Planning a holiday in Lanzarote during 2010? The fourth largest of the Canary Islands offers a host of great beaches and wonderful weather all year round. As well as a whole raft of colourful fiestas and festivals.

There are plenty of good accommodation options available on the island too. With villas in Lanzarote priced from around €350 per week and rental properties located in all of the main resorts as well as across the countryside.

Car hire in Lanzarote is also very affordable, so it’s easy and affordable to get around and enjoy fiestas and festivals that are going on.

The year kicks off in style with the Canarian Music Festival. A prestigious event that is staged across the entire island in the archipelago, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy some of the best classical music sounds around. With Lanzarote playing host to performers such as The Prague National Chamber Theatre Orchestra.

Carnaval kicks off across the island in February. And whilst the celebrations are not quite as riotous as in Rio they still attract thousands of revellers. With many holidaymakers planning their holidays in Lanzarote around this colourful event, which pretty much brings work across the island to halt for a couple of weeks every year.

Carnaval is staggered – so it takes place in different towns and resorts on different days. The biggest and best events take place in the island capital of Arrecife and the oldest resort on the island of Puerto del Carmen. Where huge decorated floats and marching batacuda drum bands beat out a frenetic rhythm. Attracting thousands of residents and tourists alike – with many donning colourful costumes and partying late into the night.

During May Lanzarote is the venue for one of the toughest triathlons in the world. As the annual Iron Man event gets underway. With thousands of super fit competitors taking place in a gruelling contest that includes a 2km swim and 180km bike ride. Which is then topped off with a full marathon along the main seafront promenade in Puerto del Carmen.

Corpus Christi is one of the most colourful festivals on Lanzarote. And is celebrated by the creation of unique carpets of coloured salt. Each municipality has a team of participants with their own specific designs and the best displays can be viewed in the capital of Arrecife and the historic town of Teguise.

You can find details of Lanzarote luxury villas and other Lanzarote apartments and villas on the Lanzarote guide book website.

The Canarian island of Lanzarote is one of the few European destinations that already have several green credentials under its belt. Whilst this may surprise some visitors, there are several good reasons why this is the case, due largely to the island’s climate and position.

One major factor in Lanzarote’s favour is its closeness to the rest of Europe, with most major cities only four hours or less away. Meaning that fuel consumption on flights to and from the island is less than half that used on flights to the other popular winter sun destination, the Caribbean.

Even the Lanzarote holiday villas contribute to lessening the islands carbon footprint.

Across the island many of the apartments and villas on Lanzarote already use solar panels to produce heated water for their swimming pools. Whilst larger consumers of water, such as the island’s two golf courses, use recycled liquid to ensure that demand on the desalination system is kept to a minimum. Wind power is also popular, with several large turbines generating a proportion of the island’s electricity and smaller turbines used individually.

Water recycling has long been in vogue, due to the fact that there is no natural source for fresh water on the island. Instead, tap water is produced by a desalination plant that draws in seawater and extracts the salt from it. Which makes larger consumers, such as golf courses, much more careful with their water usage when keeping their greens irrigated.

But it isn’t just power generation that makes Lanzarote an environmentally sound tourist destination. As the island has also developed its resorts and attractions in ways that minimise the impact on the scenery and surroundings thanks to the vision and resourcefulness of the internationally renowned artist and architect Cesar Manrique.

These factors combined have turned Lanzarote into an ideal holiday destination for the environmentally conscientious. There are even several places to stay that run entirely on solar and wind energy, as these alternative sources of power have gained in popularity and effectiveness in recent years. Making eco holidays in Lanzarote a reality.

More detailed information about available Lanzarote holidays can be found on the Lanzarote1.com website.

If you’re travelling from Birmingham Airport for business or pleasure one not consider one of the available Birmingham Airport Lounges to kick off your trip in style with some relaxing creature comforts such as free newspapers, drinks, magazines and television.
Lounges offer a classier way to travel giving you a more relaxing atmosphere to relax in before your flight, keeping the costs of your time at the airport down.
If you’re a business traveller you may also be interested in the Wifi, Telephone and Fax services offered at the lounges meaning you can get those last minute bits of work in before your flight.

The popular holiday island of Lanzarote in the Canaries is home to three main resorts. As well as the emerging marina of Puerto Calero – where visitors will find two upmarket hotels and an abundance of expensive yachts and craft from around the world.

Each resort has its own history, character, attractions and plus points. With all of them offering high standards of accommodation and boasting an excellent selection of Lanzarote villas and hotels.

So here is a sneak peak of some of the best resort desinations renowned for a wide selection of holiday villas in Lanzarote to rent.

Puerto del Carmen

Formerly known as La Tiñosa Puerto del Carmen emerged to become Lanzarote´s leading resort during the package holiday boom years of the 1970´s. And is still the most popular destination on the island today.The resort boasts a large number of apartment complexes – reflecting its position as the best spot for a booking a budget holiday. But there are also plenty of decent hotels and villas in Puerto del Carmen for rent too.

Puerto del Carmen is an ideal location for all types of holiday makers. As the resort is perfect for families with young children. Thanks to the fine quality of the resort’s blue flag beaches. Whilst also offering lots of child friendly attractions such as the Rancho Texas Theme Park – which offers kids an abundance of Wild West themed fun and games.

Villas In Costa Teguise

Situated towards the northern end of the island Costa Teguise is just a short hop away from Arrecife airport. And started life as Lanzarote´s upmarket resort. Designed to attract moneyed Scandinavian and German tourists during the early boom years of the 1970´s.

However its sheen has faded a little since then. Partly due to the development of Playa Blanca in the south of the island. Which has snatched the slot of number 2 destination away over recent years. However Costa Teguise remains an attractive holiday hot spot – boasting wide avenues and a spacious open plan feel. Whilst the resort is also home to some great beaches, such as the main stretch of sand at Playa Cucharas.

Playa Blanca

Last but not least Playa Blanca was developed during the 1990´s and offers a winning combination of great weather and fantastic beaches. Allied with an excellent selection of hotels and holiday villas.

The resort is dominated by a sea front promenade that unites the three main beaches of Playa Dorada, Playa Flamingo and Playa Blanca (from which the resort takes its name). Whilst the striking set of bays and coves of Papagayo are around a twenty minute walk from the town centre.

As the summer season comes to and end across Europe there’s one southern outpost where the sun continues to shine. Although in fairness Lanzarote – and the rest of the Canaries – are in fact located many hundreds of miles south of the Iberian Peninsula and mainland Europe, off the coast of Africa. Whilst retaining European Union membership as part of Spain.

As a result of this great climate the Canaries have become the second most visited region in Spain after Catalunya (with its star attraction of Barcelona).Attracting over 9 million visitors a year. So despite the current economic climate thousands of travellers will still be booking holidays in Lanzarote and the Canaries this autumn.

The Canaries are just four hours flying time from the UK. Making these islands the closest winter destination to sun starved Northern Europe. And this year the cost of flights to Lanzarote are set to fall – thanks to growing competition on this route between the big guns of the low cost flight world, easyJet and Ryanair. The latter has firmly switched their focus to the Canaries this winter and will be operating 16 new services to Lanzarote from airports across the UK.

What sort of weather can visitors expect to enjoy during the winter months?On Lanzarote the temperature averages at around 20 degrees Celsius. With hardly any rainfall at all. The days are also longer than back in the UK – with the sun not setting before 6pm at the earliest. Whilst the Trade Winds that normally buffet the island from March through to August have dampened down.

The island offers high standards of accommodation too. Covering all of the bases from high quality hotels through to simple studio apartments. A growing number of visitors now prefer to book their own accommodation online too – thanks to the growth in internet usage. And as result interest in - and bookings for - Lanzarote villas have increased enormously over the last decade.

Due to the increase in holidaymakers requiring Villas in Lanzarote is fantastic news for long and short stay visitors to Lanzarote as villa owners have had to ensure that clients requirements are met, and those extras and traditional add ons are now included in the price.

Which is the best resort on the island during the winter months? That title has to go to Playa Blanca – located right at the southern tip of Lanzarote. Which enjoys the best microclimate on the island – whilst also boasting a great selection of beaches, such as Papagayo which is just a fifteen minute walk from the centre of the resort. Along with Playa Dorada, Playa Flamingo and Playa Blanca – which are all located within the resort itself. The island’s leading tourist attraction of the Timanfaya National Park is also just fifteen minutes drive for anyone who tires of relaxing in the sunshine.

The island is a popular all year holiday destination with an excellent range of places to stay. Follow the links for more information about villas in Playa Blanca in particular or budget flights to Lanzarote

The popular holiday island of Lanzarote is located in the Canaries. The group of seven Spanish owned islands located off the coast of Morocco close to the Tropic of Cancer. Where tourists can bask in warm weather all year round. This clement climate has helped to establish the Canaries as one of the most visited destinations in Spain. And during the course of 2008 alone over 1.5 million foreign tourists enjoyed holidays in Lanzarote – the fourth largest and most easterly island in the group.

So lets find out why holidays in Lanzarote always seem to be such a popular choice and choosing one of the many villas in Lanzarote that the island offers is fast becoming the popular self catering accommodation accommodation choice for travellers.

Like all of the Canaries Lanzarote boasts a unique charm and character. Visitors expecting a lush green island will be disappointed though. As it is much more barren than the rest of the Canaries. As a result of experiencing very little rainfall. Whilst also boasting an arid terrain forged by volcanic eruptions centuries ago.

Today this region of the island occupies about a quarter of Lanzarote´s total land mass. And is a hugely popular visitor attraction, known locally as The Fire Mountains or Timanfaya. Where visitors can view a lunar like landscape that has served as a backdrop for a number of science fiction films and most recently the latest release from Spanish director Pedro Almodovar, Broken Embraces. Which stars Penelope Cruz and which was shot on location around the island.

There are plenty of places to stay on the island. With visitors able to choose from a large selection of Lanzarote villas, hotels and apartments. The bulk of which are located in the main resorts of Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise. Whilst rural tourism has also started to grow in popularity over the last few years.

There are over ninety beaches for visitors to explore. Many of these are man made in the resorts – using sand imported from the Sahara. So tourists should head for coastal villages such as Famara and Arrieta to experience the best all natural stretches of sand on the island.

Many first time visitors are surprised by the wide range of cultural attractions on offer too. After all isn’t this supposed to be Lanzagrotty? There’s an abundance of fascinating museums, such as the Emigration Museum which charts what happened to islanders after the volcanic eruptions as they fled to create new lives abroad. A wealth of historic towns such as Teguise – the island capital until 1852. And the various works of the local artist Cesar Manrique – who had a huge influence on the development of tourism on Lanzarote.

Surreal scenery and beautiful beaches. Lanzarote in the Canary Islands offers the perfect blend of ingredients for a sunshine holiday with a difference. Basking in great weather all year round Lanzarote can be enjoyed at any time of the year. And is just a four hour flight from all major airports in the UK.

Spanish conquistadores first seized the island during the 1400´s before going on to subdue the rest of the Canaries. And Lanzarote then evolved to become a staging post between the New World and the Old. As Spanish galleons ferried Inca Silver and slaves from Africa across the Atlantic. Today the majority of visitors are from the UK, Eire and Germany. The bulk of whom arrive by air – with a further 250,000 tourists visiting the island as part of a cruise.

Most visitors will find themselves staying in one of the three main resorts on the island; Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen or Playa Blanca. All of which are well contained and offer plenty of modern amenities and facilities. Along with high standards of accommodation. Such as a large selection of Lanzarote villas, apartments and hotels.

The standard of Lanzarote holiday villas and also Lanzarote apartments has always been maintained but more and more competition means that standards have been raised even higher for the most part.

Costa Teguise is located in the north of the island – just a short fifteen minute transfer from Arrecife airport. And was first developed ruing the 1970´s as an upmarket coastal resort – initially proving very popular with German and Scandinavian tourists. Costa Teguise is set out on wide open boulevards – creating a spacious feel. But as a man-made resort it lacks a natural organic heart. A role which is only in part played today by the Pueblo Marinero. Costa Teguise does however boast a great selection of beaches. As well as some excellent accommodation options.

Puerto del Carmen is the largest resort on the island, located a twenty minute drive south of Costa Teguise. Boasting great beaches and excellent value accommodation. In the form of numerous affordable apartment complexes which are located in both the New and Old Town areas. Local tourist authorities have just spent over 16 million Euros improving and renovating the resort. With a new luxury marina in place and the main beachfront strip now pedestrianised. So further enhancing Puerto del Carmen´s appeal as a holiday destination.

Playa Blanca is located right at the southern end of Lanzarote. Just across the Bocaina Straits from the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura. And is the most modern resort of the three - constructed during the 1990´s. There’s a wide range of villa accommodation here – along with a large choice of five and four star hotels. Many of which line the shoreline – creating great views for guests.

Find more good information about villas in Lanzarote here.

For anyone looking for a beautiful holiday spot, far away from the many problems of life, then look no further than the wonderful Hawaii. Poipu vacation rentals are another way to enjoy the island without the crowds associated with many hotels. Also those who want to rent a Kauai vacation home will find that life here is very sweet.

The beauty of hiring a holiday getaway such as those mentioned above is that it will come up to even the highest of expectations, albeit in lush and luxurious surroundings. With these houses and condos, families can relax without worrying about dressing up for dinner, or having to eat in formal dining rooms before the restaurant kitchen closes.

This island is the oldest of the Hawaiian isles and as such, it is possibly the best one for families. But that does not mean that it does not cater for singles and couples too. Although the sea is right there at the foot of the gardens, there are also many other kinds of facilities on offer, like tennis courts, to give anyone who feels energetic something to do. Even sea fishing is on hand for even the beginners. When just the right fish is caught, pool side grills are there to enable the family to chow down on the catch of the day! There is nothing that could beat that for a fresh meal.

For shopping, there are several grocery shops in the nearest town which stocks all basic goods for the stay. Fresh fruit and vegetables are available at the local farmers market, which is a great way to meet the local people.

If the family would like a change from home cooking, there are several restaurants set opposite the beach which covers just about anything that a family would care to eat. The restaurants in the area have everything from burgers and fries, to ice cream and some exotic sea food for the adventurous. There are more formal eateries where grown ups can get away from the kids. But dressing up in this place does not entail suits and ties. Men usually put on something other than beach shorts, and a colorful shirt, while the ladies where something cool and strappy.

During these evening meals, there are the ubiquitous Hula shows much beloved of the locals. Sometimes guests are keen to join in so be prepared to wiggle those hips a little!

For those with energy to spare, there are some very interesting things to see along the beach and up the cliff sides. Of course, there is also a road to these spots, but surprisingly for this beautiful place, in very poor condition. Also one of the best excursions are the helicopter rides. The views are absolutely breathtaking and like nothing ever witnessed before.

Be careful what clothes are worn when hiking because the soil is a reddish brown. It does tend to stain everything so favorite items like shoes or t-shirts should be left back at the condo. All in all, this is a most beautiful place to relax, get some sun, and generally ease the mind of any stresses or strains in everyday life!

The popular holiday island of Lanzarote is located in the Atlantic Ocean not far from the African coastline. And is part of the Canarian archipelago, once thought by scholars to be the remnants of the lost city of Atlantis. Today however Lanzarote and the Canaries enjoy the crown of the second most visited region in Spain even though it is not on the European mainland .

Yet these seven Spanish owned islands are by no means all birds of a feather, and both the cultural aspects and the character of each of the islands is quite independent of the others. For example with the eastern islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura governed from Las Palmas on Gran Canaria. Whereas the other islands of El Hierro, La Gomera and La Palma are governed from the island of Tenerife.

Lanzarote hasn’t only been a recent tourist destination though as the islands has been attracting British and foreign visitors since the 1900’s . Unfortunately access to this Canarian gem was severely restricted due to the political climate of later years and it didn’t really see the benefits of its tourism again until the 1970’s As the area was in desperate need of a boost to its economy after years of restriction.

Today the island is happy to welcome millions of visitors every year. The majority arriving on flights to Lanzarote from the UK, Eire and Germany. Further bolstered by a summer influx of visitors from the mainland. Most of which are very happy to get away from the very hot mainland temperatures in favour of the much more appealing Canarian climate.

The growth of internet usage has changed the tourist market worldwide. And Lanzarote is no exception to this trend. As more and more people eschew traditional travel agencies to build and book their own breaks direct online. The upshot of this is that there has been a surge in demand for holiday apartments and villas in Lanzarote. With self catering holiday accommodation in the main resorts making up a sizeable proportion of the total amount of tourist beds now available on the island.

The most luxurious rental villas in Puerto del Carmen can be located in areas such as Risco Prieto. Which sits majestically prominently positioned above the old town, overlooking the popular harbour area which is in the process of redevelopment (Lanzarote style) into a luxurious marina.

Whilst holidaymakers on the lookout for villas in Playa Blanca should concentrate their search around the Montana Roja and Rubicon Marina areas. As this is where the largest crop of good quality rental properties are located within the resort.

Not all Lanzarote’s visitors are lured here by the beaches however and rural tourism is increasing in popularity as visitors seek to experience the culture and natural out of resort lifestyle the island is so famous for. Visitors that are a little more adventurous and tour the island are surprised to find how much of its natural beauty has been maintained despite the amount of tourism. This is one of the reasons that prompt many to return on numerous visits to experience the true Lanzarote in countryside fincas and rural apartments.