Despite the credit crunch and weakening pound travel companies and tour operators are still expecting an upsurge in winter sun bookings this year. Thanks in no small part to the dismal summer - which has left many sun starved Brits desperate to get away.
The seven specks of Spain that make up the Canary Islands are the only genuine European Winter Sun option. With a four hour flying time making them the closest destination to the UK. And whilst some of the larger islands are still shaking off a slightly downmarket image the most easterly link in the chain – Lanzarote – offers a cool combination of breathtaking natural beauty, over 90 beaches and some of the most unique tourist attractions imaginable. Along with temperatures that regularly climbs high as 27c – even in the depths of December and January.
Winter Sun Temperatures
Lanzarote is located just off the coast of the Western Sahara – around seventy miles from Africa. And as a result enjoys something of a desert climate. Which in winter time means warm days but much cooler nights. A difference that is noticeable as soon as the sun falls – which is at around 6pm at the earliest.
The bulk of tourists will be visiting the island over the Christmas and New Year period. When thy can expect to enjoy a maximum average temperature of around 21c – with around seven hours of sunshine daily.
Rainfall on the island is minimal but sea temperatures at that time of year can border on chilly – as the island is surrounded by the Atlantic, a much cooler body of water than the Med.
Hot Spots
Playa Blanca in the south of the island boasts the best micro climate on the island. As well as the best selection of hotels and holiday villas in Lanzarote. The difference in temperature between this resort and say Costa Teguise in the north can be dramatic. So anyone planning a winter break on the island would be well advised to factor this into their choice of resort.
Accommodation
Holiday apartments in Lanzarote are a popular option for visitors staying in Lanzarote´s most popular resort, Puerto del Carmen. This was the spot where a small fishing village called La Tiñosa slowly transformed into the first resort on the island. And it was developed with apartments at the core of the blueprint. With ony a couple of hotels servicing the resort.
Hail Cesar
Much of Lanzarote´s attraction is attributable to an island born artist and architect called Cesar Manrique. Who fought to save his beloved home from burial beneath a sea of high rise hotels as tourism started to take off on the island in the 1970´s.
Thanks to Manrique´s influence all high rise constructions were banned, advertising hoardings were outlawed and the main tourist resorts carefully contained. Leaving the island largely as nature intended.
Natural Wonders
For such a small island Lanzarote is big on attractions. The island was subjected to the worlds longest ever volcanic eruption back in the 1730´´s – lasting some six years. And the Timanfaya Volcano Park is now Lanzarote´s number one tourist attraction – drawing nearly 1 million visitors annually.
The Green Lagoon at El Golfo, the incredible beaches at Famara and Papagayo and the lush valley of 1000 Palms in the North of the island are also must see natural attractions for anyone visiting Lanzarote.
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September 12th, 2008 at 3:17 am
Have just booked a holiday in Lanzerote 1st week of December, so this article is a good encouraging read.
The only thing I’m worried about is whether or not Monarch Airlines will go under before then, as quite a few seem to be in trouble with no warning!
September 12th, 2008 at 7:26 am
Yes - all a bit unsettling with the charter airline situation at the moment. Let’s hope the XL Airways situation proves to be a one-off. Hope you have a terrific holiday.
September 12th, 2008 at 7:34 am
I think Monarch are better placed than some of the smaller operators to weather the storm. Last I heard trhey were in fact increasing th number of lfights to Lanzarote this winter.