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There are numerous holiday destinations around the world that were once borne from volcanic eruptions many of which are now dormant, but many more are still fairly active for example New Zealand or even Hawaii. But this fact hasn’t stopped the onslaught of tourism around the world or even in Europe for that matter for example Lanzarote.
Lanzarote is an island that has been totally transformed by volcanic activity. Large scale eruptions rocked the island during the 1730s and went on for six years. Followed up by a further encore in 1824. As a result around 200km square of the islands surface area is now a lunar like lava scape. A surreal and eerie site that has caught the eye of numerous film makers over the years.
The Islands volcanic past does not stop millions of holidaymakers flocking to the Island year after Year though.
Lanzarote Holiday Villas And Accommodation, There is an excellent choice of accommodation on the island ranging from self catering apartments for the budget concious, through to hotels and private villas. The biggest question on most peoples lips however is where to stay.
Visitors can take their choice of three main holiday destinations. In winter villas in Playa Blanca tend to attract lots of bookings, as this part of the island enjoys a more clement climate during December and January. Whilst villas in Puerto del Carmen are more popular with tourists in search of decent nightlife, as there is a real abundance of clubs and bars here in Lanzarote´s largest resort.
Costa Teguise is also one of the islands popular resorts and well worth looking into.
As well as a reliable tourist industry and great weather Lanzarote also offers holidaymakers plenty of attractions and activities. Factors which have helped to maintain the island’s ongoing popularity. These include an array of natural wonders, such as the verdant Valley of 1000 Palms in the north of the island. And the number one tourist attraction of the Timanfaya Volcano Park – where visitors can gaze in awe at over 300 now dormant peaks. There are also close to 100 beaches to explore along with some very pretty little villages such as Haria and Yaiza.
Lanzarote in the Canary Islands is consistantly one of Europe’s favourite family trip destinations not only in the mid summer excursion season when the island is generally be deluged with travellers off to their summer break, but also throughout the rest of the year given that the climate continues to be enjoyable all year long. Given its popularity sometimes it is without a doubt hard to choose exactly where to stay but a little research can go a long way in helping you make your current final choice.
There are a number of good quality holiday resorts on the popular Canary Island of Lanzarote. But none can match Playa Blanca for the quality of both its weather and its beaches. As this fast growing holiday destination is located right at the southern foot of the island and enjoys a very favourable microclimate as a result. As well as boasting the most spectacular selection of beaches on the island.
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Tourist development only started in earnest in Playa Blanca during the 1990s and until then this really was little more than just a sleepy little fishing village. From where visitors could hop on board ferries that cross the Bocaina Straits to the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura. All that has changed now however – as the combination of great weather and beaches soon caught the eye of hotel and property developers. Resulting in a rash of new building work during the 1990´s.
Geographically Playa Blanca is basically made up of three small bays set within one much larger cove – providing plenty of shelter from the wind. And visitors can enjoy a stroll along the seafront from one end of the resort to the other. Thanks to the fact that it is united by a promenade that runs from the Faro de Pechuguera lighthouse through to the outer reaches of Papagayo.
Luxury villas in Playa Blanca have become increasingly popular every year with tourists and independent travellers seeking good value rental accommodation on the island. Especially during the winter months when the weather here is better than on the rest of the island. Many of the winter visitors tend to stay for longer periods or even the entire winter as well as short breaks.
Holiday villas in Playa Blanca are also in plentiful supply making rental accommodation here cheaper than in the other resorts. And all of these properties boast plenty of luxury extras such as private swimming pools, satellite TV and hot tubs. As well as internet connections for those who need to stay online even when on holiday, making them an ideal choice for families ar even a relaxing romantic holiday for two.
As a result many guests find it hard to tear themselves away from their sun loungers to explore the resort. But they would be well advised to do so – as Playa Blanca’s beaches are outstanding. The best of which are Playa Flamingo, Playa Dorada and the set of bays and coves at Papagayo – which are just a short fifteen minute stroll from the centre of the resort. Playa Blanca also boasts an abundance of good quality restaurants and is located in very close proximity to Lanzarote´s best known tourist attraction – the Fire Mountains of Timanfaya. Which are an absolute must see for anyone visiting the island and which are located just fifteen minutes drive from Playa Blanca.
Lanzarote in the Canary Islands is an ideal destination for anyone seeking a good value villa vacation. As here tourists can enjoy a large selection of rental options – usually at prices that are way cheaper in relation to comparable properties in other holiday hotspots. As a result of the fact that the holiday season here extends all year round – whilst the islands tourist sector is very well developed.
Like the rest of the Canary Islands Lanzarote benefits from a wonderful climate, which produces semi tropical clement weather for twelve months of the year. As a result of being located close to the West African coast and the Tropic of Cancer. This also makes the island very dry and arid – as there is very little rainfall in this part of the world.
The scenery here is made even more surreal and strange by the fact that Lanzarote was rocked by enormous amounts of volcanic activity some 250 years ago. Leaving much of the interior of the island looking like a scene from a science fiction film.
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The island isn’t all about strange terrain however as away from the interior it resembles most other holiday hotspots. The coastline is sprinkled with around 100 beautiful beaches and tourists can choose from three modern resorts. All of which boast a good selection of Self catering Lanzarote villas ,holiday apartments and holiday bungalows.
The biggest resort on Lanzarote is called Puerto del Carmen and is home to some great beaches – just a short drive from Arrecife airport. These fine stretches of sand are the main reason why it is so popular with tourists – along with the fact that visitors can also enjoy great nightlife here and plenty of good quality bars and restaurants.
For example, most villas are in demand as a result – with prices starting at about the €500 mark for properties with private pools.
After Puerto del Carmen Playa Blanca is the islands second most popular resort. Having expanded rapidly since it was first developed in the early 1990´s. And today it is proving especially popular with tourists sleeking good value self catering accommodation thanks to the fact that apartments and villas here offer excellent value for money. It also boasts a wide range of good value villas and apartments. For example, basic villas in Playa Blanca can be rented out from about €400 per week with prices varying according to the time of the year.
Where To Go When You Get Here
You’ll never be stuck for a day wondering what to do if you need a break from the beach, places to visit include for example The Timanfaya Volcano Park, Lanzarote Cactus Garden, the Cesar Manrique Foundation and Mirador Del Rio.
The Canary Islands are now tempting travelers from all-around the globe for many years and especially those from European destinations, seeing that the reasonably short flight times to this group of islands make it ideal for individuals that are in the market for a sun kissed holiday location, but usually do not always desire to spend 20 hours or far more on their journey.
A single unique island within this enchanting archipelago could be a hidden jewel waiting to get discovered by guests. It has many years been tarnished by the completely undeserved tag of ‘Lanzagrotty’ however as each and every traveller to Lanzarote would gladly testify, this family vacation vacation location might be truly completely unique leading to a large number of visitors returning year in year out.
So what on earth makes this specific island stand out from its sister islands in the chain?
Obviously there is certainly resemblances with the other islands, which definitely is unsurprising given the close proximity of the islands to each other, however , pretty much any similarities rapidly dissapear and whenever it comes to tourist development Lanzarote has carved away a distinct segment of its own, as this relatively small volcanic outcrop effectively manages to incorporate a number of the greatest aspects of beach holidays with unspoiled scenery, a flamboyant and vivid culture and a range of intriguing attractions that happen to be interesting to both young and more mature visitors to the island.
Lanzarote’s beaches are best described as beautiful, golden and lastly sandy, and because of the islands wonderful climate and year round sunshine, these tend to be enjoyed in almost just about any season. The principle places here each boast their own share of palm fringed playas, combined with an excellent variety of services to meet the demands of residents and travellers alike.
Such is the popularity of the island, there is without question already a wonderful choice of temporary and longer term holiday accommodation that ranges from small & convenient but well appointed apartments in Lanzarote to the much more spacious and of course high-class Spanish style holiday villas in Lanzarote, it is extremely seldom you’ll find yourself unable to locate the sort of holiday accommodation you are searching for however in the high season as you may would expect availability really does get reasonably limited.
If you are searching for something out of the ordinary and unusual holiday accommodation can even be found, by way of example you can go natural and stay in a holiday home created from caverns in the side of a mountain as well as an subterranean dwelling created from a renovated subterranean water tank.
Probably the most noteworthy house of all and one that deserves to be on every person’s travel agenda is without question the former home of local legend Cesar Manrique, the Lanzarote artist who is responsible for the majority of the natural developments across the island that merge with the very substance of the island itself.
Having uncovered 5 subterranean volcanic bubbles, Manrique then proceeded to transform them into his own home with simply stunning creativity and planning. Word concerning the uniqueness of this architectural marvel propagated quickly, so much so that in the later part of the 80’s the artist moved out and the former home became the Foundation Cesar Manrique.
Lots of holidaymakers and visitors are now selecting to stay in more non-urban holiday accomodations, the peacefulness coupled with the tranquillity that this kind of holiday accommodation delivers is often very much complemented by the tension free and casual feel of the small villages and towns that make up the rural interior.
In a time warp of its own you’ll still discover neighborhood farmers employing donkeys to plough their fields once in a while, whilst many more produce wines in their own small bodegas using extremely completely unique techniques, with the vines being grown within round plant beds hollowed out from the black volcanic picon and surrounded by small stone walls to safeguard them from the arid dry breeze.
Should you be considering to visit the Canaries on a summer holiday escape or possibly a winter season break Lanzarote could very well be the perfect vacation location for your requirements.
The Internet has made it easy for tourists to eschew the services of travel agents and tour operators and book their own breaks direct online. Creating an upsurge in independent travel to popular holiday destinations such as Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. Where tourists have been enjoying the year round warm climate for over forty years.
Lanzrote forms part of the Canary Island group. Which is part of Spain and the EU but which is located close to the coast of West Africa. During the 1980´s these islands briefly became a byword for package holidays – but today there are just as many upmarket luxury accommodation options as there are good value choices. With Lanzarote for example boasting no less than six 5 star hotels.
There is a plentiful choice of accommodation available here and whilst many visitors prefer to stay in private Lanzarote holiday villas or one of the varied range of Lanzarote apartments, more discerning travellers have started to consider hotel accommodation.
On Lanzarote for example there are now six good quality 5 star hotels for visitors to choose from. With the Sol Melia group boasting two of these establishments. One, the Gran Melia Volcan is located in Playa Blanca in the south of the island – right next to the Rubicon Marina. Whilst the other, the chains flagship on the island, the Gran Melia Salinas is situated in Costa Teguise. And is still widely regarded as one of the best hotels in Lanzarote.
The Arrecife Gran Hotel is located in the island capital of Arrecife and occupies the only high rise building on the island. This was constructed in contravention of island planning laws during the 1980´s and as a result lay vacant and derelict for many years. Until the island government decided to allow this eyesore to be transformed into a smart 5 star hotel. Which gives guests great views across Lanzarote from its 17th floor rooftop restaurant.
There’s also now an excellent range of four-star hotels lining the shoreline in Playa Blanca. All offering reasonably priced rooms and great views across to the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura. These establishments have become especially popular during the winter months, as Playa Blanca tends to enjoy the best weather the island has to offer at that time of the year. And is often basking in sunshine whilst the north of the island can be shrouded in cloud.
Around half of all visitors to Lanzarote prefer self-catering accommodation to hotels and there’s a wide selection of Lanzarote villas for them to choose from across the island. Apartments in Lanzarote also provide a good value alternative for these seeking to book a break in the sun on a budget.
As a form of stress relief, a holiday is probably one of the best antidotes to the daily grind of work and household chores. And the best destinations for switching off have to be those that have plenty of sunshine and a relaxed atmosphere.
Of the hotspots around Europe, the Canary Islands are probably the most reliable for year round good weather. This is thanks to their location off the coast of Morocco, making them the most southerly port of call in the whole Eurozone. There are seven islands in total in the archipelago, with Lanzarote the most eastern and also the one with the lowest precipitation annually. As a tourist destination, it already has a well-developed infrastructure, due to the fact that it has been welcoming visitors for over forty years.
With three main resorts and many rural settings, it is able to provide a good range of accommodation to suit all budgets and holiday requirements. Apartments in Lanzarote offer a great deal of choice at reasonable prices. Whilst those who favour more space and privacy will find that Lanzarote holiday villas are the answer. All have their own heated swimming pools, comfortably furnished interiors with all mod cons and plenty of entertainment facilities as well.
A fair proporation of Lanzarote Holiday Villas are also used by the property owners during certain times throughout the season and this is probably why a large number are maintained in tip top condition and contain a lot of the normal items many families would normally have to pack.
Puerto del Carmen itself is home to many good restaurants including several arranged around the old harbour providing a particularly pleasant dining experience. Just on the perimeter of the town there is also a good selection of eateries, only a short cab ride from the vast majority of the accommodation. There are several really good beaches within the town, all of which are easy to access from the newly renovated seafront promenade that stretches along the six kilometers of coastline. With wider pavements and much reduced traffic, it forms a pleasant backdrop for pedestrians.
Nightlife comes in the form of many bars and clubs, most of which are located in the central area of the town and several of which open until early in the morning. During the day a huge range of activities is on offer for those who like to get out and about, Lanzarote golfing holidays as an example have always been popular due to the outstanding weather.
Excursions are very popular for those who don’t wish to drive, whilst there are also many sports to participate in, including fishing, sailing, cycling and hill-walking to name but a few. Many visitors to the island are charmed by the tranquility and unspoiled scenery, often choosing holidays in Lanzarote year after year.
There are plenty of reasons for booking a holiday on the sunshine island of Lanzarote during 2010. As the fourth largest of the Canaries offers a year round raft of events and festivals for visitors to enjoy. Along with great beaches and wonderful weather.
There are plenty of places to stay. With lots of good quality hotels and holiday villas in Lanzarote available for rent in the three main resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise – as well as across the unique volcanic countryside.
Car hire in Lanzarote is also very affordable, making it so simple to get out and about and enjoy colourful events that are going on.
The year kicks off in style with the Canarian Music Festival. A prestigious event that is staged across the entire island in the archipelago, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy some of the best classical music sounds around. With Lanzarote playing host to performers such as The Prague National Chamber Theatre Orchestra.
Carnaval is one of the most important and colourful dates in the calendar. And whilst not quite as riotous as Rio the revels here basically bring the island to a halt for a couple of weeks. As locals and tourists alike don creative and colourful costumes and take to the streets for an orgy of music and dancing.
Whilst not quite in the same league as Rio the most riotous Carnaval processions and celebrations can be found in the island capital of Arrecife and the largest resort of Puerto del Carmen. Featuring imaginatively decorated floats, marching drum bands and plenty of late night partying.
During May Lanzarote is the venue for one of the toughest triathlons in the world. As the annual Iron Man event gets underway. With thousands of super fit competitors taking place in a gruelling contest that includes a 2km swim and 180km bike ride. Which is then topped off with a full marathon along the main seafront promenade in Puerto del Carmen.
Corpus Christi is one of the most colourful festivals on Lanzarote. And is celebrated by the creation of unique carpets of coloured salt. Each municipality has a team of participants with their own specific designs and the best displays can be viewed in the capital of Arrecife and the historic town of Teguise.
You can find details of Lanzarote luxury villas and other Lanzarote accommodation to rent on the Lanzarote guide book website.
Thinking of booking a holiday in Lanzarote this year? Plenty of other tourists did just that during the course of 2009, with the island welcoming just under 1.4 million tourists last year. An impressive figure given the impact of the credit crunch and the weakness of the pound.
Despite these factors around 750,000 tourists from the UK are expected to visit the island during the course of 2010. Around half of them will book self catering accommodation – such as villas in Lanzarote – direct online. With many booking specific dates to coincide with one of the many fiestas and festivals that take place on the island every year.
For independent holiday makers there is a plethora of holiday villas in Lanzarote to choose from across most seasons.
The most colourful event of the year takes place next month. As the annual Carnaval season gets underway throughout February. And whilst not as riotous as Rio this event is still well worth a visit. Featuring brightly decorated floats, marching samba bands and a host of beautifully dressed dancers. The event rolls across the island throughout the course of February – with the biggest celebrations taking place in the oldest resort of Puerto del Carmen and the capital city of Arrecife.
Iron Man hits the island in late May. This event is widely regarded as one of the toughest triathlons the world. As over 1000 super fit contestants battle it out over a course comprising a 3km swim, followed by a 180km bike ride – all topped off with a full marathon. The top 60 entrants win a slice of the prize money and a coveted slot in the Grand Final in Hawaii. Although plenty of entrants never even make it to the finishing line such is the gruelling nature of this competition.
Many music lovers plan their visit around the Jazz Canarias festival in July. Which in previous years has featured some of the leading emerging talents of this genre. Such as the prodigious young jazz bassist Esperanza Spalding and the guitarist Kyle Eastwood –offspring of the famous actor Clint Eastwood.
Bookings for holiday apartments in Lanzarote rise again during September. When the annual Costa Musica Festival takes place on the beach at Playa Bastian in the resort of Costa Teguise. Featuring an eclectic mix of live dance acts and DJ´s from across Europe.
The island of Lanzarote in the Canarian archipelago at first glance may not seem to have the best of green credentials. But there are a number of ways in which it beats other destinations hands down for holidaymakers looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
To begin with, its location only four hours flight from the United Kingdom means that it is half the distance and therefore half the fuel consumption, of the Caribbean. And it can vie with tropical islands for all year round good weather, with an average of only twenty days rainfall per annum and day time temperatures of approximately 20º Celsius even in mid winter.
The year round sunshine that it enjoys means that solar panels are used widely across the resorts and in residential homes. Many holiday villas in Lanzarote have their swimming pools heated by panels on the roof, whilst some even derive their internal power from this source as well.
Wind turbines have been in use on Lanzarote since the mid 1990’s and contribute approximately thirty percent of the island’s power needs. These giant turbines make good use of the prevailing winds as they blow in from the Atlantic Ocean. And local residents often choose smaller turbines for domestic use for the same reason.
But it isn’t just power generation that makes Lanzarote an environmentally sound tourist destination. As the island has also developed its resorts and attractions in ways that minimise the impact on the scenery and surroundings thanks to the vision and resourcefulness of the internationally renowned artist and architect Cesar Manrique.
For all these reasons, holidays in Lanzarote often make visitors feel they are returning to the past. Where white washed villages and towns bear none of the ugly scars such as high-rise buildings and advertising hoardings that can be readily found elsewhere. And Lanzarote apartments rise no taller than a palm tree.
Further details about available Lanzarote holidays can be found on the Lanzarote1.com website.
Lanzarote is a popular holiday island, located in the Canaries. Which are the seven strong Spanish owned island group situated off the coast of West Africa. On the same line of longitude as parts of Mexico and the Bahamas. Enabling visitors to enjoy great weather whatever the time of the year. These favourable climatic conditions have earned the Canaries the position of one of the most visited destinations in Spain. With Lanzarote – the most easterly of the islands - welcoming well over 1.5 million foreign arrivals on their holidays in Lanzarote during the course of last year alone.
So lets check out a little more about the island and island life to see why holidays in Lanzarote never fails to be such a popular choice and choosing one of the many Lanzarote villas that the island has to offer is becoming an increasingly popular private accommodation choice for holiday makers and tourists.
Lanzarote is very different from the other islands in the Canaries. As they are all greener and more lush, whilst Lanzarote is dry and barren. Which can be attributed to the fact that Lanzarote experiences very little in the way of rainfall and has a very arid terrain created by volcanic eruptions over 250 years ago.
This volcanic region – called Timanfaya - was declared a national park back in 1974 – and dominates the island’s interior. It’s also the most popular sight on Lanzarote thanks to its incredible lunar like scenery. Which in the past has earned the region a number of starring roles in major movie productions. Most recently Broken Embraces starring Penelope Cruz, the latest release from Spanish director Pedro Almodovar.
There are lots of different accommodation choices available to holidaymakers here. With the island offering everything from cheap apartments through to luxury Lanzarote villas and hotels. Most of which can be found in the main resorts such as Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen. With a growing selection available across the countryside too as demand for rural accommodation grows.
As well as the volcanic region Lanzarote is a real beach lover’s paradise, home to about 90 fine stretches of sand. The best of which can be found outside the main resorts in locations such as Famara and Arrieta. Both of which are still unspoiled coastal villages.
Lanzarote was unfairly dubbed Lanzagrotty by Michael Palin during the 1970´s. But this epithet couldn’t be further from the truth. As the island offers a wealth of cultural attractions. With over a dozen museums – such as the fascinating house musem the Palacio Spinola in Teguise. Which provides an insight into the life of an 18th century island merchant. Along with the many works of the local artist César Manrique. Who famously fought for the controlled development of tourism on the island of his birth.
Lanzarote is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Canaries. And boasts three main resorts – along with the emerging Millionaires Marina at Puerto Calero. Which now boasts a couple of luxurious hotels as well as a host of good quality restaurants and shops.
Each of these resorts has a unique identity and offers a number of different attractions. Whilst also offering plenty of accommodation options – with a variety of Lanzarote villas, apartments and hotels available for visitors to stay in.
So lets investigate some of the favourite resort desinations renowned for a wide selection of Lanzarote villas.
Puerto del Carmen
Puerto del Carmen started life as La Tiñosa before becoming Lanzarote´s most popular holiday destination during the 1970´s. Thanks to an abundance of good value holiday apartment complexes… Accommodation choices have evolved along with the resort and visitors can now select from a wide range of hotels and holiday villas too.
Puerto del Carmen is popular choice for both couples and families alike. As it offers great nightlife and a huge concentration of bars and restaurants. As well as safe beaches for kids and loads of family attractions. Such as the Rancho Texas Theme Park and Rancho A Caballo. Where children can enjoy riding donkeys and camels.
Situated just fifteen minutes north of Lanzarote´s international airport at Arrecife Costa Teguise was initially designed as the island’s upmarket resort. And during the 1980´s it proved very successful at attracting moneyed visitors from countries such as Germany, Sweden and Denmark.
However its sheen has faded a little since then. Partly due to the development of Playa Blanca in the south of the island. Which has snatched the slot of number 2 destination away over recent years. However Costa Teguise remains an attractive holiday hot spot – boasting wide avenues and a spacious open plan feel. Whilst the resort is also home to some great beaches, such as the main stretch of sand at Playa Cucharas.
Playa Blanca
Last but not least Playa Blanca was developed during the 1990´s and offers a winning combination of great weather and fantastic beaches. Allied with an excellent selection of hotels and holiday villas.
The resort is dominated by a sea front promenade that unites the three main beaches of Playa Dorada, Playa Flamingo and Playa Blanca (from which the resort takes its name). Whilst the striking set of bays and coves of Papagayo are around a twenty minute walk from the town centre.