Lanzarote Hotels - Home of the World's Best 3 Star Hotels

Lanzarote has everything you'll ever need for a dream holiday; stunning white sand beaches and crystal-clear ocean water, spectacular landscapes, wonderful sunny warm weather all year round, lots of party places, museums and national parks, tax-free shopping centers and more amusements than you could visit in ten trips. It is very easy to spend your holiday in Lanzarote, the place has everything that you could want and is very accessible by both sea and air transport. This makes Lanzarote a favorite destination among holiday makers from all around the world not just nearby Europe. This is also the reason why famous hotel chains from around the world have not hesitated to put up their investments on the island. Modern, high-rise hotels; and fantastic resort complexes; are still being built as every worthwhile hotel chain is making a Lanzarote addition to their portfolio of hotels.

Enjoy a luxurious stay in one of these hotels in Lanzarote.

Paradise Island

A 3 star hotel at the outskirt of Playa Blanca or 'White Beach', the devoted English-speaking staff will look after you and your whole family making your stay a comfortable and memorable one. You will never have a problem with an over-crowded swimming pool,since the hotel houses a total of four swimming pools; one pool with a heater facility for winter seasons. The hotel has sports facilities like a volleyball court, a field for archery and a garden with chessboard tables. There is also a children's disco for the kids. One advantage of the hotel is that it is just a short drive away from the port that will take you to Fuerteventura if you are in the mood for island-hopping.

Club Sicoro

For holiday makers who want to benefit from all-inclusive deals at a 3star accommodation, the Club Sicoro is the perfect place for you. The hotel has an adult swimming pool and one for the kids with a lifeguard on duty. The hotel owns a sprawling wide grassy field where you can enjoy horse-back riding, polo and even rifle and clay pigeon shooting.

Hotel Barcelo Lanzarote

A half kilometer away from the Beach in a secluded part of the Costa Teguise, this is the perfect hotel to stay if you want to relax, pamper yourself and have some quiet time. Enjoy laying around and play in their bubbling Jacuzzi. You will feel refreshed and revived after a steaming bath in their luxurious saunas. The hotel also has two freshwater pools, one for adults and another for the kids which has a lifeguard on duty during open hours.

The hotel's guests can get to see the actual food preparation as Las Palmeras, a restaurant inside Hotel Barcelo opens its kitchen for avid food lovers. The hotel serves delicious buffet during breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Costa Teguise Resort Hotel

A hotel in Lanzarote that is just a 20 minutes drive from the Arricife Airport. It is a great resort hotel where you can enjoy the absolutely clean and peaceful Los Curachos Beach. Los Curachos is well-known for having a wonderful sea breeze that is why it is the perfect haven for avid windsurfers.

Regardless of whether you choose to stay in any of these lanzarote hotels or one of the many others, so easily found and so well situated on Lanzarote. There is no reason to stay in an expensive 5 star hotel when there is such great 3 star accommodation available. Simply jump on the Internet and search out your wonderful 3 star hotel on Lanzarote.

Holiday Guide To Lanzarote

Location Of Island

Travel west from the coast of Africa (the Iberian Peninsula to be exact) ' about 125 kilometers west ' and if you started in the right spot, you might just find yourself on the Island of Lanzarote. This island is the northeastern most of the Canary Islands, and is the fourth largest of the islands of the chain, which is owned by Spain.

How To Get There

You can get to the Island of Lanzarote through the Arrecife International Airport, which saw over five and a half million passengers in a single year (2006) alone. Aside from agriculture, the tourism industry is almost the only industry on the island, and is a booming one, having been primary in the island for about 40 years.

Lanzarote Weather

If you are planning a holiday to Lanzarote Island, no need to worry overmuch about a jacket. Night time in the winter can drop as low as 14 degrees centigrade, but it rarely dips so low, and almost never below that, making it a nice, warm climate, especially in the summertime when temperatures can rise as high as 32 degrees centigrade (though rarely higher than that). The cooling trade winds of the North Atlantic create this temperate climate, keeping it from rising as high as the nearby Sahara, and keeping the climate pleasant and beautiful.

Island Landscape

Relatively recent eruptions (in the 18th and 19th Centuries), have left parts of the Lanzarote landscape looking alien or lunar, and the lack of erosion because of the low precipitation rate means that these incredible landscapes look much like they did just after the eruptions. The area is magnificent, with a unique landscape that has attacted many film makers. (Planet of Apes was shot on the Island).

Attractions & Surroundings

Except for the Grand Hotel in Arrecife, local regulations on development mean that there are no high rise buildings on the island, and there are no billboards, either. Lanzarote is gorgeous, beautiful and unspoilt, though it is undoubtedly populated. Pay a visit to the island to see attractions like Jameos del Agua, a cave complex with a natural concert hall, a restaurant and museum, and an underground lagoon. There are man-made attractions as well, both historical and modern. You can pay a visit to the Wine Museum of Lanzarote, or check out the Castillo de San Gabriel in Arrecife, which is a 16th Century fortress overlooking the Arricife Harbor. No matter what your tastes, you are sure to find something pleasing in Lanzarote.

5 Different Ways to Get Around Lanzarote

Lanzarote may be the fourth largest of the Spanish archipelago, however it is still large enough to require transportation to get around and visit the different places and attractions. The island attracts millions of tourists from around the world, every year, thanks to its 12 month warm climate and its close proximity to the Sahara.

Lanzarote holidays can be so much more than just lying on the beach, that is if you have the means of getting around. There are a number of attractions on the island that we well worth visiting but they are quite a distance from any of the main resorts. Add to that, if you have transport, you are not restricted to your own resort but you can also get out and about to discover what the other tourist resorts have to offer.

Here are 5 different ways that you can get around Lanzarote.

Hire Car - Maybe the most obvious one, but a hire car is an easy and affordable way to get around whilst on holiday. If you pick your car up from the airport you don't have to worry about resort transfers. It's literally a case of picking up the keys, loading the suitcases and away you go. Of course, if you are not used to driving in Spain you will need to remember that they drive on the right, and go around roundabouts anti-clockwise but other than that, when you have got used to the gear stick being on the right driving in Lanzarote is a breeze.

Excursions - If you don't fancy driving in Lanzarote, but still want to see the sights there are plenty of excursions that run on a regular basis from the main resorts. So if you fancy getting up to Teguise Market on a Sunday morning, or you want to visit the Timanfaya National Park there will be an excursion almost tailor made for you.

Taxis - The first thing you will see when you get off the plane in Arrecife is hundreds of Taxis! Most of the taxis on Lanzarote are all luxury Mercedes although we have noticed that many of them do not like to have the air conditioning on and when it gets really warm, having the window down just doesn't have the same effect. Taxi prices are reasonable, and you can now even book your taxis online if you have internet access in your accommodation.

Segways - The Segway is a relatively new form of transport, and really is just used for getting around a resort, although various tour companies also take you out into the volcanic terrain. If you haven't seen a Segway before its a two wheeled vehicle that is operated via balance. Whilst a Segway might take some getting used to at first, it is a really fun way of getting around.

Push Bikes - There is no shortage of cycle hire shops in Lanzarote. Lanzarote is very popular for athletes who are training for events (such as the Lanzarote Ironman). The island can be quite forgiving with its steep climbs and twisty roads. Add the heat and you can understand why cycling around the island isn't for the faint hearted. However, as a cost effective means of getting around your resort a push bike is ideal.

These are just 5 of the most popular, and cost effective, ways of getting around the island. There really is so much to see and explore, even if you are just in Lanzarote for a week, and it would be a shame to miss out on some of the amazing sights and events that the island has to offer.

Why I Would Recommend Hiring a Car When You Visit Lanzarote

Lanzarote - a very popular holiday destination, thanks to its year round warm climate, long hours of sunshine and gorgeous beaches. The first thing you think of when some one mentions Lanzarote is the beach and the weather but with the use of a car you can see and sample so much more of the island and what it has to offer.

Lanzarote is an island with an impactful history. In the late 1800's volcanic eruptions shaped the area that we now know as the Timanfaya National Park. It is unfortunate that many people who visit Lanzarote might not even know about this magnificent national reserve. Stemming from the volcanic activity there are other attractions around the island that have been created out o lava bubbles and tunnels. These creations, made by man from natural events are very popular and you wont find anything quite like them anywhere in the world.

With a hire car you can also venture out to other events taking place around the island, such as the weekly Teguise market. This takes place every Sunday morning until 2pm and you can literally spend hours looking at the local crafts, leather goods and other products that are on sale. There is local entertainment on as well, which all comes together to make a great atmosphere.

If you or your family likes animals then you can jump in your car and visit the Guinate Tropical Park in the North of the island, where you can see all sorts of wild birds, or visit the Rancho Texas Park just outside Puerto del Carmen, where they have also just introduced a new water park area - great fun for all the family!

Of course, having a car just means that, if you want to, you can get out of your resort and go and sample the different areas of Lanzarote. Imagine that you are staying for two weeks, and one day you wake up and its cloudy. If you fancied doing something a little different you could head over to Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote to find out how the locals really live - or simply see what the other resorts are like and how they differ from the one you are staying in.

Having a car means you can stretch your mind further afield. You can try different beaches, sample the foods of restaurants in other places, and if you are in Lanzarote at the right time of year you could even go and see one of the local carnivals.

Car Hire in Lanzarote isn't expensive, especially if you book before you travel. Whats more, the cost of diesel and petrol on the island is also very reasonable, and with Lanzarote being such a small island you could find that you experience much more without a huge additional cost.

Visit Lanzarote

Lanzarote is the most popular of the Canary Islands when concerning tourism. This beautiful, volcanic landscape is breath-taking, and most of its visitors will return. Although small, the island as so much to offer, and you probably won't be able to see it all in one visit. Here are a few places to put at the top of your to-do list...

Timanfaya Volcano Park

This National Park is home to a landscape of bright and colourful volcanoes which have been dormant since 1736, when a series of eruptions lasting for six years, creating a sea of lava. The seas of lava and sands are maintained by visitors not being able to walk through the park, meaning that corrosion is minimal. You can see this spectacular sight by a commentated coach tour, which will stop off at the best points and allow for photo opportunities. There is also a fantastic restaurant situated in Timanfaya which grills its meat and fish using the heat from the lava. A tour will cost you around £10 and is open daily.

Jameos Del Agua

This stunning space was created by the artist and architect Cesar Manrique in the 1960's. This resort is an actual collapsed lava tube, and is now a stunning underground lagoon, surrounded by tropical gardens. The lagoon boasts to be the home of tiny albino crabs that glisten in the waters, which are exclusive to Lanzarote. The facilities here are second-to-none and be sure to indulge in one of the bars and restaurants.

Jardin de Cactus

When visiting Lanzarote you should definitely visit the cactus garden. The heat and the low levels of rainfall make Lanzarote the perfect climate for these wonderful species. You will not find a more varied and eye-catching range of cacti, which is why the Jardin de Cactus is one of the main tourist attractions on the island.

Year Round Surfing in Lanzarote

"We're waxing down our surfboards, we can't wait for June" sang the Beach Boys on one of their hit songs, well there's no need to wait for June on Lanzarote as the surfing season continues all year round. Even though the big surf beaches may be fairly quiet at the moment, there are still a few hardy surfers who go out every day. However, plenty of surf fans will be planning their surf holidays for next summer and booking their flights to this popular island in the Canaries.

A few of the surf schools on the island have been in business for over 10 years now and have well established bases, teaching surfers from all over Europe throughout the year. Famara is the best known spot on Lanzarote for surfing, for a number of reasons. It's location is key, being in the ideal spot to receive those ideal Atlantic swells that roll in continuously, sometimes quite ferociously, sometimes more serenely for beginners. Famara also has a lovely beach, to keep the spectators happy and, being quite remote from the typical tourist beaches, there's no problem with sun seekers getting in the way. An added benefit is the area's beauty, with no lack of wonderful scenery to provide a perfect backdrop to a day's surfing the waves.

Now and again surfers experience the huge waves that non-surfers conjure up in their minds when they think about the typical Hawaiian surfers shown in advertisements and magazine shoots, but for most of the surfers that visit Lanzarote, such huge waves would only mean most people having to sit out the day on the beach, watching just a few highly skilled experts getting their kicks. No, for most people the usual gentle waves of Lanzarote's surf beaches are plenty big enough. In addition to the favoured beach at Famara, the tiny island of La Graciosa, which lies off the north west coast of Lanzarote, provides a different surf spot just south of the beach at Playa de las Conchas. South of Famara is another area around the La Santa Sports Club, with a choice of 4 locations, but advised for more experienced surfers due to the speed of the waves and the rocky sea bed.

Finally on the southern end of Lanzarote's western coast are El Golfo and Janubio beach, both suitable for surfers of intermediate ability. Lanzarote has also gained a great reputation as one of the best places to host surf competitions in Europe and regularly hosts the European legs of the world's top international surfing competitions. In early November 2009 the Santa Pro surf competition was held at Famara beach, although organisers were forced to shift beaches south to la Santa for a couple of days due to the conditions. A total of 93 competitors competed for the prizes and huge twelve foot waves provided exciting conditions. Australian professional Drew Courtney overcame Brazilian Bernardo Miranda in the final.

Earlier in the year, during July, Spain held its national kitesurfing championships in Lanzarote at Playa de Famara, when 84 competitors visited the island to compete for the national titles. Professional windsurfing also came to Lanzarote during July when the PWA championship event was held at the Playa Las Cucharas in Costa Teguise. In 2010, professional surfing returns to the Canary Islands when the ASP Junior Surf Tour comes to Realejos in Tenerife during September.

For people new to surfing, who are not sure where to start, then the beginner's version of wave boarding or "boogie" boarding is the ideal way to get going and Lanzarote's beaches are the perfect place to. With some cheap equipment and a little instruction, complete beginners can be out in the waves having fun almost straight away. You just need a board and some optional flippers and you'll be away. The waters are not cold like the UK and you won't even need a wetsuit during the summer months. Its probably best to start with a lesson or two at one of the many surf schools, if only to pick up some tips beach etiquette (how to avoid upsetting everyone else out there) and to understand the safety aspects of rip tides and danger areas. Apart from than that it's a great surf sport for young and old.

Shipwrecks and Other Ideas For Diving in Lanzarote, Canary Islands

The Canary Islands off the coast of Spain were originally formed by volcanic activity and the accumulation of hot lava. Lanzarote is one of the most popular destinations for those on holiday in the Canaries, and diving in Lanzorate is a popular past time. This is because its marine life and underwater features offer something more extraordinary than many other diving locations.

The Canary Island chain is broken up into seven major and one minor island. The islands are quite close together, yet each has something unique to offer diving enthusiasts. Diving can get deep very quickly in the Canary Islands, however, it is not necessary to go deep to enjoy many of sites.

There are a number of scuba dive sites in Lanzarote, especially off the south and east facing coasts. Dive sites can be accessed from the shore itself or by boat for a more exciting trip. Generally, the farther out the dive the more advanced it is. In 1993, the island was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

In addition to its dive sites, Lanzarote is also home to over 500 species of fish, such as moray eels, octopuses, barracudas, angel sharks and sea horses. Some, including the red octopus and sand eel, can only be seen at night. Underwater volcano caves are another big draw for those who enjoy night time diving. . Night diving in Lanzarote is very popular, and those who take the plunge are well rewarded with views that are unique to the Canaries.

El Emisario, for example, is home to a beautiful lava reef, while Pechiguera, with its majestic underwater landscape is known as the "Grand Canyon of the Canaries". Many of the 500 species found in the Canary Islands make Pechiguera their home, so it is well worth checking out.

Since the Portuguese and Spanish first came to the Islands in the early 14th century, the region has seen many shipwrecks. Many scuba diving tour operators offer trips to Lanzarote's wrecks, which is an experience that can't be missed. The wrecks can be divided into old wrecks and new wrecks. And with a rich sailing tradition, there are some beautiful ships on display.

The Harbour Wrecks (Los Erizos Wrecks) is one of the more popular wreck locations in Lanzarote. It is home to some particularly eye-catching ship wrecks, many of which were sunk on purpose.

Diving in Lanzarote offers amazing value to any divers of any experience level. It has a lot to offer during the day and night, and has many diving centres to help guide you. Those interested in marine life will be thrilled bored by the sheer magnitude of species on offer.

Lanzarote Golf - Beat the Winter Blues

Lanzarote is a golfer's paradise. Imagine sunny days, 70 degrees, a slight breeze, almost every single day. That is the beauty that is Lanzarote. Never heard of it? It's one of the Canary Islands, off the coast of Africa. People often think that the islands are named after the birds, but in truth it comes from the Latin for dog -- Canine. Probably the sailors were trying to describe the seals that used the islands as a mating ground. Those seals, are, alas, extinct.

I like Lanzarote (the eastern most of the island chain) the best because of their commitment to the environment. Those extinct seals are just one of the many examples of the way that man has adversely impacted the island ecosystem. Lanzarote cares about the native flora and fauna and they put their money where their mouth is.

The golf courses are actually a great example of the eco-commitment. Both golf courses are designed with native plants, which keeps the water usage low. The whole of Lanzarote has been subjected to volcanic activity (most recently in the 1700s, so don't worry) and the areas of volcanic landscape have been preserved and celebrated within the golf course designs. On more than one hole, you are practically playing on the volcano itself. An awesome experience.

The first Lanzarote golf course was the Costa Teguise, which opened in 1978. It's an 18 hole course, par 72, designed by John Harris. It sits at the foot of a volcano. On this course players will need to bring all their clubs into play. The greens a re varied and there are some fun doglegs. Costa Teguise is both challenging to skilled players and enjoyable for someone of my (lower) skill level. It's just a beautiful place. There are accommodations close to the course, such as the Occidental Oasis, the Gran Melia Salinas, and the Coronas Playa.

Recently the Lanzarote Golf Resort opened just outside Puerto del Carmen. It's an 18 hole, 72 par course. American golf course designer Ron Kirby created the course. The location is amazing. The course is nestled in the hills overlooking Puerto del Carmen. The Atlantic ocean is the backdrop for the wonderful landscaping.

Let's talk about the weather. Because Lanzarote is so close to Africa, the climate is temperate. The days are very mild, all year round. 70 degrees every day might be a bit of an exaggeration, but when you're leaving ice-bound Buffalo for a winter vacation, are you going to quibble about a couple of degrees or a few clouds?

Golf is a great sport. Young or old, duffer or better, it's a great way to get some exercise and some sunshine! Plan a little holiday that combines some much needed sunshine with some time on the greens. From Europe flights are laughably cheap. From the states, you'll pay a couple hundred, round trip, or for the West Coast, closer to a thousand. Fun and sun are yours for the asking in Lanzarote.

Villas in Lanzarote - Is Now the Right Time to Buy?

Despite the 20% devaluation of Sterling against the Euro over the past year, Lanzarote, along with Tenerife and mainland Spain, seems as popular as ever with holidaymakers. More than 2 million Brits took to the air this Easter weekend in search of warmer climates, according to ABTA, with members reporting an upsurge in bookings over the past month, both for Easter and the summer holiday season.

Figures just released suggest that holiday bookings this month from the UK will be 20% up on April 2008 - not bad for a country that is apparently in the grip of the worst recession since the 1930s.

Villas in Lanzarote have been the accommodation of choice for many holidaying on the island for many years now. Holidaymakers from the UK and Ireland seem to value the freedom of self catering in a stylish villa with its own pool, and this has been a driving factor behind the growth of the holiday villa industry on Lanzarote.

Oddly enough, the onset of the recession might even have worked in favour of villa holidays, as families can choose to cook themselves and save money, rather than paying out for restaurant and hotel meals.

In terms of the property market on Lanzarote, the increasing popularity of villa and apartment holidays led to a sharp increase in the prices of property in Lanzarote in the years running up to 2005, as people saw the value and returns that they could achieve from buy to let holiday villas, whilst having access to easy mortgage credit. This also fuelled a big expansion in the building of villas, especially in and around Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise.

With the credit crunch, however, mortgage funds are now less available, bank repossessions have increased, and property prices have fallen back - in some cases, quite sharply. As a result, there are now some very good property bargains to be had, compared with a year or two ago. This element, combined with the fact that the holiday rentals market has remained strong, should improve the rental and investment yields of holiday villas.

For those with the cash to invest in villas on Lanzarote, these yields could prove highly attractive compared to the negligible returns on cash deposits, bonds and other alternative forms of investment that are currently available.

The Hotel Lanzarote Park - A Beach Treasure

There is a beach treasure waiting for you off the northwestern coast of Western Sahara. A quick trip by boat from El Aaion will get you to a tourist attraction that is elegant and relaxing. You will find it all at the hotel Lanzarote Park: comfort, class, luxury and beauty. It is located in the Atlantic Ocean among the Canary Islands and it stands apart from all the other resorts in the area because it offers an opulence that is affordable.

Walk into the lobby and you will immediately feel the elegance. The palms, the wide glass doors that let you see the beauty that awaits outside and the beautifully tiled floor will make you feel like you just stepped into an opulent dream. Because you are on vacation and need pampering, the lobby bar offers cocktails and appetizers to soothe your thirst and hunger. The service staff is pleased to cater to your needs. After all, this is your vacation.

The Lanzarote Park Hotel brings the outside in. With its spacious floor plan and beautiful decor, the sandy beaches and sunny outdoors feel like they are inside. The moment you walk in you will feel like you are at the beach. This helps to make the check in process a bit more bearable. In just a few moments you will be enjoying everything the hotel and the beach has to offer.

If you are looking for a family vacation, this is the place for you. The hotel can accommodate a couple on their honeymoon or a couple with five children. They take your needs into consideration and create the perfect accommodations for you. There is also so much to do for children. The hotel offers bike rentals as well as volleyball and tennis amenities. The children can play in the pool or swim in the ocean. Older children will enjoy taking a walk on the beach and working out in the state-of-the-art fitness center.

The sparkling ocean is the main attraction of this unique paradise. It boasts white sandy beaches and sparkling blue waters. The landscape of Lanzarote is also beautiful. The island is named after a navigator named Lanzaratus. The name translates to "the red mountains." This describes some of the landscape on the island.

When you aren't swimming in the ocean or basking in the luxury of the Iberostar Lanzarote Park Hotel, taking in the dining at the hotel's exquisite restaurants. You will enjoy the freshest ingredients cultivated locally. The fresh fish served in the restaurants will have you salivating with their flavors and textures. The service is also superb. The wait staff will cater to all your needs. Plus, you won't have to travel far for an excellent meal.

Reasons Why It Would Be a Good Idea To Book Your Flights to Lanzarote Now

If you want to experience a truly fantastic Spanish holiday, you can have one on the remarkable island of Lanazarote. One of the seven major islands that make up the famous Canary Islands Holiday destination you will find that Flights to Lanzarote are never a problem.

As of today, there are over 30 airlines that operate international direct flights to the island, companies such as British Airways and Cathay Pacific have daily direct Flights to Lanzarote from virtually anywhere in the UK. Other airlines operate both charter and scheduled flights from most major European airports.There are also locally owned airlines in Lanzarote that have direct international flights, and you can book with Binter, Spainair, Canarias and Iberia. You can avail of the advantages of the best deals offered by many airlines flying into Lanzarote and enjoy discounts and freebies.

Most international flights to Lanzarote from the UK or the US usually take four to five hours. If you are in Madrid, it will only take you two and a quarter hours to reach Lanzarote.

The airport in Lanzarote is the "Air Arrecife" or "Guacimeta", as the locales call it; and is conveniently located in between Arrecife, the island capital and Puerto Del Carmen, which is another famous tourist town. You can already feel the tropical holiday ambiance as you stepped down from the plane, yet in a modern way because the airport itself is quite new. There are quite a number of bars and restaurants and other modern amenities you might need early in your visit, things like automated teller machines or ATM and Foreign Exchange retailers as well as many other shops. The shops here open as early as 7am and don't close until 10:00 late night.

Taxi and car rentals are almost an extension in the airport of Lanzarote. Riding in a taxi, you can reach Costa Teguise, (the islands former capital and best loved tourist town), within twenty minutes, and will only cost you about 20 Euros. It will still be about 20 Euros that you will need to get into Puerto Del Carmen, a famous island resort; while you will need 40 Euros to reach Playa Blanca; (the islands southern most town and fastest growing tourist resort), in just 45 minutes.

Since the "Canary Islands" is a geographically varied archipelago, you need to hop across to every island to experience the whole of the Canaries. But that is not a problem, each island has an airport and a seaport so they are very accessible by plane and ferries. There are also any number of hotels, villas and inns on every island so you won't need to worry about accommodation if you decide to stay over on any of the other islands.

Regarding Lanzarote, it is a very beautiful island complete with wonderful beaches and amazing volcanic landscapes. Just a few of my favourite places are the Timanfaya National Park which has a wonderful nature display and also the Castillo de San Gabriel, LA Cueva delos Verdes, or the Green Cave and many of the strange but attractive volcanic landscapes.

So get on line now and book your Flights to Lanzarote and look forward to experiencing a truly wonderful vacation holiday to Lanzarote.

Lanzarote Car Hire

You can make do with taxis or even certainly the isle does have bus assistance, but taxis could end up costing the similar (or more! ) than a rental. And the actual bus system, while adequate, is not optimal for the vacationing person. Did you intend to spend a portion of your vacation waiting on buses? Between that volcano park, your cactus garden, the particular museums, the various historical markers, the golf courses and also the open air Sunday market from the old capital, you should have more than plenty of reasons to rent an automobile!

Driving in Lanzarote is no different in comparison with driving in almost any European city. Lanzarote, like the many Canaries, is considered a component of Spain. So once you learn how to generate in Europe, you understand how to drive on Lanzarote. One aspect from the process was unusual to me initially, Spain expects renters to secure a bit more car hire insurance than the US. This does boost the fees to the rental, but I for starters would rather always be over insured as compared to under. While Lanzarote is safe plus the roads are well kept, the drivers might be erratic. Small accidents may not be uncommon in fact it is better to pay a little more and have secure feeling.

Conveniently move around Lanzarote and to the different areas from the island by booking a vehicle from the car hire offices located in the key regions of the island. Get to experience total convenience once you travel from a single local destination to another with a good car at your disposal. Book a minivan, 4x4, or your sedan. Drive to your beach house in full regalia. This is actually the simplest way to arrive and move around Lanzarote.

Car rental in Lanzarote will vary in price. Luckily there are several choices for traveler. Along with major car hire companies such as Avis, Hertz, Alamo there are also local companies such as Cicar car hire, Centauro car hire, and Cabrera Medina with a wide offer of vehicles. It is essential to compare prices between suppliers for the bargain hunting traveler. Bear in mind that their online partners could have the best offer

You spent the money to fly to the beautiful island of Lanzarote. You booked any hotel that suits your preferences. Why would you try to save money on a car hire once the car should help you entirely enjoy this family vacation? Do yourself along with your family a love, just budget the motor car hire fees into your travel programs. You won't end up being sorry. Lanzarote is waiting so that you can explore her techniques.

Lanzarote Holidays For the Whole Family

As the kids get older, it gets harder to find a vacation spot everyone can agree on. They are too old for Disney anymore and too young to want to hit New York for a week of Broadway shows. Our family loves to vacation on the island of Lanzarote.

Lanzarote is one of the Canary Islands, off the Northern coast of Africa. From the East coast of the United States, it will take about 14 hours to travel there by plane. It is worth the flight! First, the weather. All of the Canarys benefit from their location. They sit smack in the middle of what's called the Trade Winds and that keeps the climate very moderate. Lanzarote, being an island with few mountains and being the eastern most of the island chain, has the most dry and stable climate of the islands. You can spend a month in Lanzarote and have sunny days every single day.

That might be enough right there to convince the guy in Buffalo that he needs a winter vacation pronto. Lanzarote offers much more, however. There are great places to stay, either in town or in the country side. If you are having a large family vacation (we like to vacation with my sister and her family), perhaps you'll want to rent a villa and have the best of both worlds. A big house with a pool, because most of the rentals do have at least a small pool. Best of all, Lanzarote is small enough that you are only about 30 minutes from anywhere. So rent a car and a villa and relax when you want and explore when you want.

If you stay in town at one of the resorts (and I say "town" like there is only one, but there are several good-sized cities), you will find incredible choices for entertainment. All the resorts do a great job of offering activities for kids, teens and even grandparents!

In our family my daughter is the scientific type, so she finds all sorts of ways to stay busy exploring the flora and fauna of the island. Lanzarote has several volcanoes and a growing eco-tourism trade. You could spend days just exploring the cactus gardens. My husband is the golfer, and now that Lanzarote has two golf courses, he's that much more eager to go. For me, laying on the beach with a thick paperback is my idea of heaven. Lanzarote has all of that to offer, plus great shopping and wonderful restaurants.

It is a great choice for a new family adventure. Forget about Hawaii and think about going East instead of West. Visit Lanzarote just once and you'll be hooked.

Lanzarote Holidays

As you plan your island adventure, there are many things to consider. Where will you stay? What will you do? What do you need to prepare in advance? This article will answer these questions and more.

Where to stay?

There are three main avenues for your Lanzarote accommodations. You can stay at a resort hotel, rent a villa or rent an apartment in the capital. Each option has good and bad points. First, if you stay in one of the resorts, the primary benefit will be the all-inclusive package. Meals, drinks (usually including some alcohol) and snacks are rolled into one fee. Most of the resorts have live entertainment every night. They have children's activities, pools and tennis. They make it easy to spend practically every moment within the resort. The main drawback is that you might be tempted to spend every moment at the resort! There is so much to see and experience on Lanzarote that you don't want to be tempted by a sunny spot by the pool. You also would miss out on the lively local scene and the native cuisine.

Renting a villa is another option. The island is so small that even the remotest villa is 30 minutes by car. If you have a big family, a villa will give you the most bang for your buck. Many villas come with pools and gardens, so you won't sacrifice comfort and amenities for the privacy a villa offers. There are a few drawbacks. First, before you rent, check the fine print. Sometimes there are hidden fees and prohibitions. Also, if you do not like cooking, maybe a villa is not for you. Sure you could eat out every meal, but one of the money saving features of renting a villa or apartment is reducing the number of restaurant meals.

The last option is renting an apartment or duplex in the capital, Arrecife. This has many advantages. They can be quite inexpensive. If it is just you or you and a spouse or friend, the size of the apartment will not matter as much and you will have a wealth of possibilities for where to stay. Being in the city means that everything is within easy walking distance. Getting to the grocery stores, shops, restaurants and bars will be a snap. The biggest disadvantage of renting in the city, is that you may be disinclined to venture outside of Arrecife. The rest of the island is amazing and you might miss the vistas of the northern part of the island or the volcanic landscapes of the western part.

What to do during your Lanzarote holiday?

The possibilities for what to do during your stay on Lanzarote are too numerous to list here. I will offer a hand full of ideas. First, the golfing is great. The courses, the weather and the climate make it golf heaven. Kayaking is great, too. The water is clear and kayaking is a great way to see the hidden side of the island. Or, don't forget surfing. At the northern tip of the island, the surf is rough and tumble, just perfect for surfers. Forget Hawaii, try Lanzarote for surfing. Sightseeing: Lanzarote is home to several fine museums. The art scene is vibrant and the history is rich. The shopping is as fine as anywhere in the Canaries. There is much to explore as well, between the volcano, the cactus gardens and the countryside, you could spend a month and not see it all.

What do you need to prepare?

In a word: nothing. Spanish is the main language spoken, but many people speak English, so you do not need to flip out and take a crash course in Spanish. Lanzarote is part of Spain so you don't need to worry about a ton of red tape paperwork to fill out before the trip. The same for medicines and money. It is part of Europe so you need not worry. It is not at all like traveling to a third world country. Pack light; you will not need a lot of clothes because it is almost always sunny and warm.

Holiday Villas in Lanzarote - 10 Top Tips For Successfully Renting Your Villa

There are now estimated to be well over 3,000 holiday villas in Lanzarote, and the biggest holiday rental sites have over 600 each on their books. With the recession hitting visitor numbers to the island to the extent of them being 20% down in the first 3 months of 2009, this is sombre reading for owners of holiday villas in Lanzarote, who need to rent their properties out for a large proportion of the year. It's very competitive out there!

So what can Lanzarote villa owners do to ensure they successfully let their properties in the current climate? We suggest the following 10-point strategy:

1. Furnish well - the trick is to invest in robust furnishings that look great and photograph well, but will also stand wear and tear. This usually means that buying cheaply is a false economy - remember you are furnishing a holiday home, not student accommodation.

2. Use great photographs and prepare them well. Before taking the picture, spend as long as possible staging the photo, arranging furniture and fittings etc, and make sure the lighting is right. Take exterior shots on a sunny day, and do not feature people in your photos. You could also consider filming a video tour of your villa - this gives an added dimension that photos alone cannot deliver, and may give you an edge. Again, however, make sure your filming is stage managed to emphasise all the best aspects of your villa.

3. If your photography and filming skills are not up to scratch, hire a professional! It will probably pay for itself in the first year.

4. If you are not planning to manage the villa yourself, spend time researching and appointing good Villa Managers. The key things you are looking for are high quality and reliable cleaning services (for the pool and villa), laundry, and being responsive and attentive to customer queries. Remember, these people are the equivalent of the holiday rep if you are not nearby.

5. Be realistic with your pricing. Review some of the villa rental sites that are already advertising, and check out some of your competitors in the same geographical area. If you are planning to charge more for your villa than they are, make sure the reasons are obvious in your advertisement!

6. Focus your selling copy on your real points of difference - with so many villas on Lanzarote, you need to have some unique selling points. These could be property features (for example hot spa, private pool), views (especially a sea view), proximity to other attractions (beaches, golf, nightlife etc). Make these USPs (unique selling points) STAND OUT in your villa advertising copy.

7. Advertise - these days, the internet is where people look for holiday villas, so choose sites that rank well for key search terms on Google. How many sites you choose to advertise on is a matter of affordability, but if you are looking for 20 or more weeks of lettings per year, we would recommend advertising on at least two, and preferably three sites, rather than relying on one advert.

8. Show an Availability Calendar - this is a double edged sword, because if it has lots of gaps, it doesn't look good! However, potential customers will need to know your villa is available when they want it, so we'd recommend it.

9. Respond to enquiries promptly, and always within 24 hours. Most enquirers will have written to a short list of villa owners, including you, so simply replying quickly should help you to convert more enquiries to sales. When replying to initial enquiries (which usually ask for confirmation of price and availability), again emphasise your USPs (the points that are unique about your villa), but do this succinctly and factually, without 'over selling'.

10. Add finishing touches - the Welcome Pack, luxurious towels and good linen will speak volumes when your customers arrive, and will encourage them to book with you again next year.

So there you have it - a suggested 10-point strategic plan for successful villa rentals in Lanzarote. Put this plan into action, and you should see the inquiries arriving sooner rather than later.

Lanzarote Holidays - Fun for All the Family

Looking for a summer break that will suit each and every member of your family? If so, Lanzarote holidays are certainly worth considering. The perfect combination of sun, sea and sand, you will find that there's something to keep every generation entertained.

Where to stay? All inclusive hotels or holiday apartments

There are many options when it comes to choosing accommodation on the island of Lanzarote. Whether you prefer all inclusive hotels that cater for your every need, or the freedom of a self-contained apartment there are plenty of places to stay that are within walking distance of the beach. If a hotel is your holiday accommodation of choice then take your pick from any number of well-kept and spacious resorts with stunning swimming pools to keep the kids amused for hours on end. And once you've put them to bed you can make the most of the indulgent restaurant and bar facilities which more often than not will provide musical entertainment late into the night. If however, privacy and independence are prerequisites for your time away, then why not take advantage of the numerous apartment facilities on the island? Come and go as you please, spread yourselves out and perhaps even try out your very own Canary Island cuisine in the kitchen; an apartment is the perfect way to unwind without interruption.

What to see? Outdoor fun on Lanzarote family holidays

Everybody likes to spend a few days relaxing and soaking up the sun on the beach or by the pool but how do you stop the kids from getting restless on Lanzarote family holidays? Take them out to explore the island! Protected by UNESCO Lanzarote's landscape is rugged and interesting, providing photo opportunities for the adults and abundant chances to for the children to explore. To see the best of the volcanic terrain, take a visit to the Parque Nacional de Timanfaya and Montañas de Fuego, also known as 'the Fire Mountains.' Though entrance to the park must be via a guided coach or walking tour, it will be well worth it to see the volcano craters, cones and colours. A stop at the camel station will also keep the children's excitement levels high.

What to do? Making the most of Lanzarote holidays

A family break is the perfect way to spend some quality time with your loved ones, but to really make the most of Lanzarote holidays be sure to fit in plenty of activities. From swimming and surfing to snorkelling and diving there is plenty to keep you busy at the beach. If you've had enough of water however, you might prefer to explore some of the island's museums; whether it is the Museum of International Contemporary Art or the Wine Museum that catches your eye, there are plenty of ways to learn about Lanzarote's intriguing history. And when you're all cultured out? Head to the market and do some souvenir shopping. Arrecife, Teguise, Haria and Playa Blanca all host open air markets where you can soak up the atmosphere and bag a few bargains to give to those back home.

So if it's all about finding a destination that will ensure the whole family can have fun together, Lanzarote holidays might just be what you're looking for.

Lanzarote From the UK by Train

Go to Lanzarote by train? Is it possible? Of course not - well, not all the way. But you can take the train as far as Madrid, and travel on by plane to Lanzarote, or to any of the Canary Islands for that matter. I found this out recently when the volcanic ash cloud that grounded all the air traffic in Northern Europe for 6 days, stopped me from flying to Lanzarote from Gatwick.

I travel this route up to 10 times a year as my wife and I live mainly in Lanzarote these days, and I have business interests both there and in the UK. On this occasion, I was planning to be on the island (the smaller one, that is) for 3 weeks, and I really needed to get there as soon after my planned arrival time as possible.

I worked out that if I could get across the Channel and on to Paris, there was an overnight train to Madrid, where flights were operating normally as long as you were going South, West or East, and not to Northern Europe. So...that became my plan.

Of course, the world and his wife were trying to get across the Channel at the same time, so getting tickets proved to be a real challenge. In the end, I got a Eurostar ticket for the Saturday (a day after I was due to travel), but could not get a Paris-Madrid ticket until the Monday night, forcing me (such a shame!) to have two nights in Paris. It was comparatively easy to get an Easyjet flight from Madrid to Lanzarote on the Tuesday afternoon, and I booked a cheap and cheerful hotel in Montparnasse for my two nights in Paris. Travel plans sorted. "Simples", as Mr Meerkat would say.

Now, listen up. Anyone who has the time and is prepared to spend a bit more money to see a bit of Europe, really should consider this way of getting to Lanzarote, Tenerife or one of the other islands - at least once in their lives. Once I had got used to the idea that I would not arrive at my destination until Tuesday, four days late, I settled down to enjoy the journey.

There isn't space to tell you all about it here, but I enjoyed a beautiful Spring day sightseeing around Paris, ate delicious bread, cheese, pate and sausages from street markets (much cheaper than eating out), and on the train had the utterly spiritual experience of watching the sun rise from my sleeper cabin as we crossed the border from Southern France to Northern Spain. Those mountains of Northern Spain, waterfalls and the sheer vastness of the panorama really were something to behold. My arrival at Madrid was exciting, as we arrived two hours late, and I had to race to get my flight, which I managed with half an hour to spare. Needless to say, I was greeted like a conquering hero by my wife and a friend, when I eventually did arrive at Lanzarote.

If you're interested in this rather different way to travel to Lanzarote from the UK, you probably want to know the cost, so here's an approximate breakdown of what you should expect to pay, leaving from from St Pancras International in London on a normal weekend. All costs are one way, and per person:

Eurostar: St Pancras International, London - Gare du Nord, Paris:.......... from 100 euros

Hotel in Paris (one night, 3 star standard)...................................................... 70 euros

Spending and Metro costs for a day's sightseeing in Paris(before returning to hotel to collect luggage before departing for Gare d'Austerlitz).

You can spend what you like of course, but I spent about..................................50 euros

SNCF 'Trenhotel': Gare d'Austerlitz, Paris - Madrid Chambertin

(price for a reclining seat).....................................................................from 160 euros

Easyjet: Madrid - Lanzarote - variable, of course, but I paid.............................75 euros

Meals and drinks, allow.................................................................................100 euros

TOTAL BUDGET ...................................................................................555 euros

This is a lot more than you'd normally pay for a flight, but, hey - you've seen a lot of Europe on the way!

Lanzarote Ironman - The Event of a Lifetime

Many people, if not most, will know Lanzarote for it's laid-back life style and all year round climate. During the month of May however, don't be surprised to see athletes out and about training for the famous Ironman event.

Every year the island of Lanzarote plays host to a gruelling event, where 1500 athletes take part in a battle against endurance and personal mental strength with a 3.8km swim, a 180km bike ride and 42.2km marathon to earn the privilege of being an Ironman Lanzarote Spain finisher.

As if that doesn't sound tough enough the island of Lanzarote is just 79 miles of the coast of Africa which brings average maximum temperatures of 24.2 degrees Celsius!

The event is a test of personal stamina, and attracts many athletes from around the world. Prize funds aren't to be snuffed at either with the winners receiving 8500 USD. Finishing in the top 60 also gives athletes the chance to qualify for the Ironman World Championship event in Hawaii. The Lanzarote event gives athletes the ideal conditions to test their metal in a climate that is not too dissimilar to that of Hawaii.

Registration for the event can be very difficult, with entries limited to just 1500 places. In fact, registration for both the 2009 and 2010 events were fully booked within 4 months of opening.

The event is really aimed at serious athletes and ideally preparation for the competition would involve a medical health check and investment in a personal trainer to help acclimatise and condition your body to the test ahead. Many athletes travel to Lanzarote to adjust to the conditions and will spend time on the island during the run up to the event.

The swim will take place at Playa Grande, Puerto del Carmen, which is the main tourist resort on the island. The swim takes place around the bay just off the beach and involves two circuits of a designated course. The bike race is more than challenging, with a 180km circuit, battling against strong winds and over 2500m of climbing across the volcanic landscape of the island. The run takes place over a course the distance of 42.2km and is 3 laps of a designated course.

One of the beauties of taking part in this event is the stunning landscapes and beautiful sunsets, although I think I would rather be watching than taking part!

Why Rent a Car in Lanzarote?

Going on vacation is expensive so isn't it important to save every penny you can and economize in all possible ways? Yes and no. If your economizing is cutting in to your fun, what is the point of even going on vacation? Car rental is one expensive part of your vacation budget that is tempting to cut out. It depends on where you are going and what you are going to do there as to whether you rent a car or not.

I will be the first to admit that car rental in Lanzarote is expensive. You may spend (once you add in the car hire insurance) $500 for a week's rental. That is a big chunk of money and, at a time when everyone is trying to do more with less, you have to ask yourself if you really need the car. Depending on your Lanzarote holidays plans the answer could be a resounding Yes! or a simple "Nope. Don't need a car this time."

Luckily Lanzarote car rental is pretty straightforward -- if you do decide you want a rental, even for a few days. The airport has a good selection if agencies. Cicar car hire is the local agency and they service all of the Canaries. They started on Lanzarote in the mid-60s when tourism really began to take off. All the major American brands are represented, too. So if you always go with Hertz, you still can. Several well known Spanish companies are also well represented, so if you have a club card with one of those agencies, you are covered for vacation.

Why would you rent a car for your island holiday? It really does depend on your itinerary. If you want to explore the lesser known areas and find the little family run vineyards or the bodegas that locals eat at, you will want a car. The taxis service is fine, but you will waste time and money going that route. The taxi takes you to a vineyard and waits? With the meter running? Or he leaves and you have to call another taxi two hours later? The only reason to use a taxi in this case is if you have indulged too much at the vineyard and you shouldn't drive. The roads in Lanzarote are well maintained, but the winding high roads can be treacherous and if you are in any way impaired, you could hurt yourself or someone else.

All that said, you can have an amazing and memorable Lanzarote vacation and never shell out the money for a rental. Between the entertainment offered at the resorts, including day trips using their tour buses, and the amusements of town and beach, you can stay within a 10 mile radius and feel like you have done Lanzarote!

Planning Your Budget Lanzarote Villas and Apartment Holidays

If they haven't already now is the time that most people will start to plan their annual vacation and if you are planning to stay in the European region then you have an excellent choice of suitable destinations to choose from for that sun kissed holiday break.

The European mainland can be a bit fickle when it comes to the weather although further south in Spain, Greece and Italy the weather is a little more stable, however one area that has an outstanding weather record throughout the year is of course the Canary Islands and in particular Lanzarote.

Combined with the other six Canary Islands in the chain, Lanzarote enjoys an outstanding semi-tropical environment, delivering clement temperatures whatever the season thanks to its geographical situation close to the tropic of cancer just off the coast of Africa.

The islands location coupled with exceptionally low levels of rainfall, have created a dry and arid landscape that could be considered desert like in areas, and Lanzarote happens to be essentially devoid of trees and vegetation particularly around the southerly part of the Island.

The scenery here is definitely made even more unique and bizarre due to the fact that Lanzarote was rocked by tremendous amounts of volcanic activity some two hundred and fifty years ago. This left large areas of the interior of the island giving the impression of being a scene from a science fiction motion picture, or indeed a ficticious desert planet.

However, away from the volcanic area Lanzarote's beauty could not be more conventional and is in keeping with other holiday islands in the chain with roughly 100 beach locations spread round the coastline coupled with 3 modern and well developed holiday vacation resorts for travelers to enjoy. These also happen to be the best place to find the bulk of the choicest Lanzarote villas and holiday accommodation.

The small Canary Island of Lanzarote offers extremely good value for money for anyone searching for a villa break on a tight budget (which includes many families given the current climate), as it gives you an exceptional choice of privately owned rental accommodation which is quite often available at prices that are a good deal cheaper than on other Spanish holiday islands.

Puerto del Carmen is without doubt the islands main resort being ideally located close to the only airport at Arrecife and blessed with an abundance of golden sandy beaches and combine that with extremely good nightlife and in addition a large collection of cafes and restaurants it's not hard to see why.

Holiday villas in Puerto del Carmen start at approximately ?500 each week and all feature high quality facilities for example private pools and jacuzzis, broadband connections and of course not forgetting the ever popular satellite TV.

Second when it comes to visitor numbers to the main resort of Puerto del Carmen is Playa Blanca. Playa Blanca is the islands fastest expanding vacation destination, and has grown enormously (although carefully) from when the very first hotels and villas were built here during the 1990's. The resort is becoming a byword for good value holiday accommodation offering a selection of well priced apartments, rental accommodation and villas. For instance, the majority of villas in Playa Blanca can generally be rented from as low as ?400 each week - depending on the month or time of year of course.

Other popular resorts include Costa Teguise which is the most northerly resort on the island and is only a pleasant 15 minute taxi or coach ride from the main airport. Another growing favourite is the islands newest luxury resort of Puerto Calero which is unashamedly targeted at the exclusive end of the holiday market with an excellent range of chic boutiques. Also as would be expected from a resort of this stature Puerto Calero is home to an impressive 400 plus berth marina if you are fortunate enough to be able to travel here on your own private motor or sailing yacht.

Lanzarote can be enjoyed as a holiday destination at any time of the year. But some months are better than others with the most unreliable weather usually experienced during the months of February and March although the climate is still mild even then.

Lanzarote For a Canary Island Experience

As would be expected of a Canary Island, Lanzarote has resorts and beaches and one such resort is Costa Teguise which offers a range of water sports, golf courses and beaches. For adrenaline junkies the joy of scuba diving, sailing and windsurfing will be irresistible. A relaxing bout of deep sea fishing will be equivalent to paradise.

Costa Teguise consists of three beaches that of Las Curcharas, El Jabillo and Los Charcos. These beaches are the preferred choice of windsurfers being windier than the other beaches in Lanzarote. Of course all this action is not for everyone so those who prefer can while away the time tanning themselves on the warm soft beaches on offer. However, it should be noted that El Jabillo can be a bit pebbly!

The 18-hole golf course acts as a magnet to all golf enthusiasts, as it is surrounded by a beautiful landscape that has been declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. Claiming to be the best golf course on the whole of the Canary Islands it is no wonder people throng here to make use of the best of golf resources and practice their swing in an amazing location.

After days spent doing water sports or with sun and sea bathing it is time for some retail therapy. For a difference and some unique souvenirs try the Sunday market where knick knacks can be picked up which would be ideal as keepsakes and gifts for friends and relatives. For a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of the resort visit the historic capital of Teguise which is about 10 to 15 minutes away.

Costa Teguise is well placed and provides easy access to places of interest such as the ancient Teguise and the Cactus Garden, also there is a water park which would provide immense fun for the kids. Within the resort itself there are many restaurants offering Indian, Chinese and International cuisine, bars and shops catering to the whole family. There are many mini markets providing a range of international goods, so it is easy to be on a self catering holiday while in Costa Teguise.

The family oriented nature of the resort should not put off couples in fear they will be spending their vacation surrounded by hordes of kids. There are many places in Costa Teguise that cater to adults only, so they can enjoy quality time together.

To ensure that maximum can be made out of the holiday time restaurants are usually open till late along with bars so guests are never rushed. It is relatively easy to get around the island as public transport services are readily available. So it is not a costly affair to get around the island and see the many attractions.

As Lanzarote is a popular holiday destination finding accommodation is easy. Whatever the requirements a suitable Lanzarote hotel, apartment or villa can be found on such sites as roomset.com, which makes going on holiday a breeze as booking accommodation can be done with ease.

Amazing Holidays to Lanzarote: Stay in Quality Hotels

Lanzarote has it all for holidaymakers; magnificent beaches, plenty of enjoyable activities, a bustling nightlife and superbly located hotels at all the best rates. Situated approximately 80 miles from the coast of Africa, the most easterly of the Canary Islands can boast a warm and dry climate all year round. Holidays to Lanzarote are perfect for all the family and you will certainly not be disappointed with the fantastic places to stay.

Club Siroco Aparthotel

The recently developed Costa Teguise is Lanzarote's main tourist resort and is happily located only 20 minutes from Arrecife Airport. You will be bowled-over by the beautiful, clean Los Curachos beach, and will soon understand why the welcome breeze makes it so popular with wind-surfers.

3 Star Club Siroco has great deals for those who are looking for a self-catering holiday or an all inclusive experience. If you are the outdoors-type, then be impressed by all the fun sports activities that this highly popular hotel can offer. As well as having two pools (one for children) and a tennis court, Club Siroco can also provide you with the chance to do rifle shooting, water polo and horse riding!

Only minutes from many great bars, shops and restaurants - this hotel has everything you could need.

Barcelo Lanzarote

A mere 500 meters from Anda Beach and found in the quiet part of Costa Teguise, hotel Barcelo Lanzarote proudly boasts friendly staff and something special for food enthusiasts. Lanzarote holidays can be just as much about trying out new things as they can relaxing in the sun, which is why this hotel's restaurant Las Palmeras opens its kitchen so guests can try regional delicacies! A diverse and delicious cuisine is also available for breakfast, lunch and dinner in a pleasing buffet style.

Barcelo Lanzarote is a fantastic hotel for relaxing and pampering yourself; with two freshwater pools (one of which is supervised at all times for children) you can also enjoy a massage, a bubbling Jacuzzi and a glamorous sauna. Fancy going back home with more than a great tan to show off? Then you will be delighted by Barcelo's hairdressers and beauty salon.

You will truly unwind and have a feel-good time surrounded by the beauty of the region.

Paradise Island

Paradise Island provides outstanding 3 Star accommodation with helpful staff devoted to family needs. Positioned on the outskirts of the traditional fishing village know as Playa Blanca, which translates as 'White Beach' this hotel has many up-to-date amenities and makes a great base for all holidaymakers.

A total of four swimming pools (one of which is agreeably heated during the winter) means that you will never feel over crowded or unable to relax. Beach volleyball, archery, a garden chess board and a children's disco are only a few of the enjoyable and varied things on offer. If you fancy a day with a difference then why not head to the port and take a ferry trip to Fuerteventura?

Holidays To Lanzarote - A Hassle-Free Vacation

Lanzarote, the fourth largest among the Canary Islands, is a nice place to treat your family for a holiday. Situated only a hundred miles away from the coast of Africa, and with a temperature ranging from 21-28 degrees centigrade, you can enjoy the nice warm weather which is great for sports activities, nature tripping, or even simply having a relax leisure time on the beach in this town of Lanzarote.

Lanzarote has a "lunar" type of landscape formed from the many volcanic eruptions around 19th century. When in Lanzarote, I would recommend that you visit the Caves of Los Verdes, which is the world's longest tunnel and was formed some 3000 years ago. You will also love the series of underwater caves in which some are still untamed by human exploration, and a cave that is huge enough to be used as a concert hall.

Have fun with the different types of sand beaches in Lanzarote. You'll going to enjoy the white sands of the North of the Island, the golden sands of Puerto Del Carmen, or be in the world's famous black sands of Playa Quemada. The white sand beaches in the North of Lanzarote, relatively from the sands blown from across Africa are also very popular as a surfing destination, since adept surfers would love the challenge of the strong wind coming from Atlantic Ocean.

Lanzarote is also a home for Club La Santa, a sport training club where many celebrity athletes choose to spend their trainings, especially those from Europe every time the weather there do not permit them to do such activities. The quiet and challenging roads of Lanzarote are a thumb up for most runner and cyclist. And if you are a non-active athlete, you can always try to have fun in the wonderful golf courses. In case you wanted to learn how to dive, there are also schools offering diving lessons; jet skiing, parasailing and a deep sea fishing.

Holiday Packages in Lanzarote is a hassle-free vacation for you and your love ones. This 60 km long and 20 km wide town, is lined up with a number of hotels ranging from 5 stars to 4 stars hotels as well as cheap lodges that gives comfortable accommodations making your stay in Lanzarote an unforgettable one. Puerto Del Carmen is the busiest of all places in Lanzarote, with their wide nice beaches, first-class restaurants, bars and clubs that caters for all ages, a nice classic ambiance but with modern facilities to cater your modern needs, surely, this place will going to one of your favourite destinations in the future. If you need a quieter environment, Puerto Calero is the place for you. They can offer you a more exclusive resort based around the marina and top quality hotels that provide a world-class accommodation.

Transportation won't be a problem for you since the Lanzarote Arrecife airport now operates excellently from it's newly constructed modern terminal and facilities.

Get to Know the Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote

An incredible volcanic eruption of the largest proportions took place in, and formed, the Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote. The eruptions lasted six years and started on the first of September in 1730. The Timanfaya Park is found to the southwest of Lanzarote centered around the Montanas del Fuego or Fire Mountains. The eruptions from this group of volcanoes caused devastation to an area of 200 square kilometers. Even though they finished erupting around 275 years ago in many places the ground is still warm to the touch. Dig a little below the surface and ground temperatures can boil water, burn wood and cook food. There is a restaurant and tourist center based in the middle of the Park where guides regularly pour water into a spout to see it return in a jet of steam only seconds later. A few meters away is a pit into which wood is thrown, only too burst into flames. The restaurant cooks food over a deeper hole that returns even higher temperatures.

Access to the Timanfaya Park is restricted to cars and tour coaches, an entrance fee must be paid at the gate. Once inside the park it is like being on the moon. Nothing seems to have changed too much since the eruptions. Volcanic rock is spattered across the landscape as far as the eye can see. When you arrive at the parking area there will be a number of coaches ready to take you on a tour deeper into the most dramatic parts of the park. As the expert coach driver takes you along the small winding roads are tape is played telling you about the history of the area. It takes little imagination to realize what life must have been like when the eruptions were in full swing. Half way through the tour the coach stops for a few minutes in the 'valley of tranquility' which is a valley full of brightly colored volcanic ash. After the tour you are free to wander around and see how hot the earth just below the surface still is. Then you can lunch at the Restaurante del Diablo built on the Islote de Hilario area within the park.

Before the eruptions of 1730 this area was the most populated and fertile area of Lanzarote. Many people were forced to leave the island or hide out in caves. Never able to return to their homes. After a trip to the Timanfaya Park it is easy to imagine how life must have been in Lanzarote hundreds of years ago. Just getting around, finding water and surviving would have been very difficult.

These days getting to Lanzarote and around the island is very easy. Lanzarote is only four hours flight time from the UK. There are a large selection of airlines regularly visiting Lanzarote. Cheap flights to Lanzarote can be found with a little research and a holiday to remember had. The main day to arrive and leave is Thursday. To get to the Timanfaya National Park from your accommodation you will either need to hire a car or take a coach tour. Both options are easily found in any of the main resorts.

Things to Do in Lanzarote - Grow to Love Cesar Manrique

To say that Cesar Manrique is an institution on Lanzarote would be something of an understatement - it's a bit like saying Real Madrid is the best football team in Spain outside Barcelona!

Not only is Manrique's influence to be seen everywhere you travel on the island now, his life-long passion for Lanzarote, its architecture, geology and volcanic history has probably contributed more to the island's development than can be claimed by any one individual since the island's modern founding in 1402 by the Normans under Jean de Bethancourt.

No visit to Lanzarote is complete (or even possible) without coming across at least some of Manrique's work, so this article aims to give you the lowdown on 'all things Manrique'. Take it with you when you next visit Lanzarote, and make sure you visit some, if not all, of these great cultural venues.

Parque Nacional de Timanfaya

Whilst Manrique cannot lay claim to the natural art of the Lanzarote landscape created by the volcanic eruptions of the 18th Century, he was instrumental in having the area around Timanfaya (Fire Mountain) area designated as a National Park. He also designed the current Visitor Centre/restaurant that features panoramic views, along with a barbecue that is heated by the still bubbling volcano and hot earth some 6 metres below the surface.

Mirador del Rio

The word Mirador means look out, or view, or vantage point; the Mirador del Rio is situated at the northernmost tip of the island, about as high above sea level as it is possible to be without being on a cloud. Manrique was responsible for the 1973 conversion of the site from what was previously an artillery store. The Mirador del Rio is a spectacular viewing point, hewn out of cliff face, some 600 metres up in the air. It looks down, as if from the cockpit of a plane, on the neighbouring island of La Graciosa and the chinijo (or 'child islands') of Alegranza, Montaña Clara, Roques Del Este and Oeste.

In addition to outdoor viewing points on three levels, there is a restaurant with a semi circular window looking North to the neighbouring islands, and a souvenir shop.

Jardin de Cactus

Cesar Manrique was well known for his projects based around the natural form and history of Lanzarote, and the Jardin de Cactus is his monument to this range of plants that thrive so well in their natural state on the island. Manrique also chose to position the Cactus Garden in the town of Guatiza, an area surrounded by cactus fields that were traditionally used to cultivate the cochineal beetle for their red dye. This used to be big business for Lanzarote, before the advent of modern dyes.

The cactus garden is laid out within a pit in the ground that dates back to 1850. There are now nearly 10,000 cactus plants within the garden, and over 1,400 species of cactus. The planted gardens are interspersed with walkways, there is a cafe/bar serving light refreshments, and a souvenir shop.

Cesar Manrique Fundacion

The Fundacion is on the site of Manrique's former home in Tahiche, where he lived from 1968 to 1987. The house is built within 5 inter-connected lava bubbles in the ground which together create magnificent outdoor and indoor living space of some 1,500 square metres. There is also a large museum housing many of Manrique's paintings, sculptures and ceramics. The Fundacion is a very peaceful and serene place to absorb and admire the creative genius that was Cesar Manrique. The artist himself is said to have considered the foundation as the emblem of his life's work.

Los Jameos del Aqua

The Jameos del Aqua were created from a volcanic eruption in prehistoric times, and forms part of a large and complex infrastructure of caves in the North of Lanzarote. Cesar Manrique's involvement here was in the design, ideas and planning of restaurant and concert areas within the caves, as well as some of the floral and planting installations that are there now. There is also another cave system, the Cueva de Los Verdes that starts only a short walk away, so its worth doing both visits together - allow up to 3 hours for both.

And finally, of course, on our 'all things Manrique' tour, there are those roundabout 'Mobiles'..

Variously referred to as 'mobiles' or even 'thingys', these are pieces of art sculpture positioned in the centre of roundabouts across Lanzarote. They can best be summarised as very clever pieces of engineering (another skill of Cesar Manrique) that usually move in the wind (thus being in harmony with another big feature of life and the weather on Lanzarote), and have been influenced to a greater or lesser degree by the modern school of artists and sculptors.

Most people say they grow on you, and even more say that after many years, they still haven't got a clue what they are about. But you do have to look at them and marvel at the combined skills in physics, art, sculpture, engineering and conceptualisation that created them. Perhaps that, in a nutshell, describes the varied genius that was Cesar Manrique.

European Holiday To Lanzarote

It's always an exciting thing to travel around Europe, especially when you plan to fly to Lanzarote. This is one area of the Canary Islands that is beautiful and vibrant, and makes a great travel destination for any European trip. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when you fly to Lanzarote so you can ensure you have a stress-free, pleasant experience during your flights. Traveling with the following considerations in mind for making a choice in your airway service is a great way to eliminate planning and trip stress so you can really kick back and enjoy your experience.

First of all, it is very important to get the best rates for any airway travel, especially since airways are constantly getting more and more expensive. When you fly to Lanzarote, you will need to come up with a list of airways that offer the most competitive rates for your selected travel dates and times. A list of airways is a good place to start so you know exactly which ones to call and research, and this way have a good choice of flights that will give you good pricing and a good experience.

Secondly, you should also make sure the agency you choose to fly to Lanzarote has a variety of boarding options, so you can select the one that best suits your needs. You may be traveling alone, or you may be traveling with friends or family, in which case it may be more economical to choose cheaper boarding options. All airways that make it onto your list should offer a variety of boarding types including first class and coach class, so you can make the best selection.

Another important consideration when you fly to Lanzarote is how good the service will be. There are typically customer reviews of all different types of airways available. On top of that, you can contact the airways directly and get a sampling of their customer service, how friendly they are, and how responsive they are to your questions. These factors are a good indication of how it will be when you fly to Lanzarote, so it's a good idea to get a sampling.

Make sure as well that the airway you choose has some kind of luggage guarantee or insurance for lost luggage. There is nothing worse than starting a trip to fly to Lanzarote and then realizing along the way that your luggage has somehow been lost or misplaced. It is the flight's responsibility to keep track of luggage, and if they don't do their job, they should be held liable for this fact.

When you fly to Lanzarote, you will be in store for a fun and exciting experience. It's just important to make it as fun as possible without having to worry about expensive prices, luggage difficulties, or other hassles that will detract from your vacation time. These hassles can all be avoided as long as you make sure to choose a flight that will suit your needs and give you the best service available.

Lanzarote Holidays For the Partygoer

Holidaymakers are often in awe of the beaches of Lanzarote, one of the seven Spanish-administered Canary Islands. And yet Lanzarote is fast becoming a destination of choice for the party-goer looking for a change from the Ibiza party scene. Read our guide to Lanzarote's best bars and nightclubs, to ensure that you enjoy Lanzarote to the fullest!

In Puerto del Carmen, one of Lanzarote's major resorts, Avenida de Las Playas - also called The Strip - is where you will find all the night spots. The avenue is lined up with hundreds of restaurants, bars and nightclubs such as Paradise, a favourite of the British crowd. Discoteca RUMM is renowned for playing the latest Latino House Music while Café Ola presents a more chilled atmosphere. Head to Charlies and you might be able to catch a few live bands as well.

If you are looking for something for a more relaxed night of fun, check Puerto del Carmen' great selection of Irish pubs such as Murphy's, The Dubliner and the Irish Harbour Bar, all famous for their live music nights. Other friendly pubs worth visiting are Titos Karaoke Bar, ideal for a night out with the whole family as well as Tropical.

Even though most of Lanzarote's nightlife is concentrated in Puerto del Carmen, you should also try venturing in Arrecife for a more local feel. Most of the bars in Arrecife are located in Calle Jose Antonio and in the Avenida de Naos, where you will find La Naos, one of Lanzarote's trendiest venues. The adventurous tourist might try the famous caves of Jameos del Agua which turn into an unusual underground disco three times a week.

Whether you are into live music, karaoke nights or clubbing, Lanzarote's nightlife has something to offer for everyone.

Museums on Lanzarote Holidays

There are a surprising number of museums on the small island of Lanzarote. Most tourists on Lanzarote holidays come to the island for the sun and the beaches. However, the museums here are very interesting and deserve to be investigated. They range from state-of-the art displays in modern buildings to those museums covering aspects of island life. There are also the decidedly quirky museums, like 'Nazaret', built for the film star, Omar Sharif, who as legend has it, lost it on a high stakes bridge game, just days after buying it. Whatever your interest, there's bound to be a museum covering some aspect of it, on Lanzarote.

The Airport Museum (Museo Aeronautico) is right next to the Arrecife airport at Playa Honda in Lanzarote. The museum is actually housed in the old terminal building that was in use from 1946 -1970. Different floors have different exhibition themes. These range from the History of Flights in The Canaries, Tourism and Travel Activity, to Control Tower and Weather Station displays. The museum is open from Monday to Saturday, from 10am. to 2pm.

In Puerto Calero's marina is The Whale and Dolphin Museum, which is a great hit with the kids. Inside you will learn everything about these fascinating creatures via life-sized replicas, scale models and audio-visual displays. You can touch real whale bone and teeth, listen to a recording of whale song and see an absorbing film showing whales and dolphins in their own natural environment. The museum is open all year round, Monday to Saturday and is recommended for those on family holidays to Lanzarote. As a further incentive, children under the age of 7 get in for free and the whole museum is wheelchair friendly.

The whole family will love 'Tiagua'. It offers an insight into the agricultural traditions of the island. Housed in one of the largest rural houses on the island, it is a working farm with free ranging farm animals and where the traditional Lanzarote crops are still being grown. Other attractions at this excellent museum are a chapel, a wine museum and a cactus garden. Visitors can buy the wine and the goats' cheese produced on the farm. Admission is 5 euros and 'Tiague' is open from 10-5 on Mondays through to Fridays and 10 to 2.30 p.m. on Saturdays.

Many tourists on holiday deals to Lanzarote make sure they visit the Museum of International and Contemporary Art, housed in the old historic fortress, the Castillo San Jose. The art museum houses top quality and important paintings and sculptures by some of the leading artists in the modern art movement today. As well as an art museum, it also boasts a stylish restaurant that overlooks the main port of Arrecife. Admission to the museum is free and it is open every day from 11 a.m. through to 9 p.m.

What Does Lanzarote Mean to Me?

Lanzarote means different things to different people. Different memories, different experiences, different events. It's an island that offers so much to many different people - people who live there and people who visit on holiday.

The big draw to Lanzarote is the weather. Northern Europeans often jump on a flight down to Lanzarote during the colder winter months to get some sun and absorb some 'feel good factor'. The island doesn't really have a summer season as such as the resorts remain active pretty much all year long to accommodate the annual footfall of visitors.

People visit Lanzarote for more than just the weather though.¨

For me, Lanzarote is compelling. It has a mystique that surrounds it that creates an irresistible draw. I find it very difficult to put my finger on the exact reasons for this, but the contrast of simplicity and magnificence truly captures my ideals.

For many people that visit Lanzarote its about the main three resorts, which in themselves are all very different in terms of their appearance and offerings. For me a holiday is about a nice beach, nice food, a beer and a resort that has enough to create an atmosphere but not somewhere that is going to keep me awake at night. That resort is Playa Blanca.

Outside of the main holiday resorts Lanzarote is a gold mine of natural wonder and artistry. The Timanfaya National Park on the west coast reminds us back to the 17th and 18th Centuries when Volcanoes shaped Lanzarote as we know it today. Add on top of that the brilliance and imagination of the famous Canarian Artist, Cesar Manrique, and you have the perfect blend of man and nature.

For me, Lanzarote can be described as a timeless retreat. Yes, it thrives on Tourism which it bases its economy on, but it has managed to combine an importance balance of combining tourism whilst retaining its identity. Again, thanks to Manrique, you won't find many high rise buildings or billboards whilst driving around Lanzarote. Instead you will see quaint looking towns and villages of white washed buildings sporting green or blue doors and window frames.

So in summary, Lanzarote to me feels like home. It has a hold on me that I cannot truly explain. Yes, the weather certainly helps, but the way of life and the raw beauty of the island is quite amazing. It's a mixture of back to basics with current times. It's a blend of tourism with traditional Canarian way of life. It has a magnificent, yet humbling, history that remains prominent in attractions throughout the island. It's a place where you can step back, and remind yourself of what life is really all about.

Why Lanzarote is a Popular Holiday Destination in the Winter Months

We all know the feeling, when the clocks change in October and the nights start to draw in. The temperatures drop and come 5pm it feels like bed time! Just imagine what it would be like to escape to on a holiday to Lanzarote, where the temperatures are still around 23 degrees and the nights stay light until around 7pm!

Lanzarote is a popular winter holiday destination due to its all year round climate. Although there is a bit more rain during the winter months (although not alot compared to home!) the weather is generally much, much warmer than back here in the United Kingdom.

This is thanks to the fact that Lanzarote is just 80km from the coast of Africa and the Sahara Desert.

The south of the island of Lanzarote tends to be a little warmer than the north. The north, probably due to the open Atlantic and sharp cliffs that rise from the sea, is often cloudy, damper and a little cooler. Although it's only a small island it's amazing how different the weather can be in the different localities.

It is very possible to sit out on the beach, enjoying a very warm sun during November and December. It's a somewhat satisfying experience when you think back to your friends and family freezing in the U.K. winter months.

Although the days are very pleasant the evening temperature can drop a little, which means you probably need to pack a jumper or two in your suitcase.

It's amazing how much better a bit of winter sunshine can make you feel. Many people in the U.K. suffer from SAD syndrome that makes them lethargic and tired in the winter months. A short winter holiday in Lanzarote can give your body a boost during the winter months and revitalise your enthusiasm and energy. It may sound daft but it's certainly true!

There are not many destinations, within Europe, that offer you the winter weather of Lanzarote. The other Canaries offer good weather, but Lanzarote generally tends to be the drier of the islands.

We make an effort to go every year for a nice relaxing break before the madness of Christmas!

Why I Highly Recommend Lanzarote As This Years Holiday Destination

Lanzarote is very popular with holiday makers and tourists from all over Europe, and its easy to see why. The laid back culture, year round sunshine and unique volcanic landscape all make for a captivating and memorable week or fortnight away.

The landscape, a result of volcanic eruptions over 35 million years ago, may seem sparse, dry and barren to some, but for others it offers opportunities - a chance to get close to history and what was a very turbulent past.

Of course, it isnt just the history of Lanzarote that attracts the tourists. Tourism is a big part in the economy of Lanzarote and given how busy the islands only airport is, in Arrecife, its plain to see just how big a part it plays.

There are a number of large, very high quality hotels on the island, but for those who were thinking of spending a little less there is a huge selection of self catering complexes and private villas and bungalows available for rent. With low cost airlines making frequent flights to Lanzarote it is also very easy to get there. The flight time to Lanzarote from the UK is a shade over 4 hours and yet the difference in climate and temperature makes it feel like you are much, much further away!

When on the island the three main resorts certainly dont let the holiday makers down. There is definitely something for everyone from all night clubs to fine dining and bars. There is a huge selection of family friendly restaurants and establishments and the entertainment ranges from UK tribute artists to traditional Canarian acts.

Of course, one of the things that people go on holiday for is the combination of sun, sand and sea (and lets throw in Sangria for good measure). Lanzarote doesn't fall short in the beach department. The main resorts all have a number of large and well maintained beaches to choose from and although the sea can be a little cool at certain times of the year, it is usually crystal clear and ideal for scuba diving enthusiasts.

Still not convinced? If you want to do a little more than just lie around on the beach then why not take an excursion or trip to one of the attractions on the island. The Timanfaya National Park gives you a glimpse into the islands history. This volcanic park is made up of hundreds of craters and in places the temperature, just a few feet under the ground, can get up to 600 degrees! Other attractions that were born out of the volcanic past, along with a little creativity from the local, late artist Cesar Manrique are Jameos del Agua and The Green Caves. Along with Mirador del Rio which is a lookout over the Rio straights and to the neighboring island of La Graciosa.

And it doesnt stop there. There are so many things to do, for couples and families of all ages including extreme water sports, submarine trips, scuba diving, quad biking and much, much more.

Lanzarote, in my view, is the perfect paradise in which you are able to unwind, relax and escape from the real world.

Lanzarote - Leading Destination For Quality Holiday Villas and Apartments

More and more holiday makers from the UK, Ireland, Germany, Spain and elsewhere are discovering the dramatic yet serene beauty that forms a backdrop to the main holiday resorts on Lanzarote. It is now the Canary Island's second most popular island after Tenerife, which of course is much larger.

Most people will choose to stay in villas in Lanzarote, with villas in Playa Blanca particularly popular. This also applies to Costa Teguise, which also has a good range of all inclusive hotels, and is also renowned for water sports. Costa Teguise is located very near to the capital, Arrecife, and the airport.

There are also a lot of apartments in Lanzarote, with the highest availability of these in Puerto del Carmen, also quite near to the airport. Puerto del Carmen is well known for it's 'strip', the Avenida de las Playas, which is 6 kilometres long, and hosts a large number of bars, restuarants and night clubs where you can party until 6 am. Despite this, Puerto del Carmen is also very popular with families and older people - mind you, these days, they are sometimes the age group that party the most!

There are many attractions and places to visit all over Lanzarote, and all can be easily reached from your Lanzarote villas or apartment. The most famous is the Parque Nacional de Timanfaya, where the heat of the still-active (but dormant!) volcano is used to cook at the Restaurant that is at the heart of ther visitor centre. You can take an escorted coach ride around the park, and enjoy a fascinating narration about the last eruption of the volcano in the 17th century.

For many it will be the beaches that attract people to Lanzarote. They are truly spectacular, especially around Papagayo and Playa Blanca in the South, and at Caleta de Famara, in the wider North west of the island. The main resort beaches at Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca are very safe for bathing.

Industry in Lanzarote

Despite the lack of rainfall and poor agricultural soil, the people of Lanzarote contrive to produce onions, tomatoes and potatoes for export. Also grown are melons, peach, beans, lentils, chickpeas and maize. The wine of the island (Malvasia) is good, rather like dry sherry, and can be 17 percent proof. Sufficient is produced for it to be exported.

Until recently, Tenerife and Gran Canaria were the only islands with full holiday facilities. Now, Lanzarote is rapidly developing and it aims to attract holiday makers from every corner of the world. During the last twelve years, tourism has been progressing successfully and cruise ships are able to dock, car and passenger ferries arrive regularly. A modern airport in Arrecife provides frequent flights to the UK and the rest of Europe. Most of the tourist complexes are in the south, where the best beaches are found, but other holiday areas are dotted towards the northern end of the island. Luxury hotels, villas and apartments, restaurants and entertainments of international quality maintain a high standard. Much of the economy in Lanzarote is therefore generated around the tourist industry.

Practically none of the cultivation is irrigated in Lanzarote, so it must rely on what rainfall and moisture there is. The people of Lanzarote have overcome this difficulty by covering the soil with black volcanic ash (picon) to a depth of about ten to fifteen centimetres. The ash stops evaporation and also absorbs the early morning dew, which provides moisture for the underlying soil. The soil and ash have to be replaced every twenty to thirty years. All round the island, the pattern of the landscape is black ash, small volcanic humps and oases of neat white modern buildings, with green palm trees, making a graceful contract to the sharper outlines.

Fishing helps the Lanzarote economy. The fleet operates mainly off the neighbouring coast of North Africa. Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote is a busy port with a fish-canning industry and a huge desalination plant which is the life blood of this Canary Island, turning the sea water into much needed drinking water for daily use. Large salt pans at Junubio produce about 10,000 tons annually and most of it is used in the conservation of fish, though it is also refined and used for kitchen and table salt.

Holidays in Lanzarote

Lanzarote is very popular holiday destination with average daily temperatures ranging from 21°C in January to 29°C in September. The place is situated off the African coast, only 3 and ¾ hours by flight from London. Lanzarote offers year round luxury holiday choices, perfect for both summer and winter destination.

Lanzarote is a family friendly place and offers something for everyone. Its varied landscape and Atlantic location provides a selection of safe shallow beaches or dramatic swells. There are plenty of coastal activities to enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing and parasailing. Lanzarote Resorts have safe beaches and lots of activities to keep the kids happy. Lanzarote is attracted by couples who love shopping and nightlife. Puerto del Carmen has the busiest nightlife with pubs, restaurants and nightclubs. You can buy perfumes and cigarettes at cheaper rates as Lanzarote enjoys a special duty free tax status.

The stunning white sand beaches such as those at Playa Blanca and Papagayo attracts couples and families. Apartments are furnished very well and equipped with dishwasher, microwave and fridge/freezer. Leisure facilities include windsurfing school, tennis court, health and fitness centre, playground, pool and table tennis to make your holidays more enjoyable. Sands Beach Resorts offers well-appointed accommodation with apartments having modern amenities, including a kitchen, to ensure you an utmost comfort.

Lanzarote hotels provide a variety of recreational facilities, including private swimming pools, indoor Jacuzzis, clubhouses and tennis courts. All the staffs are cordial and helpful and it is pretty quiet and very relaxing.

If you are looking for a cheap holiday in Lanzarote, it will be better for you to go in early May or late October as this season is not so busy.