The Real Lanzarote Uncovered

by CanaryIslander on August 30, 2010


Lanzarote has been welcoming foreign tourists ever since the package holiday industry first started up in the early 1970´s. Proving popular thanks to a classic combination of breathtaking beaches and incredible weather. However Lanzarote can offer visitors much more than just sand and sun alone. Thanks to the fact that development here is carefully controlled – leaving the bulk of the island largely untouched.

Like some of the other Canary Islands there is a north-south divide in evidence on Lanzarote. With the south home to the main tourist resorts whilst the north is more the preserve of the locals. A bi-product in part of the weather – as even on a small island such as Lanzarote there is a considerable difference in temperatures and climate conditions between the north and south.

The last decade has seen more independent travellers visiting the island alongside package holidaymakers. Thanks to the fact that flights and accommodation can now easily be booked direct online, creating a demand for rental properties – such as Lanzarote holiday villas and apartments. Which are now booked by visitors from countries such as the UK and Eire in preference to hotels and all inclusive holidays. Especially in the islands largest resort – where many holiday villas in Puerto del Carmen are often booked up throughout the year.Details about villas in Puerto del Carmen can be found online

Outside the large resorts in the south there is an unspoilt island with a strong agricultural past. A well as loads of off the beaten track attractions. All of which are best explored by booking a car and heading out on tour.

To connect with the real Lanzarote just drive to the north of Lanzarote and stroll around the incredibly picturesque village of Haria. Which also plays host to a great market every Saturday morning. Haria has been described as the prettiest village on the island – if not the world. And whilst the former is true the latter is something of an exaggeration. Although Haria is a real gem as it is very green and verdant whilst the rest of Lanzarote is arid and dry. A phenomenon that is not all down to Mother Nature as locals here continue to follow a tradition of planting a Canarian palm for every newborn baby in the village. No wonder it has long been described as the Valley of 1000 Palms!

Haria is just a ten minute drive from the seaside village of Arrieta and it´s delightful beach, Playa La Garita. Which is the last undeveloped stretch of sand on Lanzarote´s south eastern coastline. Head here for a great lunch in one of the restaurants located right on the beach.

Lanzarote travel information

Villa And Apartment Holidays In Lanzarote

by CanaryIslander on August 29, 2010


The popular resort of Puerto del Carmen nestles into the eastern coastline of Lanzarote and has some of the best weather to be found anywhere on the Canarian island. The town is protected from the prevailing winds that blow off the Atlantic by a range of volcanoes at its back.

As a result the fine sandy beaches that line its seven kilometres of coastline make it an ideal place for swimming, sunbathing and snorkelling. Whilst recent changes to the seafront promenade have shifted the emphasis to pedestrian enjoyment, with wide pavements and shady spots.

Over the last forty years, the town has developed from its humble beginnings as a small fishing village to become the resort it is today. So it is now home to some of the best self-catering Lanzarote accommodation to be found on the island. There is a good range of holiday apartments in Lanzarote to take your pick from.

Alongside apartments there is also a great range of holiday villas in Lanzarote to be found in Puerto del Carmen. Obviously the villas tend to be more spacious and better equipped than the apartments, with many extras included as a matter of course.

Nearly every type of cuisine from around the world can be found in one of Puerto del Carmen’s restaurants, with everything from Japanese food to local specialities on the menu. Many holidaymakers particularly enjoy the old harbour area, where some of the most atmospheric dining can be had.

Nightlife, on the other hand, tends to be focused around the central area of the new town, where a good selection of clubs and bars can be found. Many of the busier clubs don’t open until the early hours of the morning, as is typical in most Spanish resorts.

Lanzarote Accommodation

Off The Tourist Trail in Lanzarote

by CanaryIslander on August 28, 2010


Independent travel is a booming market as holidaymakers can get off the beaten track and explore what Lanzarote truly has to offer.

As a result of this growth in independent travel demand has also increased for private rental accommodation on the island. With a growing number of visitors booking their own Lanzarote villas and apartments via the internet. And despite the lure of chic rural accommodation many British tourists still prefer to opt for accommodation in the two main resorts, with villas in Playa Blanca or Puerto del Carmen proving perennially popular with this market.

Do a quick search on the web for Lanzarote holiday villas and accommodation to find the ideal holiday accommodation suitable for singles or even large family groups

Wherever tourists decide to book their accommodation though there re still loads of hidden spots on Lanzarote that lie well off the main tourist trail. As the island boasts loads of natural beauty spots along with plenty of cultural attractions developed by César Manrique, a famous local artist. Not to mention historic little towns such as the former island capital of Teguise.
Arguably, Lanzarote´s most famous talking point is its 300 plus volcanoes. Which were created by seismic activity during the 18th century that went on for over six years. As a result the interior of the island today looks like the moon – with lots of lava fields and spent peaks. With little in the way of flora and fauna able to grow or survive here. So it comes as something of a surprise to discover that this arid island can sustain its own wood.

El Bosque is located in the North of the island and is such as well kept secret that it isn’t even signposted and doesn’t appear on many maps. However this is a hugely popular spot with the locals, many of whom head here on holidays and weekends to enjoy a BBQ whilst drinking in the fabulous views down to the bay of Famara below.

To find Lanzarote villas,hotels and apartments follow the link.

Scenic Sightseeing in Lanzarote

by CanaryIslander on August 16, 2010


Lanzarote is a well known package holiday destination but this trend is changing now a growing number of independent tourists are starting to visit the island. Attracted by its great year round climate, breathtaking beaches and stunning surreal scenery Lanzarote boasts lots of natural wonders which were created during the 18th century by some seriously large scale volcanic activity.

Lanzarote is the fourth largest of the Canary Islands and has been a popular holiday destination since the 1970´s. It’s still going strong today too – welcoming millions of foreign tourists every year. And whist many are here to enjoy the glorious sunshine on the beach or by the pool most still find plenty of time to explore too.

The island however boasts enough stunning sights to lure them away from their Lanzarote holiday apartments behind for at least a days exploring and touring. Whilst being a relatively small island Lanzarote simply brims with activities both on, under and off the water as well as diverse culture just waiting to be explored. With so much to do it can be hard to choose what to do or where to go, but many peoples lists include:

The Aqua Park: Fun, fun, fun for the whole family. The park boasts an excellent selection of water slides and although None of the pools get heated as the weather is so great this is not a problem although it may be a bit cool on days that are overcast (not that there are that many). You may find yourself paying for lockers and sun beds so make sure you budget for this.

Or perhaps :

The Timanfaya National Park: Here visitors can view Mother Nature’s handiwork up close. As coaches wend their way through the Timanfaya Volcano Park seven days a week. Whilst also observing just how hot it still is just beneath the earth’s surface here. As whilst the volcanoes are all now dormant the temperatures below ground level still reach up to 400 degrees Celsius. As park wardens are only too happy to demonstrate.

If these are not to your taste you could also try The Cactus Garden: It is hard to find attractions on Lanzarote that do not seem to somehow miraculously blend in with the very fabric of the island and this Manrique developed creation is no exception. Not as you would expect an average garden to be Manrique has once again used his skills to great effect. The display of cacti here is stunning and neatly landscaped in amphitheatre like terrace style that gives great exposure to all the species displayed. If you pay a visit to fire mountain around fifteen minutes further to the north lies Lanzarote´s Green Lagoon, which is situated just outside a small village called El Golfo. The Green Lagoon has starred in a number of major motion pictures over the years – most famously One Million Years BC. As this was the spot where Raquel Welch emerged from the sea in her animal skin bikini.

The north of the island offers another spectacular green surprise – in the form of the Valley of 1000 Palms. Where villagers from Haria have created a huge swaying oasis by planting a Canarian palm for every new born child here.

More information about Lanzartote places of interest is available here.

Active Holidays On Lanzarote

by CanaryIslander on August 14, 2010


Most visitors to Lanzarote spend most of their time chilling out by a pool or relaxing in the sunshine on the beach. But there are plenty of other tourists who visit the island for a more active break. Sun sea and sand may be ok for some tourists, buit if you are like me the thought of simply lying on a beach for a couple of weeks is mind numbing. Sure it’s great to unwind but variety is after all the spice of life.

On The Water Or On The Land

Lanzarote offers the ideal conditions for a sports activity holiday – thanks to its wonderful year round climate, this makes it possible to participate in a whole range of leisure options at any time of the year.

It’s not just watersports though but also on dry land and on water – where visitors can try their hands at everything from windsurfing to deep sea fishing.

Lanzarote Accommodation

Holiday rental accommodation for example Lanzarote villas and apartments can be rented much more cheaply than on many other Spanish holiday islands. Getting to Lanzarote couldn’t be simpler either as cheap flights to Lanzarote are available from virtually very airport across the UK.

The Iron Man Contest

Lanzarote´s major sporting event is the Iron Man contest – which is held every May and which is widely regarded as one of the toughest triathlons in the world. And rightly so – as competitors are asked to complete a gruelling course comprising a 3km swim, 180km bike ride and then a full marathon in temperatures that are often in the 30´s. With 60 out of the 1000 strong field winning a coveted slot in the Iron Man grand final which takes place every year in Hawaii.

Getting In The Saddle

Cycling is also a very popular activity holiday – as the island’s mountainous terrain and year round fine weather make it an ideal spot for cyclists looking for some warm weather training conditions. Many stay at the La Santa sports complex in the north of the island, which enjoys a good reputation internationally as a high quality sports break camp.

Wet And Wild

As an island Lanzarote also boasts a fine water sports pedigree – and offers a wide array of activities from kite surfing though to canoeing. Lanzarote is a popular dive holiday destination – thanks to the fact that the waters around the island offer great visibility, as well as fascinating array of marine life. Whilst surfers flock to the wilder and more rugged beaches on the islands north west coastline, such as Famara. Where the wind and wave conditions are simply ideal. Sailing holidays are also big business – with numerous companies offering full blown breaks as well as daily yacht charters. Most of which depart from one of two marinas on Lanzarote at Puerto Calero and Marina Rubicon in Playa Blanca.

Lanzarote has a literal abundance of quality sporting activities to suit all manner of tastes and levels of experience to ensure it remains the Canary Islands top leisure activity vacation destination.

Volcanic Holidays On Lanzarote

by CanaryIslander on July 18, 2010


Despite the recent volcanic activity in Iceland and the chaos this caused for countless travellers plenty of tourists will still be heading for similar hot spots around the globe during 2010. With destinations such as Lanzarote still very popular. This little island still bears the very visible marks of huge eruptions that took place some 250 years ago. With the interior left resembling the stage set of a science fiction movie.

Lanzarote was effectively transformed by these eruptions. Which first hit the island during the 1730´s for six years. And then again during 1824. Leaving a large chunk of the interior denuded of vegetation and carpeted in lava. A sight that is so strange and surreal that it has been used by many movie makers over the years – most recently the production team of Clash of the Titans 3.

Fortunately for tourists today these peaks are no longer active. However the volcanic region is always alive with visitors as it is the most popular sight on Lanzarote. But there is still much more to the island than just lava fields and volcanoes – as there are also hundreds of great beaches to explore along with a host of other sights.

Lanzarote Villas; There are lots of places to stay too – with plenty of self catering properties and hotels for visitors to select from. Villas in Lanzarote have proved very popular with British and Irish tourists over the last decade. Whilst Spanish and German guests tend to book Lanzarote hotels instead. With plenty of luxurious five star options available.

Most people will want something a little different from their annual holiday or break, for some it will simply be lazing on one of Lanzarote’s sun kissed beaches followed by relaxing evenings spent in a restaurant or bar, Whilst for others they will want to be hitting the watersports scene either surfing, paragliding or even diving. More active visitors will almost certainly want an equally bouyant nightlife scene with plenty of action. Of course for the cultural types staying in one of the main resorts of Playa Blanca or Puerto del Carmen may be far from their mind, and instead they may prefer Costa Teguise or even to stay in one of the increasingly popular rural villas that are guranteed to give a true taste of island living.

Costa Teguise is the third in the islands trio of resorts and is located to the north of the airport at Arrecife. It was developed during the 1970´s under the direction of the famous local artist Cesar Manrique, who plotted out the location of the Pueblo Marinero which still lies at its heart. Whilst also working on elements of the design of the Gran Melia Salinas, still widely regarded as one of the best Lanzarote hotels. Boasting opulent public spaces and numerous original Manrique at works adorning the walls.

Lanzarote offers visitors plenty to do and see as well as year round sunshine – which has helped to establish it as the third most popular of the Canary Islands after Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Boasting a whole host of attractions such as the natural wonders of the Timanfaya Volcano Park, the green lagoon at El Golfo and the Valley of 1000 Palms. As well as the creations of a local artist called Cesar Manrique, which include the Mirador del Rio, Cactus Garden and the Jameos del Agua. Along with close to a hundred great beaches and picturesque pueblos such as Yaiza and Haria.

Finding holiday accommodation in Lanzarote

Manriques Magic Exploring Lanzarote

by CanaryIslander on July 14, 2010


There are plenty of attractive holiday destinations around the world. But few can match the cultural attractions of Lanzarote, which is located in the Canary Islands. As this Spanish outpost is home to the many creations of a well known, locally born artist called César Manrique. Who had a profound influence over the development of tourism on the island.

Renowned as a destination for sun, sea and sand Lanzarote boasts a quite unusual cultural side which often goes un-missed in the rush to the beaches,and with an excellent choice of Lanzarote villas finding accommodation on the island will not be a chore

It´s impossible to visit Lanzarote without coming across the name of César Manrique. His presence is ubiquitous – right from the airport which he had a hand in designing through to the white colour that all of the apartments and holiday villas in Lanzarote are painted. And it also thanks largely to him that the island is not covered in high rise buildings and apartment complexes. Whilst advertising billboards are also noticeable by their absence.

Manrique was born in the island capital of Arrecife in 1919 and developed a deep love for his birthplace from a very young age. Fostered by long summers spent on the beach at Famara in the north of the island, where his family kept a holiday home. And where the huge 8km long bay is flanked by the majestic sight of the Famara massif cliff range.

The young Manrique went on to study art in Madrid, against his parent’s wishes, before becoming involved with the Spanish surrealist movement in the 1950´s. A brave move in Franco´s Spain at the time. Before heading off to New York under the patronage of the Rockefellers to study and exhibit there. Where he rubbed shoulders with contemporaries such as Andy Warhol.

However back in Spain along the Costas and in the Canaries tourism was starting to take its toll. Package holidays had just been launched and lots of land was becoming submerged beneath hotels and apartments. A fate Manrique was determined to avert for Lanzarote. So he returned home and began to marshal local opinion for a more controlled approach to tourist development on the island.

When he returned to Lanzarote and saw the threat of tourism Manrique was pragmatic enough to accept that tourism was vital for the islands future survival as until then locals had lived off fishing and agriculture. But he was also shrewd enough to realise that the islands fortunes could be better served by developing tourism carefully and along ecological lines. As a result he successfully fought for a controlled development plan which ensures that Lanzarote remains a relatively unspoiled destination to this day.

Further details about available Lanzarote apartments can be found on the Lanzarote1.com website.

Reasons You Should Visit Devon

by CanaryIslander on July 13, 2010


One of the most visited hoiliday destinations in the UK is Devon. Devon is the third biggest county in England and is made up of the towns of Plymouth, Torbay and Exeter. Devon has relied on tourism to sustain its economy and this has been helped by the beautiful national parks of Dartmoor and Exmoor, its wonderful beaches and the odd Devonshire cream tea. Devon is the perfect destination for a family holiday or a short break with plenty of places to stay, things to do and attractions to visit.

Devon is blessed with a wide variety of award winning accommodation so you will be able to find a hotel or other accommodation that will be perfect for you. The hotels in Devon range from your typical city hotels and motels to the seaside guesthouses and bed and breakfasts to the more luxurious country house hotels and manors. There are also a number of green accommodation providers if you want to help do your bit for the planet.

For those of you that like to take your holiday at your own pace, you will be able to enjoy the fine self catering accommodation that Devon has to offer. If you are planning a trip with a large group, the whole family or a romantic couples break then you’ll find many cottages in Devon that will meet your needs. These cottages come with everything you’ll need in the kitchen and home as well as beautiful gardens. A number of holiday cottages come with above ground pools which are the perfect way to cool off on a hot day or to keep the kids busy. A lot of these sorts of holiday cottage can be found in the middle of the Devonshire countryside which is great if you are visiting tourist attractions during the day and want some where quiet to come back to.

Those that want to visit Devon in their own caravan or mobile home will be delighted with the excellent campsites that Devon has to offer. Many of these campsites are situated in the beautiful Devon countryside and boast some stunning views and excellent facilities. If you want to enjoy a caravan holiday and don’t own one you’ll find many sites that will hire you one. There are even some companies that will rent you a Volkswagon camper van.

Devon is blessed with a wide range of tourist attractions. Popular tourist attractions such as the National Marine Aquarium, theme parks like The Milky Way, Woodlands Leisure Park and Crealy Great Adventure Park and Dartmouth Castle. Many of Devon’s beaches hold Blue Flag awards for cleanliness and are perfect for a family day out. The North Devon coast has sandy beaches with sheer cliffs looking over them. In contrast South Devon’s coast is surrounded by red sandstone cliffs with pebble beaches.

If you are into your food you’ll find that there are many great places to eat out in Devon with some fantastic local restaurants. A large number of these local restaurants use local sources for their fish, poultry and dairy products as well as home grown vegetables to give dinners a true taste of what Devon has to offer. You can take home your own little taste of Devon by visiting the farmers markets where you will find grow your own vegetables supplies as well as other produce.

Whatever you decide Devon is a wonderful place to visit and should be a popular holiday destination for many tourists this summer.

A Ray of Sunshine on Dude Ranches

by CanaryIslander on July 12, 2010


When you think of a vacation, your mind probably wanders to a white sand beach with turquoise waves lapping at your feet, and a tropical drink in hand. But what about thoughts on bull-wrangling, grilled steaks, and horse riding? It may not be the most conventional idea you’ve thought of, and it may not have ever crossed your mind at all. Who do you know these days that suggests you to spend your three-day weekend on a ranch instead on a beach? Only the adventurous would be telling you to steer clear of the palm trees and head for open fields, campfire songs, and horse shoe tosses. Guest ranches across the US are one of the best kept secrets in vacationing. Perhaps you are looking for something a little more adventurous and a little less listless like lying on the beach, and if that’s that case, a ranch may be your answer.

First off, disregard any preconceived notions about taking a vacation on a ranch. A weekend, week, or even longer vacation at one of these ranches can be just what a person needs to escape office pressures and the various duties of running a household. Whether for a romantic couple looking to try something new, or a family wanting to having a bonding experience, the activities at the ranch are so abundant, there’s something for everyone. At dude ranches, a child that grew up watching cowboy and horse riding on the television can finally see it all in real life. It can be wildly entertaining for children needing more exposure to the great outdoors. And the activities like horse riding and exploring the fields, it can add a little spice to a couple’s relationship. The whole trip is meant to give visitors a taste of the old west back when cowboys still rode and mail was delivered by wagon. With such broad hospitality and a wide variety of energizing activities, a trip to one of these off the road ranches can do wonders.

Tracking down a ranch to visit is the least of the trouble you have to go through. Locations sprout up all over the US, everywhere from wide plains in California to the big sky of Montana. Each ranch takes pride in offering genuine activities of the Old West. Don’t be put off by the worries stranding yourself in the middle of no where with a half-hearted host. With howdy accents and dedicated staff members that seem to form a welcoming family for guests, the authenticity truly shines through, making for a truly rewarding experience.

So the next time you have a weekend that is actually free, consider spending it at a dude ranch. You may find out that it was just what you needed.

Paris France Art, Architecture & More

by CanaryIslander on July 12, 2010


In Paris France, the earliest sign of civilization dates back to 4,200 BC. This was when the Parisii of Gaul, which was a Celtic tribe of boaters and traders, dwelled there. The Romans brought their culture to the Left Bank, bringing palaces, baths, temples and theaters. Once the empire collapsed, rule of the city passed from Germans to the Franks to Burgundians and to the English. Finally, French kings assumed the throne again in 1436. Paris survived a number of upheavals, power struggles, revolutions, wars and disease outbreaks over the centuries. Today visitors staying in Paris hotels can see bits of history all around them, if they know where to look.

Architecture buffs have a number of places to see when they visit Paris France. You’ll see palaces like the Palace of Versailles, which was built in the French Renaissance tradition circa 1678; Chateau de Villette, another 17th-century palace, crafted in French Baroque style for Louis XIV’s ambassador, Jean Dyel; or the Palais de Chaillot, a stripped classical structure designed for the 1937 World Exposition. Other French Baroque palaces include the Château de Maisons, Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, the Jardins des Tuileries, Palais du Luxembourg and Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre. In addition to palaces, there are churches in Paris that date back to the 12th and 13th Centuries, such as the Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral (1163), La Sainte-Chapelle (1238), Basilique Saint-Denis (1136) and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres (1140). Mont Martre, St. Louis des Invalides, the Church of Saint-Sulpice and the Paris Pantheon are other beautiful, historic churches.

Anyone who professes to be a lover of art simply must visit Paris France to see the Louvre, the second-largest art collection in the world (next to Moscow’s Hermitage). The Louvre was originally a fortress for Philip II in the 12th-century and it later housed kings like Charles V and Francis I. In 1791, during the French Revolution, the structure became a museum, which today holds more than 380,000 pieces of art. Visitors will see over 50,000 pieces of Egyptian art dating back to 4,000 BC, Near Eastern antiquities, Greek and Roman sculptures, Islamic art, ancient architecture, decorative arts from the Middle Ages and famous paintings by Michelangelo, Raphael, Da Vinci, Monet, Rembrandt, Vermeer and Cezanne. People staying in Louvre Paris hotels may also wish to visit tremendous libraries like the National Library of France and the St. Genevieve Library, as well as smaller art museums like Musée d’Orsay (which showcases French furniture, photography, paintings and sculptures) and the underground Musee de l’Orangerie, which houses original Monets.

Paris France, the “City of Lights,” is blessed with breathtaking architecture, the natural beauty of the Seine River, many centuries of history, a vibrant art scene and thriving industry. It’s a far cry from the Eiffel Tower Paris Las Vegas, that’s for sure! To really understand how much Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway or Thomas Jefferson loved France, you really must come and see for yourself. Whether you stay for a romantic weekend at hotels in Paris or you spend several weeks soaking it all in, you’ll find all that Europe has to offer all in one world-class city.

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