From the monthly archives:

February 2010

Places To Stay In Lanzarote

by CanaryIslander on February 18, 2010


Lanzarote is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Spain. Although it is in fact located a long way south of the Spanish mainland – and is part of the Canarian archipelago, which is located around 80 miles off the Atlantic coast of Africa.

The seven islands that comprise the Canaries are separated into two main zones. The western Canaries – which revolve around the main island of Tenerife and which also include El Hierro, La Gomera and La Palma. And the eastern Canaries – which are governed from Gran Canaria and which also encompass Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.

The Canaries are not all birds of a feather though by any means – with each island boasting its own unique character. Lanzarote for example is much less green than Gran Canaria or Tenerife – reflecting the fact that there is very little in the way of rainfall here. Just as you would expect of an island in such close proximity to the outer fringes of the Sahara desert. With a climate that is warm by day but quite cool at night.

The barren feel of the island is further increased by the fact that much of the interior of Lanzarote was obliterated by volcanic eruptions in the 18th century. With fields of lava wiping out farmland and trees – leaving a lunar like wasteland in its wake. Which is today by far the most popular attraction on the island as a well as a popular location with science fiction film makers.

Local Holiday Accommodation - Playa Blanca Villas and Lanzarote Hotels

Tourists arrive at the islands only international airport at Arrecife before heading on to their accommodation. With Lanzarote hotels paying host to about half of all visitors. Whilst the other 50% of tourists book apartments and villas in Lanzarote. Favouring the privacy and flexibility of self catering accommodation.

One of the most popular destinations on the island is Playa Blanca, particularly during the winter months. As it is located at the southern end of the island and enjoys the best climate as a result. With higher temperatures and more sunshine hours than resorts to the north.

Playa Blanca is also located quite close to the volcanoes of the Timanfaya National Park – which are just a ten to fifteen minute drive away. Making this the ideal base for anyone planning to mix sunbathing with sightseeing.

Heat Relief In Lanzarote

by CanaryIslander on February 17, 2010


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.