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
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
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.
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.
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.
