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.
Wednesday, 9 June 2010
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
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.
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.
Monday, 17 May 2010
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
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
Saturday, 15 May 2010
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!
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!
Thursday, 11 March 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, 6 March 2010
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.
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.
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