5 Things to Remember When Preparing Your Trip to Lanzarote

Lanzarote is an all year found favourite holiday destinations with many Europeans, thanks to the warm climate 365 days a year.

Lanzarote is one of the seven Canary Islands just 70 miles or so from off the west coast of Africa. Despite it's location Lanzarote is actually part of Spain and the locals all speak Spanish (although many also speak very good English).

Before you set off for Lanzarote here are 5 things that you should remember during your travel preparations:

1. Your Passport - Assuming you are not Spanish, you will need a Passport to get into Lanzarote (and in most cases you need one to leave your own country!) Without a passport you will be refused entrance to the island under normal circumstances.

2. Your Money - Lanzarote is part of the EU and it's currency is the Euro. You can change your money once you arrive but we always find that you get a much better rate if you do so beforehand. In some cases it's always a good idea to take a credit card with you in case of an emergency.

3. Plane Tickets - You won't get very far without them. Make sure that you have got your plane tickets handy and if your airline requires you to check in 'online' before you get there then log on and get it done. Also check with your airline regarding your baggage and hand luggage to ensure you are within the weight limits.

4. Sun Tan Lotion - Seriously, you will need this, especially if you are travelling in the height of the summer season. Temperatures in Lanzarote can reach 40 degrees - that is seriously intense heat. Even in the 'cooler' months such as November temperatures can reach 23 degrees. Be prepared!

5. Your holiday documentation - I would always advise that you take a copy of your accommodation voucher and if required things like your car hire documentation. Of course, if you are going to hire a car whilst out there you will also need a copy of your driving license.

Depending on your circumstances and arrangements there might be other items that you need to consider taking with you. I always advise that you start to pack at least a week and a half in advance of your trip as it gives you time to think about what items you need to take. So many people leave things last minute and it usually ends up in tears as something gets left behind.

Lanzarote Villas - Moving from the UK to Live in One

So you´ve made the big decision and decided to leave the UK behind and go and live in a villa in Lanzarote. But how do you go about it and what things do you need to do?

The important thing first of all of course is to buy your villa in Lanzarote and sell your UK home! Once you´ve done that, you´re ready to start your preparations for the big day. You have 2 choices concerning your house furniture, either sell it and buy new in Lanzarote, or ship it over along with your personal belongings. The option you choose will really depend on whether you want to keep your furniture or not. Personally, in most cases I think it´s better to sell off your furniture in the UK and buy new in Lanzarote. Lanzarote villas are not the same as UK houses and I´ve seen people shipping over their furniture which just doesn´t look right in their new Spanish villa. However, if you decide to ship over, use a company like T.C. Freight who will load it into a container and ship it to Lanzarote.

If you decide to sell your furniture, advertise it in the local paper, let your friends know what´s for sale, and for what remains, have a "garage sale" along with any other furniture and belongings you don´t want to take with you. It´s amazing what people will buy and just how much money you can raise from these sales! You will get antique dealers coming along looking for anything which might be of some value, and you might be surprised to find some old tea set in the attic is worth a bit of money. At the end of your sale day, someone will usually come along and buy what´s left, but if not, chuck it in the skip with all the other junk you´ve collected over the years.

You can either take all your personal belongings with you on the plane or send them by airfreight in advance. The latter option is by far the best - you can get them uplifted from your home a few days before you leave and they will be delivered to your new villa in Lanzarote a few days after you arrive. Packed into boxes, it´ll cost less than you think, and almost certainly less than you´ll have to pay for excess luggage.

An important thing you need to do is to inform everyone who needs to know, of your new contact details in Lanzarote or that you no longer require their service. These will include banks, building societies, TV licencing, vehicle licencing if you have a car to sell, share companies, trusts, pension companies etc. etc. Go through all your paperwork and documents and also try to think of all mail which you receive from time to time which is important to you. You may be able to get mail forwarded to you in Lanzarote or perhaps to family or friends in the UK who can send on anything important.

If you have any pets that you are going to take with you to Lanzarote, see your vet well before your moving day. They will be able to advise you on the required documentation and any injections that may be required. If you are flying to Lanzarote, your pet can go with you on the plane. Use a company like http://www.animalairlines.co.uk to do all the work for you. Remember though, it isn´t cheap!

That´s you ready then to start your new life in a Lanzarote villa. Good luck!

Sun, Serf and Sand in Lanzarote

Lanzarote is the largest of the wonderful Canary Islands and guarantees its visitors and exceptional vacation. While there are many, many things to do in Lanzarote the first and foremost attractions as always are the many inviting beaches that the island is blessed with.

Lanzarote as a popular tourist destination is quite family oriented, though this should in no way deter couples as there are many holiday options suitable for couples only. For families though, they can holiday knowing that the needs of the entire family will be fulfilled when they holiday on a Lazarote beach such as the beaches at Costa Teguise and Puerto del Carmen. These beaches offer entertainment such as banana boat rides, paragliding, water rides and water sports. These beaches are sheltered and therefore relatively safe for swimming and wading.

Lanzarote is also home to black beaches with El Golfo which is home to the famous Green Lagoon which has two black sand beaches. The area also has some village restaurants which offering fresh sea food for the sampling. However, El Golfo is not exactly a year round options, where as the aptly named Burnt Beach or Playa Quemada is a year round location where sunbathing is always possible.

Lanzarote is very popular with divers and windsurfers, due to its perfect windy weather conditions and the crystal clear waters that showcase the underwater volcanic rock formations to perfection. Add to this an abundant marine life and you have a diver's version of paradise. It is easy to find diving instructors on the island, for visitors looking to experience the wonders of an underwater dive.

Being in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean Lanzarote enjoys from April to September the North East trade winds which make for perfect windsurfing. The Las Cucharas beach is a hit with surfers as towards afternoon the winds blow side-shore. The mornings though are ideal for beginners as the winds are lower and the jetty shelters the beach making it ideal for practicing. There are many windsurfing schools in the area for those wanting to give windsurfing a go.

Of course as is to be expected from a popular tourist destination the beaches of Lanzarote can be over crowded, as all facilities are made available for guest convenience. For those who want to be away from the masses and enjoy some quiet time on the beach there are such beaches as Papagayo and Famara which are both stunning locations but do not offer facilities.

While Papagayo has better weather as it is situated in the southern tip of the island, Famara which is on the northwest is ideal for idyllic walks and for flying kites. While a beach holiday is the perfect way to relax it is always advisable to be aware that you are at the beach and adhere to any instructions there are on the beach, such as if it is a safe time to swim by being aware of local conditions such as currents. Always make sure that you are within your capabilities.

No matter which beach you choose to holiday at or even if you decide to experience more than one beach, Lanzarote hotel accommodations are easy to find as there are numerous and well equipped to cater to any holiday needs.

Learn To Sail - Some Benefits Of Sailing Holidays In Lanzarote

In the midst of a cold winter or a dreary wet spring, the idea of spending several luxurious days on a tropical Lanzarote sailing holiday may seem like a small slice of heaven. Nestled in the Canary Islands, Lanzarote sailing courses are a sure way to escape from the monotony of everyday life and pick up an exhilarating new hobby. What's more, membership with the Royal Yacht Association makes it easy for novices to gain the experience needed to squeeze the most fun out of Lanzarote Sailing Holidays.

RYA sailing courses, providing the necessary training and examinations for proper sailing and are available at a number of locations across the UK, making the qualification process simple and easy for anyone who wants to learn to sail. There are, however, several reasons to complete the training and qualification process at a Lanzarote resort itself, making Lanzarote sailing courses an attractive learning process for tourists and visitors alike.

One benefit of learning to sail here is rather than have to use imitation lines or phony sails, you can literally hop onto a real-life yacht and begin the necessary training. What's more, the experience of Lanzarote's veteran sailors gives you the advantage of tips and true-to-life stories of sailing in the North Atlantic.

Another benefit is unlike a sailing training course based in the UK, Lanzarote sailing courses offered by the RYA allow you to become familiar with a yacht's mechanics and design in as little as two days. During these RYA sailing courses, even the greenest sailor will become familiar with nautical terminology, parts of a sailboat, safety and courtesy on the open seas, the intricacies of GPS technology and navigation, as well as the most fun parts -- using the sails and lines for leverage against the wind!

A one-week charter holiday may have navigation stretches of up to fifty miles, making it possible for you and your family to sail to nearby isles once you have completed the prerequisite training. Once you have mastered the ins and outs of Lanzarote Sailing Courses, you may even be able to participate in the yearly excursions and races about the Canary Isles. This, however, requires advanced students and more preparation. Nevertheless, even the basics of sailing turn into an adventure once you are on the open sea.

Rya courses available on the island include RYA day skipper, coastal skipper, yachtmaster coastal and offshore to name but a few.

The benefits of sailing holidays in Lanzarote are not only restricted to the water though because no matter what your idea of a relaxing holiday is you'll be able to find any type of luxury or simple accommodation when booking a Lanzarote sailing holiday.

The isle contains numerous resorts and retreats, offering everything from golf getaways to warm white beaches to surfing to horseback riding for those that don't want to spend all their time on the water. You can even eliminate the stress of the outside world with therapeutic spa treatment, baths, yoga classes, and rejuvenating tours of the island's scenery.

The most popular resorts on the island include Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise and of course Puerto Calero with its world-class marina, and if you fancy going native there are plenty of rural villas situated away from the main resort areas if you are looking for peace and quiet.

On your days off or when your sailing course has finished the extra benefits of a sailing holiday in Lanzarote really become apparent as you, your group or your entire family may easily find an adventure exploring the island with its many natural and elegantly sculpted attractions.

Top of the agenda has to be a trip to Timanfaya Volcano Park, where nearly three hundred active volcanoes present visitors with unmatched scenery and sounds. You can even eat at restaurant here that uses the natural heat still emanating from deep underground to cook your meal.

Also take time out to visit the Cesar Manrique Foundation where you'll experience the inspiration of the main architect of Lanzarotes many natural attractions and see how his home was built into the very fabric of a lava field. Other attractions to add to your agenda include Monumento Al Campesino, the Cactus Garden, the Green Caves or any one of the islands many museums.

Once you've spent time exploring the many attractions, take to the picture-perfect beaches to soak up the rays, and if you can plan a day trip to the beach at Papagayo which is regarded as the most stunning on the island and the warmest.

While there are many benefits of sailing holidays in Lanzarote given that the island has so much to offer, ultimately its the sailing adventure and lure of the open seas that tends to be the main focus for novice and experts alike, and for very good reasons.

Lanzarote Car Rental

Lanzarote is the fourth largest of the Canary islands and attracts a huge number of western tourists a year. This little, yet volcanic Island has a desert-like climate; its picturesque coast and a pretty promenade, creates a relaxing ambience for holiday makers throughout the year. Some of the best beaches are the Papagayos, these are found in the South of Lanzarote. Because of their distance from the resorts, it is best to rent a car; this can be done with no trouble at the Lanzarote Airport, from all the major resorts, or by booking online.

Car rental in Lanzarote is not just trouble-free, but also useful, as there are a small amount of limitations regarding bringing a car back to the point of origin. You can start in Lanzarote, and then travel from one beautiful village or town to another along the shore. Places you can go include El Golfo, Los Hervidores, Costa Tegise, Timanfaya National Park, etc. and give back your vehicle at any location when you have had enough of exploring.

When hiring a car in Lanzarote, there are things that need to be reflected upon. These aspects will be covered in this paragraph.

In Lanzarote, driving is always on the Right-hand side. Your credit card may not be accepted in most petrol stations, it is therefore important that you always have cash with you!

Always carry your Driver's Licence, Passport and Rental Agreement. Always wear your Seat belts for both the front and rear, there is an on the spot fine for non-compliance. You will be fined heavily if found drink driving or speeding, you will be fined on the spot. In the event of an accident, do not admit liability or part with any documentation or money, co-operate with the Police and contact your car rental agency.

Drivers will need to be a minimum age of 21. When comparing car rental prices make sure that taxes and delivery charges are included.

Renting a car is quite inexpensive on the island and is a very good way of getting around and observing Lanzarote. Petrol is low-cost and as the island is not very big, choosing to hire a car is a very economical way to travel around Lanzarote. All in all your break to Lanzarote will be made easier by renting a car.

Holiday Villas in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote - An Ideal Family Resort

Playa Blanca, Lanzarote has long been enjoyed as an ideal family holiday resort. Situated at the southern tip of Lanzarote, it enjoys the best weather on the island, which can be enjoyed all year round, this making this jewel of Lanzarote an ideal winter holiday destination as well.

The start of many new flights from the UK since October 2009, thanks to Ryanair, Aer Lingus and Monarch, has caused a reduction in travelling costs to Lanzarote, and this helped to contribute to a 31% increase in passengers in October 2009 compared to the same month in 2008.

Playa Blanca was originally a fishing village, but has grown into a thriving family resort, based around the development of top quality, luxurious holiday villas. There is also a wide choice of restaurants to suit all budgets, as well as a good range of 4 and 5 star hotels.

Playa Blanca offers magnificent views. Out to sea, there is a spectacular view of Lobos and Fuerteventura, the two neighbouring islands. In the other direction, the mountains of Femes and Timanfaya provide a spectacular backdrop to this beautiful resort.

This area also has some of the best beaches on Lanzarote, including several at Costa del Papagayo situated at the northern end of Playa Blanca, Playa Dorada (close to the stylish Marina Rubicon with its designer boats and yachts), the Town Beach, and Playa Flamingo at the southern end. In between, there is also the port of Playa Blanca, where ferries travel to and from Fuerteventura.

Many seasoned visitors believe that the area is best enjoyed at one of the many luxury villas in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote. These range in size from 2 bedroomed, semi-detached properties that are close to the centre, to 4 bedroomed, properties, many of which can be seen as you travel south from the town towards the lighthouse and Faro Park areas at the southernmost tip of the island. Many villas in this area enjoy great sea views of the Bocaina Straits, and the neighboring islands of Fuerteventura and Lobos.

Lanzarote specialist villa agencies will often tend to be more knowledgeable than the more international villa advertising sites that frequently top the Google listings. Look a little further down the lists, and you will see several of the better known Lanzarote specialist sites. They will always be ready to help with advice about locations, the need for a car, local attractions, and so on, as well as also often knowing a lot about the individual properties themselves.

Try booking a villa in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, when you plan your next family holiday. You are unlikely to be disappointed, and your family will probably be highly delighted!

How to Find Cheap Flights to Lanzarote in the Canary Islands

It is easy to find cheap flights to Spanish mainland destinations from Europe and the UK. However the extra distance to Lanzarote, in the Canary Islands, makes it very difficult for airlines to offer the same deals. Popular budget flight companies often sell tickets to mainland Spain for under £10, but a ticket to Lanzarote is often over £40. This is not including any extras for baggage and insurance. Including these extras flight tickets average out at around £100. The same flights in the school holidays will cost significantly more.

The best way to find cheap flights is to first check the airline companies web sites, do this before using the comparative sites as you will also need to pay their commissions. Booking tickets as early as possible is a good way to keep the price down. Occasionally cheap tickets come up last minute but often the stress of not knowing if you are going on holiday until the last moment out weighs any savings. A full package deal with flights, accommodation and even food can often be the very cheapest way to holiday in Lanzarote. For package holidays type into your favorite search engine 'package holiday in Lanzarote' and follow the results links.

Lanzarote is in the Spanish owned Canary Islands. Geographically it is not where you would expect it to be being a part of Spain. Lanzarote is found a full 737 miles south south west of the southern tip of Spain and to the west of the Sahara desert. Its climate is nothing like the rest of Spain, many people say it is one of the best in the world. The weather is perfectly regulated by the trade winds that only blow in summer. Summer months cooled by the wind winter months warmed by the lack of wind. Most houses in Lanzarote do not have either air conditioning or heating. Factor the weather in with a dramatic volcanic landscape, beautiful beaches and a stable economy and you soon realize why this location is so popular for tourists world wide. Most visitors to Lanzarote catch flights from within Europe. Lanzarote is 1,600 miles south from the London airports of Heathrow and Gatwick and even further from Germany therefore fuel prices are high and this gets reflected in the cost or tickets.

Lanzarote has one airport called Arrecife airport. This is located close to the most popular holiday destination resort of Puerto del Carmen, a ten minute taxi drive south. The airport has two terminals, the international terminal and local flight terminal. There is ample parking and good wheel chair access. Lots or hire car companies have their offices located in the airport so it is no problem to land and book a hire car. Outside you will find a queue of taxis to take you to your accommodation. Two of Lanzarote's three main resorts are close to the airport, Costa Teguise is a 15 minute drive North and Puerto del Carmen a 10 minute drive south. The popular resort of Playa Blanca is found on the very southern tip of Lanzarote and is around a 40 minute drive.

The most popular day for flights to and from Lanzarote is Thursday so this is the cheapest day to fly. The rest of the week carries less than half the traffic.

All in all finding cheap flights to Lanzarote takes a little bit of internet research and some patience. If you can avoid school holidays that will make a big difference. Cheap flight companies often have hidden extras so make sure you find out the full ticket price for taking actual baggage etc. Lanzarote is a truly beautiful island and well worth a visit pretty much any time of year.

Weather in Lanzarote Resorts

The intriguing island of Lanzarote enjoys the warm all-round climate of the Canary Islands. However, there are variations in climate that could affect your choice of resort for a holiday here, as this article on the weather in Lanzarote explains.

The weather in Lanzarote is characterised above all else by the north-easterly trade winds that cool the island's baking surface and make the air feel pleasant and mild rather than stifling. Occasionally, the wind changes direction, bringing searing-hot "hair dryer" air and red dust from the Sahara Desert over the sea to the south-east. The position and orientation of each of the main holiday resorts means that each one has a different microclimate and a different "feel". Let's take a look at the most popular resorts and the weather you can expect there:

Puerto del Carmen, the main resort on the island, is situated on a south-facing section of coast about half way down the south-east side of the island. This south-facing position means that there is something of the land mass of Lanzarote between it and the north-easterly trade wind, which means that this feature of the weather in Lanzarote, so prominent in the other main tourist resorts, is not as noticeable here. It therefore makes a great Canary Islands holiday if you don't like to be battered by the admittedly warm prevailing wind.

Playa Blanca, once a fishing port, now Lanzarote's second most popular resort, is unique among the main holiday resorts in being located very near the most southerly tip of the island. This means it is closer to the neighbouring Canary Island of Fuerteventura, to the south. You will get a very different type of beach holiday in Playa Blanca compared to the other resorts, because Fuerteventura shelters it from the big waves rolling in off the Atlantic, giving the beaches here a much calmer feel. Indeed, the nearby sheltered, sandy bays of Papagayo are amongst the most famous and popular on the island.

Costa Teguise is the island's third-busiest tourist resort, and is situated north of Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote. Costa Teguise faces south-east and is consistently breezy. This, coupled with some great wave action, makes it the resort of choice for windsurfers. You can make a point of coming here to learn how to windsurf, because as well as windsurfing bars and clothes shops, there are also some great windsurfing schools. However, don't think that the constant breeze makes Costa Teguise much colder than the other main resorts, because wherever you are on the island, at whatever time of year, the weather in Lanzarote is never really cold.

Lanzarote Villas - Ideal Holiday Home Investments

The financial sector has not been giving investors a significant return on there savings for many years now and the prognosis for the foreseeable future does not seem too buoyant either. And even though the rate of inflation remains low with the rises in indirect taxation and other living expenses not tracked in the RPI increasing this is continuing to squeeze the incomes of those relying in whole or part on the interest or dividends from their savings.

Holiday homes abroad are popular form of ongoing investment so let's take a look at Lanzarote in the Canaries. As here investors can enjoy a year round rental calendar thanks to the islands incredibly clement climate as well as a robust tourist industry that is starting to bounce back from the economic crisis of last year, when Lanzarote still managed to welcome close to 1.4 million visitors.

Lanzarote, which is located in the Canarian archipelago, is an ideal location for anyone thinking about buying a holiday rental property. Thanks to the fact that the all year round level of sunshine and little in the way of rainfall. Which translates into a full 12 months worth of rental returns for investors, as the season here never really stops unlike other parts of Spain

Lanzarote villas can not only give you a rental return though, as you will be able use your investment property yourself if you take regular annual breaks. Using your own property can help you save a significant amount of money that would otherwise be used to pay for holiday accommodation elsewhere, a fact that is often overlooked when calculation returns form holiday property investment.

Despite being owned by Spain Lanzarote and the other six Canary Islands are situated much closer to Africa, just off the continent's west coast and close to the Tropic of Cancer. As a result rainfall here is minimal whilst temperatures remain spring like all year round. Conditions which have created a vibrant tourist industry, with the Canaries being the second most visited region in Spain after Catalonia.

Lanzarote was not left unscathed however by the recent downturn - as visitor numbers here dropped just as they did across the rest of Spain. Thanks to the resulting depreciation of sterling against the euro and the general fall in consumer confidence created by the crisis. Resulting in a sharp drop in the number of people booking holidays in Lanzarote during 2009.

Traditionally the Lanzarote property market has been powered by investment from the UK. As foreign buyers have bought up apartments and villas in Lanzarote to rent out to their fellow countrymen. And despite the downturn the island still remains an attractive investment option. Not least as returns from savings and shares in the UK remain low, whilst property prices on the island have fallen considerably over the last year. With some villas in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote's fastest growing resort, now selling for under €200,000 for the first time.

As well as a reliable tourist industry and great weather Lanzarote also offers holidaymakers plenty of attractions and activities. Factors which have helped to maintain the island's ongoing popularity which is very important for long term rental investments. These include an array of natural wonders, such as the verdant Valley of 1000 Palms in the north of the island. And the number one tourist attraction of the Timanfaya Volcano Park - where visitors can gaze in awe at over 300 now dormant peaks.

There are also close to 100 beaches to explore along with some very pretty little villages such as Haria and Yaiza. And with car hire in Lanzarote so cheap this unique little island is easy to tour.

The fairly unique blend of Sun Sea and culture also ensures that the demographic of visitors is also diverse making the Island a popular destination for all age groups as well as retired visitors looking for long term winter rentals.

Honeymooning in Lanzarote

A honeymoon is the most important event after a wedding. It is the time a couple gets to spend alone away from the bustle of the wedding period. This is the time a couple takes stock of being husband and wife and of being together for the rest of their lives.

Tradition holds that in days gone by it was believed that a newly wed couple was provided with mead by the rest of the family for a lunar month so that there first month together is filled with nothing but sweetness. It is believed that this tradition gradually developed into the concept of the honeymoon that we have now. Though definitely shorter nowadays in duration that purpose of the honeymoon remains the same.

It is due to this importance that most couples concentrate on maximizing their time together during their honeymoon. There are some destinations that have gained more popularity as honeymoon destinations than others. However, newly weds need not really bust their budget on their honeymoon destination but can instead opt for say a beach holiday which would be more economical and can be turned into a romantic getaway.

Take Lanzarote for example. What immediately springs to mind are endless hordes of visitors, not the most romantic of settings, but with a little planning a beach holiday can be cost effective and romantic.

Imagine being with your loved on the warm soft sandy beaches just relaxing and only getting up to cool off in the clear blue waters. As it is a popular holiday destination Lanzarote has many, many hotels and resorts that cater completely to beach holidays and to honeymooners. Most times guests can enjoy their meals on the beach itself or sample the sea food at the many restaurants that line the beaches.

Also for the more active couples the hotels can organize water sports such as kneeboarding, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and kayaking, experiences that can only serve to increase the bond between the couple. For a truly unique experience try scuba diving or snorkeling and be enchanted by the underwater life.

If you prefer more privacy couples can always rent out one of the many villas available around Lanzarote. This way you and your spouse can enjoy a truly idyllic time together unrestricted by the bounds of a hotel. However, no matter where you stay, be it a hotel, apartment or villa the days can end sipping a cocktail and being bathed by the warm sunsets as you sit on the toasty sand or go for long walks just enjoying the atmosphere.

The lure of the beach is hard to beat and a beachside honeymoon gives you the added bonus of returning home with healthy tans bound to be the envy of all your friends and relatives. Lanzarote is one of the seven Canary Islands so you can always sample the other islands as well for variety.

Lanzarote being a popular destination has its perks as the Lanzarote accommodation providers are well geared to meet guest requirements and so you are assured that you will want for nothing while on your honeymoon there.

Lanzarote - A Legacy Shaped by Nature and Art

Lanzarote, the fourth largest of the Spanish archipelago, the Canary Islands, is a very popular holiday destination with tourists flocking from all over Europe.

Lanzarote is a tourist favorite thanks to its year round climate, thanks to its location and close proximity to the Sahara desert. Even during the winter months Lanzarote enjoys 8 hours of sunshine and temperatures that rarely drop below 20 degrees Celsius.

However, whilst the tourist industry plays a major part in the economy of Lanzarote, there is much more to it than hotels, nightclubs, restaurants and beaches. Lanzarote was thought to have been named "The Red Mountains" after the it was born out of fiery volcanic eruptions around 35 million years ago! It is said that Lanzarote, along with the other Canary Islands was formed as part of the break up of the African and American continental plates.

One of the most magnificent natural attractions on Lanzarote is the Timanfaya National Park. The park that is sparse in vegetation and distinctly identifiable by air from the number of large craters on show, tells the story of volcanic eruptions that took place during 1730 and 1736. The eruptions of the 1730's are known as the greatest in Europe and saw many residents on Lanzarote take refuge in Gran Canaria.

To this day areas around the Timanfaya park still measure temperatures of 600 degrees just 13 metres below the ground that you stand on. You can see demonstrations of how hot this is within the park, through geyser demonstrations and watch straw set on fire as it is pushed just metres underground.

Whilst the eruptions helped to forge Lanzarote's natural landscape, in more recent times a local artist, Cesar Manrique, helped to shape Lanzarote as we know it today in terms of the style of buildings, local sculptures, paintings and genius natural attractions that are scattered around the island. You could say that Manrique used Lanzarote as his canvas.

Some of the Manrique creations that are open as visitor attractions on Lanzarote include Mirador del Rio, a lookout built into the northern cliffs with amazing views over La Graciosa (a neighboring island) and Jameos del Agua, a lava tunnel containing a natural pool that is home to albino crabs (said to be the only place in the world where they can be found). Jameos del Agua also has an auditorium / concert hall built into the lava landscape. The lava based rock formations that line the walls of the auditorium are said to creating amazing acoustics that really bring classical music alive.

The legacy of Manrique is still very much alive today. Apart from a few large hotels, there are no high rise buildings and all buildings are painted white with either blue or brown door and window frames. It is because of this, along with the barren landscape that Lanzarote stands out from the other islands that make up the Canary archipelago.

Top 10 Things to Do in Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Lanzarote is a heaven featuring exotic beaches and beautifully volcanic valleys and the island can be enjoyed all year round. About 300 volcanoes create a moonscape that covers the island. Lanzarote is also announced as Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

There are numerous attractions and things to do in Lanzarote. "Top 10 Things to do in Lanzarote" can be explained as follows.

1. Mirador del Rio

Mirador del Rio is a popular view point located at 498 meters above sea level on the north of Lanzarote. Visitors may enjoy the most spectacular views of Lanzarote.

2. Lanzarote Beaches

Lanzarote beaches are excellent. Top beaches in Lanzarote include; Playa Blanca, Punta del Papagayo, Quemada, Puerto del Carmen, Arrecife, Costa Teguise, Charco del Palo, Playa de la Canteria, Graciosa Island, Famara and La Santa beaches.

3. Timanfaya National Park

Timanfaya National Park includes several volcanic lava fields and an ochre colored lunar landscape. It is one of the most beautiful places in Lanzarote. UNESCO declared the Timanfaya National Park a world biosphere Reserve in 1983.

4. Rancho Texas Park

Rancho Texas Park is a theme park worthy of its Indian village, Medicine man cave, gold mine and Lilliput farm.

5. Cueva de los Verdes

Cueva de los Verdes, also known as "Green Caves" is a vast volcanic landscape located in the Haria town of Lanzarote.

6. La Graciosa Island

La Graciosa Island is a nice excursion destination that hosts attractive beaches and white sand dunes.

7. Camel Safaris

Camel Safaris along the Volcano Park and craters of the Timanfaya National Park is a great attraction for the visitors.

8. Museum of Contemporary Art

A visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Puerto Naos is also a great cultural attraction in Lanzarote.

9. Cactus Garden

The Cactus Garden on the outskirts of Guatiza is a popular tourist attraction on the north of the island. There are more than 1,000 species of cactus are on show.

10. Aqua Park

Aqua park in Costa Teguise is a great attraction especially for the kids.

Lanzarote also hosts lots of cultural activities that give the visitors a chance to experience the culture and see local folklore at first hand. As for the festivals; the Classical Music Festival in February and the Visual Music Festival in October are the among the best festivals in Lanzarote. The island of Lanzarote is located in the Atlantic Ocean and offer variety of beaches, volcanic landscape and attractions to its visitors.

Lanzarote Property - Is This a Good Time to Buy?

Like mainland Spain and other earlier holiday property hotspots, Lanzarote has suffered from a combination of the recession, restrictive mortgage lending, and the weakness of sterling over the past few years. After a large amount of development, especially around the newer resorts of Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise, property building came to a shuddering halt some 12 to 18 months ago.

As demand has weakened, so have prices, and there have also been a lot of resales coming on to the market from bank repossessions, as well as from residents who originally moved to the island to work in the building and development industries, but who have since gone home as the work dried up.

That said, long term and demographic factors weigh heavily in Lanzarote's favour, and the conditions for buying property on the island have seldom been better at any time in the past 10 years. We set out our reasons for saying this below.

Firstly, property prices. The average villa price on the island is probably changing hands now for about 15-20% less than it was four years ago, and if you shop around, you can probably drive a better bargain than this. It is certainly a buyers' market, with a wide choice of villas and apartments available in most areas.

Secondly, the exchange rate. This has actually favoured some British and non-European residents who have sold in recent times, even at the lower market prices. For those that purchased their property pre-2008, the loss on their selling price may well have been outweighed by the gain they made in converting euros from the sale back into sterling or another currency. That is now changing. The pound, dollar and other currencies are all now strengthening against the euro, especially with the recent talk of Europe bailing out the Greek economy, and the credit downgrading of Spain and Portugal. This turnaround starts to favour buyers again - especially as property prices are now probably as low as they will get.

Thirdly, mortgage funds are now more available than they were, and UK property prices are increasing once more - recent figures suggest by 10% per annum. This creates the headroom by which UK buyers can finance their Lanzarote property purchase by leveraging the equity in the value of their UK homes.

Which brings us to the fourth and fifth points, and probably the most long term factors in Lanzarote's favour. Buying property in Lanzarote, as well as mainland Spain and the other Canary and Balearic islands, is increasingly popular with UK residents. This applies to those that are approaching retirement, but also increasingly to those that are seeking a new environment with clean air, low crime and year-round sunshine, in which to work and bring up their young families. This factor alone has brought thousands of British people to live on the island since the turn of the millennium, and the majority are still here. Many German, Scandinavian, and increasingly Russian and Baltic nationals, feel the same.

Fifth and final point - the holiday market is easily Lanzarote's biggest industry, and the renting of holiday villas in Lanzarote, especially in the main resorts of Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise, is a big business on its own. Anyone buying a quality villa or apartment in a sought after area of Lanzarote, and that wishes to rent it out, should realistically expect to cover the majority of their costs and still enjoy it themselves for 6-8 weeks of the year, provided they furnish and market it correctly. This is a very attractive proposition for many that are seeking to buy a second home, possibly to live in permanently themselves at some future time.

So, whilst property in Lanzarote may have been in the doldrums in recent years, there seems to be a 'perfect calm' developing for real estate in Lanzarote due to lower prices, better access to finance, and the improvement of sterling. We think it's a great time to think about buying that property in Lanzarote.

Lanzarote Suffers As the Recession Grips the Planet

Lanzarote, a part of Spain and the most easterly Canary Island has always been a very popular holiday destination with Northern Europeans due to its year round sun and warm winters. It is also a very popular summer holiday destination for those looking for a relaxing break within Europe as temperatures can soar to 40 degrees in the right conditions!

Last year Lanzarote suffered a drop in tourist trade. Some reports suggest that it had 20% less holidaymakers than the year before. The strength of the Euro against the pound didn't help visitors from the United Kingdom, especially at a time when most people were tightening their spending due to a worldwide recession and job losses.

Because of this many businesses in Lanzarote, especially those that relied on tourism suffered and folded. However, the island appears to have kept itself afloat as residents turn to local attractions to keep them entertained. People who live in Lanzarote don't need to travel to find good weather so most residents stayed local and re-discovered the attractions on the island such as The Timanfaya National Park, Mirador del Rio and Jameos del Agua to name but a few.

Lanzarote has a special entry rate to such attractions, along with transport, for residents. Residents of Lanzarote usually pay around half of what tourists to the island will pay to enter an attraction, catch a bus or catch a ferry across to Fuerteventura.

It's a shame to see a country like Lanzarote suffer. It's a natural beauty and a perfect combination of man and nature. It's not uncommon for people who visit the island to return year after year, and some even go back 2 or 3 times a year. In the winter it is also not uncommon for people to visit the island for a month at a time as the escape from the cold winters back home.

As we start to see signs that the recession is recovering we can only hope that visitor numbers to Lanzarote also pick up. It relies on Tourism, although it does have secondary economy streams through Wine and Salt production.

5 Things Do to in Lanzarote (Other Than Lie on a Beach)

Lanzarote attracts millions of visitors every year, from all over Europe. This is partly down to the climate as there are no 'seasons' in Lanzarote. It is sometimes said to be in a state of 'ever spring'. In the winter temperatures rarely drop below 20 degrees during the day although the nights can be much cooler.

Due to the climate, which it gets from its close proximity to the Sahara, Lanzarote is a very popular all year round beach holiday destination, but there is much more to the island that just lying on the sand and soaking up the rays.

The Island of Lanzarote has a history of volcanic activity that can be seen in the magnificence of the landscape, especially within the Timanfaya National park. This history, along with the artistic flair on one man, Cesar Manrique, has created an individual identity to Lanzarote, something that you will not see on the other islands in the Canary archipelago. This identity has also created some of the most unusual, if not amazing, visitor attractions in Europe. The natural wonders of the island and the creative mind of one man creates a number of ideas for things to do other than lie on the beach....

Here are 5 things you can do other than top up your tan:

1. Visit the Timanfaya National Park. The west side of the island was devastated by Volcanic eruptions in the 1800's which have left a distinguished mark on the landscape of the island. You can also visit the El Diablo restaurant and have your food cooked on a grill where the heat is supplied from natural sources, just a few feet underground.

2. Go Scuba Diving. The waters around Lanzarote are said to be some of the most active in the world. Lanzarote has a biosphere status, which means that the waters surrounding the island are protected. The marine life is attracted to the minerals in the volcanic rocks which makes Lanzarote one of the best places to go diving in the world!

3. Go Quad Biking! With such an amazing terrain who wouldn't want to jump on a quad and go biking around the island. There are specially created Quad tracks that go up the island through the Timanfaya National Park, although unfortunately Quad bikes are not allowed on the main roads as in some European Countries.

4. Take a ride in a yellow submarine. Yep, thats right. Head over to Puerto Calero and take a ride in a yellow submarine safari. If Scuba diving isn't for you then don't miss out on what the shores of Lanzarote have to offer. The submarine safaris are a great way of seeing the Lanzarote marine life and you don't even have to get wet!

5. Go Shopping. There are craft fairs and local markets happening in Lanzarote almost every day of the week. Playa Blanca holds a market at the Rubicon every Wednesday and Saturday morning and the main market on the island takes place in Teguise every Sunday. Local crafts can be purchased, along with Lanzarote wines and Aloe Vera.

So whilst many people simply associate Lanzarote with the sunshine, there is so much more to do. We haven't even listed the Cesar Manrique attractions here... thats for another time.

How to Get a Cheap Holiday in Lanzarote

With daytime temperatures that rarely drop below 20 degrees Celsius at any point during the year, its easy to see how Lanzarote has such an appeal with Europeans. The small island, part of the Canary Island archipelago, sits just off the coast of the Sahara desert and just shy of 3000 miles off the equator.

Lanzarote is owned by Spain and part of the Euro Zone. We have always found Lanzarote to be reasonable in terms of prices in supermarkets and eating out. Typically we don't always look for the cheapest holiday we can find in Lanzarote, but shopping around on the internet means that you can often find some really good deals.

The first thing that you would typically look for is flights. Why? The flights dictate your arrival and departure dates so it makes sense to sort these out before you start booking cars and hotels. Flights are stuck to schedules so you cant just come and go as you please. To get the best deals on your flights I have found that it is cheaper to go for a DIY package type holiday, where you get to choose your flight and accommodation together. Going directly to the airlines, believe it or not, often works out a little more pricey! It is also worth checking your flight times, as you can often get an extra full day in the sun if the flight times work out right (of course, that does mean a night flight back home!)

Next stop, accommodation. You need to think about what type of holiday you are looking for. If you want to be waited on hand and foot then a luxury hotel is definitely for you. There is no shortage of 5 star luxury hotels in Lanzarote - indeed they are very popular. But you wont pick up a decent hotel on a tight budget.

Our recommendation, for both cost and flexibility is an apart hotel. An apart hotel complex usually offers you a variety of accommodation options - from Self Catering to full board. Self Catering means that you can eat what you want, when you want and either involves eating out or preparing your own meals in your apartment with regular trips to the supermarket. Whilst self catering is usually the cheapest holiday to buy up front, you could end up spending considerably more whilst you are in Lanzarote.

Car Hire - in my opinion is essential when you visit Lanzarote as there is so much to see outside of the main holiday resorts. Naturally, with tourism so important to the economy there is no shortage of car hire companies on the island and I always find it much cheaper to book in advance rather than sorting out a car on arrival. It is also less hassle as you know a car will be ready and waiting for you.

Because the weather is so good in Lanzarote it is very easy to have a cheap week or fortnight away, if you are prepared to go back to basics with your living. The danger is if you decide to venture to the many markets held during the week where you can often be tempted to spend more than you bargained for on local crafts and produce!

Hang Gliding and Paragliding in Lanzarote

When Winter starts to take hold of the rest of Europe Lanzarote is the place to hang glide and paraglide. Lanzarote makes up one of the Canary Islands and is a far south as you can go and still be in Europe. In Winter the air mass in Lanzarote changes bringing clear air, light winds and good thermic conditions. Although Lanzarote is a small island and therfore the flying sites are close to the sea this does not have a detrimental effect on the formation of thermals.

Winter time flying in almost any other European country means getting seriously cold. On average the air temperature lowers one degree centigrade per one hundred metres you go up. Taking off in seven degree weather then going up eight hundred metres means the air temperature will be zero, this is without taking into account wind chill. These sort of conditions mean that most pilots have to store away their hang gliders and wait for warmer weather. That is unless you get yourself over to Lanzarote.

Lanzarote hang gliding and paragliding season

Summer in Lanzarote brings trade winds and hazy weather, not good for flying. Autumn in Lanzarote starts in September when there is a notable change in the weather. The air clears and the Winter winds die away. It gets cooler at night and thermals start to form in the day. The flying season has begun. Reliable flying conditions start around October when the air is getting much colder at night and the temperature gradient is much larger. Thermals are now steady with larger cores.

Hang gliding sites in Lanzarote

The wind direction and strength dictates where the best flying can be found on any given day. The best known site is the Famara ridge run, after that Mala, El Cuchillo, La Asomada, Orzola area, Playa Quemada (paragliding only), Femes (paragliders only), plus some other little flown areas.

Famara ridge run

Wind coming from the North to North North West means Lanzarote´s most famous flight of the ridge run is on. Local pilots will take off in winds up to forty kilometres per hour from the lower Teguise take off. This hill is very rounded so there is little turbulence. You can set up next to where you park you car and take off is thirty metres away. You can also top land on this hill with a large bomb out area right in front. Walk up takes fifteen minutes.

The higher ridge run take off is locally known as ´Chimidas´. Normally this is a guaranteed go up take off spot. Top landing near this take off is very dangerous as there are severe rotors. Landings from the high Teguise take off can be made about 300 metres in front just on the other side of the road, at the lower take off or in the lower take off bomb out field. All of these landing areas are pretty easy with wind socks marking the wind direction.

Flying the ridge run from both Teguise take offs.

If you fly from the lower Teguise off you have about a kilometer to fly until you go past the higher take off. Going up from here is not as sure a thing as the higher take off but there is an added bonus of being able to land back by your car plus the extra challenge. Thermals cycle through here so timing can be the order of the day. On other days with a good North West wind hitting the ridge directly going up only means flying in a straight line. Normally you will gain height in the next couple of turns in the ridge then fly over the electric pylon, across a flatter ridge, across a gap then onto the same part of the ridge as the higher take off. Once here the flying gets much easier. Just be careful when crossing the ridge back that takes you on to the main cliffs behind Famara beach. If the wind is in the North there can be some rotor on this so do not go to far into the valley, get as much height as you can then fly out and onto the main cliffs. The Las Nieves church is about the limit of how far up the valley you should, then turn back and keep gaining height. Once you max out your height fly out, around and on to the main cliffs.

When you get on the main cliffs the air becomes super smooth and your vario will just keep smoothly beeping as the up drafts take you to cloud base. Now its just smooth gliding all the way to Orzola at the Northern tip of Lanzarote. Stand by for amazing views and truly stunning scenery. You will be able to see the sea on both sides of the island. As you approach Orzola you will see the island of La Graciosa. On good days you can glide over to the island right across the sea and back to regain height. The only thing to be careful of is the wind shifting to the east. If this happens you will lose all lift and be forced to make a bottom landing. Certain sections of the ridge run have limited landing options and a very tough carry out.

On the right day the Lanzarote or Famara ridge run is an easy and amazing flight, ne of the most scenic in Europe.

With the wind in the right direction and flying with a guide to show you the way this is an easy and very rewarding flying route that could be carried out even by relatively inexperienced pilots.

Hang gliding in Mala

Getting there-

Mala is on the Eastern coast of Lanzarote just before Arrieta. This site favours a North Easterly wind. To find the Mala take off takes a little bit of doing and some off road driving. You do not need a four wheel drive car but the road is a little bumpy so just take it slow and easy.

To get to the take off you will need to take a right slip road the main raod heading towards Arrieta. The slip road is a good 4 km before the Arrieta. You will know it becuase at the bottom is a small roundabout with a left turn that goes under the road. Take this left and you will come to another small roundabout, go straight on here and up onto a dirt track. At top turn left, this will bring you back along side the main road until you approach a bridge going over the road. Turn right at the bridge and head up the side of the valley. Follow this way all the way to the top as it follows the side of the valley. At the top you will see an abandoned house with a parking area. Park in the parking area. The hang glider and paraglider take off area is across the damn.

Flying Mala

Once you have carried you kit across and damn and set up the take off is just in front. It is a little shallow so in light winds hang gliders will need a strong run. The local wind direction will dictate your tactics of how best to gain height. Normally the best left is found on the higher ridge to the left. Gain some height on the take off ridge then work you way over to the main ridge. In the corner between the take off ridge and main ridge there is a little gully which seems to throw off small and powerful thermals regularly. This site can be really nice and thermic but the first 100 metres of height gain can be crucial. Once above the top of the main ridge you just need to hunt out a good thermal and take it back into the valley behind. On a good day this valley has all the best thermals. Some great flights can be had both by going over the back cross country or by pushing out in front and jumping from cloud to cloud. A world famous pilot made it all the way to the huge volcano about 8 km in front and back.

Landing in Mala

Top landing in Mala can be a bit tricky as the air flow is not very laminar. On your landing approach the wind speed can drop when you get below about 5 metres from landing. Some pilots make the big mistake of pushing out when the air speed drop and they all of a sudden seem to speed up. This is a big mistake as you will stall. The best technique is to come in with a little extra speed so that when you hit the wind sheer you still have enough speed to keep flying. If you decide to top land you will still have to carry all of you kit back across the damn. The other option is the bottom landing area. This is a much easier landing option. The field is very big and there is a wind sock. The area has easy car access.

Paragliders in Mala have no real problems top landing as the glider stays in the faster cleaner air all the way to the pilot being on the ground. Just watch out for the wind speeding up.

After the ridge run site Mala is easily the next most popular flying site in Lanzarote. The thermals can be really nice with plenty of cross country options.

Hang gliding and paragliding in El Cuchillo

El Cuchillo works with a NNE wind to NE wind. It is a small ridge located on the west coast near Tinajo. To find this site you will need to get to the town of El Cuchillo then do a little off road driving. There are two set up areas. This site can be very thermic and bumpy. The site has some great cross country options. One pilot took off from here and landed in Fuerteventura.

You take off here and fly across the ridge in ridge left until you find a nice thermal. Your thermalling skills will come in very handy here. One thermal can easily take you to cloudbase and off and a long and exciting cross country flight.

Landing in El Cuchillo

The El Cuchillo ridge produces a strong rotor. If you decide to land behind the ridge make sure you go well back. Most pilots thinking about landing behind the ridge make sure they have at least 100 metres of height over take off before gliding back to the landing area. This is usually market by a small tassel and is about one kilometer behind take off. Bottom landing at El Cuchillo is not a problem and there is plenty of room just dont go too far out in front as the farmers fields soon begin.

Flying La Asomada

This site is used when the winds turn East to South East. It is a small ridge about 5km inland from Puerto Calero. If anyone is flying you will see them from a distance. You can top land this site without too much of a problem, just dont go too far back as you will land in the area where grapes are grown. The grapes are not a problem but the small semicircular wall around them are. On a good day you can gain height on the main ridge then hop back to the much higher mountain behind. From this mountain you can hop from mountain to mountain North all the way to Tias. If the flying conditions are not very good there is plenty of room to bottom land at La Asomada just make sure you do not leave the hill too low as there are electric cables to get over.

Paragliding in Lanzarote

There are a lot more sites on Lanzarote for Paraglider pilots as they can be more flexible with take off and landing areas.

Rental accommodation in Lanzarote

Visiting hang glider and paraglider pilots need somewhere to stay. The best place to stay is in Famara, this is where the best flying sites are. You will be able to see pilots flying the ridge run and El Cuchillo if you rent a bungalow in Famara. Famara also has the added bonus of a fantastic sandy beach. One scenario for a perfect flying day if you come with your family could be the following: You take your family to the beach and spend the morning with them. In the afternoon you leave them having fun on the beach and head off to the Famara ridge run take off area. You spend a few great hours flying the ridge run then as the day ends you swop down over the beach and make a perfect landing on the beach to the applause of your family. Then its sunset drinks on the terrace of you Famara bungalow overlooking the beach. The end to a perfect day.

Lanzarote is a great flying destination to suit all levels of pilot. There is still plenty to do if flying conditions are not available plus you can bring the family and give them a great winter break.

Lanzarote Benefits From the Legacy of Cesar Manrique

Lanzarote, the fourth largest of the Canary Islands, owes a great deal to one of the islands most famous residents, Cesar Manrique.

Through his vision the island was saved from extensive tourist developments during the 1970's which helped preserve the natural look and feel that so many people return year after year for today.

Unlike some of the other Canary Islands, Lanzarote does not play host to tall high rise buildings. Indeed, many buildings do not even break the tree line and are white in appearance. This is thanks to Manriques vision and him imposing certain restrictions on developments on the island through colour, location and height.

It is also thanks to Manrique that there are no advertising billboards lining the (few) roads on the island of Lanzarote. This has also helped to keep the natural look and appearance of island and keep it from becoming over commercialised.

Manrique, an artist by trade, also helped to shape some of the natural attractions on the island, all of which I have been lucky enough to visit on several occasions.

Through the use of natural landscapes and lava tunnels Manrique created a number of visitor attractions throughout the island, some of which are detailed below.

In the North of the island Mirador del Rio looks out over the island of La Graciosa. Mirador (Spanish for lookout) sits on top of the northern cliffs of Lanzarote and offers amazing views out over the neighboring island. There is also a coffee shop / bar here. It is a very relaxing place, as indeed Lanzarote is a very relaxing island!

Manrique was also responsible for the restaurant located in the Timanfaya National Park. This restaurant provides a totally unique "natural" grill where food is cooked from the heat of the underlying volcano.

It is with regret that Manrique was tragically killed in 1992 in a car accident just a few metres from his home (now the Cesar Manrique foundation), however it is clear that we owe a lot to Manrique for making Lanzarote what it is today.

Holiday Summers on Lanzarote

If you were to list the likely contenders for the top features of a great holiday, you would find that Lanzarote is able to provide almost all of them and that's why large numbers of tourists fly to this wonderful island all year round.

Of course weather is going to be near the top of that list and Lanzarote benefits from favourable holiday weather all year round. Temperatures remain high and rain is infrequent. As far as Lanzarote is concerned beaches, sporting options, nightlife and cultural events all add to the island's attractiveness and that's why tourists make the trip there for both summer and winter sun holidays

Art and design is one tradition that Lanzarote places great value on and even in the capital Arrecife, the busy port and commercial centre of the island, regular events make up for the town's lack of architectural beauty; something that is normally found elsewhere on the island. The design heritage seen in other towns and villages on Lanzarote primarily comes from the artist and architect Cesar Manrique, who was born in Arrecife and had such an influence on the development of, not only Lanzarote, but also the other islands in the Canaries. Half of the permanent residents on Lanzarote live in Arrecife, so it's no surprise that this port is the focal point of most social events. The town's main beach, Playa del Reducto, is flanked by a pleasant promenade that allows a view of the island's most modern and striking development, the newly renovated Gran Hotel.

Another of Manrique's creations is the beautiful Jameos del Agua, a unique location that the architect claimed would be the world's most beautiful nightclub. The facility features an inland lake of clear, azure-blue water fed by underground volcanic rock tubes. There is also a striking underground auditorium built within the caves that often hosts music concerts. While the seasoned clubber might head for the very well known establishments of Ayia Napa and Ibiza, Lanzarote has a choice of smaller venues that host regular events. The resort of Playa Blanca on the south coast has quite a few busy bars and clubs that play live music.

The top tourist attraction on Lanzarote is the Timanfaya National Park. Although visitors are not permitted to walk freely around the park, there are guided walks along marked routes in the park or there is also the choice of a bus tour.

Those who enjoy yachts and boats also appreciate Lanzarote for its choice of marinas, both large and small. In the south of Lanzarote at Playa Blanca the twin marinas house many more boats as well as hosting the terminals for ferries that arrive from nearby Fuerteventura. In terms of beaches, Lanzarote has a selection to rank with any world travel hotspot, with the island's Famara beach rated as the one of the top ten in Spain. Atlantic waves roll in against the back drop of high volcanic cliffs creating a dramatic scene that can be enjoyed in all weathers.

So Lanzarote is not a place to be forgotten once the summer season starts in mainland Europe. With tourist levels on the increase once more the local authorities seem to be doing the right things to publish the benefits of a holiday in Lanzarote.

Christmas in Lanzarote

People mainly come over to Lanzarote for Christmas to avoid the UK weather and commercialized hype. Christmas is still celebrated in Lanzarote but at a much slower pace.

In England, Christmas time would be spent huddled in front of the fire with family and friends, eating, drinking and watching the TV. If you choose to spend Christmas however in Lanzarote, you would be swapping the cold winter snap for beautiful warm and sunny days around the swimming pool or coastline as generally, the weather in Lanzarote would be around 20-25 degrees.

Christmas day is not celebrated in Lanzarote in the same way as it would be in the UK. The Christmas season in Lanzarote officially begins on the December 8th which is the feast of the Immaculate Conception. Christmas Eve is known as Nochebuena (The Good Night). As in most Catholic countries Christmas Eve - Nochebuena - is an important family occasion in Lanzarote, which means that many bars and restaurants on the island close earlier than usual so that employees can enjoy time with their family and maybe even attend midnight mass or 'Misa del Gallo'. December 25th however is a much more low-key affair than in the UK as the main focal point of a Spanish Christmas is El Dia De Los Reyes when the children around Lanzarote would receive their gifts on the feast of the Epiphany which is on the 6th January. The reason for this is that the three Kings arrived in Bethlehem to deliver presents to baby Jesus and children in Spain think of the Three Kings or Wise Men as the gift bearers.

On the evening of the 6th January, shoes would be filled with straw or barley for the tired camels of Lanzarote that carry riders through the busy night. By the morning, the camel food would be gone and in place of the straw would be presents.

Most families would have a manger in their home like in churches or cathedrals and during the weeks before xmas, families would dance and sing around it in celebration of the festive period. The Spanish also especially honor the cow at Christmas because it is thought that when Mary gave birth to Jesus, the cow in the stable breathed on the baby to keep him warm.

It may come as a surprise to people to find out that the Christmas period in Lanzarote is one of the busiest times for some of the resorts. Playa Blanca receives around the same, if not more tourists in winter as it would at the height of summer.

Some of the attractions to visit over the Christmas period would be a Fire Works display (largest held in Puerto Del Carmen), the Three Kings and many Nativity Scenes. For the Epiphany, the event is marked with a major camel-back procession through the capital city of Arrecife on the evening of January 5th as the Three Kings dispense sweets to children in the streets, a celebration that is then repeated later in the evening in other towns and villages across the island of Lanzarote of which Yaiza is a firm favorite. The narrow streets of Yaiza, are lined with families and children. After the Kings procession, one by one, the children line up near a big stage and await for the three kings to call them up individually to receive a gift. The favorite King is usually Balthazar who rides a donkey and is the one believed to leave the gifts.

In between these two very different Christmas Days there is also the small matter of New Year's Eve, which is a major celebration marked with impressive fireworks displays across the island. The biggest and best takes place in the main tourist resort of Puerto del Carmen where a barrage of 'fuegos articificales' - artificial fire as fireworks are called in Spain - welcomes in the coming year.

Christmas customs in the Canaries bear plenty of similarities to the UK. But there are also numerous cultural differences which give the festive season in Lanzarote its own unique identity.

Holiday Vacation - Lanzarote

This Lanzarote is a great resort, for anyone to go to, because it has the luxury of having Lanzarote cheap flights. Plus the added bonus, of having great weather all year round. As going on a holiday can be quite costly, you will be happy to know that traveling to Lanzarote isn't so expensive. So, budgeting when you are traveling has never been made easier as Lanzarote cheap flights are very affordable for the traveler going on this holiday.

Lanzarote cheap flights, will allow you to go to Lanzarote, which is at the north eastern part of the island. You are able to travel from Play Blanca, to Lanzarote, on a very affordable budget, and experience a great holiday. You can spend your time visiting and sightseeing the natural parks located in Fuerteventura, plus other island that are close by.

When you are flying out of the UK to Lanzarote, there will be many Lanzarote cheap flights available to you. Now for the traveler Easy Jet is now scheduling flights to this resort which will make it easier for you to book a time and travel across Europe. Now a days there are even more low costing flight operates that are scheduling their flights to Lanzarote as they are seeing that more and more people would like to go to this island. The airline company Ryanair have also started to deliver low costing prices to this island.

With Lanzarote being a great place to holiday for all year round, many airlines are now scheduling their flights to this city, which will ensure that there is a good availability for flight time to this location. Especially during the peak time of summer, Lanzarote cheap flights have become increasing low, and you are able to get a great deal for a flight only to this resort, because of it is peak season.

Traveling to Lanzarote by plane only takes around 4 hours, and now with flights becoming increasing available to travel to this beautiful island, has made it easier for you to book flights to and from this island. However, these available flights do depend on where you are booking them from, as they are only available in certain airports and cities. Regardless of this though, you should be able to find flights to fly Lanzarote, on Lanzarote cheap flights, because of the increased level of flight activity to this island.

Arraigning your holiday in Europe has never been made more easy, with more allocated flights to this area is increasing. If you are planning a trip to see all of your Europe you know don't have to worry about the time in which you have to schedule your stay in Lanzarote as there are many available flights going in and out of the island. As you are traveling to Europe, you don't have to miss out on seeing this beautiful island anymore because you can schedule your flights for anytime to this luxuries island, and still all that it has to offer.

Lanzarote Holidays - the Volcanic Canary Island

Situated in the eastern corner of Canary Island, Lanzarote is an exciting Spanish island with lot to offer for a good holiday. The southern part of Lanzarote is dominated with magnificent volcanoes, formed by 18th century old eruptions. The island has beaches, volcanoes, water activities, amazing resorts, sparkling nightlife, delicious cuisines and many other recreation facilities to make your holiday in Lanzarote a happening one.

Following are some of the famous tourist attractions to be visited when holidaying in Lanzarote:

Timanfaya

Holiday in Lanzarote is incomplete without a visit to the volcanic zone or the volcanoes, also known as Fire Mountain. In year 1968 the Parque National de Timanfaya was declared as a national park, which is today a major tourist attraction for all the foreign tourists and visitors. The area also has amazing camel ride which takes tourists and visitors to the hill. Due to heavy crowd of visitors and tourists on a holiday in Lanzarote, the place also has delicacy of delicious and grilled food served at renowned El Diablo restaurant at the peak of the hill.

The Cactus Garden

Designed and planned by Cesar Manrique, El Jardin del cactus garden brings an elegant collection of around 1000 different cactus species. The variety of cacti selection was chosen by Estanislo Gonzales Ferrer, Botanist.

Fundación César Manrique

This foundation of renowned artist Cesar Manrique is usually visited by a large number of tourists every day. The foundation is more of a showcase of this eminent artist, his life and perception. When holidaying in Lanzarote it is important to acknowledge the artist's and his work, to understand and complement the appeal of this canary island.

Jameos Del Agua

James Del Agua was once an underground lava bubble which was converted into today's theater and auditorium. This tourist attraction is a hit among many tourist and visitors holidaying in Lanzarote. 100 m long and 30m in width, this volcanic bubble is roofless and has swimming pool, garden along with a bar and dance floor made out of the rocks of volcano.

Aquapark, Costa Teguise

Holiday in Lanzarote can be fun with family too. This huge aqua park of Lanzarote brings all the family fun as its offer water rides, flumes, pools and lots of water. Tourist and visitors holidaying in Lanzarote often end up at this water park, to rest and enjoy between their excursions to island's amazing beauty.

Wine museum El Grifo

With over 40,000 tourist and visitors paying a visit to it every year, El Grifo is the major and highly admired wine museum. The wine producing region of this island is worth paying a visit when holidaying in Lanzarote. The museum also has a monument of Grifo, a work of art by famous Cesar Manrique.

Best time to visit of holiday in Lanzarote

The best season to visit Lanzarote would be the months of September and October.

What to Do on Holiday in Lanzarote

Lanzarote is a popular island part of the Canary Islands that is visited by a large number of tourists who stay in holiday villas and self catering holiday apartments as their holiday accommodation.

People not only love the natural and scenic beauty of this island, but also take pleasure in its other attractions like exceptional tourist destinations, shopping and events. It has been observed that a huge amount of foreign tourists visit this travel destination for the main aim of enjoying its great nightlife.

Having the reputation of being a silent island, it does not actually mean that it does not provide sufficient choices to party. The most vibrant and exciting nightlife activities to be enjoyed on this island can be easily found in the Puerto del Carmen town and that too particularly on Avenida de las Playas, the street which seems to be never sleeping.

Also, the Big Apple bar and club is a brilliant nightlife spot for drinks and dance. The DJs found at this nightlife destination are simply amazing but in case you want live music, it is better to try out the Roof Tops, the disco bar which hosts a local band on every Friday. Most of the Lanzarote resorts are featured with their own dance floors and bars.

Other exciting things to do in Lanzarote include scuba diving, sport fishing and boat trips. Lanzarote is blessed with fabulous volcanic underwater natural beauty along with plenty of interesting marine life. With diving centers located at the popular beach resorts, the Atlantic waters can easily be discovered on numerous beaches, night and boat dives.

The Canary Islands and Lanzarote are well known for carrying out the activity of fishing. The travelers can also take pleasure in the interesting challenge hunt for the big gaming fish like tuna, shark, marlin and wahoo.

In addition, many holiday makers are looking forward to improve their sailing skills and may take up sailing lessons. Whether the tourists indulge in catamaran excursions, glass bottomed trips in boats, submarine tours and yacht chartering, this island has great holiday plans to offer.

Hiking, biking and horse riding are some other things worth doing in this stunningly beautiful island. There are various hiking trips all through Lanzarote that takes in the volcanic caves, national park and mountains with this island attracting a large number of rambling and walking enthusiasts.

Lanzarote is also considered to be a haven for all those people who love serious biking. Horse riding is yet another activity that can be enjoyed at this island while relaxing in the spectacular landscapes. The riding routes are specially designed to take in the stunning countryside and scenery of the island.

With trade winds and warm waters, the island is a great destination for wind surfers as well. The most popular spot is that of the Costa Teguise, that is a home to various wind-surfing schools.

Needless to say, the camel and jeep safaris are another plus that drives a large number of travelers to this island. These safaris serve as exceptional Lanzarote excursions so that the travelers can enjoy the island and also discover its silent and hidden beauty.

Lanzarote is a popular family holiday destination and many families like to rent self catering holiday accommodation. There is a great choice of holiday villas with swimming pools and self catering holiday apartments to rent. By renting holiday homes families are given more freedom and can experience the local food and culture of Lanzarote.

5 Things to Avoid When Booking Lanzarote Holidays

This article is designed to help you with tips on how to avoid the problems when booking Lanzarote holidays. It will help, not by telling you what you should do but by telling you about five things you'll want to avoid if you really want to avoid any issues when reserving Lanzarote holidays

So here are the 5 things you should avoid:

1. Don't sweat the small stuff when booking Lanzarote Holidays. The reason you should not do that is there are numerous things to bear in mind and there are much more important considerations. Instead, it is best to look at the big picture about the island first. What do you want your holiday in Lanzarote to involve? Are you happy with a beach holiday on Lanzarote or do you want to explore further.

2. Don't overlook the possibility of getting a package holiday in Lanzarote. This is because packages are often cheaper than booking each part of your holiday seperately. As an alternative, just take a quick look at the holiday companies and their Lanzarote Holidays because the longer flight times from northern Europe mean that getting to Lanzarote is not as easy as other parts of Europe and cheap flight companies do not fly there as much.

3. Don't discount any type of accommodation. It is very clear that this is really important because there are many different types of accommodation in Lanzarote. What you should be doing instead is checking out Villas in Lanzarote, apartments in Lanzarote and Lanzarote Hotel accommodation seperately.

4. Don't say no to flight only deals to Lanzarote. The main reason why this is a blunder is that flights can be very inexpensive and accommodation on arriving can be found last minute. As an alternative you really ought to check out cheap flight websites for journeys to Lanzarote and separately check out accommodation websites.

5. Don't prevaricate. Resist doing this for just about any length of time because if you wait too long Lanzarote holidays fill up really quickly. You need to bear in mind that if there are only a few spaces left in a particular hotel or apartment complex then there are many others just like you looking for the perfect holiday on this paradise island of Lanzarote

If you want to avoid problems when booking Lanzarote holidays and succeed at getting the best holiday at the best price, make sure you stay away from these errors mentioned. Use the alternatives suggested if you want, but just avoiding the mistakes will improve your holidays in Lanzarote immeasurably.

Lanzarote, Not Just About the Beaches

Usually when people talk of Lanzarote, belonging to the Canary Islands, it is the perfect beaches that come to mind. Endless relaxing days of sunbathing and sea bathing is what a holiday in Lanzarote means to most.

However, a holiday in not only about soaking up the sun so those who prefer more activity need not worry. The Rancho Texas is a Western Theme Park which has an Indian Village, a Nature Park and theme restaurants. Visitors can see the variety of animals and birds at the Nature Park, such as iguanas, crocodiles, racoons, fallow deer, cougars, armadillos, prairie-dogs and many types of birds. There are tepees and canoes in the Indian Village for children to play in. Plus Rancho Texas' legendary Western Night is guaranteed to keep the entire family entertained with line dancing and live music, BBQ and desserts, beer, soft drinks and special entertainment for kids.

Also in Lanzarote is the Guinate Tropical Park situated at the foot of the extinct volcano Mount Carona. This is a perfect day out destination as it has small animals, waterfalls, gardens and lakes. If travelling with kids the mongoose, capybaras, meerkats and wallabies at the park will be a delight. There are also fish and reptile to see. Right throughout the park thoughtfully placed information signs help make the visit fun and educational. Take a walk along the cactus walk on the hillside and be serenaded by the sound of the free flowing water on its way down the hill to the Flamingo pool below.

Lanzarote is the windsurfer's paradise! People travel from all over to enjoy the perfect windsurfing conditions. Costa Teguise and Papagayo would be the places for windsurfers to head to. Costa Teguise has a shallow reef where waves can reach 2 or 3 meters and more advanced surfers can ride the waves that appear in the middle of the reef. There are jetties that shelter the beach which make it the perfect place for beginners to practice.

Golfers too are beginning to appreciate Lanzarote as a golfing haven though it has had a golf course for nearly 30 years. Knowing the potential Lanzarote is constructing a number of new courses to compliment its year round near perfect golfing weather.

With Lanzarote golfing holidays becoming popular hotels in Lanzarote will cater even better to visitor needs, if that is possible. Lanzarote hotels, apartments and villas are so popular due to their ability to cater to the needs of different guests and satisfy all. They vary according to different budgets but the basic customer care does not change as it is part and parcel with Lanzarote's appeal as a tourist destination.

If the beach and the sea are your thing, then enjoy close encounters with fish such as angel shark, barracuda off the small island of Los Lobos. Also enjoy the many underwater caves and wrecks located around the coast of Lanzarote as well as the reefs which offer hordes of marine life such as cuttlefish, sea horses, corals and octopuses.

Lanzarote has so much to offer a visitor and after so much activity there are always the soft, warm, sand beaches to relax on and rejuvenate.

Ten Things to Do Whilst on Holiday in Lanzarote

Lanzarote is a very popular island in the Canaries but just because it is small doesn't mean there isn't alot to do whilst you are there.

Here is our top 10 ten things to do whilst you are on holiday in Lanzarote.

1. Relax and enjoy the sun

One of the reasons you are probably visiting Lanzarote is to get some good weather and return home with a nice tan. There are plenty of beaches in Lanzarote where you will be able to lie back and relax - but don't forget the sun cream! It can get very hot in the summer.

2. Visit the Timanfaya National Park

The Timanfaya National Park (declared in 1968) is THE most popular tourist attraction in Lanzarote. Located in the south west the fire mountain nearly caused complete devastation to Lanzarote by killing off everything on the Island during a 5 year eruption.

3. Visit Jameos del Agua

Situated just across the road from The Green Caves, Jameos del Agua is located in the north of Lanzarote. The lava bubbles that form the attraction were caused by the eruption of Monte de la Corona around 3,000 years ago. Visit the blind albino crabs in one of their only natural habits above ground.

4. Submarine Trips

You can take part in Submarine Trips departing from Puerto Calero, or for the cheaper option the Aqua Sub departs from Playa Blanca harbour by the ferry port.

5. Water Sports

The island is buzzing with water sports, from diving, jet skis and wind-surfing there is plenty to keep the water junky occupied. Check out some of the waves up at La Santa!

6. Markets

One for the ladies! The best (in our opinion) market in the Canaries is Teguise Market, held every Sunday morning until 2pm. Playa Blanca also has two markets a week on a Wednesday and Saturday.

7. Wine tasting

Although you might find this surprising, Lanzarote has a big wine making industry. The vineyards invite visitors to see their manufacturing process and offer free samples! What are you waiting for?

8. Visit Fuerteventura

Take the short journey across the sea to the island of Fuerteventura. Just half an hour away from Playa Blanca by Ferry, Fuerteventura offers a totally different experience to Lanzarote and is well worth the day trip. If you want to explore Fuerteventura further we recommend hiring a car once you get over there. If you hire a car in Lanzarote check with your hire company to see if you are insured to take it over to Fuerteventura.

9. Bars and Restaurants

The holiday resorts in Lanzarote are not short of bars or restaurants. In Playa Blanca alone you will find Indian Cuisine, Chinese, Italian, Steak Houses and Mexican food. The warm evenings in Lanzarote, especially in the summer, make sitting out at a bar very pleasant indeed!

10. Quad Bike Safaris

Not for the faint hearted, the Quad Bike Safari lasts around 3 hours. You will see some of the most stunning parts of the Island on road but 80% off road.

Things To Remember Before Renting A Cheap Car Hire In Lanzarote

Planning to enjoy a holiday in Lanzarote with your family and friends? You can have a more wonderful time and explore more of the island with your family, if you include a Lanzarote car rental on your list of "must haves" for the holiday; it should be the most important thing aside from your hotel accommodation.

Choosing to have a car rental means you can explore the many wonderful scenic spots around the island at your own pace and with great leisure. Some of the most beautiful places you should not fail to visit are the Cueva de los Verdes, Timanfaya National Park, and Playa Blanca; all of which are accessible by car, and are quite hassle free to drive to and visit on your own.

Hiring a car to be used while on your holiday on Lanzarote is very easy and convenient. There are plenty of options to choose from; since there are many well known popular car rentals with services on Lanzarote; most have branches near the Arrecife Airport so you can either rent as soon as you arrive, or you can book online in advance. There is a wide array of car types to choose from, so that you can find one that will fit your off-road adventure needs.

If you want to have the convenience of leaving the airport at your desired time, then you can pre-book your Car Rental. Lanzarote airport can be a very busy place and by pre-booking you will have transport available, without having to worry about the fixed schedules of resorts shuttles and buses. And most of all, you will also have the freedom to choose the places you want to visit, when you want to go, and you wont have to depend on the scheduled times and places visited by your hotel buses.

You can obtain a rented car either at the airport or off-site, depending on your choice and which would be more convenient for you. If you opt for an off-site car rental, a representative will meet you at the airport and transport you to your desired off-site location. You can save more if you go to an off-site location to collect the car. This is because the company would need not to pay the extra overhead of renting premium space at the airport.

There are some things to remember before hiring a rented car in Lanzarote. First and foremost, make sure to get car hire insurance. There is always the possibility of some little fender-bender accidents, and if or when this happen, the insurance company can take care of everything without you having to stress or worry.

Secondly you will need a temporary or international drivers licence. If you have any questions, you can always ask the personnel at the insurance company to help get you the paperwork you need to have a temporary driver's license. The traffic laws and street signs in Lanzarote are not that different from those of Europe, Spain and Germany so driving should not be any problem.

Car rentals on Lanzarote come at quite affordable and reasonable prices. So when you book for your Lanzarote holidays make sure not to forget to inquire about Car Rental. Lanzarote is a great place to visit and I can assure you, that you're going to have a wonderful stay in the Canaries while on Lanzarote.

Lanzarote Hotels - 5 Best Lanzarote Destinations

Lanzarote is a popular tourist vacation destination in the Canary Islands. Millions of people flock to this small island every year to enjoy the year round sunshine and relaxed atmosphere. As such a popular holiday spot lanzarote hotels are everywhere! Choosing yours is about to get a little bit easier. Where you choose to stay and which hotel you choose is crucial in making your vacation a big success.

Lanzarote Hotels

The island has many areas that are popular with holiday makers but there are 5 main areas that are the most popular.

Playa Blanca

Playa Blanca has evolved from a small fishing village and is now one of Lanzarote´s most popular vacation destinations. Play Blanca is located on the south coast of the island and the resorts offer an excellent range of accommodation from three key lanzarote hotels through to luxury five star accommodations.

Costa Teguise

Costa Teguise is located on the East coast and is an excellent location for anyone ready to explore Lanzarote´s cultural and natural attractions. Costa Teguise has a wide selection of accommodation and has one of the best known hotels in Lanzarote, the Gran Melia Salinas.

Puerto Calero

Puerto Calero towards the south east of the island and has an area that is known as the ´millionaires marina ´and is fast becoming Lanzarote´s fourth resort. It is serviced by two excellent Lanzarote hotels, the Hesperia and the Iberostar Costa Calero.

Puerto Del Carmen

Puerto Del Carmen is located on the South East coast and is Lanzarote´s oldest and most popular resort. Puerto Del Carmen has great beaches and a complete range of hotel accommodation. The popular four star Lanzarote hotels the Los Fariones and the San Antonio.

Matagorda

Matagorda is a peaceful, smaller resort to Puerto Del Carmen. It is just ten minutes away from Puerto Del Carmen. Offering good quality hotel accommodation at the Beatriz Playa and Sol Lanzarote and has an extremely attractive beachfront location.

As a top tourist destination, Lanzarote Hotels are plentiful and generally well appointed. As long as you choose the right spot on the island you should be able to travel the island with ease and enjoy Lanzarote and its many cultural and interesting sites of interest.

Best Lanzarote Hotels and Restaurants

The easternmost and fourth largest of the Canary Islands is virtually treeless and relies on desalination plants for some of its water. Yet many visitors consider Lanzarote the most attractive of all the islands for the vivid shapes and contrasting colours of its volcanic landscapes.

Despite low rainfall, carefully tended crops flourish in its black volcanic soil. Locals pride themselves on the way their island has been preserved from the worst effects of tourism; there are no garish billboards, overhead cables or high-rise buildings. Its present-day image owes much to the artist César Manrique. Touring the spectacular volcanic Timanfaya National Park is a favourite trip.

Best Lanzarote Hotels

LANZAROTE, ARRECIFE Lancelot

Av Mancomunidad 9, 35500, Rooms 112

This modern hotel stands on Arrecife's Reducto beach, a tempting stretch of soft, pale sand with coral reefs lying just offshore. The hotel has all the standard services including a reception desk open 24 hours. The restaurant has sea views and is also close to other good restaurants in the town.

LANZAROTE, COSTA TEGUISE Gran Meliá Salinas

Av Islas Canarias, Urbanización Costa Teguise, 35509. Rooms 289

A vast atrium with central water gardens and ornamental plants is the focus of this modern luxury hotel in the northern area of Costa Teguise. It has two bars and five restaurants offering a wide choice of food and drink.

A swimming pool, three tennis courts, a gym, mini-golf and a newsagent are add-ons.

LANZAROTE, PLAYA BLANCA H10 Lanzarote Princess

C/ Maciot Urb Playa Blanca, 35570, Rooms 407

A resort hotel popular with families in the south of Lanzarote facing Fuerteventura. It is cool and light, with split-level areas ornamented with water gardens. Of the two swimming pools, one is heated. Tennis and golf are available and there are bikes for hire. They also have evening entertainments and a "miniclub" for children.

LANZAROTE, PUERTO DEL CARMEN Los Fariones

C/ Roque del Este 1, 35510, Rooms 248

This seven-story hotel has direct access to an attractive beach. All the rooms are spacious and have sea views. The hotel has a good range of facilities including a dive centre and two swimming pools. Outside is a large tropical garden. Two bars offer a range of snacks and live music most evenings.

Best Lanzarote Restaurants And Bars

LANZAROTE, ARRECIFE Castillo de San José

Castillo de San José, Ctra de Puerto Nao, 35340

Puerto Nao's converted fortress was built in 1779 by King Carlos III and restored by the Lanzarote architect César Manrique. It now houses a contemporary art gallery and a restaurant. Enjoy international and regional specialities as you admire the art and views of the harbour. Ironically the castle has always been known locally as the "Hungry Fort".

LANZAROTE, COSTA TEGUISE Mesón La Jordana

Centro Comercial de Lanzarote Bay, Av de los Geranios, 35509

A popular restaurant in one of Costa Teguise's shopping centres, King Hussein of Jordan was once a customer here, where local fare is given a French touch. For starters there are Burgundy snails. Main course includes stewed partridge, braised duck and sole with almonds. Desserts include papaya sorbet and crêpe suzette. Closed Sun & Sep.

LANZAROTE, COSTA TEGUISE Neptuno

Av del Jabillo, Centro Comercial Neptuno, local 6, 35509

This airy restaurant in a shopping centre serves traditional Canary Islands cooking. The menu is strong on all types of meat but there are also some excellent fresh fish dishes such as atun adobado al horno (oven-cooked tuna fish) and salmón ahumado de Uga (smoked salmon). Wines and cheeses from the island. Closed Sun and 20 Jun-22 Jul.

LANZAROTE, YAIZA La Era

C/ El Barranco 3, 35340

La Era occupies one of the few old houses to survive the island's volcanic eruptions of 1730-36. It was built in the 17th century and restored as a restaurant by César Manrique, who created murals for it. Enjoy a salad of octopus and Canary-style potatoes, stew and fish caught fresh at Playa Blanca and cooked to the customer's orders. Closed Mon.

Holidays To Lanzarote - Offers Fun-Filled Adventures And Memories That Last

My personal list of favorite activities that occupied most of my time when I on Holidays to Lanzarote, gets to be quite long. And that is simply because Lanzarote is teeming with things to do. As one of the islands in the Canary archipelago, Lanzarote is blessed by wonderful weather that dominates the island the whole year round and the island is surrounded by stunning beaches with long wide stretches of white sand and warm ocean waters that are amazingly clear and clean. So while may seem hyperactive with a long list of favourite things to do; I really see to it, that I spend many an afternoon, lying on a beach, soaking up the sun, being completely relaxed and rested when I am in Lanzarote.

Since, I favor renting a villa instead of a hotel accommodation when I travel to Lanzarote, I get to host more than a couple of parties for my friends; especially during yuletide holidays. Partying in Lanzarote is no hassle at all, as you can find anything you might need for your party in the many shopping malls and hyper markets in the commercial centre of Lanzarote. I've purchased small unique handicrafts souvenirs; from the local street markets, and these I've used as a giveaway "favours" at one of my party bashes, and gee, yes, I made use of my big and charming smile to get an incredible discount from the local vendor. I commend them for speaking good English too.

One thing I always make sure to organize before flying to Lanzarote is to book a rented car; which I pick up at the airport premises upon my arrival. This enables me to go to many different places; at my own pace and when it suits me. I am really fascinated with the spectacular Volcanic landscape of the plains and hills on the island and I always have my camera with me. I also like exploring many of Lanzarote's museums and national parks and I am a true fan of the great Cesar Manrique and his cactus garden which is really a masterpiece to behold.

So if I listed all of my favourite beaches, the island's special landscape treasures that i particularly love, the many water sports; such as diving and wind surfing; that I enjoy;the fun of fishing; the spectacular photographic opportunities which abound; (remember we are near the equator, so sunsets and sunrise are particularly beautiful); and the days spent searching in the markets and exploring the museums; we would,still have only begun on the list of my favourite things to do while on Holidays to Lanzarote.

I would then have to also include in my recommended schedule; spending some time enjoying the fine food at one of the many local restaurants and of course, a night out at the casino, where I would get further acquainted with my pals and meet fellow tourists while having fun till dawn. With so many things to do on the Island of Lanzarote I'm sure that you will soon have too many favourites to put on a list, it's best that rather try to point you in a particular direction I simply tell you my "must bring" things for any Lanzarote Holiday.

My personal recommendation of 'must bring' essentials when on Holidays to Lanzarote; aside from your digital camera and a dozen pair of sexy bikinis (or whatever bathers guys wear); is a ton load of energy, a happy smile and a very deep hollow memory bank to store all the fun and exciting moments I know you will definitely have when holidaying on the very beautiful island of Lanzarote.