Vacations Blog

It may lie just seventy miles off the coast of West Africa. But the small Canary Island of Lanzarote is Spanish owned. And has long been a hot favourite with British and Irish tourists – who accounted for over one million visitors last year,attracted by a delightful year round climate, good quality holiday accommodation and the island´s unique volcanic scenery.

There is a wide choice of Lanzarote apartments but if you prefer a more luxurious holiday then you can grab yourself a bargain Lanzarote holiday villa this summer as lower than expected visitor number means there are some good deals to be had.

Lanzarote is just four hours flying time from the UK – making it the closest winter sun destination to Britain and Eire. And is serviced by numerous low cost flight operators, such as Monarch, easy Jet and Thomas Cook. Making it possible to book flights to Lanzarote from around £200 per person – depending of course on the time of year.

The sole airport on the island is called Arrecife and is located around 3km outside of the island capital of the same name. Thanks to Lanzarote´s relatively small size (it measures just 58km by 34.5km) transfer times from the airport to the island’s three main resorts are mercifully quick. With Puerto del Carmen just ten minutes from the airport, Costa Teguise fifteen and Playa Blanca around thirty five minutes away.

The majority of visitors to the island arrive on package holidays. So they are usually transferred to their resort on board coaches provided by their tour operators. But Lanzarote is also very popular with independent tourists who like to make their own travel arrangements. And they rely on either taxis or hire cars to get them to their resort accommodation.

Hiring a car in Lanzarote is surprisingly cheap in relation to many other holiday destinations around the world. As it is possible to rent a basic class C vehicle for as little as €20 per day. Whilst petrol is also much more affordable than in the UK or the Republic of Ireland.

As you’d expect from a popular holiday island there’s no shortage of good quality accommodation. The best Lanzarote hotels are located in the islands southern most resort of Playa Blanca. Which is also the gateway to the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura. The resort also offers the biggest selection of Lanzarote villas.

Whilst Puerto del Carmen is the spot to head for for those planning to book apartments in Lanzarote. As the islands oldest resort has the highest concentration of apartment complexes of any destination on the island.

Lanzarote also offers holiday makers plenty to do. As the island boasts lots of natural beauty – such as the Valley of 1000 Palms and the famous Green Lagoon at El Golfo. Along with some incredible man made attractions – such as the Mirador del Rio and the Cesar Manrique Foundation. Which was constructed by the island bon artist of the same name from five underground bubbles in the lava flow. And which is – by some distance – the most unique property in lanzarote.

Despite the current economic difficulties the holiday island of Lanzarote still expects to welcome well over one million foreign visitors during the course of 2009.  The majority of them from the UK.  As the island remains a favoure holiday spot with tourists.  Much to the delight of the many thousands of overseas owners of holiday villas in Lanzarote.

Fortunately most families still refuse to cut their annual vacations and holidays even if money is tight.

The Canarian archipelago, comprising a total of seven very individual islands, is a short four hour flight away from the UK by plane.  And some of the best known economy airlines fly there, such as Jet 2 and Thomas Cook.  Which means it is usually fairly easy to get a flight to the island for as little as £200 return.  Making it a big favourite with overseas investors – many of whom rent their property in Lanzarote to holidaymakers. The bulk of flights from the UK operate on Mondays and Thursdays.

Lanzarote only has the one international airport at Arrecife.  Which is located around 3km from the island capital of the same name.  This serves as the hub for ´domestic’ flights between the other six Canary Islands as well as the rest of Spain.  Facilities at the airport are a little limited by mainland European standards.  For example there are no bureau de change facilities or shops in the arrivals hall.

In addition, there are no shuttle buses running between the airport and the main resorts.  Which means that independent travellers will either need to take a taxi to their Lanzarote hotels or hire a car.  Taxis are available directly outside the main arrivals hall.  Although it is well worth noting that there can be a considerable queue during busy periods – such as Thursdays.  When arrivals should allow up to twenty minutes wait.

On the upside, getting to most accommodation such as Lanzarote villas or apartments is usually pretty quick.  As the island is very small – measuring less than 60km from end to end.  So transfer times are speedy.  For example, Playa Blanca, which is the furthest resort from the airport can be reached in around 35 minutes.  Whilst the other two main resorts of Costa Teguise and Puerto del Carmen are both within a ten minute radius of Arecife airport.

Lanzarote provides visitors with plenty to do.  There´s over ninety beautiful beaches, the majority boasting golden sands.  Whilst the island also boasts a unique volcanic scenery, thanks to the eruptions of the 1730´s which carpeted around a quarter of Lanzaroe in lava.  A local artist called Cesar Manrique worked with this volcanic terrain to create some great attractions, such as the Jameos del Agua and the Cactus Garden.  Which should feature on any visitors itinerary.

Pop along to the Lanzarote villas website for the very latest availability of villas in Lanzarote. You can also find a great selection of  Lanzarote apartments to rent there too.