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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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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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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Lanzarote Weather
Wherever you head in the UK the climate isn’t going to match the weather in Lanzarote.  Where temperatures average around 26 Celsius during the main summer months.  And where rainfall at that time of the year is virtually unheard of.  Whatever the weatherman’s predictions the same cannot be said of the UK. 
Where the unreliable climate has ruined many a summer holiday before.  Why gamble on your main break of the year?

Cheap Flight Deals
Despite expectations to the contrary there are in fact plenty of good value flight deals available during July and August. With carriers such as Monarch offering return flights to Lanzaarote from London for as little as £150 in July and £200 in August, before taxes.

Discounted Accommodation
Hotel room rates are tumbling on Lanzarote as holiday companies and hoteliers scramble to fill beds.  Groups such as the Hotel Beatriz chain are already offering 15% discounts on their two flagship fur star establishments.  The Hotel Beatriz in Matagorda and the Hotel Beatriz and Spa in Costa Teguise.
Making a week’s half board stay available for around £460 during July.

Many owners of private holiday accommodation are also reducing their rates in order to fill their rental calendars with bookings.  Search for holiday villas in Playa Blanca for the best deals.  As the newest resort on the island has an oversupply of villa accommodation – which means price discounts for bargain hunters.

Things To Do
First time visitors to the island are always supplied by the fact that the island offers lots more than just sunshine and beaches.

Lanzarote´s many cultural attractions have been created by a local artist called Cesar Manrique.  Who was instrumental in ensuring that the island wasn’t swamped by over development in the 1980´s.  Visit his former home and studio – the Cesar Manrique Foundation – which has been built into five underground volcanic bubbles in order to gain an insight into his many creations across Lanzarote.

A visit to the Timanfaya Volcano Park is also mandatory.  Lanzarote´s most popular tourist attraction draws in close to one million visitors every year.  Thanks to its incredible raw landscape of spent volcanic cones and twisted lava fields.

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In Lanzarote, the eastern most Canary Island, the newest resort of Playa Blanca will be welcoming thousands of visitors over the Easter break.  So what can holiday makers expect from their vacation in this rapidly evolving destination?

Weather
Playa Blanca generally enjoys the best weather in Lanzarote.  As the resort is located right at the southern tip of the island.  Just across the Bocaina Straits from the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura.

This position creates a more sheltered aspect in relation to the rival resorts of Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise to the north.  Delivering higher temperatures too.  The forecast for Easter is good – with temperatures expected to reach 25 celsius plus.

Accommodation
Playa Blanca boasts by far the largest selection of recently built, good quality hotels in Lanzarote.  With four and five star establishments lining the seafront promenade.

Amongst the best is the Gran Melia Volcan – a high quality five star hotel located right next to the stylish and atmospheric Rubicon Marina.  Where tourists can find a good selection of bars and restaurants – as well as a market every Wednesday and Saturday.

Playa Blanca is also home to some of the most luxurious villas in Lanzarote for those who prefer to book self catering accommodation.  With prices starting from around £400 per week for a standard two bedroom villa with private pool.

Things to do in Playa Blanca
As you’d expect from a top class tourist resort Play Blanca has some excellent beaches.  Such as Playa Dorada and Playa Flamingo in the resort itself.  Both of which are man made stretches of sand.

But the real jewel in the crown are the set of natural coves and bays at nearby Papagayo – or Parrot Beach.  Which is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches not just in Lanzarote but in the Canary Islands as a whole.

Playa Blanca is also located in close proximity to the most popular tourist attraction on Lanzarote – the Timanfaya Volcano Park.  Which attracts close to one million visitors very year thanks to its raw and eerie volcanic terrain.

Holidaymakers can also enjoy a day trip from Playa Blanca to Fuerteventura.  Where they can visit the incredible Dunas National Park – a breathtaking 16km stretch of sand.

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Lanzarote Guidebook is published every quarter.  So unlike traditional guidebooks which are often out of date by the time they hit the shelves the information it contains is always up to the minute and accurate.  And is written by long term island residents – which means that visitors are able to get the real inside track about Lanzarote and it´s many attractions.

The Guidebook is produced in a handy portable A5 format and is packed full of information – along with some excellent photography too.   Including an Agenda section that outlines upcoming events, a portrait of the island born artist Cesar Manrique who did so much to shape tourism on Lanzarote, full information covering all of the main resorts on the island – including maps, a sightseeing guide, information about excursions in Lanzarote and days out, museums, beaches and much much more besides. 

As well as an invaluable Essentials section – which covers all of the fine details from bank opening times through to telephone numbers for important local facilities such as hospitals and taxis.

The Spring 09 edition of Lanzarote Guidebook features 96 pages of information and is distributed direct to tourists on the island via car hire companies, villas and hotels.  Best of all it is entirely free of charge.  It is also available as a fast and free download via the Lanzarote Guidebook website.

Visitors to the website can find an even greater store of information about the Island of Fire online.  And are also able to book holidays, hotels, villas and apartments in Lanzarote direct. Along with car hire and cheap flights to the island.  And can also access numerous special features such as interactive maps and in depth feature articles about all aspects of travel and tourism on the island.  Making it a one stop shop for anyone planning a holiday or simply seeking more information about the Island of Fire.

Lanzarote has long been a hugely popular tourist destination – thanks to the fact that the island boasts a great year round climate.  Attracting 1.5 million foreign visitors during the course of 2008 alone.  And the publishers of Lanzarote Guidebook aim to encourage visitors to the island to get out and explore Lanzarote´s many unique attractions. 

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 The current credit crunch and decline of the pound against the euro had sparked widespread media speculation that many British tourists would opt for a holiday outside of the Euro zone this year.  

 But the Lanzarote Guidebook figures, along with the release of statitisics from Monarch holidays, which show a similar increase of 13% in bookings for holidays and flights to Lanzarote, illustrates that these fears may well prove to be unfounded after all.

 According to Liz Savage of Monarch ”Despite early indications that holidaymakers were looking to head east for their holidays this year, the picture to date is somewhat different. The Canary Islands which benefit from year-round sunshine and are only a four hour flight time from the UK, are the surprise destination leaders for both holiday and flight-only bookings this winter, with Lanzarote in particular already 13% ahead of holiday bookings vs 2008.”

 Lanzarote has always been a popular holiday hot spot amongst British tourists. Thanks to the fact the island boasts over ninety breathtaking beaches and enjoys a great year round climate, with temperatures topping 21 Celsius even during the winter months.

 In total the Lanzarote Guidebook website received 639 enquires for villa and apartment accommodation on the island during the course of last month.  Traditionally one of the busiest times of year for bookings.  A figure which has increased by 14.2% versus January 2008.

 The majority of holiday makers – 75.5% – were seeking a villa as opposed to an apartment.  And Playa Blanca, the newest resort in the south of the island, emerged as the most popular overall destination.  Accounting for 41% of all enquires. Indeed, demand for holiday villas in Playa Blanca outweighed enquires for this type of accommodation in all of the islands other main resorts.  

 Puerto del Carmen was the number one pick for anyone planning to book a holiday apartment.  Accounting for 56.6% of all enquires.  Reflecting the fact that Lanzarote´s oldest resort has the highest concentration of apartment complexes of any destination on the island.

 Rural tourism also proved surprisingly popular.  With enquires for villas and apartments in Lanzarote´s unique volcanic countryside outweighing demand for accommodation in Lanzarote´s third largest resort of Costa Teguise.

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Hotels in Costa Teguise

Costa Teguise is home to Lanzarote´s best known hotel, the Gran Melia Salinas.  Which was developed under the aegis of the Lanzarote born artist César Manrique.

The Gran Melia first opened in the 1970´s, anchoring the entire man made development of Costa Teguise. Which Manrique had planned as a coastal resort sister to the former island capital of Teguise, located around 6km inland.

The Gran Melia still enjoys an enviable reputation for luxurious comfort and service today.  Thanks in no small part to the breathtaking internal garden created by Manrique along with the many original artworks by the artist which adorn the walls of this prestigious establishment.  A night’s stay at the Gran Melia remains relatively affordable though – with prices starting from €120 per night, dependent on tariff and time of year.

Costa Teguise is also home to three four-star hotels.  Namely the Occidental Teguise Playa – which is located right by the small beach at Playa Cuchillo.  The Beatriz Hotel and Spa, located around ten minutes walk away from the resort centre.  And the Occidental Oasis – which is located on the outkisirts of the resort in the direction of the island capital of Arrecife.

Hotels in Playa Blanca

The largest selection of hotels can be found in Lanzarote´s newest resort of Playa Blanca, in the south of the island.  Here new establishments have been springing up all along the coastline.  

The leading hotel in Playa Blanca is the five star Gran Melia Volcan, sister establishment to the Gran Melia Salinas in Costa Teguise and with similar luxury facilities and a high quality of service.  The Volcan has been loosely styled so that each accommodation block resembles one of Lanzarote´s many picturesque villages.  

Elsewhere in the resort four star hotels predominate, with many of Spain´s leading chains enjoying a presence.  Such as the H10 group´s Rubicon Palace and the Hesperia Playa Dorada.

Hotels in Puerto del Carmen

Despite the fact that Puerto del Carmen is the oldest and most popular resort in Lanzarote it is still only really serviced by two main hotels.  With the bulk of tourist beds accounted for by either apartment or apart-hotel accommodation.

The San Antonio Hotel is located at the western end of the resort and boasts excellent facilities and a beach front location.  Whilst the Los Fariones Hotel is situated bang in the heart of Puerto del Carmen – making it a firm favourite with tourists looking for a bit more nightlife whilst on their holidays in Lanzarote.

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 Lanzarote is the most easterly island in the Canary chain and is on course this year to attract well over one million British and Irish tourists.  The Island of Fire has in fact become the most popular destination in the whole of Spain with Irish tourists.  Who are expected to clock up at least 250,000 visits this year alone.

 The islands official tourist capacity numbers around 65,000 beds in total – with around one third of these accounted for by hotels.  So the majority of visitors stay in either apartments or holiday villas in Lanzarote.

 Which is the best Winter Resort?

Despite it´s small size (just 58kms long and 34.5 kms wide) Lanzarote has a pronounced microclimate –  just like a lot of the island’s larger Canarian cousins, such as Tenerife and Gran Canaria. With cooler, cloudier weather more likely in the North during the winter months. And sunshine more prevalent in the South.

 As a result, visitors planning a winter holiday in Lanzarote are best advised to plump for either Puerto del Carmen or Playa Blanca if they are solely in search of the sun.

 Puerto del Carmen

Puerto del Carmen is the spot where tourism first really took off on Lanzarote.  Transforming a small fishing village called La Tiñosa into what is now today the most popular resort on the island.

 Whilst not as southerly as Playa Blanca Puerto del Carmen is well protected by a range of volcanoes surrounding the resort.  And boasts some of the best beaches on the island, as well as a decent array of bars and restaurants.

 There are only two main hotels in Puerto del Carmen servicing tourist demand. With the majority of visitors staying on apartment complexes or in private villas. Many of which are privately owned by overseas investors who have been attracted to invest in the Lanzarote property market by the lure of year round rental returns arising from solid tourist demand.

 Playa Blanca

Playa Blanca is located at the southern tip of Lanzarote and as a result enjoys the best weather the island has to offer during the winter months.

 The resort evolved after Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise – Lanzarote´s other main destination in the North of the island.  And has been developed with luxury hotels and villas at the core of the blueprint.

 Creating an attractive and inviting infrastructure that has quickly helped to establish Playa Blanca as the second most popular resort on the island.

 All of the major tour operators offer a range of package deals to the island this Winter.  With Thomas Cook in particular offering some very well priced deals in January – such as flight and accommodation for a week in an apartment in Puerto del Carmen from as little as £260 per person.

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