Sun-kissed Vacations In Lanzarote In The Canary Islands This Autumn

There are lots of wintertime vacation hot spots to select from around the globe. From the Hawaiian islands to the fantastic shoreline of the Caribbean. But for British consumers looking to escape the chill and gloom of our winter months the Canaries are the easiest to reach, mainly because flights – that can easily be arranged from most British airports – take just four hours.

There are seven islands inside the Spanish owned chain and Lanzarote is amongst probably the most common, located just off the African coast. Its climate and terrain are a lot more arid than the other islands, reflecting the truth that it can be situated close towards the Sahara has quite little precipitation and is volcanic in origin. The weather here is just fantastic as a result – with tourists able to get pleasure from temperatures that reach into the mid 20´s Celsius throughout the winter months.

In recent years the recognition of self-catering breaks on the island has increased enormously, creating elevated rental demand for holiday villas, both inside the primary resorts and across the island. The majority of these holiday rental properties boast their own personal private swimming pools and numerous other mod cons like hot tubs, Jacuzzis and high speed internet connections. Costs are pretty cost-effective too, with a week’s rental beginning from about €600 for a two bedroom property with pool.

Anybody that has visited the island previously will certainly have a favorite resort, but for many this really is Puerto del Carmen. Holiday accommodation options here are exceptional, covering anything from low-cost apartment rentals to an exceptional choice of decently furnished Lanzarote villas and apartments just waiting to be booked. Here guests will enjoy impressive views down to the coastline and out across the Atlantic below to beach island of Fuerteventura.

This extraordinary residence has now been restored to a very high standard and provides you with 5 bed rooms that have been painted in a modern day and chic manner. Plus an enormous private pool, plenty of sunbathing terraces and then a Barbecue and outdoor dining area that is just simply ideal for taking pleasure in al fresco meals.

If Puerto del Carmen doesn’t appeal then Playa Blanca may be the subsequent very best option – as this resort is also home to some excellent beaches and a lot of decent accommodation. On the accommodation front many Playa Blanca villas to hire also have their very own private pools together with air conditioning, a much needed necessity as this is the warmest location on the island.

The island provides a plethora of holiday attractions that help to increase the lists of reasons to visit the island and it’s worthwhile to see these for yourself, so with so much to offer Lanzarote car hire is without a doubt the easiest way to get round the island, but if you don’t like driving abroad then guided trips cover most destinations, visiting the top attractions the island provides on a pretty regular basis. Additionally there are loads of sports to enjoy, such as mountain biking, wind sailing and also strolling if you prefer to keep your exercise low key.

So there you have it, a brief introduction to this amazing island. In the event you would like to learn a lot more an excellent resource will be the islands own Lanzarote guide book website, which has everything you need to know should you are preparing pay a visit to the island.

Savour A Vacation In The Canary Islands

Planning a holiday vacation in the Canaries this fall? These seven Spanish islands are the most well-liked destination for foreign holidaymakers after Catalonia, and offer incredibly good weather year-round due to their ideal location.

The largest and most commonly known island is Tenerife, boasting Spain’s highest mountain Mount Teide, that rises majestically to 3718 metres above the island creating an extraordinary contrast in temperature between the snowy mountain top and the hot sandy beaches dotted along the coastline at sea level. Just like the other main islands in the Canary islands chain, the southern reaches are home to many of the most popular holiday hotspots and resorts, whilst the northern reaches of the island are a lot cloudier, so is ideal for the commercial side of Tenerife’s infrastructure.

In contrast Lanzarote is a relatively small island, roughly speaking size wise measuring 40km by 60km– and a major attraction here is that it hasn’t been scarred by mindless commercial development.

So if you are looking to get some way from the maddening crowd in the Canaries will find Lanzarote the most appropriate getaway, as they will be rewarded with spectacular landscapes and vistas, in particular in the north. Much like Tenerife all of the major vacation resorts are found in the south of the island and this is typically where you can find the best choice of accommodation to rent– with 1000′s of condos and Lanzarote holiday villas for hire.

Of the islands two largest holiday resorts Puerto del Carmen is probably the most popular, promising a lot of excellent beaches and additionally the atmospheric harbour that’s worth a visit. In addition there are an excellent selection of hotels and villas in Puerto del Carmen for anyone searching for places to stay.

Playa Blanca is somewhat smaller and calmer and serves as a welcoming, chilled out location which is definitely not seen as being night life central as quite a few of the significantly more active parts of the island, amazingly , instead the focal point here on the whole is attempting to keep the appeal and comfort of its old and long established fishing port. But fortunately you’ll still find a extensive choice of apartments and villas available for rent all year round

The mixture of wonderfully laid out resorts, top class beaches and breathtaking natural countryside make Lanzarote a one of a kind and remarkable vacation destination, so ensure that it’s on your shortlist.

Summer Annual Vacations In Dazzling Lanzarote

As the summer approaches, more and more people are deliberating spending the sunny season abroad. After all who really wants to really rely on the great British summertime? And as usual Spain stays probably the most preferred destinations for British tourists, with the Costas, the Balearics and the Canaries all eager for business.

Lanzarote is the nearest island to Africa and is located as the east of the Canaries. The location provides excellent weather which falls between summer and winter and Lanzarote Flights are readily available these days from all UK airports, with a journey time of just four hours. And with returns starting from as little as €100 this makes this popular holiday island available to all.

Hotels and attractions in Lanzarote are also incredibly high standard with a wide range of accommodations to choose from. Whilst for those who prefer to book self catering accommodation there is a wide range of Lanzarote holiday villas available for rent in all of the main resorts and towns across the island, as well as in the countryside too.

The fact that the Lanzarote island is a bit small means that tourists will have the time to explore the area. Lanzarote car rental is an excellent way to get around the island to see the sights, rental costs are very cheap plus some roads seem totally devoid of traffic..

So what are the best places tourists can go to? Lanzarote boasts of some of the best beaches with stretches of sand for the tourist. Although the Canary Islands come with stretches of black sand, the Lanzarote beaches boast of golden stretches of beach. This is perhaps a little strange as Lanzarote is in fact more volcanic than say Tenerife, having experienced eruptions as recently as 300 years ago. Those who want to try out the black sand can find those around the El Golfo or the Playa Quemada.

Thanks to the influence of the local artist César Manrique all of the buildings on Lanzarote are painted a universal white colour in order to create a pleasing overall aesthetic. Tourists will find that the island boasts of a palette of colors with white buildings blending perfectly with plants and flowers.

The south of the island is where the eruptions really made themselves felt – and here visitors can tour the eerie scenery of the Timanfaya National Park – home to hundreds of spent volcanoes which are known locally as the Fire Mountains. This is the first location to see within the island. The view is breathtaking and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Some restaurants prepare their food using the heat from the volcano, something tourists would definitely enjoy.

Enjoy A Villa Break In Lanzarote in 2011

There are many good reasons why you should book a break in Lanzarote this year not least as this small island in the Canaries has already proved a red hot favourite with winter sun seeking tourists across the Christmas and New Year period. But also thanks to its great climate Lanzarote can also be enjoyed at any time of the year.

The island offers plenty of good accommodation options too – as the tourist sector is well developed and has been catering to holidaymakers for over fifty years.

Today many of these visitors prefer to book Lanzarote holiday villas instead of hotels, as they can enjoy more privacy and cheaper prices. For example villas in Puerto del Carmen are available from as little as €500 per week, which for a family of four compares very favorably with a hotel. There are plenty of other will priced rental properties in the other two main resorts of Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise as well. Places to stay on the island such as villas in Lanzarote is in good supply as there are thousands of well priced Lanzarote villas and apartments available for rent.. Cost Teguise villas are well worth investigating.

Regardless of where holidaymakers decide on staying they’re bound to enjoy the outstanding weather as Lanzarote is found just off the West African coast. A geographic location that provides an enviable climate which is what has led to this group of islands being referred to as the Fortunate Islands over the centuries. Temperatures typically average out at around 26 degrees and there is generally minimal precipitation . The only slight aggravation may perhaps be the wind which has been known to blow fairly harder than average across the island anywhere from April through until August.

Either way though Lanzarote boasts much more than just great weather alone. The island is home to some of the most weird and wonderful scenery that has been created by recent volcanic eruptions which have left a legacy of lava fields.

These pristine lava fields are best viewed at the Timanfaya Volcano Park, which is one of the most popular National Parks in Spain and is a must see for any tourist as the landscapes here are lunar like and truly out of this world.

Best of all Lanzarote possesses an amazing choice of wonderful beaches. As well as the fine man made stretches of sand in each of the main resorts, but it really pays to get out and about and hire a car to access the islands best beaches just like Arrieta in the northern part of the island and Papagayo. Most visitors agree though that Famara on the rocky North West coastline is the most aesthetically attractive, mainly because this huge bay and beach front is back dropped by the magnificent Famara massif. Furthermore this is also a increasingly popular spot with the local surfing community.

Getting Active in Lanzarote

Most holidaymakers enjoying a break on Lanzarote in the Canaries like to laze their days away in the sun either by the pool or on the beach. But there is a significant minority of visitors who fly into Lanzarote to enjoy a more active type of break.

Wet Or Dry?

On the water or dry land, what’s your preference? 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 rental accommodation for example Lanzarote hotels can be rented much more cheaply than on many other Spanish holiday islands. There are loads of cheap flights to Lanzarote too thanks to the fact that ow coast airlines operate services from across the UK.

Lanzarote’s Iron Man

Lanzarote´s major sporting event is the Iron Man contest – which is held every May and which is widely regarded as one of the toughest triathlons in the world. And rightly so – as competitors are asked to complete a gruelling course comprising a 3km swim, 180km bike ride and then a full marathon in temperatures that are often in the 30´s. With 60 out of the 1000 strong field winning a coveted slot in the Iron Man grand final which takes place every year in Hawaii.

On Your Bike

Cycling is also a very popular activity holiday – as the island’s mountainous terrain and year round fine weather make it an ideal spot for cyclists looking for some warm weather training conditions. Many stay at the La Santa sports complex in the north of the island, which enjoys a good reputation internationally as a high quality sports break camp.

Water Water Everywhere

There are also plenty of choices for water sports enthusiasts. Divers love the waters around Lanzarote as they offer excellent visibility whilst also containing a wide array of interesting sea life. Surfers flock to the wilder North coast beaches such as Famara to indulge their passion for waves and breaks.

Lanzarote has a huge array activities to suit all manner of tastes and levels of experience making it the Canary Islands top activities holiday destination.

Lanzarote´s Natural Wonders

Whilst Lanzarote has traditionally been linked with package holidays a growing number of independent travellers are now visiting the island. Lured by cheaper flights, great weather and some seriously spectacular scenery, as Lanzarote is home to an abundance of wonderful natural attractions many of which were forged during the massive volcanic eruptions that rocked the island during the 1730´s.

Holidays in Lanzarote have been popular since the 1970´s. When the fourth largest of the Canary Islands became one of the most popular destinations in Spain. Today it still attracts millions of visitors every year. And whilst many of them opt to enjoy their break around the pool or on the beach there are loads of stunning natural sights to explore.

However there’s so much to see that most tourists manage to leave their Lanzarote villas and apartments for a day or two to see what the island has to offer. As well as a reliable tourist industry and great weather Lanzarote also offers holidaymakers plenty of attractions and activities. Factors which have helped to maintain the island’s ongoing popularity. These include an array of natural wonders, such as the verdant Valley of 1000 Palms in the north of the island. And the number one tourist attraction of the Timanfaya Volcano Park – where visitors can gaze in awe at over 300 now dormant peaks. There are also close to 100 beaches to explore along with some very pretty little villages such as Haria and Yaiza. Attractions or activities? The choice is yours but some good suggestions include:

Parque Tropical; Parque Tropical is located in the north of the island at the base of Mount Corona, an extinct volcano and the highest point of the island, close to the Famara Cliffs. The views here are simply spectacular. The park has an outstanding variety of birds totalling close to 300 species, including Ostriches, Flamingos, Cranes and Hornbills to name but a few.

Or maybe :

El Bosque; Visitors to the north will find El Bosque perched on the Famara massif range of cliffs. Providing a verdant antidote to the volcanic region and a popular picnic spot for locals. As very few tourists are aware of this spot, which doesn’t feature on many maps and isn’t signposted. Making it very tricky to find.

If the above recommendations don’t suit your style perhaps try Cuevas de los Verdes; The Green Caves. You don’t need to be a caving enthusiast to admire the natural beauty that this cave system exposes to those who go out of their way to explore what the island has to offer. It is advisable to take a tour with the local guide to understand the true nature and past uses of the cave system that now even boasts its own auditorium and which hosts many concerts that take advantage of the fantastic acoustic experience the auditorium offers. The Green Lagoon is another memorable sight and is just a short drive away from the volcanic region if you are visiting this area. And is located just outside the small fishing village of El Golfo. The scenery here is so stunning that it has been used as a location for a number of well known feature films.

More tourist info Lanzarote places to visit is available on the Lanzarote1.com website.

Escape to Mallorca

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 prefer Majorca villas to hotels – as they offer much more privacy and luxury. And lots of these properties have been built using locally quarried stone. Which helps to create a very traditional feel – whilst also offering plenty of modern day luxuries. Holiday Villas in Majorca can be booked locally or through a reputable agent, but to be sure of the best choice book well ahead of time.

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.

A great selection of Villas in Majorca can be found on the holidayvillasinmallorca.co.uk website.

The Different Halves Of Lanzarote

Amongst the many other delights that visitors to the island of Lanzarote will enjoy (for those who take the time to explore) is the radical difference between the north and the south of this holiday island.

As you fly over the Canary Islands and come in to land it is almost unimaginable that the top and bottom of this delight holiday destination can be quite so different. Lanzarote´s two separate faces become obvious when you begin to tour the island. All of the accommodation such as Lanzarote holiday villas, hotels, apartments are concentrated in the three main holiday resorts. Whilst the northern half is largely the preserve of local residents. And where agriculture still plays a very prominent role. There is a good range of Lanzarote holiday villas so most needs and requirements are going to be well met.

Driving from the largest resort of Puerto del Carmen tourists need to join the LZ1 which takes them past the airport at Arrecife before joining the ring road or circunvalacion, which skirts past the working capital of Arrecife. Before heading towards the junction with Tahiche which is essentially the gateway to the north. Here tourists will also find the former home and studio of the artist César Manrique, who built this incredible property over five bubbles in the lava flow and which is well worth a visit.

After exploring the César Manrique Foundation there are two routes to choose from. One of these goes in the direction of Tahiche, which was the capital of the island until 1852 and which as a result boasts loads of great old architecture. Whilst the other option basically skirts the coast until reaching the atmospheric former fishing village of Arrieta. Which is the best beach spot on this part of the island. This is also a good place to enjoy lunch as there are two decent restaurants right on the beach here. The north is also home to the majority of the islands leading tourist attractions, most of which were also created by the ubiquitous Manrique. Such as the lookout point at the Mirador del Rio, the plant packed Cactus Garden and the breathtaking Jameos del Agua. The north is also much greener than the south especially in and around villages such as Haria and the Valley of 1000 Palms.

The terrain in the south of the island is much drier and volcanic in origin thanks to eruptions which shook this region as recently as the 1730´´s. The scenery is still beautiful here but much more unconventionally so. Dominated by loads of dormant volcanoes and mile after mile of lava fields.

Additional information on Lanzartote places of interest .

Enjoy Lanzarotes Leading Fiestas

Lanzarote boasts a full calendar of fiestas and festivals that run throughout the year and many visitors book holiday villas in Puerto del Carmen to coincide with one or other of these fiestas, for example: New Year, Nuestra Señora del Carmen and San Gines most of which are heavily attended by the locals who do like to party.

The Christmas period is always a busy time on Lanzarote. Demand for accommodation such as holiday villas in Playa Blanca is high. And the locals celebrate Christmas not once but twice. As in Spain children don’t get their hands on their presents until Epiphany on the 5th of January, or Dia del Reyes as it is known locally. When processions take place in the main towns cross the island featuring three kings on camel back, who dispense sweets and presents to the crowds. The best procession takes place in the islands capital of Arrecife and in the main resort of Puerto del Carmen.

The movable fiesta of Carnival arrives in late February or early March, depending on Lent. It doesn´t reach the same proportions as the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro but is still taken very seriously by local residents in the Canary Islands. Costumes and floats, loud music and partying are still the core components, with every village hosting its own celebrations in sequence, making the whole event some two to three weeks long.

Regional autonomy from the Spanish mainland is the occasion for the Dia de Canarias fiesta on 30th May. When Canarians, including all the school children, dress up in traditional costume and lots of local dishes are widely available for visitors to try.

Corpus Christi is one of the most colourful annual events to take place on Lanzarote. Every year in mid June groups across the island plan and create their own carpets crated from multi coloured salt, which was once a major export product. With designs depicting scenes from the bible. On the Sunday religious processions carrying effigies than walk across and destroy these intricately crafted tableaus. In September, the highly unique Fiesta of Dolores is a island-wide event which commemorates the miracle which saw the volcanic lava flows halted in their tracks before the village of Mancha Blanca was swallowed whole. Locals dress up in traditional costume and trek across the island on foot to give thanks for this miraculous occurrence. It is regularly attended by thousands of residents.

Escape To Sunny Lanzarote This Autumn

Autumn is one of the best times of the year to visit the Canary Island of Lanzarote. as whilst the summer season is drawing to a close elsewhere in Europe the sun continues to shine here right into December courtesy of the islands mild climate

Budget Flights Anyone

Getting to Lanzarote is quick and easy – especially from the UK. yet the weather conditions are a world away. Which is why the island is so popular with sun seekers at this time of the year. It’s also cheaper to travel then – as the price of flights to Lanzarote fall sharply in September and October. And there are plenty of budget airline options to choose from too – such as easyJet and Ryanair.

Take Advantage Of Cheap Holiday Villas In Lanzarote This Autumn

The autumn months are certainly a great time to be visiting the island. Lanzarote doesn’t shut down at this time of the year – unlike most holiday resorts on the European mainland. So there are loads of bars restaurants and attractions to enjoy. Whilst the sea is still nice and warm having been heated up all summer by the sun. There’s more space to enjoy this climate on the beach too as the peak period crowds have long since departed.

Perhaps best of all the cost of accommodation tumbles at this time of the year. Making Lanzarote villas and apartments much more affordable for anyone booking on a budget. Whilst hotel room rates fall considerably too. Expect to pay at least 10% to 15% less for your accommodation versus the summer months.

During September and October tourists will experience temperatures in the mid to high 20´s degrees Celsius. Rainfall is minimal at about 8mm a month. And all is still and calm as the Trade Winds have died away. Leaving bright clear blue skies – the ideal conditions for a day on the beach or by the pool.

There’s plenty to enjoy too – as Lanzarote boasts an abundance of excellent golden beaches. As well as a wide range of natural wonders and unique visitor attractions. Such as the Valley of 1000 Palms, the green lagoon at El Golfo, the Timanfaya Volcano Park and the many creations of the famous local artist and architect Cesar Manrique.