island tend to be very friendly. I like the Spanish. I don’t know why, I just feel that I connect with them for some reason. I am yet to interact with someone on the island who wasn’t helpful – oh, and that also includes British folk that have moved out there. It’s just a really friendly island.

Things to do whilst staying in Lanzarote

Whilst it is true that most people visit Lanzarote for the all year round sun, there are plenty of other things to do on your holiday on the island, although some of the attractions are not so well known.

The first port of call, especially if you haven’t been to Lanzarote before has to be The Timanfaya National Park. The park is made up of numerous Volcanoes, now thankfully all extinct apart from one. A small entrance fee allows you up to Fire Mountain where you can take a bus trip around the national park and sample good food cooked on a grill powered by natural heat from the volcano.

Just around the corner on the coast you can find El Golfo. A small fishing town on the eastern side of the island. It is at El Golfo where you can find a green mineral water lake at the foot of a half eroded volcano. The waves at El Golfo can become quite rough at time and we have spent many an afternoon eating at El Golfo whilst looking out to sea.
To the North of the Island you can find Mirador del Rio. This lookout was one of Cesar Manriques’ attractions and looks out of the cliffs towards the island of La Graciosa. On a good day the view is stunning with the sandy island and the clear blue sea.

Not far from Mirador del Rio is the small, but entertaining Guinate Tropical Park, home to many birds, reptiles, fish and our favourites, the Meerkats!

On the west side of the island you can visit the volcanic tunnels of Caeva do los Verdes (The Green Caves) and see the blind crabs across the road at Jameos del Agua. These natural attractions were also sculpted by the late Cesar Manrique and provide fascinating attractions build into the natural origins of the island.

If you prefer to do things a bit more upbeat there are plenty of shops, bars and restaurants on the island, not to mention the sandy (both black and golden) beaches that you can find at most resorts. If you are a sports fanatic you can find windsurfing and kite surfing up at Famara, towards the north of the island.

For a small island, if you know where to look, there really is so much to do on Lanzarote.

Why people rent Villas in Lanzarote

Lanzarote is a favourite all year round holiday destination in Europe. It is the fourth largest, most easterly of the Canary Islands not far from the coast of Africa. Typically Lanzarote is a 12 month a year holiday destination thanks to the warm climate.

Lanzarote itself has three main tourist resorts – Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca. Puerto del Carmen is probably the largest and most popular with the tourists, although it isn’t for everyone due to its lively night life because some people prefer a more relaxing holiday. Playa Blanca is smaller and more popular with families, couples and older visitors.

There are many Villas in Lanzarote, many of which are booked up all year around. So why are they so popular when there are so many hotels and apartments on the island?

A lot of the time people book villas when they are travelling with a large group. A villa tends to be a fixed cost, no matter how many people are staying in it. This is why they are so popular with families and large groups of friends. A lot of Villas sleep between 8 and 10 people, so image how cheap a holiday could be if you were paying £350 per week for a Villa between 10 people!

A lot of Villas are also built in quiet residential areas, which means they are out of the way of the hussle and noise of the main town areas. This is appealing to many people who visit Lanzarote as they tend to go to the island to relax in the natural surroundings.

Many private Villas in Lanzarote have private pools, which is ideal for those who like to relax away from the hectic atmosphere of pools at hotels and apartment resorts. Many villas also have a private patio or small garden area where you can enjoy a barbeque or simply lie out in the Lanzarote sun.

The whole atmosphere in a Lanzarote Villa is just so laid back. So if you want to save yourself a bit of money and enjoy a quiet, private, relaxing break on a beautiful, unspoilt island then a holiday villa is for you.

A short guide to buying property in Lanzarote

Moving to a foreign country can seem daunting, but buying property in Lanzarote doesn't have to be hard work. There are a number of property agents around the island who can help make the move abroad very easy indeed.

Here are a few things you might need to know when considering moving to, or buying a property in Lanzarote.

1. Take time looking for the right property.
Don't buy the first thing you come across. Take some time out to travel around the island to find the town or village that is right for you. This could depend on what you want to use the property for. Are you buying it to move abroad or buying to rent it out to potential holiday-makers?

2. Finances
Speak to a property advisor in Lanzarote about spanish mortgage deals, they can often be cheaper than English mortgages. The property advisor will also tell you about legal costs, deposit requirements, community fees and any other hidden expense.

3. Speak to residents
The best way to get an idea if the property is a good purchase is to speak to neighbours or residents. If they have nothing but good to say about the propertys (and property company!) then it should help put your mind at ease when making your decision.

4. A.I.E
This is the 'Numero de Identificacion de Extranjero' and is required for all foreigners who buy a property in Spain. Again, your property agent should be able to help you get this organised, although some may charge a small fee for this.

5. Get a translator
On the day that you sign for your Lanzarote property, if you do not speak Spanish, you will require a translator when you sign the title deeds before a Notary. A translator's fees are approximately between 40€ and 90€.

Where property is involved it is always advised that you cover all bases at all times. If you know someone who has bought a property in Lanzarote then why not talk to them or ask them for advice, even if its just for peace of mind.

Decline in Lanzarote Holiday Makers

A total of 5,438,178 passengers passed through Lanzarote Airport during 2008 a reduction of 3.3% compared to 2007. December's numbers were particularly depressing falling by a massive 18.5% compared to December 2007. A total of 361,815 passengers used the Airport in the last month of 2008 compared to 443,772 during the same period of the previous year.

Passenger numbers had increased strongly during the first half of 2008, however the collapse of XL and the global financial crisis have taken their toll and passenger numbers were down during each of the last six months of the year, with December recording the largest year-on-year decline.

Lanzarote - A natural beauty

Just off the coast of Africa, there are seven small islands that make up the Canary Islands. Thanks to the all year round warm climate these islands are very popular with holiday-makers, especially during the winter months as people try to escape the cold and soak up the winter rays.

Lanzarote is the most easterly of the Canary Islands, and the fourth largest. The difference between Lanzarote and the other Canary Islands (especially Tenerife) is that is largely unspoilt. There are no high rise buildings, no billboards and the houses and buildings are all painted white.

There are three main resorts for holiday-makers visiting Lanzarote. Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca. All three resorts are well maintained and offer people a selection of beaches, bars, restaurants and entertainment.

The island, despite its rocky, volcanic terrain is naturally beautiful. The main attraction has to be The Timanfaya National Park. The park was the heart of the volcanic eruptions that made Lanzarote what it is today. Mile after mile of lava fields give the national park a 'moon' like appearance. Not far from Fire Mountain, the islands only remaining dormant Volcano, lies the Devil’s Diner where visitors can watch their food is cooked on a giant grill, powered by the heat emanating from miles beneath the earth’s surface.

Lanzarote is the perfect island to visit for a relaxing holiday.

10 things to do on holiday in Lanzarote

... but not the only ten of course!

but just because it is small doesn’t mean there isn’t alot to do whilst you are there.

Here is our top 10 ten things to do whilst you are on holiday in Lanzarote.

1. Relax and enjoy the sun

One of the reasons you are probably visiting Lanzarote is to get some good weather and return home with a nice tan. There are plenty of beaches in Lanzarote where you will be able to lie back and relax - but don't forget the sun cream! It can get very hot in the summer.

2. Visit the Timanfaya National Park

The Timanfaya National Park (declated in 1968) is THE most popular tourist attraction in Lanzarote. Located in the south west the fire mountain nearly caused complete devistation to Lanzarote by killing off everything on the Island during a 5 year erruption.

3. Visit Jameos del Agua

Situated just across the road from The Green Caves, Jameos del Agua is located in the north of Lanzarote. The lava bubbles that form the attraction were caused by the eruption of Monte de la Corona around 3,000 years ago. Visit the blind albino crabs in one of their only natural habits above ground.

4. Submarine Trips

You can take part in Submarine Trips departing from Puerto Calero, or for the cheaper option the Aqua Sub departs from Playa Blanca harbour by the ferry port.

5. Water Sports

The island is buzzing with water sports, from diving, jet skis and wind-surfing there is plenty to keep the water junky occupied. Check out some of the waves up at La Santa!

6. Markets

One for the ladies! The best (in our opinion) market in the Canaries is Teguise Market, held every Sunday morning until 2pm. Playa Blanca also has two markets a week on a Wednesday and Saturday.

7. Wine tasting

Although you might find this suprusing, Lanzarote has a big wine making industry. The vineyards invite visitors to see their manufacturing process and offer free samples! What are you waiting for?

8. Visit Fuerteventura

Take the short journey across the sea to the island of Fuerteventura. Just half an hour away from Playa Blanca by Ferry, Fuerteventura offers a totally different experience to Lanzarote and is well worth the day trip. If you want to explore Fuerteventura further we recommend hiring a car once you get over there. If you hire a car in Lanzarote check with your hire company to see if you are insured to take it over toe Fuerteventura.

9. Bars and Restaurants

The holiday resorts in Lanzarote are not short of bars or restaurants. In Playa Blanca alone you will find Indian Cuisine, Chinese, Italian, Steak Houses and Mexican food. The warm evenings in Lanzarote, especially in the summer, make sitting out at a bar very pleasant indeed!

10. Quad Bike Safaris

Not for the faint hearted, the Quad Bike Safari lasts around 3 hours. You will see some of the most stunning parts of the Island on road but 80% off road.