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?

Check out the new Destination Lanzarote YouTube Channel

The new Destination Lanzarote YouTube channel is now online.

We have just put up a couple of videos for now, but this collection will grow over time.

Have a look and see what you think.

Destination Lanzarote on YouTube

Lanzarote - The family destination

Lanzarote is a popular holiday destination with Europeans.  It is a small island that forms part of the Canary Islands, just off the coast of Africa, and is governed by Spain.  The year round sunshine is one of the major factors that the island is popular with tourists for 12 months of the year but it also holds a number of 'secrets' that some holiday makers may never discover if they tend not to venture far from their resort.

Lanzarote is the perfect location for family holidays.  With a number of golden beaches, sunshine and family friendly hotels it has something to offer for every age group and generation.

Many families that visit Lanzarote simply enjoy the chance to relax on the beach whilst soaking up the sun.  This is probably very likely if you are a family with young children.  However, as the kids grow older they are more likely to want to explore the island and what else it has to offer.

Lanzarote is an island steeped in turbulent history.  The fiery mountains of Timanfaya Park were formed as part of years of ongoing volcanic eruptions and today it stands as a protected national park.  

As well as the natural attractions on the island there are a number of attractions that were created out of natural landscapes by the late Cesar Manrique.  Manrique was an artist who lived on the island, where he also tragically lost his life in a car accident.  Visitors to Lanzarote will see the Manrique Legacy quite apparent in everything from visitor attractions and architecture to logo designs on tourist guides.

If the kids are feeling a little more adventurous then Lanzarote is also a great place for the more 'extreme' sports such as windsurfing, kite surfing and surfboarding.  To the north of the island lies Famara.  Famara is shadowed by huge cliff faces but the sea conditions at Famara are perfect for the extreme sports community.  There are often regular international  extreme sport competitions held on Lanzarote!

Sometimes a holiday is about soaking up local culture, and there is plenty of that on Lanzarote.  Families can enjoy local craft markets at all the major resorts and then there is the large Sunday morning market at Teguise where you will find local crafts, produce, clothes and more all on sale at very reasonable prices.  The market boasts a great atmosphere as local and international musicians line the streets and perform from the rooftops to entertain the shoppers and tourists.

One of the main things that I have found about Lanzarote is that it portrays a very safe environment - this is something that is extremely important to families.  The hotels and aparthotel complexes are all supervised 24/7 and there are very rarely any major reports of crime that affects holiday makers.

Overall, If you are struggling to find somewhere for you next family holiday location I would strongly recommend Lanzarote.  

Putting together your perfect Lanzarote Holiday

Lanzarote is a Spanish island just off the west coast of Africa. It is a popular beach holiday destination thanks to its year round warm weather and blue sky, especially during the winter months suffered by Northern Europe.

What's more. Lanzarote is very easy to get to these days with regular flights coming from all over Europe. It may seem strange that in just over four hours you can go from freezing temperatures to a very pleasant 24 degrees whilst lying on the beach!

With so many holiday companies around these days, if you look around you can find some really good deals, especially if you are prepared to put the package together yourself. Booking online provides a convenient way of reserving your flight and accommodation as you dont even have to leave your own home.

If you are going to book your Lanzarote holiday yourself, rather than purchasing a package deal you should think about the following things:

Your Flights.

The flights should be the first thing you check. Essentially the flights will make up the dates for your holiday as you need to make sure that you can get to and from the island. When booking your flights consider any extras that you might need such as inflight meals or extra legroom. These extras often come with an additional price but sitting cramped or hungry on a plane for four hours can sometimes take its toll!

The accommodation.

There is definitely no shortage of accommodation on Lanzarote. The three main resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca have a diverse selection of luxury hotels, self catering apartments and private villas and bungalows. Once you have got your flight dates sorted you can start to check the availability of the accommodation. When booking your accommodation consider things like the distance from the beach, the main town area and local supermarkets. There can be nothing worst than having to walk miles just to get a bottle of water!

Transportation.

With the accommodation sorted you need to think about how to get there from the Airport. Lanzarote airport is between Arrecife (the capital) and Puerto del Carmen, which is just a 10-15 minute drive away. Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise are a little further. If you are thinking about getting out and about whilst on your holiday in Lanzarote then it might be worth booking a hire car. You can easily pick this up from the airport and use it for the duration of your stay. Alternatively, you need to consider a resort Hoppa / airport transfer service to drop you off and collect you from your accommodation at the end of the holiday.

Travel Insurance.

Before you travel dont forget your insurance. The chances are the holiday will go smoothly without drama, but its always worth paying a small amount to cover for illness or hospitalisation whilst you are there.

With the choices available to holiday makers these days its really easy to put together the perfect Lanzarote holiday, at the perfect price.

Keeping the kids entertained in Lanzarote

Lanzarote is a favourite holiday destination for families. With families of multiple generations coming to the island it is important that there is something for everyone to do.

One of the hardest things to do on holiday, while the adults are trying to relax from the day to day pressures of work, is keep the kinds entertained. Sometimes the sun, sand and sea just enough and the demands on the parents can become quite stressful ensuring that the kids are happy (and quiet!).

Like many family orientated holiday destinations Lanzarote offers many different activities and attractions for the kids, and if you are staying in a hotel or complex there is also a very strong chance that daily kids clubs are available. Kids clubs are great and provide a range of activities, both on land and in the pool to keep the kids occupied whilst you chill out on a sun lounger. The kids are safe and you have the peace of mind that they are being supervised with trained first aiders usually on hand.

If you don't mind putting your hand in your pocket and you want to venture outside your hotel or complex there are also other activities that the kids might enjoy, such as Submarine Safaris in Puerto Calero or Camel Rides just outside Puerto del Carmen and in the Timanfaya National Park. These activities are something that the kids probably don't do everyday so the chances are that they will be interested and excited in what is going on.

If your kids are generally easily pleased (lucky you) then there are many different beaches that you can choose from in Lanzarote. Some of the main beaches in the resorts are managed and have life guards on hand. It is strongly advised that you keep your kids topped up with sun protection creams, even if its cloudy, as the Lanzarote Sun can be very unforgiving!

Kids into animals? Great - then head on over to the Rancho Texas Park. This animal reserve, just outside Puerto del Carmen has many different animals including white tigers, skunks, deer, Cougars and Sea Lions. There are also themed areas of the park, such as the Gold Mine and Gardens and with the recently opened Water Park Rancho Texas Park could keep your kids occupied all day long!

Speaking of Waterparks, Aqua Lanza, in Costa Teguise, is another great attraction for the kids. With slides and water based attractions for kids of all ages its a great way to keep them entertained and out of your hair!

These are just a few things that can help to keep the kids entertained. Depending on the age of the children there are other things such as Quad Biking, Horse Riding, Karting and Cycling. Maybe even Golf for the young teenage enthusiasts, but generally there is plenty to do in Lanzarote for families and kids of all ages.

Enjoy your holiday!

Why I would recommend hiring a car when you visit Lanzarote

Lanzarote - a very popular holiday destination, thanks to its year round warm climate, long hours of sunshine and gorgeous beaches. The first thing you think of when some one mentions Lanzarote is the beach and the weather but with the use of a car you can see and sample so much more of the island and what it has to offer.

Lanzarote is an island with an impactful history. In the late 1800's volcanic eruptions shaped the area that we now know as the Timanfaya National Park. It is unfortunate that many people who visit Lanzarote might not even know about this magnificent national reserve. Stemming from the volcanic activity there are other attractions around the island that have been created out o lava bubbles and tunnels. These creations, made by man from natural events are very popular and you wont find anything quite like them anywhere in the world.

With a hire car you can also venture out to other events taking place around the island, such as the weekly Teguise market. This takes place every sunday morning until 2pm and you can literally spend hours looking at the local crafts, leather goods and other products that are on sale. There is local entertainment on aswell, which all comes together to make a great atmosphere.

If you or your family likes animals then you can jump in your car and visit the Guinate Tropical Park in the North of the island, where you can see all sorts of wild birds, or visit the Rancho Texas Park just outside Puerto del Carmen, where they have also just introduced a new water park area - great fun for all the family!

Of course, having a car just means that, if you want to, you can get out of your resort and go and sample the different areas of Lanzarote. Imagine that you are staying for two weeks, and one day you wake up and its cloudy. If you fancied doing something a little different you could head over to Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote to find out how the locals really live - or simply see what the other resorts are like and how they differ from the one you are staying in.

Having a car means you can stretch your mind further afield. You can try different beaches, sample the foods of restaurants in other places, and if you are in Lanzarote at the right time of year you could even go and see one of the local carnivals.

Car Hire in Lanzarote isnt expensive, especially if you book before you travel. Whats more, the cost of diesel and petrol on the island is also very reasonable, and with Lanzarote being such a small island you could find that you experience much more without a huge additional cost.

Lanzarote - an island defined by art and nature

Lanzarote, the fourth largest of the Spanish archipelago, the Canary Islands, is a very popular holiday destination with tourists flocking from all over Europe.

Lanzarote is a tourist favorite thanks to its year round climate, thanks to its location and close proximity to the Sahara desert. Even during the winter months Lanzarote enjoys 8 hours of sunshine and temperatures that rarely drop below 20 degrees celcius.

However, whilst the tourist industry plays a major part in the economy of Lanzarote, there is much more to it than hotels, nightclubs, restaurants and beaches. Lanzarote was thought to have been named “The Red Mountains” after the it was born out of fiery volcanic eruptions around 35 million years ago! It is said that Lanzarote, along with the other Canary Islands was formed as part of the break up of the African and American continental plates.

One of the most magnificent natural attractions on Lanzarote is the Timanfaya National Park. The park that is sparse in vegetation and distinctly identifiable by air from the number of large craters on show, tells the story of volcanic eruptions that took place during 1730 and 1736. The eruptions of the 1730’s are known as the greatest in Europe and saw many residents on Lanzarote take refuge in Gran Canaria.

To this day areas around the Timanfaya park still measure temperatures of 600 degrees just 13 metres below the ground that you stand on. You can see demonstrations of how hot this is within the park, through geyser demonstrations and watch straw set on fire as it is pushed just metres underground.

Whilst the eruptions helped to forge Lanzarote’s natural landscape, in more recent times a local artist, Cesar Manrique, helped to shape Lanzarote as we know it today in terms of the style of buildings, local sculptures, paintings and genius natural attractions that are scattered around the island. You could say that Manrique used Lanzarote as his canvas.

Some of the Manrique creations that are open as visitor attractions on Lanzarote include Mirador del Rio, a lookout built into the northern cliffs with amazing views over La Graciosa (a neighboring island) and Jameos del Agua, a lava tunnel containing a natural pool that is home to albino crabs (said to be the only place in the world where they can be found). Jameos del Agua also has an auditorium / concert hall built into the lava landscape. The lava based rock formations that line the walls of the auditorium are said to creating amazing acoustics that really bring classical music alive.

The legacy of Manrique is still very much alive today. Apart from a few large hotels, there are no high rise buildings and all buildings are painted white with either blue or brown door and window frames. It is because of this, along with the barren landscape that Lanzarote stands out from the other islands that make up the Canary archipelago.

Getting the most out of your Lanzarote Holiday

Lanzarote is a gem of an island that sits just off the coast of Africa within the Canaries Archipelago and is owned by Spain. It is an island that was formed by Volcanic activity, most of which is still evident in todays magnificent landscape.

Holidays in Lanzarote are very popular, especially with Europeans. The Canary Islands offer a warm climate 12 months of the year, with very little rain. With that said it is easy to see why they are such a popular choice when it comes to vacation time.

Holidays in Lanzarote can offer so much to some many different people. Wether its just taking time to relax, soak up the sun and enjoy some fine dining, or if you are looking for a full on adventure holiday with scuba diving and wind surfing then Lanzarote is the place for you. Got a young family? No problem. There is always plenty to do for the youngsters, from organised activities in Kiko Land in Playa Blanca, to entertainment provided by hotels in other resorts. There really is something for everyone.

Fancy a bit of shopping? Lanzarote can offer that aswell. Throughout the week there are different craft markets that take place around the main resorts and towns of the island with the 'mother' of all markets taking place in Teguise every Sunday morning between 10am and 2pm. If you have a hire car then get yourself up there - its a sight to be seen. If you don't then don't miss out. There are plenty of excursions available from different resorts that will get you there.

Interested in the history of Lanzarote? Then take a trip over to the Timanfaya National Park. This gem of an attraction takes you through the path of the volcanoes that shaped the landscape and you can even order food that has been prepared on a natural grill, heated from just meters under the surface.

There are many different types of accommodation in Lanzarote, and some suite people or families better than others. You might want to stay in a luxury hotel for example where typically you just get a room with a bed and you would visit the on site restaurant for meals. Or for those that fancy a bit more freedom why not consider staying in a self catering apart-hotel, or a holiday villa. Whilst holiday Villas can be a little more pricey for smaller groups, the larger the group the cheaper they come as they tend to be priced per villa and not per the number of people staying in them.

To get the most out of your holiday you need to know what you want from it before you go. For example if you want to get around and see the sights you should, in our opinion book a hire car. Lanzarote may only be a small island, but with your own wheels you can discover hidden gems that you would never know about if you were to stay within your resort.

Lanzarote Attractions - Admissions figures for May 2011

Attractions in Lanzarote are enjoying a healthy year as Tourism on the island continues to grow. May 2011 enjoyed an increase of 7.88% across all attractions against last years figures.

The Timanfaya National Park remained the most popular attraction with 54,049 visitors during May. This was followed by Jameos del Agua, recording visitor numbers of 42,747.

Other key attractions on Lanzarote continued to admit improved visitor numbers.

The Green Caves admitted 22,097 visitors, Mirador del Rio 20,616 visitors and Jardin de Cactus 18,486.

In total, the attractions admitted a combined total of 162,061 visitors which took the total for 2011 to 973,412 to date. Compared to last year when 869,112 admissions where recorded - an increase of 12%

Lanzarote or Lanza-grotty?

For people who like to travel around Europe, the term Lanza-grotty might be familiar. If you speak to people who use it freely they have basically come away from Lanzarote having had a bad experience, usually with a particular resort or accommodation. Of course, in principle, its easy to have a bad holiday experience wherever you go, but poor old Lanzarote was unfortunately labeled - 'Lanza-grotty' - by a few bad experiences and the name spread.

Personally, I have never had a really bad experience in Lanzarote. On one occasion the apartment we stayed in wasn't particularly great, but I certainly wouldn't label the island because of it.

It's perhaps easy to see, when you get off the plane and hop into your hire car or shuttle transport, why people think that Lanzarote doesn't offer much. The first thing you see as you travel down the LZ-1 is dry, baron land. Having said that, if you are lucky enough to arrive to a perfect blue sky, the orange landscape does sit quite nicely against the blue backdrop!

I can't help feeling that people who have their bad experiences generally pay a little less for their holidays. I am not saying that is a bad thing by any means, as I often look around for the best deals to save a few pounds. But as the saying goes, you generally get what you pay for, and again I find it a little unfair that the island gets a bad reputation for the sake of us keeping a few notes in our pockets.

I would also like to point out that my bad experience was in Puerto del Carmen, about 10 years ago. Now, Puerto del Carmen, or PDC as the locals like to call it, is sometimes known as Blackpool in the sun, and its easy to see why. The sea front is lined up with English Cafes and Bars and it does little for the image of the island. Again, I am not saying that there is anything wrong with this as the resort obviously does very, very well in attracting visitors year on year but I wonder if people who have had these experiences might have had them in PDC rather than Playa Blanca or Costa Teguise?

Having said all that, we are all entitled to our own opinions, and the fact that we are all so different is what helps to make the world go around. Just because I find something satisfactory doesn't mean someone else will and so its very easy for a place to get a bad reputation.

The unfortunate rhyming slang of Lanzagrotty has certainly stuck and in my view is totally unjustified. I love the island and am happy to put my bad experience down to, well a single bad experience! Lanzarote has so much more to offer than the odd complex in need of repair and I urge anyone who has once had a bad experience to go back, hop in a hire car and explore the, quite frankly, stunning island.

Lanzarote Tourism Figures April 2011

Lanzarote Visitor numbers continued to increase in April 2011, some say perhaps down to the continued unrest in the Middle East.

According to ASOLAN Lanzarote welcomed 159,693 foreign visitors during April - some 58,249 more than the same period in 2010. An increase of 57%.

To follow the trend reported occupancy shows an increase of 15.47% from the same period in 2010.

ASOLAN figures also report a 15% increase in occupancy in Lanzarote hotels, apartments and apart-hotels. The rise in occupancy has been steady throughout 2011 with the first quarter reports showing an increase of 13.79%

The dramatic increase in visitor numbers can be partly thanked by the fact that Easter fell in April this year.

Source : http://www.asolan.com

Lanzarote - An Island of Natural Treasures

Most people recognise Lanzarote as a year round holiday destination thanks to its ever spring climate. The temperature very rarely drops below 16 degrees at any point during the year and can hit the late 30's in the summer. It goes without saying that the weather is a huge pull for both summer and winter holidays in Lanzarote.

What people might not realise is that the island of Lanzarote is home to some wonder, natural attractions that stem back thousands of years. It's easy to see how many of the attractions on Lanzarote are definitely influenced by the volcanic activity that took place in the 1700 and 1800's. Add to that a talented artist by the name of Cesar Manrique and you have the perfect blend to create some inspiring visitor attractions.

Lets's start with the Timanfaya National Park - after all this is where the main focus on volcanic activity lies. Between 1730 and 1736, the area to the east of the island was completed devasted by volcanic activity. Whilst no deaths were recorded villages were destroyed and the area was left baron and sparse. In 1968 the area was declared a national park, now known as Parque Nacional de Timanfaya (The Timanfaya National Park). Manrique stamped his mark on the national park by designing the 'El Diablo' restaurant which sits overlooking the magnificent views out over the park and the Atlantic Ocean. The restaurant is also home to a natural volcanic grill where you can watch the food cooked by the natural heat that lies just a few feet under the ground.

To the north of the island sits Mirador del Rio. This lookup, again one of Manriques creations, sits built into the cliff face overlooking the small island of La Graciosa. There is a small bar / cafe on site along with a gift shop. It's not expensive to get in (around €4.70) and the views really are spectacular.

On the East of the Island are two attractions that have been built around a lava tunnel that stretches as long as 6km with a further 1.6km that goes out to sea. Most of the tunnels have been closed off for research and only around 2km are open to the public.

Close by you will be Jameos del Agua, which is built around a collapsed part of the lava tunnel. This attraction is also home to a species of Blind Albino Crab that is found nowhere else in the world.

The natural attractions on Lanzarote are wonders in themselves, and just by visiting them you can get a sense of what live on the island was like thousands of years ago. If you are going to Lanzarote on your holiday I would highly recommend either taking an excursion to these attractions or hiring a car, even if just for a couple of days.

An overview of Lanzarote and what it offers holiday makers

Lanzarote sits in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the west coast of Africa. It attracts millions of visitors every year, thanks to its all year round warm climate and a yearly average of 21 degrees celsius.

The landscape on Lanzarote is rocky, barren and - well - volcanic. You won't find many trees or greenery (although we do think that due to a slight climate change the island is slowly becoming a little greener) and there are no high rise buildings on the island apart from the Grand Hotel in Arrecife.

One thing that you will find no shortage of on Lanzarote is Restaurants. There is a vast selection to choose from, all offering different cuisines from typical Canarian food to indian!

There are three main tourist resorts on Lanzarote, not including Arrecife which is the capital of the island. The three main resorts are Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise. Each resort is very different in what it offers. Puerto Del Carmen is the largest and most lively resort, which offers nightclubs and bars that open until the early hours. Playa Blanca is a smaller resort built around a fishing port and Costa Teguise is a more modern purpose built resort on the East Coast.

The nightlife on Lanzarote is typically more relaxed than its sister islands within the canaries, which is why it tends to appeal to an older and family orientated audience, however Puerto Del Carmen does break this mold a little bit and tends to be where the younger holiday makers spend their time on the island.

If you are looking for something a little more extreme then Lanzarote won't let you down. From trekking up Volcanoes to diving to the depths of the ocean (both in a submarine and in a wet suite) there really is something for everyone. There are a number of sports that you can take part in on the island, from your usual football and tennis, to cycling and kite surfing.

For the more cultured amongst us there are a number of natural attractions on Lanzarote, the largest being the Timanfaya National Park. This part is situated on the west of the island and is made up of a number of Volcanoes. Within the Timanfaya Park is the El Diablo restaurant where the food is cooked on a natural volcanic grill. There are also regular demonstrations of active guisers. Other natural attractions include the Green Caves and Jameos del Agua, which are based around volcanic lava tunnels.

Many of the attractions on Lanzarote were created by the late Caesar Manrique, an artist who lived on the island. As well as the attractions mentioned above there is also Mirador del Rio and you can also take a trip to Manriques house, built from a Lava Bubble, where you can also sample some of his famous paintings.

Lanzarote - Family Holidays in the Sun

Lanzarote is the fourth largest of the Canary Islands and sits just 79 kilometres off the coast of Africa and the edge of the Sahara desert. It is because of its location that it enjoys year round warmth and sunshine and is a favourite holiday destination for europeans all your round.

Lanzarote is a location of choice for many families.

Not only does the weather attract families, looking for a warm, relaxing vacation but also the relative safeness of the island and resorts. There is also plenty to do on Lanzarote, for all ages. There are many sports complexes for kids that are competitive by nature and the hotels and aparthotels all cater for children of all ages with their selection of activities, from swimming pools to tennis courts. Many hotels also have their own ‘kids club’ where the children can spend their days taking part in supervised activities with other kids.

Outside of the hotels, there are many safe and sandy beaches on Lanzarote, and despite rumours they are not all black sand. In fact some of the golden coastline of Lanzarote has some of the clearest waters you may have seen for a while and it is really easy to spot schools of fish swimming around, especially nearer rocky areas.

For the children of a more academic nature, there is plenty to find out about the history of the island - for example take a visit to the famous Timanfaya National Park or visit some of the natural attractions created by the late Caesar Manrique.

For families that like a more extreme holiday you can take a trip up to the North of the Island to Famara. Famara is famous for its kite surfing and wind surfing. Sometimes, under the large cliffs at Famara, the weather may be a little darker and wetter up on the coast, but that doesn’t stop people donning a wet suite and taking to the waters!

If you want to slow the pace of your holiday down a little, then why not sample some of the many bars and restaurants on the island. The majority are family friendly and welcome children and if you opt for a restaurant on the sea front you can enjoy the views and sounds of the ocean whilst you eat.

Lanzarote really has something for everyone - from adults, to teenagers to younger children and makes for the ideal location for a family holiday.

What Playa Blanca offers Tourists and Holiday makers

Once a small fishing town, Playa Blanca sits on the southern tip of the Island of Lanzarote, around 30km from the Airport. The small town is peaceful, and yet vibrant enough to provide visitors with a holiday they won’t forget.

Although Playa Blanca was once a small fishing town, it is still relatively new in terms of being an actual resort, so there is little in the way of historic interest - with the exception of the Castle of Coloradas, situated between the town itself and Papagayo (where you will find an excellent beachs).

Whilst on the subject of beaches, Playa Blanca is not short in this department. Around the centre of the town there are three small beaches - Playa Flamingo (to the east), Playa Blanca (in the centre) and Playa Dorada (to the west, between the town and Rubicon Marina). Perhaps considered the better beaches, Papagayo sits to the west of the town itself, beyond the Rubicon Marina. They are a little harder to get to and require a drive or trip by water taxi.

To the east of Playa Blanca you will find the relatively modern Faro de Pechiguera Lighthouse, which was built in 1986. The sea at this point is often quite rough, although we have also been told it is very favorable for divers due to the rocks attracting various species of fish (there are a few dive schools in Lanzarote - check them out). Also to the east you will find the Montana Roja volcano. This Volcano stands 600 feet tall and visitors can climb this to be rewarded with excellent views of not only the town but the historic crater.

Playa Blanca is also considered a gateway to Fuerteventura as two ferry services run from the local port.

The nightlife in Playa Blanca is generally quite relaxed. You won’t find any large night clubs although the odd bar does open late if you are looking for a good dance into the early hours of the morning. 

The walk across the sea front of Playa Blanca is lined with an excellent selection of restaurants and small bars. It is safe to say that the quality of food in Playa Blanca is second to none on the island. If you like your live music then most of the small bars offer a great selection from rock to acoustic sets.

I have touched on the Rubicon Marina a couple of times in this article. The Rubicon sits to the west of the town of Playa Blanca, just after the Playa Dorada beach. The marina is home to a number of large and expensive yachts and is lined with designer boutiques and restaurants.

Although quite isolated there is now a good bus service that runs to Arrecife, the capital of the Island. Public transport on Lanzarote has improved considerably over the last few years. There are also a number of car hire companies, not to mention the organised excursions that take place on a daily basis to the other attractions around Lanzarote.

In summary, Playa Blanca is a great place to stay. It’s peaceful and provides a great relaxing base for your holiday.

Lanzarote - A tale of three resorts

Lanzarote is a popular, all year-round holiday destination. Thanks to its close proximity to the Sahara desert, the temperature rarely drops below 16 degrees Celsius at any part of the year. Add to that, the 16 days of rain a year and its easy to see what the appeal is.

There is plenty to do on the island of Lanzarote, wether its lying on the beach soaking up the sun, visiting one of the many natural attractions such as the Timanafaya National Park, enjoying the night life and huge selection of restaurants,bars and clubs or even taking part in some adrenaline sports such as kite-surfing up at Famara.

When people visit Lanzarote, its highly likely that they will stay in one of the three main tourist resorts - Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise or Playa Blanca (although we hope we are not giving too much discredit to Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote).

The three resorts are actually all quite different. Puerto del Carmen (also known as PDC to those in the inner circle) is probably the most popular resort, especially with the British. The long sea front strip of bars, clubs and restaurants means that there is something for everyone, not forgetting the huge beach that runs virtually all the way down the front of the town. Puerto del Carmen has quite recently undergone some renovation work along the sea front strip, including new lighting and a new one way system. We find that Puerto del Carmen is the ideal resort for young adults or groups / parties that are looking to let their hair down whilst on holiday.

Costa Teguise, on the East of the Island is a smaller, quieter resort ideal for families or couples that prefer to take things a little slower. There is a good choice of bars and restaurants here although as there is no real form of shelter it can get a little windy at certain points in the year. There is also an aquarium in Costa Teguise and a water park nearby so there is plenty to do for all ages.

Playa Blanca, sitting on the south-west tip of the island and sheltered by Mountains, is a little more refined. The once small fishing port has grown into a small holiday resort that seems to be more popular with the Germans. The small strip and sea-front walkway which is lined with some excellent restaurants (and yes, I have sampled virtually every one of them) and the Rubicon Marina is host to a bi-weekly craft market which is a must visit. There are three small beaches in Playa Blanca, all of which can sometimes get a little crowded so some holiday makers make their way over to Papagayo which is a larger beach to the east of Playa Blanca.

So which resort is the best for you? It really depends on your tastes and what sort of holiday you are looking for. All resorts have their positives so before you book your Lanzarote holiday just sit back and think about what you want to get out of your vacation before you commit to anything.

When is the best time of year to visit Lanzarote?

Lanzarote is also frequently known as the Island of Eternal Spring. The reason? It very rarely goes below 16 degrees celsius at any point during the year which means that even during the Winter months it is a very popular holiday destination.

Of course this doesn’t mean that Winter is the only time it is popular with holiday makers, as in the summer the temperature can soar to the dizzy heights. What you might find is that during some months the heat can be accompanied by a breeze, sometimes quite strong, which gives the impression that it is cooler than it sometimes is - if that makes sense. During the windy months its very easy to get sun burnt - so take care!

So when is the best time of year to visit the Island of Lanzarote?

If you speak to any of the locals on the island they will usually answer with the months of September and October. During these two months, the north easterly trade winds, that can be felt during March - August have died down and the overall climate and conditions appear much more pleasant. Having just returned from a week in Lanzarote during April I can certainly vouch that it can be a struggle keeping the umbrella the right way up on the beach!

The months following October, towards the end of the year, whilst still pleasant have always been a little more cloudy in my experience, especially during the morning.

The climate on Lanzarote can be likened to a desert, which given its close proximity to the Sahara is little suprise really! Due to this there is a known natural phenomenon that can occur at any point during the year - Calimas. Calimas is a creation of the unique Micro Climate of the Sahara desert. A dry and dusty layer of atmosphere forms over the desert during Spring and Summer and with the south easterly winds has a major impact on the weather on Lanzarote. Some recorded temperates have pushed up as high as the mid 30’s during a Calima! This is great if you like the heat, but with the dusty air it can be uncomfortable for anyone with respiratory problems.

December, January and February, whilst a little cooler and often pleasant times to visit Lanzarote. Having said that, record high temperatures were recored during early 2011 but were quickly followed by violent rain storms and winds that battered the island.

Its very difficult to second guess the weather anywhere, but generally speaking the best time to visit Lanzarote, is indeed as the locals suggest, during September and October. The temperature is managable, and the winds tend to drop.