The Enduring Popularity Of Puerto del Carmen

The popular resort of Puerto del Carmen nestles into the eastern coastline of Lanzarote and has some of the best weather to be found anywhere on the Canarian island. The town is protected from the prevailing winds that blow off the Atlantic by a range of volcanoes at its back.

These conditions mean that visitors can thoroughly enjoy the golden sandy beaches that run along its seafront, whether they are swimming, snorkeling or sun bathing. In addition, there have been recent improvements to the promenade which has greatly enhanced it for pedestrians.

Over the years, the resort has grown from a tiny fishing village to a small town, with a particular emphasis on self-catering accommodation. A wide number of apartments in Lanzarote are based in Puerto del Carmen, with everything from very basic facilities to luxury penthouse properties available to rent. Finding accommodation here should not be a problem as their are plenty of holiday apartments in Lanzarote so finding a place to stay should be a doddle.

Alongside apartments there is also a great range of holiday villas in Lanzarote to be found in Puerto del Carmen. Obviously the villas tend to be more spacious and better equipped than the apartments, with many extras included as a matter of course.

In the resort itself, there is plenty to keep children and teenagers occupied, with sea-based activities such as banana boats and scuba diving. Just outside Puerto del Carmen, there is also a new golf course and a popular theme park full of wild animals.

Nearly every type of cuisine from around the world can be found in one of Puerto del Carmen’s restaurants, with everything from Japanese food to local specialities on the menu. Many holidaymakers particularly enjoy the old harbour area, where some of the most atmospheric dining can be had.

Nightlife, on the other hand, tends to be focused around the central area of the new town, where a good selection of clubs and bars can be found. Many of the busier clubs don’t open until the early hours of the morning, as is typical in most Spanish resorts.

Useful Links for Lanzarote Accommodation

Lanzarote Activity Holidays

Most visitors to Lanzarote spend most of their time chilling out by a pool or relaxing in the sunshine on the beach. But there are plenty of other tourists who visit the island for a more active break. Some holiday makers can simply not keep still and without some vigourous activity would otherwise get board

Water Sorts Or Land Based activities?

The islands great year round climate makes it a real mecca for sports enthusiasts of every stripe. Offering a wide array of sporting activities which can be enjoyed both on dry land and at sea.

Places To Stay

Holiday accommodation Lanzarote holiday apartments is in good supply as there are thousands of well priced Lanzarote villas and apartments available for rent..

The Iron Man Contest

The biggest and most important date in Lanzarote´s sporting calendar is the annual Iron Man competition, held every May. This attracts over 1000 intrepid entrants very year who battle it out across a course comprising a 3km sea swim, a 180km bike ride around the island and a then a full marathon. A course that takes the fastest entrant at least eight and half hours to finish – often in searing heat. With the quickest 60 competitors qualifying the for the Iron Man grand final which is staged every year in Hawaii.

Two Wheel Tours

Cycling holidays are also very popular – as Lanzarote boasts lots of hilly volcanic and picturesque terrain. The ideal conditions for cyclists in search of somewhere warm and with little rainfall during the winter months. With many of these tourists booking a stay at the well known sports camp, La Santa, which is located in the north of Lanzarote and which enjoys an excellent international reputation.

Making A Splash

As an island Lanzarote also boasts a fine water sports pedigree – and offers a wide array of activities from kite surfing though to canoeing. Lanzarote is a popular dive holiday destination – thanks to the fact that the waters around the island offer great visibility, as well as fascinating array of marine life. Whilst surfers flock to the wilder and more rugged beaches on the islands north west coastline, such as Famara. Where the wind and wave conditions are simply ideal.

Lanzarote has a huge array activities to suit all manner of tastes and levels of experience making it the best activities holiday hotspot.

Natural Attractions on Lanzarote

Lanzarote is a well known package holiday destination but this trend is changing now a growing number of independent tourists are starting to visit the island. Attracted by its great year round climate, breathtaking beaches and stunning surreal scenery Lanzarote boasts lots of natural wonders which were created during the 18th century by some seriously large scale volcanic activity.

Lanzarote is the fourth largest of the Canary Islands and has been a popular holiday destination since the 1970´s. It’s still going strong today too – welcoming millions of foreign tourists every year. And whist many are here to enjoy the glorious sunshine on the beach or by the pool most still find plenty of time to explore too.

However there’s so much to see that most tourists manage to leave their Lanzarote apartments behind for at least a days exploring and touring. As well as great weather all year round visitors will also find that there is a lot to do and see on the island, which helps to contribute to Lanzarote´s popularity as a holiday destination. Such as the many creations of the local artist César Manrique – who developed visitor attractions such as the Cactus Garden and the Green Caves. Along with many natural wonders such as the Valley of 1000 Palms and the majestic sight of the Timanfaya Volcano Park. Choosing what to do or where to go when you are here can be daunting but your shortlist should include:

Parque Tropical: Parque Tropical is renowned for its successful breeding program of macaws, cockatoos, African greys and many other worldwide species of parrots. Not quite a full day out but well worth a visit and it will be a real hits with the kids, and if you are one for stunning scenery check out the views to the to island of La Graciosa. Definitely one for the scrapbook.

Or perhaps :

Jameos Del Agua. The term Jameos in the local dialect describes the formation of the geology and literally means “cave where the roof has fallen in”. Manrique, an artistic and architectural visionary was highly skilled in blending his version of natural art with nature and Jameos Del Agua was a stunning example of his early visions and became a foundation of some of his later works.

If the above recommendations don’t suit your style perhaps try The Cesar Manrique Foundation: This stunning landscaping feat was originally designed as Cesar Manrique’s own home. Manrique once again as in most of his work managed to take existing geology (in this case series of lava bubbles) and turn it into a truly world class piece of living architecture. Although his life was tragically cut short the foundation celebrates his positive impact and contribution to the island and if you have any interest in the Islands cultural, definitely a place to visit.

More tourist info Lanzartote places of interest can be located here.

Discover Majorca This Summer

However you choose to pronounce it Majorca – or Mallorca – is the biggest island in the Balearics. Which can be found just off the coast of Spain in the Mediterranean. To the surprise of many first time visitors Mallorca is in fact part of Catalonia, so Catalan rather than Spanish is the official language here.

One very redeeming benefit the island has is its close proximity to England as the island can be reached with a number of the UK´s leading low cost carriers such as easyjet with a journey time of around two and half hours. This is absolutely ideal for holiday makers with young children.

When package holidays first took off during the 70´s and 80´s some areas of the island acquired a bit of a downmarket reputation. Thanks to the high jinks of younger British holidaymakers in southern resorts such as Magaluf. But the days of British bars are largely long gone now – as the island instead welcomes independent travellers and a host of VIP visitors instead. Such as the actors Catharine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas. Most of whom tend to favour the north of the island – particularly areas such as Pollensa and Alcudia.

Many of these tourists tend to book villas in Majorca for their summer break on the island. And there is a fantastic range of good quality rental properties available. Many of them built in the traditional Mallorquin style using the local sand coloured stone. And offering high levels of luxury. Majorca Villas do get booked up very early in the season, but due to their popularity early booking is advised.

Palma is the capital of Mallorca as well as of the Balearic Islands – and this is also where the international airport, known locally as Son Sant Joan, is located. Palma is home to around 400,000 local residents as well as a fine selection of architectural treasures, most notably the Le Seu Cathedral, which was built on the site of a former Mosque in the 13th century – although it wasn’t finally finished until six hundred years later. When famous local architect Antoni Gaudi was drafted in to help complete the project.

Palma´s atmospheric Old Quarter is located right behind the Cathedral. This Moorish inspired maze of streets is home to some fantastic architecture, such as the Arab Baths. Which have proved to be lasting testament to the influence of the Moors on the island and its capital.

High season on Mallorca occupies the main summer months of July, August and September. When there is very little rainfall and when the temperatures average out at around 30 degrees. Many visitors enjoy a holiday on the island during off peak periods too such as May and October. When temperatures average at about 20 degrees.

An excellent range of Majorca Villas to suit most budgets is available here.

Volcanic Holidays On Lanzarote

Volcanic eruptions may be conspiring against travellers but many holiday destinations such as Lanzarote were formed this way.

Lanzarote is an island that has been totally transformed by volcanic activity. Large scale eruptions rocked the island during the 1730s and went on for six years. Followed up by a further encore in 1824. As a result around 200km square of the islands surface area is now a lunar like lava scape. A surreal and eerie site that has caught the eye of numerous film makers over the years.

Even though Lanzarote has a volcanic history, property investment on the island is still very viable with countless tourists actually investing in their own holiday apartments.

Lanzarote Villas – Hotels And Apartments; There is an excellent choice of accommodation on the island ranging from self catering apartments for the budget concious, through to hotels and private villas. The biggest question on most peoples lips however is where to stay.

Visitors can take their choice of three main holiday destinations. In winter villas in Playa Blanca tend to attract lots of bookings, as this part of the island enjoys a more clement climate during December and January. Whilst villas in Puerto del Carmen are more popular with tourists in search of decent nightlife, as there is a real abundance of clubs and bars here in Lanzarote´s largest resort.

Costa Teguise is the third in the islands trio of resorts and is located to the north of the airport at Arrecife. It was developed during the 1970´s under the direction of the famous local artist Cesar Manrique, who plotted out the location of the Pueblo Marinero which still lies at its heart. Whilst also working on elements of the design of the Gran Melia Salinas, still widely regarded as one of the best Lanzarote hotels. Boasting opulent public spaces and numerous original Manrique at works adorning the walls.

Lanzarote offers visitors plenty to do and see as well as year round sunshine – which has helped to establish it as the third most popular of the Canary Islands after Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Boasting a whole host of attractions such as the natural wonders of the Timanfaya Volcano Park, the green lagoon at El Golfo and the Valley of 1000 Palms. As well as the creations of a local artist called Cesar Manrique, which include the Mirador del Rio, Cactus Garden and the Jameos del Agua. Along with close to a hundred great beaches and picturesque pueblos such as Yaiza and Haria.

Go here for additional information about Lanzarote

The Best Self-Catering Holidays In Puerto del Carmen

Lanzarote has a number of popular resorts areas that bring back visitors year after year but Puerto del Carmen seems to remain a favourite due to its sheltered position and excellent sunshine record.

As a result the fine sandy beaches that line its seven kilometres of coastline make it an ideal place for swimming, sunbathing and snorkelling. Whilst recent changes to the seafront promenade have shifted the emphasis to pedestrian enjoyment, with wide pavements and shady spots.

Over the last forty years, the town has developed from its humble beginnings as a small fishing village to become the resort it is today. So it is now home to some of the best self-catering Lanzarote accommodation to be found on the island. Finding accommodation here should not be a problem as their are plenty of Lanzarote holiday villas from which to choose.

Aside from the wide choice of Lanzarote accommodation available in Puerto del Carmen, the town itself has numerous attractions and activities to while away the time, including several sea based trips. In the immediate vicinity of the town there is also a new golf course and a tropical park that children love.

Aside from the wide choice of Lanzarote accommodation, Puerto del Carmen is well provided with restaurants, with nearly every national cuisine represented, from Italian to Japanese. A good number of these establishments offer local specialties, with particular emphasis on seafood, especially in the old harbour area.

For those who enjoy late nights whilst on holiday, there is a wide choice of clubs and bars mostly situated in the central area of the town. Unsurprisingly, many of the music venues don’t open their doors until the small hours, as is typical of Spanish nightspots.

More Lanzarote Accommodation

Happy Villa Holidays in Puerto del Carmen

Escaping the daily routine of work and household chores and the stress they cause is usually only possible when you get away for a holiday. The best way to switch off quickly is to ensure that your destination has lots of sunshine and a laid back atmosphere.

Within Europe, there are only one or two places that offer reliably good weather all year round with the main hotspots the Canary Islands. This is undeniably due to their location at the southern most point of the whole Eurozone, off the coast of north Africa. And of these seven islands it is Lanzarote that has the lowest annual rainfall and is the most easterly in location. As a holiday destination it is well developed, with a good infrastructure that has been maintained and updated throughout the last forty years.

In terms of places to stay, there are three main resorts and a host of smaller rural settings, with a wide choice of accommodation style and price range. For those who like self-catering, Lanzarote apartments are amongst the most cost effective to select from. For more personal space and privacy, the best option is to hire one of the many villas in Lanzarote available for rent. They come with the added benefit of stylish interiors, heated swimming pools, entertainment facilities and all mod cons on offer.

A fair proporation of Lanzarote Villas are also used by the property owners at certain periods of the year and and this is why you’ll find a majority are so well appointed and have all the little extras many families would normally have to pack.

Puerto del Carmen itself is home to many good restaurants including several arranged around the old harbour providing a particularly pleasant dining experience. Just on the perimeter of the town there is also a good selection of eateries, only a short cab ride from the vast majority of the accommodation. There are several really good beaches within the town, all of which are easy to access from the newly renovated seafront promenade that stretches along the six kilometers of coastline. With wider pavements and much reduced traffic, it forms a pleasant backdrop for pedestrians.

At night, there are many bars and clubs that make good destinations for an after dinner drink, with most open until the early hours. For those who are more active during the day, there is a huge array of activities to select from, Lanzarote golf holidays as an example have always been popular due to the outstanding weather.

Such is the unique charm of the island, due to its unspoiled landscapes and tranquil environment, visitors often feel the urge to return for more holidays in Lanzarote. Which many do year after year.

Lanzarote Volcanic Vacations

Whilst volcanic activity recently disrupted the travel plans of millions of tourists many are still jetting off to holiday hot spots around the world this year. Such as Lanzarote in the Canaries, an island that was forged by the fire of enormous eruptions during the 18th and 19th centuries. Which left a large slice of the island looking like something out of a science fiction film.

This volcanic activity lasted for no less than six years – with a repeat performance in 1824. And the impact of these eruptions irrevocably altered the terrain of much of the island. Leaving an area of around 200km square devoid of vegetation and resembling something out of a sci-fi film. Little wonder then that Lanzarote has been used many times as a location by movie makers since the 1960´s.

The Islands volcanic past does not stop millions of holidaymakers flocking to the Island year after Year though.

Lanzarote Villas; Accommodation on the island is split between hotels and self catering properties. Lanzarote villas and apartments are especially popular with tourists from the UK and Ireland. Whilst hotels in Lanzarote tend to receive more guests from countries such as Spain and Germany. With plenty of five and four star establishments for them to choose from.

Lanzarote is home to three main tourist resorts. During the colder months of the year Playa Blanca villas tend to get booked up more. Reflecting the fact that their location at the southern foot of the island guarantees more sunshine. However visitors in search of more nightlife should plump instead for villas in Puerto del Carmen. As the islands oldest resort is home to an abundance of restaurants, bars and clubs.

As well as great weather all year round visitors will also find that there is a lot to do and see on the island, which helps to contribute to Lanzarote´s popularity as a holiday destination. Such as the many creations of the local artist César Manrique – who developed visitor attractions such as the Cactus Garden and the Green Caves. Along with many natural wonders such as the Valley of 1000 Palms and the majestic sight of the Timanfaya Volcano Park.

Destination Information about Lanzarote

Great Lanzarote Apartments

As a form of stress relief, a holiday is probably one of the best antidotes to the daily grind of work and household chores. And the best destinations for switching off have to be those that have plenty of sunshine and a relaxed atmosphere.

And when it comes to good weather all year round, the Canary Islands are probably the most reliable location within Europe. As thanks to their location off the coast of north Africa they are the most southerly point in the Euro-zone. And of these seven islands it is Lanzarote that has the lowest annual rainfall and is the most easterly in location. As a holiday destination it is well developed, with a good infrastructure that has been maintained and updated throughout the last forty years.

With three main resorts and many rural settings, it is able to provide a good range of accommodation to suit all budgets and holiday requirements. Apartments in Lanzarote offer a great deal of choice at reasonable prices. Alternatively, a more spacious kind of accommodation can be found in one of the many holiday villas in Lanzarote. Private swimming pools and spacious comfortable living arrangements are the norm, with entertainment facilities on hand to boot.

A fair proporation of Lanzarote Villas are also visited by the property owners many times during the year and this is one of the main reasons that a large number are maintained in tip top condition and equipped with many of the little holiday items a majority of families would normally have to take with them.

Within the ever popular resort of Puerto del Carmen, there is a wide choice of restaurants, with those situated in the old harbour area having the most atmospheric setting. Although to be fair, several of the best establishments are to be found just outside Puerto del Carmen itself, only a short cab ride away. The six kilometers of seafront promenade gives access to beautiful golden beaches. And recent improvements to this maritime roadway means that it is now fully adapted for pedestrians to enjoy, with spacious walkways and very little traffic.

For those who like to have an after dinner stroll and drink, there are plenty of bars and clubs, particularly in the central zone of the town. Whilst during the day there is a wealth of activities on offer, from guided excursions to the most interesting sites to a full range of sports’ Lanzarote golfing holidays for instance are very popular which is perfectly understandable due to the great weather.

Such is the unique charm of the island, due to its unspoiled landscapes and tranquil environment, visitors often feel the urge to return for more holidays in Lanzarote. Which many do year after year.

Volcanoes And Villas On Lanzarote

The Canary Islands are now luring holiday-makers from around the world for decades and especially those from European destinations, as the relatively short travel times to this group of islands make it perfect for individuals which have been seeking a sun kissed holiday location, however don’t necessarily want to spend 20 hours or a lot more on their journey.

A single particular island in this beautiful archipelago is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by visitors. It has for some time been tarnished by the completely undeserved label of ‘Lanzagrotty’ however as any tourist to Lanzarote would gladly testify, this family vacation destination is without question undeniably incomparable leading to plenty of travelers and tourists coming back every year.

So what precisely makes this particular island stand out from its sister islands in the chain?

Obviously you will find parallels with the other islands, which might possibly be unsurprising given the close proximity of the islands to each other, however , almost any similarities soon dissapear and when you are looking at tourist development Lanzarote has carved away a niche of its own, as this relatively small volcanic outcrop successfully manages to incorporate a number of the best facets of seaside holidays with unspoiled scenery, a flamboyant and vivid culture and all sorts of wonderful attractions that are pleasing to both young and elderly visitors to the island.

Lanzarote’s beaches would be better described as beautiful, golden and of course sandy, and as a result of the islands great local climate and year round sunshine, these is frequently enjoyed in almost virtually any season. The popular areas here each feature their particular share of palm fringed playas, and in addition a great collection of conveniences to satisfy the demands of residents and visitors alike.

Such is the popularity of the island, presently there is considered to be already a wonderful collection of temporary as well as long-term holiday accommodation that ranges from compact but well appointed holiday apartments in Lanzarote to the much more spacious and definitely high-class Spanish style holiday villas in Lanzarote, it is usually very seldom that you will be unable to locate the type of holiday accommodation you are searhing for but in the high season as you would most likely assume availability will get limited.

If you are looking for some thing out of the ordinary and unusual holiday accommodation can also be found, for instance you can go natural and stay in a holiday home formed from caves in the side of a mountain or possibly an subterranean dwelling created from a renovated subterranean water tank.

Probably the most significant house of all and one that ought to be on everyone’s travel agenda happens to be the former home of local legend Cesar Manrique, the Lanzarote artist who is considered responsible for most of the natural developments around the island that fuse with the very fabric of the island itself.

Having uncovered 5 subterranean volcanic bubbles, Manrique then proceeded to transform them into his own home with simply stunning inspiration and planning. Word concerning the uniqueness of this architectural marvel propagated quickly, so much so that in the later part of the 1980′s the artist moved out and his former home became the Foundation Cesar Manrique.

A large amount of visitors are now selecting to stay in more rural holiday accomodations, the peace coupled with the tranquillity that these types of holiday accommodation delivers is generally quite definitely complemented by the peaceful and casual feel of the small villages and towns that form the countryside interior.

In a time warp of its own you will still stumble on local farmers using donkeys to plough their fields every now and then, whilst many more produce wines in their own small bodegas using extremely completely unique techniques, with the vines being cultivated inside circular plant beds hollowed out from the dark-colored volcanic picon and surrounded by small stone walls to protect them from the hot dry breeze.

If you are planning to visit the Canaries on a summer holiday or even a winter season break Lanzarote has always been the perfect vacation spot for your requirements.