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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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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As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area has been developed and facilities for tourists have been created such as an information centre and toilets but little in the way of archeological excavation has been done for fear of spoiling the ruins. Most of the visible architecture and monuments was created in approximately 700- 1000 AD. Many of the chronicles and hypothesis claim that Uxmal was founded in 500AD by Hun Uitzil Chac Tutul Xiu, as the Xiu dynasty owned much of the land in this area at the time. After the Spanish colonisation of the Yucatan peninsula, Uxmal was still an inhabited place until the 1550s but after that Uxmal was left to ruin. However many of the buildings still exist due to unusually good Mayan building methods and architectural principles. It really is breathtaking to think that these massive structures were built over a thousand years ago without any kinds of technology. Today, you can still see many fully formed buildings, the most impressive being the Pyramid of the Magician. Although folklore states that the building was built by a sorcerer in one night, architectural excavation has discovered that it was actually built in five stages with the entrance facing the setting sun at summer solstice.

Other fantastic ruins include the Governor`s Palace, a fantastic example of stone masonry and sculptures, the Nunnery Quadrangle, and a Ball Court for playing Mayan games. At night time, the centre plays a fantastic display of light and Mayan song focusing on these main buildings which is really an experience not to be missed. There are a number of other significant ruins, many of which are carved with Mayan hieroglyphics which outline the names of rulers and have helped greatly in deciphering the pre-Columbian history of Uxmal.

The Uxmal site itself will take a few hours to explore and there are many facilities inside including a snack bar, shops, gift stores and various local vendors. Uxmal is located 78km south of Merida in the Yucatan area and 15km south-south east from the quaint Mexican town of Muna. Its location means the best way for international tourists to visit is to fly into Cancun airport.

If you would like to thoroughly explore the grounds and take some stunning once-in-a-lifetime photos, then you can stay the night at some of the nearby Puerto del Carmen hotels which cater well to the Uxmal visitor with well-equipped facilities, stylish rooms and fantastic food. This may be a good option as you really do not want to miss the spectacular sound and light show that takes place in the ruins at night.

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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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Lanzarote is home to three main tourist resorts.  But Puerto del Carmen is the spot where modern holidays first really took off on Lanzarote.  Transforming a small fishing village formerly called La Tiñosa into the islands number one holiday destination.

Much of Puerto del Carmen’s success can be attributed to the fact the resort enjoys a great microclimate.  As it is relatively well sheltered from the Trade Winds that buffet the island during the Spring months.  Whilst also boasting some excellent (albeit man made) beaches.  Such as the main section of sand – Playa Cucharas.  And other smaller spots such as Playa Chica.

Over the last year local tourist authorities have also been pouring investment money into Puerto del Carmen.  With around €16 million spent to date on a new marina in the Old Town harbour area and the pedestrianisation of the main seafront promenade – the Avenida de las Playas.  Moves which are designed to help maintain the resorts competiveness in the face of growing competition from newer destinations around the world.

A well as great beaches visitors will also find some excellent accommodation choices.  There are two main hotels in Puerto del Carmen – in the form of the San Antonio and the Los Fariones.  Which both enjoy enviable sea front locations.  Whilst there’s also plenty of private villas in Puerto del Carmen available for rent.  Especially in and around the Old Town harbour area.

This is also the spot where tourists can jump onto a boat for an excursion along the shoreline or across to the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura.  And the harbour area is also an ideal place come nightfall – as it is home to the largest selection of good quality restaurants.

A wide array of water sports such as jet skiing and diving are available at the smaller breach of Playa Chica.  Whilst a new golf course – only the second on the island – has recently opened on the outskirts of town.

There’s never been a better time to visit Puerto del Carmen as this winter flights to Lanzarote are available with low cost carriers such as Ryanair from as littlie as £9.99 return.
 

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There are three main holiday resorts on Lanzarote; Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca.  Each boasting its own unique character and identity.

Costa Teguise is located towards the north of the island, just past Lanzarote´s capital city of Arrecife and around fifteen minutes transfer time from the airport. The resort is entirely man made and was developed during the 1970’s under the direction of the local artist César Manrique. 

Costa Teguise is anchored by the Gran Melia Salinas hotel, still widely regarded as one of the best five star luxury establishments on the island.  And is the ideal choice for anyone who likes to combine sunbathing with sightseeing.  As most of Lanzarote´s key attractions – such as the Jameos del Agua and the César Manrique Foundation – are within a fifteen minute drive.

Puerto del Carmen is the oldest resort on Lanzarote.  Formerly a fishing village called La Tiñosa this is now the most bustling destination on the island.  Puerto del Carmen is home to the highest concentration of holiday complexes – making it the ideal choice for anyone seeking Lanzarote holiday apartments.

The resort has also recently undergone something of a facelift – and the beachfront Avenida del las Playas has now been substantially remodelled.  Whilst the Old Town Harbour area is being transformed into a marina.

Playa Blanca is located right at the southern tip of Lanzarote and as a result tends to enjoy the best weather on the island.  Located just accords the Bocaina Straits from the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura, Playa Blanca also boasts some of the best beaches on Lanzarote, such as the coves at nearby Papagayo.  Along with an excellent selection of four star hotels.

Villas in Playa Blanca have also grown substantially in popularity over the last decade, thanks to the growth of the internet.  Which has made sourcing and booking holidays direct online much easier for travellers.  And Playa Blanca is located in close proximity to Lanzarote´s leading tourist attraction – the awe inspiring Timanfaya Volcano Park.  Which is just a ten minute drive from the resort.

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Getting There
Puerto del Carmen is located just ten minutes drive from the sole airport on the island at Arrecife.  There is no shuttle or public bus service between the airport and the resort so independent travellers have to take a taxi.  Which costs around €10.

Places To Stay
The growth of the internet as a holiday search tool has helped to fuel demand for Lanzarote villas and apartments.  As many tourists now prefer to build their own holiday online.

The best selection of villas in Puerto del Carmen can be found in and around the residential zone of Los Mojones.  Which is located around five minutes walk from the Old Town area of Puerto del Carmen.  Where the harbour is currently being transformed into a luxury marina.

There are also two main hotels in Puerto del Carmen.  The Los Fariones, which is located right in the heart of the resort.  And the San Antonio, which is positioned on the edge of the resort close to the large beach at Los Pocillos.

Beaches
Playa Grande is the main beach in Puerto del Carmen.  And boasts great facilities such as showers, sun loungers and umbrellas.  Water sports such as jet skiing can be booked here and visitors will find that this is the most popular stretch of sand in the resort.  Especially amongst families with young children.  As it’s very safe to swim here.

For those in search of a little more peace and quiet there’s a little used beach right in front of the Los Fariones Hotel that is ideal for getting away from the crowds.  As well as an attractive beach at Playa Chica which is also ideal for anyone planning to try their hand at scuba diving.

Excursions & Days Out
The Old Town harbour area is the embarkation point for a number of water based tours.  Such as the Princesa Ico, which transports guests across to the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura.

The Rancho Texas Wild West Park is located on the outskirts of the resort.  And is great for families.  As children can enjoy a wide range of themed activities whilst also visiting the sizeable zoo. 

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 Thanks to Playa Blanca´s southern situation the resort enjoys the best microclimate on the island – which means that visitors here can generally expect to enjoy higher temperatures and more sunshine than other parts of the island. Factors which are obviously of major importance to holidaymakers when it comes to selecting their preferred destination.  Especially during the winter months where there can be a good deal of variation in temperature between the north and south of Lanzarote.

 Playa Blanca also boasts some of the best beaches – not just in Lanzarote but in all of the Canary Islands.  With the five white sand coves at Papagayo (or Parrot Beach) being the best known.  Playa Blanca also boasts a variety of beaches, which the other main resorts cannot really match.  Encompassing the attractive beach at Playa Flamingo, the excellent and family friendly sands at Playa Dorada – and the smaller, picturesque little town beach right in the centre of the resort. Little wonder that the resort is called white beach in Spanish.

 Playa Blanca is also the gateway to the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura – located just 8km away across the Bocaina Straits.  Which provides an atmospheric backdrop – especially at night – when the lights across the water shimmer away like stars.

 As a result of these factors Playa Blanca started to attract the attentions of property developers and the major hotel chains back in the 1990´s – as tourism was really taking off on the island.  Resulting in the creation of a resort with four and five star hotels at the core of the blueprint.  Whilst by comparison there are only two major hotels in Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca´s closest competitor –and still Lanzarote´s largest and most popular holiday destination.

 Today therefore visitors to the island are able to select from a wide range of good quality hotels.  Such as the five star Gran Melia Volcan – which is located slap bang next to the relatively new luxury development of the Marina Rubicon. As well as a number of highly popular four star establishments such as the Princessa Yaiza, the Hesperia Playa Dorada and the Lanzarote Princess – operated by the well known Spanish hotels group H10.

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Some of Lanzarote´s best known hotels are in the firing line, such as the five star Gran Melia Volcan in Playa Blanca, the Natura Palace and the Gran Castillo.

In total eight five star hotels, ten Apart-hotels and four new developments still in the planning stage have been decreed to have flouted an edict controlling construction on the island.  Which was created back in 2000 to militate against unfettered building work.

However two local councils essentially chose to ignore these new rules.  And granted licenses to hotels which contravened this ruling in two of Lanzarote´s main resorts, namely Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca.

Established hotels in Puerto del Carmen Lanzarote´s leading resort, managed to escape the controversy.  As local councilors here adhered to the new planning restrictions.

A police unit that specialises in fighting organised crime was then formed to investigate whether the former mayors of Teguise and Yaiza were guilty of accepting bribes from developers in return for building licenses.

A view that was supported by the Supreme Court of the Canary Islands as a result of an action instigated by the central island government in tandem with  the César Manrique Foundation.

A further meeting was held recently between the Director of the Environmental Department of the Canarian Government, representatives from the Ayuntamientos of Teguise and Yaiza and the hoteliers association Asolan. But the leader of the island central government failed to attend – making a final consensus impossible.

Those assembled were simply left to agree that a case by case study was necessary to explore how the offending hotels might be brought into line.  There is some suggestion that these hotels could even be demolished.  But most island observers consider this highly unlikely.  As Lanzarote can ill afford to do such damage to the local job market or the islands international reputation as a holiday destination.

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Nuestra Senora del Carmen is the patron saint of fishermen – an icon who is in fact honoured all across Spain, most especially in coastal areas and on islands such as Lanzarote with strong nautical links and traditions.

The evolution of this festival can be traced back to a small maritime town called Haifa – now part of Israel – where local fishermen worshipped the cult of Carmel (ie Carmen in Spanish).

This tradition then started to disseminate throughout the Mediterranean.  Until reaching Mallorca in the 18^th Century.  Where a local Admiral Antonio Barcélo Pont de la Terra encouraged his crew to honour Carmen each year (a custom that survives to this day in Port d’Andratx on the island).

On Lanzarote this celebration has been observed for centuries and the festival is treated with much fervour – especially in the islands main resort – and one time fishing village – Puerto del Carmen.

The celebrations last for no less than ten days.  And the event’s high spot is a very well attended procession – where an effigy of Nuestra Senora del Carmen is paraded from the local church, through the packed streets of the town.  And then down to the waterfront in the Old Harbour district.  From where she sets to sea on board a flotilla of sailing vessels.

Once out on the waves Carmen is asked to cast her blessing on the waters – so ensuring a good and plentiful haul of fish for the year ahead.

Back on dry land there’s plenty of traditional folk dancing and singing.  Along with a full on fun fair, food stalls and a huge fireworks display that marks the end of the event on August 10^th.

Nuestra Senora del Carmen is a must for anyone visiting Lanzarote during this period.

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