There are lots of winter sun choices around the [...]]]> Already had enough of the cold and grey skies in the UK this winter?  Then jet off to the Canaries and the sunshine island of Lanzarote.  Where you could swap sweaters for swimwear and bask on the beach in temperatures that reach well into the 70´s F.

There are lots of winter sun choices around the world but none are also closer to the UK in terms of distance and flying time as Lanzarote.  As here the sunshine is just four hours away.  Flights to the island are available with most low cost airlines such as Monarch and easyJet so it´s also cheap to travel to Lanzarote, making it the ideal choice in these recession hit times.

Once on the island tourists will find that Lanzarote has loads to offer, boasting over 100 beaches and some of the most fantastic scenery, forged by volcanic eruptions during the 18th century.  The southern end of the island tends to be warmer than the north at this time of the year so if optimising your sunshine hours is key book a break in Playa Blanca which is about forty minutes drive from the main airport at Arrecife.

Here there´s a wide selection of over 200 hotels to choose from, as well as a number of well appointed apartment complexes.  Playa Blanca is also home to some of the best value villas in Lanzarote, expect to pay as little as €450 for a seven nights stay in a standard two bedroom property with pool here.  Some of the best villa bargains can be found by visiting the www.holidayvillasinlanzarote.co.uk website, where tourists can browse over 250 rental properties in all locations across the island.

As well as great beaches and weather Lanzarote is home to plenty of picturesque towns and villages, such as Teguise, which was the capital of Lanzarote until 1852.  The town is home to the most historic buildings on the island such as the Palacio Marquez which dates back as far as the 1450´s.  As well as the fascinating house museum The Palacio Spinola, which recreates the life of a 17th Century nobleman.

Just down the road lies the far more modern residence of one time island resident Omar Sharif.  He had a luxury house built in Nazaret back in the 1970´s, but promptly lost the property in a high stakes game of bridge.  Today LagOmar is home to one of the most upmarket restaurants in Lanzarote.

Lanzarote has been a popular tourist destination since the 1970´s.  [...]]]> The Canary Island of Lanzarote is home to three main holiday resorts. The fastest growing of which is Playa Blanca – which is located right down at the southern end of the island.  And which until just twenty years ago was still a small fishing village.

Lanzarote has been a popular tourist destination since the 1970´s.  But until recently visitors had to make do with a choice between just two resorts – Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise.  Today however all that has changed.  As the new kid on the bock of Playa Blanca has rapidly emerged as a rival to them both.  And is now the second most popular destination on the island.

Seen from above as you arrive on your flight to Lanzarote Playa Blanca is a series of coves set within a large bay on Lanzarote´s south eastern tip.  So ensuring plenty of protection from the Trade Winds which blow across the island from April to August whilst also delivering higher temperatures more consistently than any other point on the island.

The village is named after the small white beach which can still be found right in its centre – and for decades served as gateway for ferry crossings to the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura.  During the 1990´s though construction firms got the go ahead to create new Lanzarote hotels and apartment complexes here.  Which resulted in something of a building boom.  And today visitors are able to choose from a wide selection of four star establishments and villas in Playa Blanca.  Which are also very keenly priced in relation to the rest of the island.

Many local observes agree that the resort really started to take off with the opening of the Rubicon Marina and the adjacent Gran Melia Volcan hotel in 2003.  Projects which really took the resort upmarket and greatly enhanced the tourist offering here. The Rubicon Marina is a delightful place for a stroll or a meal as it is home to a collection of luxury yachts from around the world.  Along with a number of good quality shops and a weekly market. 

Playa Blanca’s other key attraction are its beaches.  There are some spectacular stretches of sand within the resort itself, such as Playa Dorada and Playa Flamingo.  As well as the famous set of coves at Papagayo, which is a fifteen minute walk from the centre of the town.  And which is a real haven for anyone seeking an all natural environment.

Lanzarote is one of the Canary Islands, which are Spanish owned but which boast their own cultural identity.  And remains a very [...]]]> The tranquil island of Lanzarote is an ideal location for a relaxing holiday.  As the ambience here is even more laid back than on the Spanish mainland, whilst the sun shines all year long.

Lanzarote is one of the Canary Islands, which are Spanish owned but which boast their own cultural identity.  And remains a very peaceful holiday destination despite the fact that the island is very small and receives over 1.3 million foreign visitors a year.  Most of them flying in from cold countries in Northern Europe such as Germany and Eire, which are a four hour journey away.

One of the best ways to enjoy a really relaxing break is to book one of the many Lanzarote holiday villas that are available to tourists.  As this offers total privacy without the encumbrance of dealing with other guests or eating at times dictated by other people.  There are thousands of these privately owed rental properties located across the island and prices are surprisingly reasonable, especially outside the peak holiday seasons. 

One of the best ways to chill out on the island is to head for one of Lanzarote's wonderful, wild beaches.  Such as Famara, which lies well off the beaten track away from the main resorts.  Or Caleton Blanco, which is located at the northern tip of Lanzarote close to the village of Orzola.  Which is where tourists can also catch the ferry to the neighbouring island of La Graciosa.

Many visitors fall in love with the island – and end up investing in the Lanzarote property market.  Buying a villa or apartment which they can rent out to other tourists whilst also using it as an occasional holiday home.  Villas in Playa Blanca are especially popular for this purpose.  As this is the fastest growing resort on the island and enjoys the best weather.  Making it a popular choice for tourists all year round.

A large portion of visitors prefer to stay in one of the 200 plus Lanzarote hotels that are located across the island.  With the best value establishments again found at the southern end of the island in Playa Blanca.

Visitors to this unique island are advised to hire a car and explore key sights such as the volcanic region and the green lagoon at El Golfo.  As well as natural beauty spots such as the Valley of 1000 Palms, located in the north of Lanzarote.

Puerto del Carmen Puerto del Carmen is the oldest resort on Lanzarote.  As tourism first started to really take off here in the late [...]]]> There are a number of different resort options for anyone planning a trip to Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. Each boasting its own unique identity and attractions.  As well as differing accommodation options.

Puerto del Carmen
Puerto del Carmen is the oldest resort on Lanzarote.  As tourism first started to really take off here in the late 1960´s.  Just as General Franco started to open Spain up to foreign visitors in order to boost the countries economy.

As a result the resort is largely dominated by old style apartment complexes, offering cheap and cheerful accommodation.  Although there are still a number of holiday villas in Puerto del Carmen well worthy of renting.  Especially in areas such as Risco Prieto and Los Mojones which are located close to the harbour in the Old Town area.

Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca is the newest resort on the island and is located right at the southern tip.  Just across the Bocaina Straits from neighbouring Fuerteventura.  This provides a dramatic backdrop come night-time – as well as a great excursion option by day for anyone enjoying a holiday in Playa Blanca.  Whilst the resort also boasts the biggest selection of hotels and villas in Lanzarote.

Costa Teguise
Costa Teguise was initially conceived as the island’s upmarket resort during the 1980´s.  Attracting moneyed visitors from countries such as Germany and Scandinavia.  And is home to the finest hotel on the island in the form of the Gran Melia Salinas.

Today it has faded somewhat in popularity and is the poor relation to Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise.  Despite still boasting plenty of charm and excellent beaches.  Weather is the resorts real downfall though – as it is located in the north of the island and can enjoy worse conditions than the southern destinations during the winter months.

Puerto Calero
The upmarket marina of Puerto Calero has started to evolve as Lanzarote´s unofficial fourth resorts.  There are two hotels located close to the marina – the Hesperia and the Costa Calero.  Both of which are located within just a five-minute stroll of the bars shops and restaurants here.

Lanzarote has also started to attract a growing number of tourists keen to book rural accommodation.  And there are now a number of hotels and fincas catering to this market. Offering plush accommodation in Lanzarote's unique volcanic countryside.  Amongst the best know of these are the Finca de Arrieta – which recently featured in a Sunday Times article about eco friendly accommodation on the island.

The majority of them will find themselves staying in one of [...]]]> There’s no shortage of good quality accommodation on Lanzarote. As this popular holiday island has been a hot favourite with tourists for over forty years.   Especially with visitors from the UK – who account for over 50% of the 1.5 million foreign arrivals every year.

The majority of them will find themselves staying in one of the three main resorts of Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen or Playa Blanca.  Although rural tourism has grown in popularity in the last few years as a growing number of independent travellers seek to connect with the more authentic side of the island.

Lanzarote certainly represents good value for money in relation to many other destinations.  Especially during the winter months when more exotic locations require a much greater investment of both time and cash.

Currently for example it is possible to book Lanzarote apartments from as little as £160.  Which buys a weeks stay on a centrally located complex in the heart of Puerto del Carmen, which is the biggest and liveliest resort on the island. 

Rates at 250 plus Lanzarote hotels are also equally reasonable.  Especially in the four star category, where tourists can book standard rooms in good quality establishments on a bed and breakfast basis from around €70 per night. 

Playa Blanca is home to the largest selection of hotels – but head for Costa Teguise for some real luxury.  As the Gran Melia Salinas is the best five star on the island.  Thanks in no small part to the input of a local artist called César Manrique who had a hand in the design of the hotel and dreamt up the stunning indoor atrium garden – which is the Gran Melia´s central showpiece.

Villas in Lanzarote are much cheaper than on many other Spanish holiday islands.  Where the shorter seasons tend to push prices sky high. Here for example it’s still possible to book a standard two bedroom property with private pool for as little as £450 per week.  With Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen the best locations to search.

Keen to escape the hustle and bustle of the main resorts?  Then check in to one of Lanzarote´s rural hotels or fincas.  Such as the Finca de Salinas in the pretty village of Yaiza.  Distinguished by its terracotta paint job and Moorish turrets.  This upmarket establishment is also home to an excellent restaurant and boasts great views across to Lanzarote´s number one tourist attraction of the Timanfaya Volcano Park.