The Canaries collectively welcome close to 9 million tourists every year – making them the second most popular region in Spain after Catalonia.  And Lanzarote is visited by about 1.4 million of these visitors annually.  The bulk of them arriving on flights from the UK, Germany and Eire.

Holidays in Lanzarote have long been a fixture in the brochures of most leading travel agents and tour operators.  With big names such as Thomas Cook, Thomson’s and First Choice all offering a variety of packages on the island.  Whilst flights to Lanzarote have never been cheaper thanks to increased competition on the route between budget airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet.  With returns now available from as little as €100.

Whilst around 50% of all visitors opt to stay in hotels or apartment complexes the remainder book private rental accommodation.  As Lanzarote villas are much cheaper to rent than comparable properties on other holiday islands such as Mallorca and Ibiza.  Due largely to the fact that Lanzarote has a year round season whereas on other island this is restricted to just a few months of the year.  Either way though this still helps to reduce the cost of a break on the island considerably – with standard villa with pools available from as little as €400 per week.

Aside from offering excellent value for money and great weather Lanzarote also provides visitors with loads of things to do and see.  There are close to one hundreds great beaches to explore, along with picturesque villages and towns such as Yaiza and Teguise.  The latter being the former island capital and home to hundreds of historic buildings.

Lanzarote´s real star attraction though is the Timanfaya National Park, home to hundreds of spent volcanoes, which were first created by eruptions in the 18th century.  The scenery here is so surreal and dramatic that it provides the perfect location for moviemakers.  And most recently Warner’s new release Clash of the Titans was partly filmed here. The island is also easy to explore as car hire in Lanzarote is very cheap and the roads are quiet and safe.

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Over the last year the cost of travelling to Lanzarote has fallen considerably thanks to increased competition on this route between the major low cost airlines in the UK.  Such as easyJet, Ryanair and Monarch.  All of whom are now vying to offer good value return flights to Lanzarote from airports across the UK.

As a result the island has become more attractive to independent travellers – who tend to eschew the services of a travel agents, preferring instead  to book their own flights and accommodation direct online.  Leading to a growth in demand for privately owned apartments and villas in Lanzarote.

The largest concentration of self catering accommodation can be found down at the southern tip of the island in a resort called Playa Blanca.  Which is the fastest growing town on the island. 

Playa Blanca is something of late developer as the resort only started to evolve long after Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise were well established to the north.  But it’s making up for lost time now and boasts a coupe of natural advantages which is helping it to draw tourists away from its resort rivals.

Despite being a small island, measuring just 60km by 40km, Lanzarote has a pronounced mircoclimate.  Which is especially noticeable during the winter months.  When Playa Blanca and the south can be basking in sunshine whilst Costa Tegusie in the north can be overcast and grey.

Secondly Playa Blanca is home to some of the best beaches on Lanzarote.  Within the resort itself there are three fine stretches of sand in the form of Playa Dorada, Playa Flamingo and Playa Blanca. The small town centre beach from which the resort take sits name.

But the real jewel in the crown lies just fifteen minuets away – where tourists can explore the set of bays and coves which are collectively known as Papagayo.  Which are widely regarded as amongst the most breathtaking in the whole of the Canaries.

There’s an excellent selection of villas in Playa Blanca available for rent for anyone keen to stay in this part of the island.  With rental rates starting at around €400 per week.  Which secures a standard two bedroom property with private swimming pool.

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Unlike say the Balearics Lanzarote enjoys a year round holiday season.  So rental car rates aren’t hiked up during peak times as a result.  With prices starting at round €90 per week for a standard economy two door model.

Anyone planning to hire a car needs to provide their drivers licence and proof that they are over 23 years of age.  And before touring the island it is worth noting that there are a few key cultural differences.  Indicating for example is deemed largely superfluous in most situations.  Except when slowing down quickly or to signal that a car in front is about to make some sort of turning manoeuvre.  Giving way to the left and not the right is also the other most obvious difference in driving styles.

That aside however the rules of the road remain much as they are in the UK.  And as Lanzarote is so small is it is easy to explore.  With loads of attractions to tempt visitors away from their Lanzarote villas and hotels.  Most pertinently most of these can only be reached by organised tour or car.  As local bus services don’t extend to most of the key sites.

The best known attraction on the island is the Timanfaya Volcano Park which was created by massive eruptions in the 18th century.  This attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists in their cars every year.  And is well worth exploring as the scenery here really is out of this world.

Possibly the best and most picturesque route on the island takes visitors through the former island capital of Teguise on the LZ10.  Which is home to hundreds of historic buildings.  Before winding down into the Valley of 1000 Palms and the village of Haria.  A stunning sight when viewed from above as thousands of Canarian palm crowns sway gently in the breeze.

From here drivers can then complete their tour of the north at the Mirador del Rio.  Which offers incredible views down to the small neighbouring island of La Graciosa.

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As a result the seven Canary Islands are the second most popular holiday destination in Spain after Catalonia.  With little Lanzarote – the eastern most link in this chain – welcoming over 1.5 million foreign visitors during 2008.

Much of Lanzarote´s appeal can be attributed to the island’s marvellous beaches.  Over ninety in total – and nearly all comprised of golden grains rather than the black sands prevalent on some of the larger Canary Islands such as Tenerife.

Anyone planning to book their holidays in Lanzarote during the winter months would be well advised to focus their search on Playa Blanca, the newest resort in the south of the island.  Which boasts not only the best beaches on Lanzarote but also the most favourable weather and microclimate.

Playa Blanca is located around 40 minutes from the sole international airport at Arrecife and really emerged from its shell as a quiet fishing village during the 1990´s.  Blossoming into the second most popular destination on the island today. 

As well as the breathtaking beaches at nearby Papagayo the resort boasts some excellent stretches of sand – such as Playa Flamingo, Playa Dorada and Playa Blanca.  Which are all united by a beachfront promenade that stretches from one end of the resort to the other.

Accommodation in Playa Blanca is also of a high standard – as most of the hotels and villas here have been constructed in the last five to ten years.  Ensuring that facilities and amenities are still relatively new. 

Some of the most luxurious villas in Playa Blanca can be found in and around areas such as the new Rubicon Marina and Moñtana Roja.  Whilst numerous four star hotels line the shoreline – all offering great views across to the island of Fuerteventura.

Puerto del Carmen – the island’s largest resort – is also a reliable source of winter sun.  Boasting excellent beaches and a large concentration of Lanzarote apartments for holidaymakers to choose from.

The resort has recently undergone a real facelift – as island authorities have pumped in millions of Euros to spruce up the tourist offering.  With a new marina in the Old Town harbour area and a new pedestrianised beachfront promenade.

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Lanzarote is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Spain.  Welcoming over 1.5 million foreign visitors last year alone.  The majority of them from the UK and Eire.  Lanzarote Guidebook has been created to cater to this market and is distributed direct to visitors via car hire companies and villas in Lanzarote.  As well as being able as a free download online at the Lanzarote Guidebook website.

Lanzarote Guidebook has been written and long term island residents.  So it provides visitors with the real inside track to the island.  And as it is published every quarter this means that the information it contains is always accurate and up to date.  Whilst more conventional Guidebooks are usually obsolete by the time they hit the bookshelves.

The new autumn 2009 edition is packed with useful information for visitors.  Along with some fantastic pictures of the island.  Containing comprehensive information about all of the island’s resorts, towns and places. Including maps and coverage of all of Lanzarote´s many tourist attractions. Such as the Mirador Del Rio, Cactus Garden, Timanfaya Volcano Park and the Jameos del Agua.

Readers can discover the work of César Manrique – an island born artist who fought for the controlled evolution of tourism on the island. Whilst also finding out about upcoming events on the island this autumn.  Such as the Costa Musica Festival in September, the major arts event Bienal Off in October and the WQS La Santa Surf Pro tournament in November.

Lanzarote Guidebook also features an overview of the island’s best beaches and information about excursions on the island. Including catamaran trips and submarine voyages.

Lanzarote Guidebook also contains a handy Essentials section. Which covers all of the holiday nitty-gritty such as bank opening times, hiring a car, driving on the island, duty free allowances, shop opening hours and a list of emergency contact numbers.

This indispensable guide is published in a handy and portable A6 format and is distributed free to tourists on the island via car hire companies, hotels, tourist information offices and private villas.

Visitors to the Lanzarote Guidebook website will also find even more in-depth and detailed information about the island online. They can catch up on all of the latest island news, check live weather reports and use in-depth climate information to work out when best to visit. Whilst browsing one of the best selections of Lanzarote accommodation online.

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Puerto del Carmen
This is the spot where package tourism first started on Lanzarote.  Back in the early 1970´s in and around the Old Town Harbour area.  Today this former fishing village has expanded exponentially – and now extends all the way along the coastline where it merges with the smaller neighbouring resort of Matagorda.

The bulk of the best villas in Puerto del Carmen are located in and around areas such as Montana Tropical and Los Mojones, which sit above the Old Town Harbour area.  As their elevated position grants guests great views down to the Atlantic below and across to the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura.

Expect to pay upwards of £700 per week for a holiday in on of these villas in Lanzarote.

Playa Blanca
Rapidly emerging as a serious challenger to Puerto del Carmen in the south of the island, Playa Blanca boasts a great microclimate and some stunning beaches.  Such as the all natural bays at Papagayo.

Playa Blanca is the most recently developed resort on the island – and as a result villa accommodation in the town is of a high standard.  Boasting modern amenities and facilities such as high speed internet connections, Jacuzzis and hot tubs.

There´s a huge selection of villas in Playa Blanca for visitors to select from.  And popular areas within the resort include Moñtana Roja, Playa Flamingo and the stylish Rubicon Marina.  Home to a number of excellent bars and restaurants as well as luxury yachts.

Costa Teguise
Costa Teguise is the most northerly of Lanzarote´s three main resorts.  Located around fifteen minutes from the island sole international airport at Arrecife.

The resort was purpose built during the 1970´s and boasts a selection of six excellent beaches.  Costa Teguise is very much the resort of choice for those who like to combine sunbathing with sightseeing.  As most of Lanzarote´s main tourist attractions – such as the Jardin de Cactus and the Jameos del Agua – are within  twenty minute radius.

The resorts central hub is the Pueblo Marinero – a recreation of a traditional Canarian fishing village which was created by a local artist and architect called César Manrique.  Famous for his work both on Lanzarote and the other Canary Islands.

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On the eastern most island of Lanzarote the holiday industry first really took off in and around the resort of Puerto del Carmen.  Which is located within a sheltered bay on Lanzarote´s calm south east coastline, ensuring ideal bathing conditions and protection from the Trade Winds that buffer the island from April to August.

Puerto del Carmen in fact started life as La Tiñosa – a tranquil little fishing village blessed with great beaches and a wonderful microclimate.  When package holidays started to grow in popularity in Spain the village was earmarked for development.  And rapidly expanded into the largest and most popular holiday resort on Lanzarote.

Today Puerto del Carmen is nominally divided into two main zones.  The Old Town – which is located around the small harbour area from where the local fishermen used to set sail.  And the New Town – which runs parallel with the main beach of Playa Grande and the seafront promenade of the Avenida de las Playas.

The bulk of the accommodation here is self catering – as the resort is only serviced by two main hotels.  With many visitors preferring to book apartments and villas in Puerto del Carmen direct online.  Prices start from around £500 per week – which will secure a standard two bedroom villa with pool. 

Puerto del Carmen owes much of its popularity to the resorts excellent beaches.  Los Pocillos on the edge of the town is a huge stretch of sand which links the neighbouring resort of Matagorda and Puerto del Carmen.  Whilst within the resort itself Playa Grande provides sunbathers with over 5km of golden grains to explore.

There´s also a couple of smaller, more atmospheric beaches.  Such as Playa Chica, close to the Old Town.  And Playa Fariones – which is located right in front of the Los Fariones Hotel.

For those who want to do more than just soak up the sun Puerto del Carmen provides loads to do.  A new golf course has just opened on the outskirts of the resort.  Whilst the old town harbour has been transformed in a luxurious new marina.  With boat trips departing along the coastline and across to Fuerteventura throughout the day. Come nightfall Puerto del Carmen is also home to one of the best selections of restaurants in Lanzarote.

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Playa Blanca is also the newest resort on the island – as development here only really got underway during the 1980s´.  Long after the evolution of rival resorts Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise to the north.

The resort is located just across the Bocaina Straits from the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura and boasts the islands best microclimate, excellent beaches and the largest selection of four star hotels and villas in Lanzarote.  As these were all developed as part of the overall blueprint for the resort.

If seen from above Playa Blanca is essentially comprised of three main coves set within one much larger, sheltered bay.  These three coves all boast their own beaches – Playa Dorada, Playa Blanca (the small town beach after which the resort is named) and Playa Flamingo.  Which are all united by a delightful beachfront promenade. 

Just fifteen minutes walk from the centre of the resort lies the famous set of coves and bays at nearby Papagayo.  Which are widely regarded by locals and regular visitors as the best beaches on the island.  Due to their entirely natural and unspolied state.

The resort itself has grown up around the small town beach, Playa Blanca, and the ferry port.  From where visitors can hop over to Fuerteventura on the ferries that depart regular from here throughout the day.  But since the 1990´s it has expanded enormously in both directions towards the beaches at Papagayo at one end and towards the lighthouse at Far de Pechiguera at the other.

Much of this shoreline space has been taken up by four and five star hotels, such as the Timanfaya Palace, Lanzarote Princess and Hesperia Playa Dorada.  Whilst the five star Gran Melina Volcan – widely regarded as one of the best hotels in Lanzarote, is located just above the relatively new Rubicon Marina development.  Which first opened in 2003 and which provides an atmospheric setting for shopping and eating out.

Playa Blanca is also ideally located for anyone keen to explore Lanzarote´s number one tourist attraction of the Timanfaya Volcano Park.  As this is located jus ten minutes drive away from the resort.  Offering raw lunar scenery that really is out of this world.

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Lanzarote, the eastern most link in the chain, is widely regarded as much more unspoiled than some of the larger islands such as Gran Canaria and Tenerife.

Visitors here won’t encounter any high rise buildings – as these were all banned back in the 1970´s.  Advertising hoardings and billboards are conspicuous by their abscence – replaced instead by giant, Heath-Robinson-esque wind toys. Whilst the three main tourist resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise are all well contained.  Allowing Lanzarote´s rural identity to really shine through – and making holidays in Lanzarote an ideal choice for anyone seeking a relaxed and tranquil sunshine break.

It could all have been very different though.  As Lanzarote was ripe for development during the 1960´s – when General Franco encouraged the birth of mass market tourism along the Spanish costas and in the Canaries.  Neighbouring islands were rapidly covered in concrete – but Lanzarote managed to escape this fate.  Thanks to the influence of an island born artist called Cesar Manrique.

Manrique was born in Lanzarote´s capital city of Arrecife in 1919.  Soon acquiring a love for the unique volcanic scenery surrounding him on holidays in the north of the island, where his family owned a summer house.  This stimulated his artistic leanings and he went on to study at the School of Belles Artes in Madrid before heading up the Spanish surrealist movement during he 1950´s.

By the time that the developers were set to swoop Manrique had moved to New York to study and exhibit under the patronage of the super wealthy Rockefeller clan.  But despite his success abroad he resolved to return to Lanzarote instead.  Determined to battle against the threat of unrestrained construction.

Fortunately for the island he proved successful – thanks to the additional influence of one Pepin Ramirez.  An old family fiend and then the island governor who shared Manrique´s views.

Together the pair ensured that the majority of the island remained pretty much as nature had always intended.  Whilst Manrique created a series of unique visitor attractions that worked with Lanzarote´s delicate volcanic terrain – rather than against it.

His best known work is probably the Jameos del Agua in the north of the island – which started life as collapsed lava tube but which is now a stunning subterranean auditorium and concert venue.

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As 2009 is the fiftieth anniversary of Miles Davis’ legendary recording ‘Kind of Blue’, one of the leading concerts will see these tracks revisited by Jimmy Cobb’s So What band, in Tenerife and Gran Canaria on 10th and 11th July respectively.

The first Lanzarote concert takes place on Friday 3rd July in Teguise and features the Icelandic group Mezzoforte. Formed in 1977 by four friends, the band has developed its own style of jazz funk fusion and continues to perform and write music today.

Their best known album ‘Garden Party’ was released in 1983 to much acclaim throughout Europe and since then they have notched up eleven albums in total.
Musically the band acknowledges its influences range from Miles Davis to Earth, Wind and Fire and Weather Report, with newer tracks reflecting a more mature sound. 

Ozou, on the other hand, are relative newcomers to the jazz scene. The duo, who met in a Parisian bar, combine the vocal talents of Tatiana Heintz and the guitar playing of Gilbert Trefzger. Tatiana had previously worked with artists such as Mick Jagger and Keziah Jones, whilst Gilbert has collaborated with Nitin Sawhney and Jamaican vocalist Roy Ellis. They will be accompanied by percussionist Andrew Borger.

Mezzoforte and Ozou will be appearing from 21.00 in the historical centre of Teguise. On Saturday 4th July, the second free concert will be held at the San Bartolomé Municipal Theatre. This concert features the Diego Barber Quartet and the Patricia Kraus Quartet.

Diego Barber was in fact born in Lanzarote, where he began his studies in music. His training in classical guitar continued in Madrid and Salamanca, where he attained his degree. Although his studies and earliest forays into public performance have been in classical guitar, since his arrival in New York he has begun composing jazz for the guitar. His first disc, entitled ‘Calima’, has received critical acclaim and he will be performing this work in Lanzarote – fittingly, as Barber has clearly been inspired by the calima sand storms that the island occasionally experiences.

Patricia Kraus is a soprano singer who has developed her own eclectic style of music, which blends electronics, rhythm and vocals. In 2008 she toured, performing a range of blues, soul and jazz tracks, accompanied by pianist Gherardo Catanzaro, who will be appearing with her in Lanzarote. The concert begins at 21.00.

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