Follow the line of the Moroccan coast down from Spain towards the Atlantic and the little island of Lanzarote – one of the seven Canaries comes into view. Which thanks to its location is bathed in sunshine all year round.
The Canaries are in fact one of the most popular holiday destinations in Spain – as this great weather and low rainfall makes them an ideal choice for sun seekers. Especially during the winter months when they are the closest winter sun option for anyone based in Europe. With flights to Lanzarote from the UK taking just four hours.
Britain is the largest market for Lanzarote, supplying around 50% of the 1.4 million total tourist arrivals last year. With Germany in second place – with around 250,000 visitors.
There are three main holiday resorts – Costa Teguise, Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen. And this is where the bulk of the best Lanzarote villas, apartments and hotels are located. With Puerto del Carmen enjoying the position of the largest resort.
Around half of all visitors book hotels in Lanzarote , with the remainder plumping instead for self catering accommodation. There are a handful of five star establishments on the island – the best known of which are the Gran Melia Salinas in Costa Teguise and the Arrecife Gran in the capital city. Both of which offer rooms from around €110 per night. However anyone on a budget should seek to book a stay on one of the many apartments in Lanzarote that are available for let. As prices here start from as little as €180 per week.
There is loads to do on the island other than just soaking up the sun alone. As Lanzarote is home to over 90 beaches as well as an abundance of natural wonders. Most of which have been created by large scale volcanic activity which totally rocked the island during the 18th century.
The main epicentre of these eruptions can be viewed at the Timanfaya National Park – where over 300 volcanoes and mile after mile of lava fields stand testament to the awesome power of Mother Nature. Visitors can enjoy the spectacle of park wardens demonstrating just how hot it still is just beneath the earth’s surface. As they pour water into bore holes which is then expulsed as steam just seconds later.
For the more adventurous there are also camel rides available. Enabling tourists to enjoy a real Lawrence of Arabia moment as they sway through the surreal scenery.