Wanderlust

Still thinking about where to head on your summer holidays this year?  Then why not give Lanzarote in the Canaries some thought.  As this small island is big on attractions and things to do as well as offering great weather and fantastic beaches.

Lanzarote and the other six Canary Islands are all owned by Spain – but located off the coast of Morocco.  Which is the reason why they enjoy a semi tropical climate.  Making this the perfect spot for a winter or summer break.

Over the least year the cost of flights to Lanzarote from the UK has also fallen considerably – thanks to the fact that there are now a number of low cost airlines offering services from British airports.  With both easyJet and Ryanair now offering good value returns.

This has helped to stimulate an increase in the number of independent travellers visiting the island.  Many of whom seek to book all aspects of their holiday direct online.  Creating a knock on demand for apartments and villas in Lanzarote.  Although half of all visitors to the island still book a stay in one of the 200 plus hotels on the island.

All of the main tour operators feature holidays in Lanzarote in their brochures with some such as First Choice and Thomson offering big discounts on summer bookings.  With deals on accommodation in some of the larger resorts such as Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen.

Certainly wherever visitors choose to stay on the island they will find that there´s plenty to do as Lanzarote is big on attractions.  The best known of which are the Fire Mountains of Timanfaya – a huge area of volcanic activity that was created by eruptions in the 18th century but which is now safe to visit as the peaks here are all now dormant.

The heat just beneath the earth at Timanfaya is still intense though and reaches up to 400 degrees.  As park wardens are only too happy to demonstrate by pouring cold water into bore holes which is then expulsed seconds later in jets of steam.  Intrepid tourists can even enjoy a camel ride across the surreal scenery here.

Lanzarote is also located in close proximity to the Canary Island of Fuerteventura.  So visitors can take in not one island but two on their holidays by hopping onto one of the ferries that criss crosses the Bocaina Straits from Playa Blanca.

The popularity of Lanzarote as a holiday destination means that it regularly receives over a million visitors a year. The island copes admirably with this influx of temporary residents, with most choosing to stay in one of the three main resorts. Which is where the majority of the best apartments, hotels and villas in Lanzarote are located.

But for visitors who aren’t especially keen to be based in either Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca or Costa Teguise, there is still a good choice of places to stay. As Lanzarote has a great range of holiday villas that can be rented in rural spots and small villages throughout the island. Not to mention, boutique hotels and fincas that offer tranquil and scenic accommodation. 

The wild north west coast, for instance, has the Hotelito El Golfo. A small establishment with only nine double rooms, making it an ideal spot for those who want to get away from it all on their holidays in Lanzarote.  As apart from an excellent selection of fish restaurants, the village of El Golfo is normally only visited by tourists interested in seeing the green lagoon which bears the same name.

On the eastern coast, close to the capital of Arrecife, the boutique hotel Villa Vik is located in the exclusive enclave of El Cable. Particularly noted for its collection of art and antiques, Villa Vik also has a highly rated a la carte restaurant and fourteen rooms. The five star establishment is based in a modern style building with very private garden areas, housing the heated pool and Jacuzzi.

In the central village of Oasis de Nazaret, travellers who have a taste for Hollywood can stay in the former home of Omar Sharif. A holiday apartment has been created from the actor’s previously private residence, which enjoys amazing views due its elevated location. The house is now a museum, set within an intricate maze of gardens, caves and tunnels. All of which can be sampled by guests who choose to stay in this most unique of Lanzarote apartments.

And for those who prefer a slice of the city, there are several hotels in the capital of Arrecife to choose from. Such as the Gran Hotel, located in the only high-rise building on the island, making it something of a landmark for anyone exploring the town. Situated right next to a golden sandy beach, the hotel is a five star establishment with modern style suites and a restaurant on one of its highest floors.

Keen to swap sleet and grey skies for sunshine and the beach this winter? Then look no further than the Canary Islands – the seven Spanish owned islands located off the coast of West Africa.  Which enjoy great weather all year round – offering winter breaks at prices that don’t break the bank.

The Canary Islands are one of the most affordable winter sun destinations in the world for sun starved UK tourists.  As they are located just four hours from home and are serviced by numerous low cost flight operators, such as easyJet and Ryanair.  Whilst also offering excellent value accommodation.

Lanzarote is located right at the eastern end of the chain and is renowned for its surreal volcanic scenery.  Created by a series of eruptions that have left the heart of the island covered in twisted lava.

Holidays here are surprisingly affordable – especially for those who prefer to go on self catering breaks.  With standard two bedroom villas in Lanzarote with private pools available from around £400 per week.  And Lanzarote holiday apartments available from £160 per week.

Visitors to the island arrive at the sole international airport of Arrecife before onward transfer to one of the three main resorts of Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise.  It’s important to note that there are no shuttle bus services between the airport and the resorts.  So independent travellers will need to either hire a car or queue for a taxi.  Which are available just outside the main arrivals terminal.

The two most popular resorts during the winter months are Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen.  As they both enjoy a more southerly and sheltered aspect than Costa Teguise to the north.  Whilst also boasting great beaches and plenty of nightlife in the form of bars, restaurants and clubs.

Away from the resorts there’s plenty for visitors to do and see.  Such as Lanzarote´s weird and wonderful volcanic region.  Forged by eruptions hundreds of years ago this whole are looks like another planet altogether and is literally out of this world.

The best way to tour Lanzarote is by car.  As local buses don’t service the main attractions on the island.  Car hire starts from around €90 per week, whist petrol is very affordable too at around 80 centimos a litre.  The roads are good quality and very uncrowded once outside the main resorts.