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
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, 3 May 2011
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.
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.
Monday, 2 May 2011
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.
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.
Saturday, 30 April 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
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.
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.
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