Lanzarote is located around four hours flying time from the UK. But is a world away in terms of weather – as the sun continues to shine here even during December and January. Whilst rainfall is almost unheard of. Making this one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe.
Lanzarote is one of the seven Canary Islands, the Spanish owned chain that sits off the coast of Africa, close to the Tropic of Cancer. And despite the fact that the islands collectively attract close to ten million visitors a year Lanzarote manages to somehow remain largely unspoiled. Thanks in no small part to the fact that the island is protected from over development by strict planning laws. Which restrict building work to the height of a Canarian palm tree.
Over the last year getting to Lanzarote from the islands main market of the UK has become much easier and cheaper. As competition on the route has increased greatly, with low cost operators such as Ryanair and easy Jet all offering cheap flights to Lanzarote from most major airports across the UK. And with returns starting from as little as €70.
British visitors to the island increasingly opt for self catering accommodation – whilst German and Spanish guests tend to prefer Lanzarote hotels. As a result owners of Lanzarote villas and apartments tend to enjoy a stream of bookings from the UK all year round. With the best rental properties located in the two largest resorts of Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca.
Puerto del Carmen is the larger of the two resorts and offers the best nightlife. But villas in Playa Blanca are slightly cheaper, as a result of a building boom here during the 1990´s which resulted in the creation of a large number of two and thee bedroom holiday properties with private swimming pools. Playa Blanca is also the newer of the two resorts and boasts a better climate and beaches. Most notably the coves and bays of Papagayo which are located around fifteen minutes stroll from the resort centre.
Wherever guests stay they are able to easily explore Lanzarote´s many attractions. As the island is manageably small and can be covered from end to the other in around an hour. The surreal scenery of the Timanfaya Volcano Park is Lanzarote´s number one attraction. Closely followed by the many creations of a local artist called César Manrique, who worked with the island’s rugged terrain to develop seven centres of culture and tourism around the island.
