Posts Tagged ‘Lanzarote’
Canary Island Winter Breaks
As the summer season comes to and end across Europe there’s one southern outpost where the sun continues to shine. Although in fairness Lanzarote – and the rest of the Canaries – are in fact located many hundreds of miles south of the Iberian Peninsula and mainland Europe, off the coast of Africa. Whilst retaining European Union membership as part of Spain.
Here the holiday season extends for a full twelve months of the year. And despite the recent economic downturn thousands of tourists will be booking holidays in Lanzarote and the Canaries this autumn. As the region remains the second most visited destination in Spain after Catalonia.
The journey time to the islands is also an important plus factor. With flights at a bearable four hours. Shorter than any competing mid-haul destination such as Egypt. And usually at much cheaper prices too – thanks to growing completion on the route between low cost flight operators such as Ryanair and easyJet. With both airlines offering cheap flights to Lanzarote this winter from all major airports in Britain.
So what can visitors expect from their winter holidays on these volcanic islands? On Lanzarote the temperature usually remains in the early 20´s Celsius – even during the darkest days of December. With very little rainfall and plenty of sunshine hours. The sun doesn’t set here until 6pm at the earliest either. Making it a great destination for those who hate the dark winter afternoons of the UK.
Tourists have been visiting Lanzarote for over forty years now so standards of accommodation on the island are high. Encompassing every type of option from studio apartments in the main resorts through to boutique hotels in the countryside. Many tourists in the UK now prefer to build their own breaks online – which has resulted in an increase in demand for Lanzarote holiday villas and apartments over the last few years.
Because of the increase in visitors looking for Lanzarote apartments and villas is good news for travellers to the island as accommodation owners have had to ensure that clients requirements are met, and those extras and traditional add ons are now included in the price.
Which is the best resort on the island during the winter months? That title has to go to Playa Blanca – located right at the southern tip of Lanzarote. Which enjoys the best microclimate on the island – whilst also boasting a great selection of beaches, such as Papagayo which is just a fifteen minute walk from the centre of the resort. Along with Playa Dorada, Playa Flamingo and Playa Blanca – which are all located within the resort itself. The island’s leading tourist attraction of the Timanfaya National Park is also just fifteen minutes drive for anyone who tires of relaxing in the sunshine.
The island is a exceptionally well visitied year round holiday island with a good choice of holiday resorts. Follow the links for even more information about Playa Blanca villas in particular or other Lanzarote villas and apartments.
Choose Lanzarote Villas and Apartments for the Best Holiday Experience
More and more holiday makers from across the UK, Ireland, Germany, Spain and elsewhere are discovering the dramatic yet serene beauty that forms a backdrop to the main holiday resorts on Lanzarote. It is now the Canary Island’s second most popular island after Tenerife, which to be fair is also a lot bigger as an island.
Most people will choose to stay in villas in Lanzarote, with villas in Playa Blanca particularly popular. This also applies to Costa Teguise, which also has a good range of all inclusive hotels, and is also renowned for water sports. Costa Teguise is located very near to the capital, Arrecife, and the airport.
Apartments in Lanzarote are also a very popular type of accommodation, and there are many in Puerto del Carmen, also quite near to the airport. Puerto del Carmen is well known for its ’strip’, the Avenida de las Playas, which at 6 kilometres long, hosts many of the bars, restaurants and night clubs in the town. Here you can party until 6 am. Despite this, Puerto del Carmen is also very popular with families and older people as well. Many have been holidaying here for over 20 years.
There are many attractions and places to visit all over Lanzarote, and all can be easily reached from your Lanzarote villa or apartment. The most famous is the Parque Nacional de Timanfaya, where the heat of the still-active (but dormant!) volcano is used to cook at the Restaurant that is at the heart of the visitor centre. You can take an escorted coach ride around the park, and enjoy a fascinating narration about the last eruption of the volcano in the 17th century.
However, for many people it will be the beaches that attract them to Lanzarote. They are truly spectacular, especially around Papagayo and Playa Blanca in the South, and at Caleta de Famara, in the wider North west of the island. The main resort beaches at Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca are very safe for bathing.
For the best in villas in Lanzarote and apartments in Lanzarote, visit the All Things Lanzarote website, which is packed full of information about the main holiday destinations on Lanzarote, as well as places to go on the island.
Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote: Holidays to Suit Just About Everyone
Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote has been an established resort for well over 40 years now. Like so many areas of mainland Spain, it developed from its origins as a fishing village mainly in response to the upsurge in popularity for package holidays in the Canary Islands. There is now a wide range of older and newer holiday villas in Puerto del Carmen, as well as holiday apartments and hotels. In fact, the town itself is undergoing something of a facelift currently, with a central feature being a more pedestrian friendly main thoroughfare. This is due to be completed well in time for the main summer holiday season in 2010.
Compared to other towns in Lanzarote, the scale of what is availble in Puerto del Carmen is very large. This applies especially to the beaches (the Spanish name is ‘Playas’), and the main road that connects them, the Avenida de las Playas. Also known as ‘the strip’, this extends for some 6 kilometres, from the Old Town to the South, to Matagorda (nearest the airport and capital Arrecife) at the northern end. This length is just right, in fact, because four complete laps of the Avenida constitutes the route of the marathon stage of the annual Lanzarote Ironman Triathlon.
The Lanzarote Ironman absorbs the whole of Puerto del Carmen and its population (holiday and permanent residents) for an entire weekend in late May each year. The Avenida de las Playas not only plays host to the road race, hospitality, changing and first aid tents, but also some 5,000 racing bikes that the runners have to park up whilst they run the marathon – by the way, this is AFTER cycling a complete lap of the island for 5 hours in the heat of the day. No wonder they are referred to as Ironmen and women!
Puerto del Carmen beaches are very safe for bathing, with a gentle gradient into the water, and they well patrolled by lifeguards. No doubt this is one reason why it is such a popular family holiday destination. Because of the length of the beaches, they rarely get over crowded, even in the peak summer holiday weeks. You can hire parasols and loungers for the day, and choose from a wide variety of bars and restaurants on the main Avenida immediately across the road from the beach. Jet ski and other boat hire is readily available directly on the beach as well, so there is plenty to keep all ages entertained.
Nightlife is a big part of the attraction of Puerto del Carmen to younger people, and this again centres on the Avenida de las Playas. There is a wide choice of restaurants with cuisines of all types represented, and you can find something for all budgets as well. The bars and clubs often stay open until 6 in the morning – so if this is a problem for you, try choosing accommodation that is away from the Avenida. You will probably be fine in the Old Town and near the harbour, for example.
Of course many people will not want to spend their entire holidays on the beach or at the poolside. If this applies to you, you may want to explore some of the nearby attractions. If your thing is golf, there is now a long and interesting course at nearby Tias. A handicap certificate is not required here, and especially if you plan to play on a weekday, you probably won’t find the course over busy. You will, however, enjoy fantastic views of the Atlantic from most parts of the course. Buggies and clubs can be hired here, so it is not essential to take your own.
More sedate views can be experienced at Puerto Calero, 5 kilometres to the South of Puerto del Carmen, and easily reached by taxi. Puerto Calero has an upmarket marina, with many beautiful boats on display, and a good range of designer boutiques and shops, as well as several excellent restaurants. There is also the Museo de Cetaceos de Canarias (whale and dolphin museum) which is a very popular family attraction. In fact, one of the big benefits of staying in Puerto del Carmen is the ease of getting anywhere on the island – it is really never more than 30 minutes by road from any of the island’s other attractions.
In terms of holiday accommodation in Puerto del Carmen, there is a wide choice. Because the town slopes down to the sea, this has encouraged the development of holiday apartments in Puerto del Carmen itself, but there are also many high specification villas in Puerto del Carmen and the surrounding areas just outside the town. For those preferring a more formal environment (or as much formal as you get in Lanzarote!), there are also many good hotels in Puerto del Carmen, again to suit all budgets.
In summary, Puerto del Carmen is a big resort, with big aspirations to match. It fully intends to retain its position as Lanzarote’s number one resort, even with stiff competition from newer resorts such as Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise.
John Spire writes for All Things Lanzarote, an information web site about Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. The site contains extensive details about villas in Puerto del Carmen, apartments in Puerto del Carmen, plus things to do, and places to go in and around the town.
Holiday Villas in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote: Ideal Winter Holiday
Playa Blanca, Lanzarote has enjoyed a second to none reputation as an ideal family holiday resort for many years. Located at the southern tip of Lanzarote, it enjoys the best weather on the island – and all year round as well, thus making Playa Blanca an ideal winter holiday destination as well.
The addition of many new flights from the UK since October 2009, thanks to Monarch, Aer Lingus and Ryanair, has seen a reduction in travelling costs to Lanzarote, and this helped to increase travellers to Lanzarote by 31% in October 2009 compared to the October 2008.
Playa Blanca has developed from its original fishing village roots, to become a thriving family resort, based around the development of high quality, luxury holiday villas and accommodation. There is also a wide choice of good quality restaurants to suit all budgets.
Playa Blanca offers beautiful views all around it. Out to sea, there is a spectacular view of Fuerteventura and Lobos, the two neighbouring islands. In the other direction, the mountains of Timanfaya and Femes provide a spectacular backdrop to this beautiful resort.
Playa Blanca also boasts some of the best beaches on Lanzarote, which are generally very safe. They include several at Papagayo at the northern end of Playa Blanca, Playa Dorada (close to the stylish Marina Rubicon with its designer boats and yachts), the Town Beach, and Playa Flamingo at the southern end. In between, there is also the old port of Playa Blanca, from which ferries travel to and from Fuerteventura.
Many consider that the best way to enjoy a family holiday in Playa Blanca is at one of the luxury villas that have been built around the town. These range in size from 2 bedroomed, semi-detached villas that are close to the centre, to much larger 4 to 5 bedroomed properties with games rooms and hot tub/jacuzzis. Some of these developments can be seen ranging up the sides on Montana Roja, as you travel south from the town towards the lighthouse and Faro Park which marks the southernmost tip of the resort. Many villas in this area enjoy stunning views of the Bocaina Straits, as well as the neighbouring islands of Fuerteventura and Lobos.
There are a number of Lanzarote specialist villa agencies, who tend to be more knowledgeable than the more international villa advertising sites. They can always help with advice about locations, the need for a car, local attractions, and so on, as well as also often knowing a lot about the individual properties themselves.
What more could you want from a family holiday resort? Try booking a villa in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, when you plan your next family holiday.
Miles Couchman is Editor and Owner of All Things Lanzarote, a travel information site dedicated to the island of Lanzarote. The site includes a big section on villas in Playa Blanca Lanzarote, that are available for holiday rental, including many in Playa Blanca, as well as a great range of hotels in Lanzarote.
The Best Areas for Holiday Villas in Playa Blanca. Lanzarote
Playa Blanca is situated on the southern tip of Lanzarote, and enjoys the best weather and beaches on the island. No surprise, then, that it has become a huge draw for many families, with holidaymakers coming from the UK, Ireland, Germany and mainland Spain.
The enormous increase in the popularity of Playa Blanca has led to a big increase in the building of holiday villas, as well as residential complexes (known locally as residencias), over the past 10 years. Many families prefer the freedom and facilities of self catering in these villas, many of which have their own private pools, so we thought this was a good time to provide a brief review of the various areas of Playa Blanca to help you choose the best area to stay for your next holiday there.
In summary, Playa Blanca can be seen as three main areas, as you travel from the North of the resort to the South:
Marina Rubicon, a relatively new marina development that is also quite close to the National Park of Papagayo
Playa Blanca Central: villas in this area give easy access on foot to three excellent beaches, plus the whole town with its wide range of shops, bars and restaurants
Montana Roja: at the southern end of Playa Blanca, and comprising many of the newest and most luxurious villa developments.
Marina Rubicon area: the Marina is only been built for 5 years, but has quickly become well established thanks to occupation by a good choice of high quality designer shops and restaurants. Marina Rubicon is upmarket with a capital U. Holiday villas in Marina Rubicon and the areas close by provide a choice from good standard duplexes to 3 or 4 bedroom luxury villas with their own pool. There is also a good range of apartments even closer to the Marina, many with balconies and a view of the boats.
Playa Blanca (Central): choose from town centre apartments, some of which enjoy beautiful views of the sea and neighbouring islands, or from some excellent villa developments within easy walking distance, most of which have full tourist licenses. Some of the better known names include Las Casitas, Las Brisas, Casas del Sol, and Puerto Chico. Many of these were built in the early days of Playa Blancas development as a resort, around the mid 1980s. The villas tend to be slightly smaller and semi detached, and share a communal pool. Nevertheless, they are very well managed and equipped, and very popular, since the town, beaches, port and many bars and restaurants are all within easy walking distance.
Montana Roja: like the Marina Rubicon area, much of Montana Rojas development has happened since 2000, spreading around the base of the mountain, on the two easternmost ocean view sides of it. A plan is also in place for a golf course on the currently undeveloped sides of Montana Roja in the future. There are many holiday villa developments around Montana Roja; some of the most popular are Parque del Rey, Vista Lobos, Carlos Park, Atlantic Gardens, together with the villas in Faro Park that sub divide further under the names of Finisterre, La Goleta, Carabela and Los Alisios.
The emergence of all of these villas in Playa Blanca, and around it, have put pressure on the facilities offered in the town, but the Ayuntamiento de Yaiza (the local authority responsible for Playa Blanca) has worked hard in recent years to improve and expand on the facilities. As a result, holidays in Playa Blanca have remained very popular despite the recession.
Lanzarote Budget Breaks
Despite the current economic climate and the depreciation of sterling against the euro the small Spanish island of Lanzarote, in the Canaries, expects to welcome well over one million tourists during the course of 2009. With British and Irish holiday makers comprising the largest contingents of visitors.
This is great news for the tourists visiting the island as there are some great deals to be had on Lanzarote Villas and holiday apartments in Lanzarote.
Last year Lanzarote welcomed just over 1.5 million tourists. But this figure is sure to fall during 2009. As arrivals have already dropped by around 20%, during the first quarter of this year, according to AENA, the Spanish airport authority. But for many in the UK and Eire a domestic break can be just as expensive, if not more so. And still offers no real guarantee of sunshine.
Self catering holidays on islands such as Lanzarote can in fact work out to be very affordable. The cost of a weeks stay in many Lanzarote apartments for example starts at around €170 per week. And this is the price per room, rather than per person. Those looking for a really good accommodation deal should search for apartments in Puerto del Carmen. As Lanzarote´s biggest resort offers the largest range of choice, boasting hundreds of complexes.
Accommodation is available in both the New and Old Towns – both popular holiday locations in their own right. Offering good facilities, such as swimming pools and maid service at highly competitive prices. Puerto del Carmen has also enjoyed a recent revamp, with a new marina nearing completion in the Old Town Harbour area. Whilst the main beachfront strip, the Avenida de las Playas has been partly pedestrians. Making it a for more pleasant place to stroll.
For those who prefer more space and a private pool there are lots of good quality Lanzarote villas available for rent in all locations right across the island.Expect to pay from €400 upwards for a standard two bedroom villa with swimming pool. With many owners offering deals on their villas in Playa Blanca for early bookings. As competition for business intensifies in the islands southernmost resort due to an over supply of property there.
Playa Blanca is an ideal location for a break in the sun. Not least as it enjoys the best microclimate on the island. And is also home to some of Lanzarote´s finest beaches – such as the set of coves at Papagayo, which are just fifteen minutes walk from the town centre. Along with Playa Dorada and Playa Flamingo in the heart of the resort itself.
Visitors to the Canary Islands will get a warm welcome and have a fantastic holiday regardless of their choice of destination.
Lanzarote Travel Tips
Despite the current economic difficulties the holiday island of Lanzarote still expects to welcome more than one million foreign visitors during the course of 2009. The majority of them from the UK. As the island remains a top destination with tourists. Much to the delight of the many thousands of overseas owners of holiday apartments in Lanzarote.
Fortunately most families still refuse to cut their annual vacations even if money is tight.
The Canarian archipelago, which consists of a total of seven islands, is a mere four hours away from the UK by plane. And some of the best known budget airlines fly there, such as Jet 2 and Thomas Cook.which means you can usually get a flight for as little as £200 round trip. 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 guidebook website for the very latest availability of villas in Lanzarote. If you fancy a holiday home of your own you can also find some great information about property in Lanzarote there too.
Lanzarote Accommodation – Choosing The Right Resort
The small Canary Island of Lanzarote has been welcoming tourists for over forty years. And as a result offers a whole raft of high quality holiday accommodation options. Encompassing everything from small studio apartments through to top end luxury villas and luxurious five star hotels. In locations across the island.
Lanzarote holiday villas as with the rest of the Canary Islands can be found to suit all budgetary requirements which makes the Canaries a very popular destination.
Puerto del Carmen is the best spot for anyone searching for holiday apartments in Lanzarote. As the resort boasts the highest concentration of complexes of any destination on the island. With the bulk concentrated in the New Town area. Which is clustered around the main beachfront thoroughfare – the Avdenida de las Playas. Which runs for some 6km right through the heart of the resort and parallel with the main beach – Playa Grande.
Puerto del Carmen is Lanzarote´s oldest and most popular resort. And is currently undergoing a real transformation. As island authorities are investing millions of euros to improve facilities and amenities in order to ensure that Puerto del Carmen remains competitive for decades to come. As newer destinations such as Dubai and Egypt start to vie for the attention of British tourists.
Despite it´s popularity Puerto del Carmen is serviced by only two main Lanzarote hotels. The San Antonio and the Los Fariones. With the bulk of this type of accommodation located in the southern resort of Playa Blanca. Which boasts a strip of new four and five star establishments along the seafront – all offering very reasonable room rates.
Playa Blanca makes for an ideal holiday destination – especially during the winter months. As the resort enjoys the best weather and climate on Lanzarote. Thanks to its location at the southern tip of the island just across the Bocaina Straits from the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura. Playa Blanca is also a relatively young resort – having only evolved over the last ten years. Which means that most amenities are still virtually brand new.
Playa Blanca also boasts the highest concentration of holiday villas in Lanzarote. As unlike the older resorts on the island these were integrated into the development blueprint from the word go. Some of the best of these properties are located in and round the Rubicon Marina – providing an atmospheric backdrop for a relaxed holiday on the island.
As well as good quality accommodation Lanzarote also boasts a host of
interesting tourist attractions. Such as the Timanafaya Volcano Park, the green lagoon at El Golfo, The Valley of 1000 Palms and the Cactus Garden. Fortunately the island is small, which makes sightseeing very manageable. And car hire in Lanzarote is also relatively cheap – making touring the island affordable too.
For more detailed information about Lanzarote villas visit the holiday villas in Lanzarote website