Instead of turning the heating up, why not look at where you could go for a week of winter sun and book a holiday? With the imminent return of freezing temperatures, many in the UK will be at the end of their tether with the coldest winter for twenty years. The downturn in tourism over recent years is also another reason for grabbing yourself a holiday bargain, and although Lanzarote has been less affected than other destinations there are still some great deals around.

But where at this time of the year is a good bet for sunshine? Within Europe there is only one place that reliably offers decent weather throughout the year and that is the Canary Islands. Not strictly in Europe at all, they are included within the borders of EU as an autonomous region of Spain.

And as a tourist hotspot, it already has a well-developed infrastructure that includes a range of accommodation in Lanzarote. At the cheaper end of the market, there is a wide choice of apartments in Lanzarote, that have been designed with self-catering in mind.

The sheer diversity of Lanzarote villas and apartments in Lanzarote that can be found will always astound tourists coming to the island.

Most apartment complexes are set within semi-tropical gardens around a communal swimming pool. None will be more than three storeys tall, as strict rules about construction mean that buildings can only be as tall as a palm tree. A good number of these complexes have been refurbished in recent years to bring the accommodation up to date, with modern style furnishings.

For couples who just want to laze on the beach and try the local bars and restaurants in the evenings, an apartment in Lanzarote is ideal. Most have good basic facilities, so that the odd self-catered meal can be easily thrown together. This style of accommodation is also ideal for the more active, sporty types, who spend all day surfing and cycling and crash out in the evening.

With a huge variety in décor, there are villas to suit every taste. Which in turn means that every visitor ends up with a highly unique holiday in Lanzarote, reflecting the experience they have from start to finish. Whilst many people come principally for the sun, a large majority of visitors to the island often find plenty of activities to keep them amused as well.

Whether that entails a day’s sailing or golfing or visiting each of the centres of Art and Culture, Lanzarote has a lot to offer. Its tourist attractions are stylishly individual, having been created by the internationally renowned artist, César Manrique. These centres range from a Cactus Garden to a Farming Museum, with each detailing some aspect of the lives that many locals have lived over the centuries.

Thinking of booking a holiday in Lanzarote this year? Plenty of other tourists did just that during the course of 2009, with the island welcoming just under 1.4 million tourists last year. An impressive figure given the impact of the credit crunch and the weakness of the pound.

Despite these factors around 750,000 tourists from the UK are expected to visit the island during the course of 2010. Around half of them will book self catering accommodation – such as villas in Lanzarote – direct online. With many booking specific dates to coincide with one of the many fiestas and festivals that take place on the island every year.

For independent tourist the islands many self catering Lanzarote villas available at sensible prices during the summer or winter months.

In February Carnival sweeps across the island – bringing work to a halt for at least a couple of weeks. With events taking place in different locations and on different dates. This is arguably the most colourful and best attended event of the year and attracts huge crowds. Featuring cleverly decorated floats that wouldn’t look out of place at the Notting Hill Carnival, massed ranks of drum bands and hordes of dancers dressed in real Carmen Miranda fashion. With plenty of riotous dancing and drinking.

May sees the arrival of the annual Iron Man event on the island. This triathlon is widely regarded as one of the toughest competitions of its kind in the world. And little wonder as entrants have to complete a course that includes a 3km swim, 180km bike ride and a full marathon. Phew! It’s no surprise then that so many competitors never even see the finishing line. With around 10% of all entrants dropping out before completing the course.

Lanzarote is also a great destination for music lovers too as there are concerts and festivals taking place throughout the year. Among the best is Jazz Canarias which visits the island every July. And which showcases some of the best young talent from the world of jazz. In previous years featuring free live performances from the likes of the guitarist Kyle Eastwood –offspring of the famous actor Clint Eastwood. All of which takes place in the atmospheric setting of the historic former island capital of Teguise.

September is also a great time for booking holiday apartments in Lanzarote. As the Costa Music Festival takes place that month. Bringing an eclectic mix of live dance acts and top DJ talent to the beach at Playa Bastian in Costa Teguise. And like so many other events on the island this is also entirely free of charge – attracting crowds in their thousands.

Click here for details of Playa Blanca apartments and villas .

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.