Lanzarote has long been a hot favourite with British tourists ever since tourism first took off here back in the 1970´s.  Today the island welcomes about 1.6 million visitors per year with about 60% of them flying in from airports across the UK. The island is also very popular with German, Irish and Spanish tourists too.  Not least as accommodation here is much cheaper than in other winter sun destinations such as the Caribbean.  With Lanzarote villas and hotels starting from as little as €450 per week.

There are plenty of ways to book your accommodation online these days too thanks to the internet and a host of villa rental sites to choose from.  www.holidayvillasinlanzarote.co.uk offers over 250 properties to rent across the island, ranging from a yak herders yurt (located on an eco finca in Arrieta) through to more conventional options such as luxury villas in the main resorts.

Wherever tourists choose to stay they will find that Lanzarote boasts loads of things to do and see.  The island is famed for its barren volcanic landscape, forged by the fires of hundreds of volcanoes which erupted during a six year spell in the 1730´s.  Leaving about a quarter of the island looking like it has been drowned in a sea of lava.  These eruptions were so recent in geological terms that this is probably the most pristine volcanic terrain on the planet and really does look like another world altogether.

A local artist called Cesar Manrique married these landscapes with his own artistry to create a series of amazing visitor attractions around Lanzarote, such as the Jameos del Agua and his own home and studio in Tahiche, now the Cesar Manrique Foundation.  Both of which were built on bubbles in the lava flow.  Manrique also oversaw the development of the Mirador del Rio which grants visitors amazing views of the neighbouring island of La Graciosa.

During the winter months the temperatures on Lanzarote usually reach at least 22 degrees, making it plenty warm enough to enjoy a day on the beach or lounging by the pool should you tire of sightseeing.  And there are lots of great restaurants to explore come nightfall, especially in and around the main holiday resorts.

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Lanzarote Guidebook is published every quarter by long term island residents and it provides visitors with the real inside track.  Great meals out are obviously an important part of the holiday experience for many tourists and the Spring issue of this in depth island guide provides loads of suggestions for great places to eat when visitors are out and about exploring the island.  As well as an introduction to Canarian cuisine and the island’s leading bodegas.

Lanzarote welcomes around 1.4 million visitors a year – the majority of them from the UK.  And Lanzarote Guidebook caters to the growing trend for independen travel.  As more and more holidaymakers book their own flights to Lanzarote and accommodation direct online.

The new Spring issue of Lanzarote Guidebook has been enlarged to 108 pages and comes in handy pocket sized format which makes it easy to carry when out and about.  It can be downloaded on line free of charge or picked up from a number of distribution points on the island.  Such as Lanzarote car hire offices and the tourist information offices in all of the main holiday resorts.  It´s also possible to order a copy for delivery direct to your door in the UK or Eire for the price of postage and packing.

A well as the new Food and Drink section the latest issue of Lanzarote Guidebook is packed with all of the information tourists need to get the most out of their holidays on this unique volcanic island.  The Agenda section flags up the best upcoming events, such as the street festival Malpais 2011 which gets underway this week in the island capital of Arrecife.  And there’s an in depth introduction to the work of the local island artist Cesar Manrique.  Along with guides and maps to all of the main resorts and towns on the island, information about the best beaches to enjoy and museums to visit and a handy Essentials section which outlines all of the holiday basics.  From changing money to hiring cars.  Visitors to the Lanzarote Guidebook website can also book their own accommodation, such as apartments and hotels in Lanzarote direct online.

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Much like the Red Sea resorts Lanzarote enjoys great weather all year round and welcomes millions of tourists from across Northern Europe as a result.  Many of them flying in from the UK.  Thanks to the introduction of cheap flights to Lanzarote from budget carriers such as easyJet and Ryanair.

Around half of all British visitors book villas in Lanzarote rather than hotels.  As the trend for private self catering accommodation on the island continues to grow apace.  Many of the best villas are located in and around the two main resorts of Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen.  Which can both be found on the islands tranquil south east coast.

The quality of villa accommodation on the island is high, especially in Puerto del Carmen.  Where many of the properties occupy a large amount of land and boast their own private swimming pools.  Puerto del Carmen also enjoys the advantage of being close to the sole island airport at Arrecife, which is just a ten minute drive away.

Playa Blanca is a little further by car, around half an hour.  But it’s well worth the effort as this fast growing resort is a real jewel.  There are some splendid beaches here as well as loads for visitors to do and see.  Not least as the island’s main attraction of the Timanfaya National Park is right on the doorstep.  Car hire in Lanzarote is cheap so it’s well worth getting out and taking in the key sights such as this.

During the course of last year around 1.4 million tourists enjoyed a break on Lanzarote and that figure is expected to rise this year by around 10%.  Thanks in part to the crisis in the Middle East but also as a result of the recovery in the economies of countries such as the UK and Germany, Lanzarote’s two main tourist markets.

Already this year hotels have reported increased occupancy levels of around 8%, whilst many local villa companies are also reporting an upsurge in bookings for their rental properties.

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Lanzarote is the fourth largest of these islands and can be found just 80 miles away from the West African coastline of Morocco.  With a population of around 140,000 residents that is augmented very month by about 100,000 tourist visitors – the majority of them from the UK.  British guests increasingly opt for rental accommodation over hotels – and as a result demand for good quality Lanzarote holiday villas for rent has really risen over the last five years.  In tandem with advances in internet coverage in the UK which enables tourist to book both their own accommodation and flights online without recourse to a travel agent.

During the winter months the bulk of these visitors will beheading for the two more southerly resorts on Lanzarote – Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca.  Which is also where the bulk of the best villa accommodation can be found, along with the best of the weather.

Puerto del Carmen is just a short transfer from the airport at Arrecife and is the largest and oldest resort on the island.  It is dived into the New Town and Old Town zones – although in truth neither of these date back much more than fifty years.  With the Old Town home to most of the best villas in Puerto del Carmen.  Whilst the New town is more the preserve of apartment complexes and hotels.  There are plenty of fabulous beaches in Puerto del Carmen for tourists to enjoy, as well as an abundance of bars, restaurants and clubs.  Making this the spot to head for if you fancy a livelier winter break.

Playa Blanca is located further to the south than Puerto del Carmen and is a much newer resort. Having evolved from its former incarnation as a fishing village as recently as the 1980´s.  Holiday villas in Playa Blanca tend to be a little cheaper to rent than in Puerto del Carmen, reflecting the fact that there are simply more of these properties here for tourists to select from.

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Lanzarote remains hot all year round as it is located close to the tropic of cancer and the coast of Africa.  As a result the mercury here rarely falls below 20 degrees and the sun shines all year round.  Making this hot little island a real favourite with sun seekers from cross Europe. 

The UK is Lanzarote´s biggest source of visitors and there are lots of cheap flights to Lanzarote available online via sites such as Skyscanner and Netflights.  Outside of peak seasons it is possible top pick up returns from as little as €100.  Which is less than it costs to take a train from London to Manchester on most days of the week!

Accommodation on the island is also very good value.  With apartments and villas in Lanzarote available from as little as €180 per week.  Rising to €1000 per week for luxury villa properties with multiple bedrooms and private heated swimming pools.  There are also over 200 hotels on the island to choose from – with no less than six five star options for those in search of some serious pampering.

The bulk of this accommodation can be found in the two main resorts on the island, which are Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca.  Tourists can also opt for the resort of Costa Teguise in the north – but the weather here is not as reliable as it down south during the winter months.  And there are also lots of chic rural hotels in the countryside.

Arguably the main reason for visiting Lanzarote is to enjoy the wonderful weather and there are loads of beaches where tourists can soak up the sun here, closet to 100 in fact.  The north of the island boasts the huge bay at Famara but this is more the preserve of surfers during the winter months.  So head instead for the coves and bay of Papagayo in the south.  A set of all natural beaches with great golden sands and wonderful views to the island of Fuerteventura.

Lanzarote is also home to some spectacular volcanic scenery that was all created by eruptions around 300 years ago.  This isn’t a huge time lapse in terms of volcanic activity and as a result erosion has had little chance to alter the pristine lava fields.  Which are so dramatic in appearance that they have been used as backdrop for numerous science fiction films over the years.

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Eat Out At The Devils Diner

Watch your food being cooked by the heat of a volcano!  Lanzarote is home to some of the most pristine volcanic scenery on the planet.  Created as recently as the 1730´s.  Don’t worry as there is no imminent danger of an eruption.  But the temperatures just beneath the surface of the earth in the volcanic regions still reach up to 400 degrees C.  Take a tour of the park and finish off with some volcanic barbecued chicken.

Castaway at Papagayo

As you´d expect on a holiday island there are a lots of great beaches on Lanzarote.  But the real jewel in the crown can be found in the south of the island close to the resort of Playa Blanca.  Where visitors can explore seven seperate coves which are collectively known as Papagayo, which means parrot in Spanish.  Hope from beach to beach throughout the day.

Discover the Magic of Manrique

Modern day Lanzarote has been firmly shaped by the local artist Cesar Manrqiue.  His influence is everywhere, with his wind toys adorning roundabouts and his seven centres of at and culture still ranking as the most popular attractions on the island.

Manrique also fought during the 1970´s and 80´s for controlled tourist development and won a number of notable victories.  Such as securing a ban on high rise buildings.  Visit his former home at the Cesar Manrique Foundation find out more about the man and his influence on Lanzarote.

Wonderful Wine Routes

Wines from Lanzarote and the Canaries where very popular in Europe during the 16^th and 17^th centuries.  The sweet grape variety Malvasia was cultivated across the islands and exported tot eh courts of Europe.  William Shakespeare was a big fan – and name checked the wine in a number of his best know works.  Although it is possible that he had a vested interest – as he enjoyed an annual stipend of 365 gallons of Malvasia wine as part of his role as poet laureate.

Live Like A Film Star

Book some luxury accommodation in Lanzarote and live like a star for a week or two.  Visitors can now enjoy a stay at the former home of the Hollywood legend Omar Sharif.  Whose incredible former home located in Nazaret is now an upmarket restaurant with a couple of luxury apartments to rent.

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Lanzarote is a semi tropical island located in the Atlantic off the coast of Africa.  And along with the other six islands in the group, such as Tenerife, attracts a collective annual influx of almost ten million arrivals.  Making this one of the most popular holiday regions in all of Spain.

Of all of the Canaries Lanzarote is located closest to the African coast and has a very dry climate with little rainfall. The ideal conditions for a holiday destination.  But fortunately Lanzarote also offers much more than just sunshine alone, with loads to do and see here for tourists.  And with flights to Lanzarote  from the UK costing as little as €100 it´s child’s play to get there too.

Breathtaking Beaches

There are close to 100 beaches on Lanzarote and they are all mostly made of golden sand.  Black sand beaches are common on the other islands, but not here.  Which will please traditional beach lovers.  The best can be found at Famara, Arrieta and Papagayo.  Whilst each resort also boasts some superb stretches of sand too.

Natural Wonders

Lanzarote is home to a heap of natural beauty spots.  Such as the Valley of 1000 Palms and the Green Lagoon.  But the real star attraction is a beauty of a more unconventional stripe – as the islands main attraction are the twisted lava fields of the Timanfaya Volcano Park.  Created centuries ago by mega-eruptions which lasted for over six years.

The Timanfaya Volcano Park is open to the public seven days a week.  So book a Lanzarote hire car and head for the hills!

Cesar´s Empire

The name Cesar Manrique is virtually synonomous with Lanzarote.  And visitors will soon find out that it is impossible to tour the island without bumping into his work. As it adorns roundabouts and public spaces.  Whilst he also created the seven main tourist attractions on Lanzarote.

Amongst the most impressive are the Jameos del Agua and the Cactus Garden, which is home to one of the largest collections of cacti in the world.

Holidays in Lanzarote can be enjoyed at any time of the year.  So if you´re planning a stay-cation this summer you can also book a winter break here instead.

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Despite this though Lanzarote is in fact a Spanish posession having been first conquered as long ago as the early 1400´s.  And today the islands main business is tourism, with Lanzarote welcoming over 1.3 million tourist arrivals every year.

The bulk of these guests are heading for Puerto del Carmen – which is located just a short ten minute drive form the airport and which is where the bulk of the best accommodation can also be found.  Along with some superb blue flag beaches, an abundance of restaurants and lots of other things to do and see.

Given its size there are surprisingly few hotels in the resort with the majority of visitors staying in self catering accommodation instead.  The best villas in Puerto del Carmen are located in areas such as Los Mojones and Risco Prieto, which are both situated close to the Old Town harbour.  As well as in more outlying areas such as Los Pocillos and Matagorda.  Holiday apartments in Puerto del Carmen are also popular with travellers taking a break on a budget.  And there are hundreds of complexes in Puerto del Carmen that cater to this market.

The resort is basically split into two halves, the Old Town and the New Town.  The Old Town revolves around the harbour, from where local fishermen used to set sail daily.  But now visitors are more likely to find excursion craft here than fishing vessels.  Whilst the harbour provides an atmospheric backdrop for the many outdoor restuarants located here.

The New Town was only developed ten or so years after the Old Town so isn’t really that much more novel.  And this is where tourists will find the best beaches, such as Playa Grande, which as the name suggest is a huge and wide beach that is absolutely ideal for families.  As there are decent facilities here whilst the sea is also very calm, making bathing that much safer.

Over the last year Puerto del Carmen has received a huge inward investment from the local tourist board and over €16 million has been spent on improving the main seafront promenade and on creating a new marina.  So there really has never been a better time to visit this bustling resort.

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Lanzarote is a year round holiday destination, thanks to the fact that the island is located off the coast of Africa.  And as a result prices here aren’t hiked up during the summer months as is the case in the Balearics and along the Costas.  So ensuring that Lanzarote villas and apartments represent great value for money for anyone seeking to swap the uncertainty of the British summer for sure-fire sunshine and temperatures in the high 20´s.

British holidaymakers have been flocking to the fourth largest Canary Island ever since package holidays first took off here in the 1970s.  And today many arrivals from the UK choose to book their own accommodation direct online with the owners.  So cutting tour operators and travel companies out of the equation altogether.  Attracted by great weather, high standards of accommodation and a plethora of wonderful beaches.

Villas in Playa Blanca are perennially popular, as this fast growing resort located at the southern end of the island enjoys some of the best weather – whilst also boasting an incredible array of beaches.  Most notably the all natural set of coves at Papagayo, which are located just fifteen minutes walk from the resort centre.

Puerto del Carmen remains the engine room of the island’s tourist industry though and there are loads of good value options here for anyone looking for a place to stay.  The resort is home to a large number of apartment complexes offering studio accommodation from as little as €180 per week.  Whilst there are many excellent villas in Puerto del Carmen for tourists to choose from too.  Particularly in and around the Los Mojones and Risco Prieto areas.

Wherever visitors choose to stay they will find that this fascnating island offers much more than just sunshine and beaches alone.  There are seven centres of culture and tourism to visit, all created by the ubiquitous artist César Manrique, who was born in the island capital of Arrecife in 1919.  As well as a host of anural wonders such as the Timanfaya Volcano Park, the Valley of 1000 Palms and the green lagoon at El Golfo.

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Playa Blanca means white beach and the resort is named after the small stretch of sand which is still located in its centre.  With the destination growing up around this area during the 1990´s into the modern and bustling town of today.

Much of Playa Blanca´s attraction can be attributed to its great weather, as it tends to be warmer here than in other parts of the island to the north.  Especially during the winter months, making it a real draw for sun seekers from Northern Europe, the islands major market for tourism.  Playa Blanca is also home to a fine selection of places to stay – with plenty of four star hotels arrayed along the shoreline.  Such as the Timanafya Palace and the Princess Yaiza.

There are also plenty of good quality holiday villas in Playa Blanca for rent for those who prefer the privacy of self catering accommodation.  Most of which boast private pools along with other luxuries such as Jacuzzis and saunas.  Expect to pay upwards of €450 per week for these sort of Playa Blanca holiday villas.  And more during the peak holiday seasons.

Playa Blanca was developed after the other resorts on the island and as a result has a more modern feel.  Boasting plenty of up to date facilities and amenities.  Development here was really topped off by the creation of the Rubicon Marina, only the second luxury sports marina on the island which opened in 2003.  Creating an instant impact as it plays host to a wide selection of upmarket shops along with plenty of restaurants and a weekly market.  Making it an ideal place to enjoy a stroll or a meal out.

Beaches are high on the list of reasons why people return to Playa Blanca year after year.  There are three main beaches within the resort in the shape of Playa  Flamingo, Playa Dorada and Playa Blanca.  Whilst a twenty minutes stroll from the town centre lie the unique coves of Papagayo.  Which are basically five interlinked beaches, all with great views across to the next door island of Fuerteventura.

Tourists wishing to explore this other Canary Island can simply jump onto one of the ferries that cross the Bocaina Straits throughout the day.

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The Canaries are one of the best known volcanic holiday destinations in the world, especially for tourists travelling from Europe as these seven islands are the closest winter sun destination to the mainland.  And nowhere is the handiwork of Mother Nature more in evidence than on the island of Lanzarote.  Which is the closest to the coast of West Africa.

Eruptions here shook the island twice in recent centuries, first for a six year period during the 1730’s and then again in 1824.  Creating widespread devastation as villages and farmland were destroyed.  And carpeting around 200km square of the islands interior in a thick layer of lava.

Around the island there are other smaller lava flows in evidence too.  And it’s over one of these that a local artist called Cesar Manrique decided to build his own home and studio.  Which remains the most unusual property in Lanzarote to this day as a result.  With half of the house submerged underground.

As a result of boasting such eerie and bizarre scenery Lanzarote has become a popular location with film makers, especially from the science fiction genre.  And most recently the latest release from Warner’s, Clash of the Titans, was partly shot here.  Whilst in the past other classics such as One Million Years BC have also used Lanzarote as a backdrop.

Other popular volcanic sights on the island include the green lagoon at El Golfo, which was created by an interaction between sea water and minerals locked in a small inland lake.  Turning it a bright emerald colour.  And the unique wine fields of La Geria, where local farmers have adapted to the volcanic conditions by using chippings as a mulch for their vines.

Lanzarote is a small island which makes it easy to take in all of these incredible sights.  And car hire in Lanzarote is also very cheap by comparison with many other holiday islands.  Starting from as little as €15 per day.

The larger Canary Island of Tenerife is also ideal for anyone keen to view more volcanic activity.  As Mount Teide which dominates the island was also created by eruptions many centuries ago.

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Tourists have been enjoying holidays in Lanzarote for over forty years – ever since the island’s first hotel, the Los Fariones, opened its doors in the late 1960´s.  But the small fishing village of Playa Blanca (named after the white beach which still lies at its heart) remained untouched by tourism for decades.  Whilst resort rivals sprung up to the north.

In part this can be contributed to the fact that the island is subject to strict planning laws which carefully control development on Lanzarote.  But by the late 1980´s the villages twin attributes of great beaches and fantastic weather could be ignored by developers no longer and construction on a series of hotels and luxury villas continued.  Creating the bustling resort of Playa Blanca today.

Seen from above by tourists as they arrive by air Playa Blanca is made up of three small bays set within one much larger cove.  A topography that grants the resort plenty of protection form the Trade Winds that buffet the rest of the island from March through until August.  With each bay boasting an attractive beach at its core.

But the real sandy star is located around fifteen minutes walk from the centre of Playa Blanca.  As the set of coves at Papagayo (or parrot in Spanish) are completely natural and unspoiled and are a real beach lover’s paradise.  With visitors able to hop between different beaches with ease. 

Accommodation in the resort is of high standard – with those seeking a self catering break able to choose from a wide selection of apartments and villas in Playa Blanca.  At reasonable prices too – with a standard two bedroom villa with pool costing from around €400 per week.

There are also plenty of good quality Playa Blanca hotels to choose from too.  The most luxurious of which is the five star Gran Melia Volcan, which is located close to the exciting Rubicon Marina Development.  Home to a number of upmarket shops and Lanzarote´s branch of the famous Café del Mar.

Should tourists be able to tear themselves away from the beaches or the pool the islands number one tourist attraction, the Timanfaya National Park, is also just a short ten minute drive away.

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Lanzarote is the third most popular of the Canary Islands, after Tenerife and Gran Canaria.  Welcoming around 1.4 million foreign visitors every year – the majority from the UK, Eire and Germany.  And offers high standards of accommodation – encompassing good value hotels and plenty of self catering options.  As well as fantastic beaches and excellent year round weather. Another great accommodation option for families looking to enjoy the beach and the countryside is the option of staying in holidays parks. Holiday parks have become highly popular in the UK and Lanzarote in recent years due to the increasing number of families looking for extra activities.

The new spring edition of Lanzarote Guidebook provides visitors with all of the information they need to make the most of their holiday on the island.  Including in depth guides to all of the main resorts and attractions, along with detailed maps and tips on places to eat and visit.

Readers can also enter a competition to win a week’s stay in one of the finest holiday villas in Lanzarote.  Courtesy of local villa specialists Lanzarote1, who have been organising holidays on the island since 1988.  The competition can also be entered online – just visit the Lanzarote Guidebook website for more details.

Villa Holidays on the island have grown hugely in popularity over the last decade – in tandem with the growth of the internet.  Which enables visitors to book their own flights to Lanzarote and accommodation direct online without resorting to the services of travel agents or tour operators.  Creating an increase in demand for good quality rental properties.  Whilst the island also offers visitors much more than just lazy days by the pool alone.

The best known and most popular attraction is the Timanfaya National Park – home to over 300 volcanoes which burst from the earth during the 18^th century and which now dominate the interior of the island.  Fear not – as these are all now dormant – but the temperatures beneath the surface of the ground here still reach up to 400 degrees.  And the park attracts huge numbers of tourists – with around one million visitors a year touring Timanfaya.

The many creations of a local artist called César Manrique also top many itineraries – as this locally born artist did much to shape the development of tourism on the island whilst also saving Lanzarote from the worst ravages of over development.  He also created unique visitor attractions such as the Jameos del Agua and the Mirador del Rio – which remain amongst the most popular sights on the island to this day.

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Lanzarote is the fourth largest of the Canary Islands – the Spanish owned archipelago that is located off the coast of Africa.  And has been a popular destination ever since package tourism first took off in the 1970´s.

Today the island still represents very good value for money as flights, accommodation and car hire can all be booked here much more cheaply than on other islands such as Menorca and Ibiza.  Whilst major tour operators are also offering enticing discounts on summer holidays on the island.

The price of flights to Lanzarote has in fact come down over the last year – thanks largely to the fact that there is now more competition in the route between budget airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet.  In the past it was difficult to find a return for much less than €200 – but today that price has now halved.  With plenty of good value flights available from airports across the UK.

Accommodation on the island also represents excellent value for money.  It’s possible for example to book studio apartments from as little as €180 per week.  Whilst Lanzarote villas cost much less than comparable properties on other islands.  With two bedroom properties with pools available from as little as €400 per week.  In part reflecting the fact that the season on Lanzarote lasts all year and isn’t just confined to a short three-month period.

Car hire in Lanzarote is also excellent value – with standard two door vehicles available from as little as €15 per day.  By comparison car hire prices on islands such as Ibiza go through the roof during the summer.  Making touring and exploring much more expensive.

Eating out in Lanzarote is also cheaper than on islands such as Ibiza and it’s still possible to enjoy simple fish meals at reasonable rates.  With thousands of restaurants for visitors to choose from across the island.

All of the main tourist attractions on Lanzarote are all state controlled too.  So admission prices are usually pegged at €8 per adult and €4 per child.  Which is the cost of entrance to incredible natural wonders such as the Timanfaya National Park and man made marvels such as the many creations of the local artist César Manrique.

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Lanzarote is the fourth largest of these islands and home to three main holiday destinations, the fastest growing of which is Playa Blanca which is located right at the southern tip of the island.  Just across the Bocaina Straits from near neighbour Fuerteventura.

Until the 1980´s Playa Blanca (or white beach in Spanish) really was the sort of quaint little fishing village that travel brochure writers love to eulogise.  But over the last decade it has rapidly expanded and is now the fastest growing resort on Lanzarote. 

Its rise in popularity can largely be attributed to climate – as Playa Blanca tends to enjoy the best weather in Lanzarote.  Especially during the winter months when more northerly resorts such as Costa Teguise can be shrouded in cloud and a good few degrees cooler.  Despite only being 40km or so away.

Playa Blanca´s other important natural attribute are the resorts great beaches – a major plus point for most holidaymakers.  As within the town itself tourists can enjoy three superb stretches of sand at Playa Flamingo, Playa Dorada and Playa Blanca (the small central beach from which the resort takes its name).

The real jewel in the crow though are the bays and coves of nearby Papagayo – widely regarded as one of the best beach spots in the whole of the Canaries.  Where visitors can enjoy totally unspoiled sands and great views across to Fuerteventura.

There’s a wide assortment of accommodation options for tourists too.  With a good selection of hotels in Playa Blanca available – most of which enjoy a frontline position and immediate access to the seafront promenade that unites the resort.

Those how prefer self catering accommodation will find there are also hundreds of apartments and villas in Playa Blanca available for rent.  At very reasonable rates too – especially by comparison with other Spanish holiday island destinations such as the Balearics.

Playa Blanca is also just a short drive away from Lanzarote´s hottest tourist attraction, the Timanfaya National Park – or Montañas del Fuego.  Home to hundreds of now dormant volcanoes and fields of twisted lava.  All created by huge eruptions in the 18th century.  And an absolute must see for any visitor to the island.

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Lanzarote is one of the seven Spanish owned Canary Islands and is located on the same line of longitude as parts of Mexico and Florida.  Just four hours flying time from the UK.  Making it one of the most popular winter sun destinations with British tourists.

This popularity has been boosted further recently by the creation of new flights to Lanzarote from leading low cost operators such as Ryanair.  Who started running 30 plus new services to the island in October, with prices starting from as little as £9.99 one way.

Holiday accommodation in Lanzarote is also very reasonably priced.  With apartments available from as little as £160 per week.  And holiday villas in Lanzarote with private pools priced from £350 for a weeks stay.

The bulk of the best accommodation is located in the two main resorts of Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca.  Both of which make an ideal base for a relaxing sunshine break.

Puerto del Carmen is in fact the oldest resort on Lanzarote – as well as the most popular.  Having started life forty odd years ago as a small fishing village known locally as La Tiñosa.  Today the fishing boats in the Old Town harbour have largely been replaced by excursion craft – whilst the village has become a town.  Extending for around 9km in the direction of the islands airport at Arrecife.

Tourist authoritires have recently invested over €16 million on improvements to the resort.  Which has been spent on improving the sea front promenade and creating a new marina.  And there´s a good selection of villas in Puerto del Carmen for rent in areas such as Risco Prieto and Los Mojones. So there’re never been a better time to visit.

Playa Blanca is located at the southern foot of the island – and is the fastest growing resort on Lanzarote.  Boasting breathtaking beaches and the best microclimate on the island.

Like Puerto del Carmen Playa Blanca started life as a small fishing village before evolving into a bustling resort.  And is also the gateway to the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura.  Which means that tourists can visit not one but two Canary Islands whilst enjoying their holidays in Lanzarote.

Playa Blanca is also an ideal location for anyone planning to visit Lanzarote´s leading tourist attraction. The awe inspiring Timanfaya National Park.  Home to hundreds of now dormant volcanoes and some of the most surreal scenery in the world.

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The island is Spanish owned, but situated off the coast of West Africa.  A location that creates a climate that is very balmy all year round.  Boasting plenty of sunshine and temperatures in the 20´s even during December and January.

There are three main resorts on the island – Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise.  All of which offer a decent selection of Lanzarote villas, hotels and apartments.  As well as good quality beaches – although in fairness many of these are in fact man made – using sand imported from the Sahara desert which lies about 100 miles to the east.

To enjoy the best beaches on the island though it´s best to rent a vehicle and get out and about.  Lanzarote car hire is cheap – starting at around €90 per week for a standard two door model.  Whilst petrol is also very affordable – priced at about €0.80 per litre for unleaded.

Famara

Famara is a huge 8km long beach located on the island’s rugged North West coast.  And is a real mecca for surfers – who flock here during the winter months. Because of Famara´s location it can only really be used as a sunbathing spot from around March through until November though.  But it´s still worth a visit at any time of the year.

Papagayo

Not one but five beaches Papagayo’s playas are all interconnected.  Making this a dream destination for beach lovers as they can hop from one to another as the fancy takes them.

Caleton Blanco

These bright white sand beaches are located at the northern end of the island juts outside the coastal village of Orzola.  And much like Papagayo actually comprise a number of separate yet linked stretches of sand.

Arrieta

Arrieta is located on Lanzarote´s more placid south east coast and is a small unspoilt coastal village with a great main beach – Playa de la Garita.  Unlike some of the out of resort beaches this boasts plenty of facilities such as showers and WC’s.  There are also a couple of good quality restaurants located right on the beach.

Playa Quemada

Playa Quemada translates as burnt beach in Spanish and one look at the dark grains of sand here instantly explains why.  Despite Lanzarote´s volcanic origins though this is one of the few back sand beaches on the island.

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Mallorca’s charms also extend to historic cities such as the capital La Palma and a whole raft of fascinating visitor attractions.  Whilst accommodation standards on the island are also very high.  With an enormous range of hotels and holiday villas in Mallorca available for visitors to select from.

Whilst famous visitors such as Robert Graves and Frederic Chopin have been gracing the island for century’s modern tourism only really started to take off here during the 1950´s.  Evolving around nascent resorts such as Magalluf – which has since become something of a byword for the worst excesses of tourist over development.

But that is now a distant memory and there are plenty of attractive options around the island for anyone wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the larger resorts.  Especially in the more picturesque north of the island in and around the old town of Pollensa and Alcudia.

Pollensa started life as a Roman settlement in the 5th century – before emerging to become one of the most attractive destinations on the island today.  Boasting pretty squares, cobbled streets and plenty of upmarket bars, shops and restaurants.  All located within easy reach of the breathtaking beaches of the North coast.

Puerto Pollensa just 8km or so away was developed as the sister coastal resort to Pollensa and is now well established as a popular destination. Benefiting from the hugely atmospheric backdrop of the Tramantura Mountains which really dominate this part of the island.

Puerto Pollensa is arrayed around a great main beach and marina area and offers a really relaxing atmosphere.  With plenty of good quality restaurants for visitors to enjoy.  The bulk of which can be found along the resorts main seafront promenade.

A little further along the coast lies the delightful resort of Can Picafort – which was once just a small and sleepy little fishing village.  It offers great beaches and is now one of the most popular holiday hot spots in this part of the island.

Mallorca is just a two and half hour plane journey from the UK and flights to the island are available with all of the leading low cost operators from all major UK airports.

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Manrique’s influences include the impressive carved mural that adorns the reception area and a further example can be found in the hotel bar. But it is the lagoon style swimming pool and the internal tropical atrium that really garner attention, with lush plantings of palm trees, papyrus and elephant’s ear.

The building’s genius lies in the fact that each room offers its guests a sea view from the balcony. Apart from the rooms and suites in the hotel itself, there are several sumptuous garden villas that have been added in recent years that have their own private pools and garden areas.

Another hotel that has created an equally beautiful exotic garden is the Princesa Yaiza hotel. One of two five star hotels in Playa Blanca.  Unlike the Gran Melia Salinas, which is in Costa Teguise, the Princesa Yaiza is in the new resort of Playa Blanca. It overlooks the sandy beach at Playa Dorada and has views to the neighbouring islands of Fuerteventura and Los Lobos.

The Princesa Yaiza prides itself on a range of packages for guests at the hotel, covering everything from golf enthusiasts to family holidays where children’s activities are a must. It has eight restaurants in total and facilities such as a gymnasium and thalassotherapy spa.

The Hesperia hotel at Puerto Calero similarly takes the spa business very seriously, with a range of treatments and packages available for guests who need some physical pampering on their holiday. It is also the only hotel on the island to offer free WIFI access throughout the premises and has a pet room facility for those who can’t bear to leave the dog at home.

The capital of Arrecife also has a five star hotel, in the shape of the Gran Hotel. This glass fronted establishment is the only high-rise building on the island and as a result, diners at the hotel’s Altamar restaurant can enjoy panoramic views from its windows. It too has a spa and wellness centre, where guests can begin the relaxation process. An elevated swimming pool and teak sun deck overlooks the white sandy beach at Playa del Reducto, which is situated almost at the hotel’s entrance.

The fifth hotel is the Gran Melia Volcan, a sister hotel to the Gran Melia Salinas, which can be found in Playa Blanca. This hotel has been laid out as a replica of a Canarian village and leads directly to the Rubicon Marina at its front.   Surprisingly there are no five star hotels in Puerto del Carmen - despite the fact that this is the largest resort on the island.

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Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca is the number one choice for anyone planning a winter holiday in Lanzarote.  As this bustling destination at the southern end of the island boasts the most reliable weather at that time of year.  Along with some spectacular beaches.

Playa Blanca was in fact developed some time after the other resorts to the north.  But its location and climate have quickly helped to establish it as the second busiest holiday destination on Lanzarote – and rightly so.

There are a host of good value four star hotels arrayed along the shoreline.  Along with an excellent selection of holiday villas in Playa Blanca for those who prefer self catering accommodation.

Puerto del Carmen
Puerto del Carmen is still the big daddy of Lanzarote´s tourist industry.  The spot where modern package holidays first took off and still the most popular destination on the island.

Carmen (as it is known locally) has also recently enjoyed a major €16 million refurbishment.  With major improvements made to the insfrastructure and overall tourist offering.  Making it an ideal time to visit.

There are an abundance of hotels and holiday villas in Puerto del Carmen for visitors to choose from.  As well as a wide selection of good quality apartments. With prices starting from as little as €160 per week.

Costa Teguise
Costa Teguise is an entirely man made resort – developed during the 1980´s as an upmarket alternative to Puerto del Carmen along the coastline.  Boasting impressive hotels such as the five star Gran Melia Salinas and an abundance of good value apartment complexes.

Costa Teguise is best enjoyed outside of the winter months – as the north of the island can at times become cloudy and overcast.  However it is an ideal choice for anyone more interested in visiting Lanzarote´s key visitor attractions.  As sights such as the Jameos del Agua and the Cactus Garden are within a fifteen minute drive.

Lanzarote also has an unofficial fourth resort – in the form of Puerto Calero.  Also known locally as Millionaires Marina.  There’s a small selection of holiday villas in Puerto Calero available for rent for anyone keen to experience a break in this luxurious environment.  Whilst good quality rental accommodation is also available across the countryside.

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