Pamela Travel Journal

Lanzarote is a popular Spanish holiday destination. But it’s actually located much closer to Africa than the Iberian Peninsula – along with the other six islands that make up the Canaries.  A position which creates an excellent climate that is warm and sunny all year round.

As a result Lanzarote is one of the most visited winter sun options for British holiday makers.  Who accounted for around 800,000 plus arrivals on flights to Lanzarote from the UK last year alone.

As well as reliable weather Lanzarote has great beaches, weird volcanic scenery and a wide choice of good quality accommodation.  Encompassing hotels, apartments and villas.

Lanzarote Hotels

There are over 250 hotels in Lanzarote, ranging from basic one star accommodation through to five star luxury establishments.

The best known hotel on the island is probably the Gran Melia Salinas.  Which is located in the resort of Costa Teguise.  This luxurious establishment is sited right on the beach at Playa Las Cucharas and was partially designed and developed by a local artist called César Manrique.  Who had the idea for the hotel’s centrepiece of a stunning interior garden.

The largest concentration of good value budget hotels are located in the south of the island in Playa Blanca.  Where four stars such as the Timanfaya Palace and the Princesa Yaiza offer rooms from around €70 per night. Which is the price per room and not per person.

Lanzarote Villas

Lanzarote holiday villas have grown in poulariy over the last decade.  Thanks to two main factors.  Firstly, overseas investors snapped up property on the island to rent out to fellow holidaymakers.  Whilst secondly the growth in internet usage led to an explosion in the number of people seeking to book their own self catering accommodation direct alone.  So spawnining a whole new area of the holiday industry.

Good quality villas are located in all of the three main resorts.  With particular emphasis on Playa Blanca in the south of the island.  Which witnessed a real investment and rental boom during the last ten years.

Lanzarote Apartments

Cheap and cheerful holidays are also possible on Lanzarote thanks to the availability of a large number of good value apartments.  Especially in the resort of Puerto del Carmen – the oldest on the island.

Here holidaymakers can expect to pay as little as £160 per week for a stay on a centrally located complex with good amenities such as communal swimming pool and on site restaurant.

Where will winter sun seekers find the best selection of holiday villas in Lanzarote ?  There´s a number of options for travellers to select from – but the number one choice is the resort of Playa Blanca.  Located at the southern toe of the island – a position which creates the best microclimate on Lanzarote.

Along with the other six Canary Islands Lanzarote is the closest genuine winter sun destination to the UK.  Basking in sunshine and warm weather even during December and January.  And despite the economic gloom and doom and the parlous state of the pound these Spanish possessions expect to welcome millions of visitors from both the UK and across Europe this winter.

As well as great weather the Canaries have the added advantage of being able to offer all of the Spanish customs and cuisine already familiar to most British holidaymakers.  And boast some fantastic beaches too.

On Lanzarote the number one stretch of sand is located just outside Playa Blanca.  Called Playas de Papagayo this comprises five separate but interlinked sandy bays.  All with excellent views across to the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura, which is around a half hours ferry journey from Lanzarote.

Playa Blanca first really started to grow as a modern tourist destination in the 1990´s – shedding its former identity as a small fishing village to become the second most popular resort on the island in little under 10 years.

One of Playa Blanca’s principal attractions is the fact that tourists can book good quality, modern accommodation here.  Some of the best villas on the island can be found in locations such as the Rubicon Marina.  Whilst four star hotels line the shoreline.

Budget holiday makers should head instead for Puerto del Carmen – which is the largest and oldest resort on the island.  Located just a short fifteen minute transfer from Arrecife airport.

Here they can find a selection of Lanzarote holiday apartments at amazingly low prices.  With a weeks stay in a standard studio starting from as little as £160 – which is the price per room and not per person.  Factor in cheap flights with the likes of easyJet or Ryanair and it´s possible to build you own winter break in the sun for as little as £150 per person.

Car hire on the island is also very good value – with a small two door vehicle available for as little as €13 per day.  Making it possible to get out and explore the islands many attractions cheaply too.