Like the other main Canary Islands such as Tenerife Lanzarote is probably best known as a package holiday destination. Although in recent years it has started to attract a greater number of independent travellers. Thanks in no small part to the introduction of more cheap flights to the island from low cost operators such as Ryanair and easyJet. With returns now available at most airports across the UK starting from as little as €100.

This low cost flight factor has helped to drive demand for self catering accommodation on the island. Resulting in more bookings for the owners of apartments and villas in Lanzarote. And whilst there are also plenty of attractive rural accommodation options the bulk of British tourists still prefer to organise a stay in one of the larger resorts. So driving demand for villas in Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca.

Simply type in Lanzarote villas - hotels and apartments for the best accommodation available suitable for singles or even large family groups

Arguably, Lanzarote?s most famous talking point is its 300 plus volcanoes. Which were created by seismic activity during the 18th century that went on for over six years. As a result the interior of the island today looks like the moon – with lots of lava fields and spent peaks. With little in the way of flora and fauna able to grow or survive here. So it comes as something of a surprise to discover that this arid island can sustain its own wood.

El Bosque is located in the North of the island and is such as well kept secret that it isn’t even signposted and doesn’t appear on many maps. However this is a hugely popular spot with the locals, many of whom head here on holidays and weekends to enjoy a BBQ whilst drinking in the fabulous views down to the bay of Famara below. El Bosque lies off the road that also leads to Lanzarote?s only other verdant area, the Valley of 1000 Palms. Which is a truly breathtaking sight, resembling an African oasis. The village of Haria sits on the valley floor here and this is the place to head for every Saturday morning when a great little market is staged in the main village square.

For a selection of Lanzarote Villas follow the link.

Lanzarote has been welcoming foreign tourists ever since the package holiday industry first started up in the early 1970?s. Proving popular thanks to a classic combination of breathtaking beaches and incredible weather. However Lanzarote can offer visitors much more than just sand and sun alone. Thanks to the fact that development here is carefully controlled – leaving the bulk of the island largely untouched.

Just like on Tenerife and Gran Canaria there is a profound north south divide on Lanzarote when it comes to the climate and subsequent tourist development. With the south boasting better weather as a result of the profound microclimate here. Whilst the north is less developed and preferred by the locals as a result.

Over the last ten years package holiday makers have been augmented by independent travellers. As a result of the growth of budget airlines and the internet. Which has enabled tourists to book their own travel and accommodation online. As a result this trend has in turn increased demand for apartments and villas in Lanzarote. Which are now booked in preference to hotels and all inclusive holiday deals. With many British tourists booking holiday villas in Playa Blanca – the islands fastest growing resort - direct with the owners.Holiday accommodation information on Puerto del Carmen villas can be found online

Outside the three resorts is an island that is full of hidden delights. Some of which don’t even appear on local maps. So it really pays to book a rental vehicle and take some tie to tour around. With the north home to the real authentic heart of Lanzarote.

To connect with the real Lanzarote just drive to the north of Lanzarote and stroll around the incredibly picturesque village of Haria. Which also plays host to a great market every Saturday morning. Haria has been described as the prettiest village on the island – if not the world. And whilst the former is true the latter is something of an exaggeration. Although Haria is a real gem as it is very green and verdant whilst the rest of Lanzarote is arid and dry. A phenomenon that is not all down to Mother Nature as locals here continue to follow a tradition of planting a Canarian palm for every newborn baby in the village. No wonder it has long been described as the Valley of 1000 Palms!

Lanzarote travel information

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.

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.

This prompts plenty of visitors away from their Lanzarote holiday apartments and the stunning resort beaches to explore the island. 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. Activities, attractions or a mix of both, whichever you choose make sure to 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 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 these are not to your taste you could also try Cuevas de los Verdes - Once a hiding place from marauding invaders and real life pirates the Green Caves are almost mystical and certainly have a colourful history. Although only 2km of this amazing 6km long system are open to the public there will be no disappointed visitors to this attraction. Carefully planned lighting effects and sympathetic transformations by Jesus Soto show off the true visual magnificence of the cave that when combined with a local tour expose the very essence of Cuevas de los Verdes. If you stop off or visit Timanfaya drive a short distance to the north of and you soon encounter the surreal sight of the Green Lagoon, which is situated just outside the village of El Golfo. This lagoon has been created by an interaction between sea water and algae and has been used as a film location many times over. Most famously by the makers of One Million Years BC.

The north of the island offers another spectacular green surprise – in the form of the Valley of 1000 Palms. Where villagers from Haria have created a huge swaying oasis by planting a Canarian palm for every new born child here.

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

Most tourists like to spend their holidays in Lanzarote relaxing by a swimming pool or on the beach. But this popular Canary Island, located close to the African coast, is also an ideal destination for those who like to be a little more active than that. Some holiday makers can simply not keep still and without some vigourous activity would otherwise get board

Wet Or Dry?

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.

Lanzarote Accommodation

Places to stay on the island such as Lanzarote holiday apartments 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 Big Event Of The Year

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

There?s plenty of scope for a superb cycling holiday on Lanzarote. As the islands volcanic terrain provides plenty of dramatic backdrops as well as gruelling hill workouts. Whilst the year round climate makes it an ideal location for cyclists looking for an accessible spot for over winter training. With many booking a stay at the internationally renowned La Santa sports complex in the north of Lanzarote.

Water Water Everywhere

Watersports are also an integral part of the islands activity break offering. The conditions for diving in Lanzarote are absolutely ideal – as the waters around the island offer great visibility as well a huge selection of exotic sea life. And the island is also very popular with surfers from across Europe. As the beaches and bays on the wilder and more rugged northern coastline offer ideal conditions for riders.

Lanzarote has a wealth of activities to suit all manner of tastes and levels of experience making sure it is the the number 1 activities holiday hotspot.

Mallorca – or Majorca – is the largest of the four Balearic Islands, which are located in the Mediterranean off the southern coast of Spain. And adminstratively fall within the autonomous region of Catalonia. Like the other islands in the group such as Ibiza and Menorca, Mallorca is located around a two and half hour flight from the UK. With flights to the island available with most of the leading budget airlines such as easyJet.

Some thirty years ago areas of the island in the south especially started to earn a reptutation as a slightly downmarket destination. Thanks in no small part to the drunken antics of young and rowdy British holidaymakers in resorts such as Magaluf. Today though that image has long since faded – as VIP visitors and indepdendent travellers are now the norm. With the focus shifting towards the north of the island and in particular the resorts of Pollensa and Alcudia. Which have become very popular with the more discerning visitor.

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 do get booked up very early in the season, 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.

The historic Old town area of Palma is located just behind this famous Cathedral and is a real Arabic warren of maze like streets and traditional Moorish buildings. A legacy from the past that is perhaps best exemplified by the Arab Baths, which are situated close to the Convent of the Cathedral.

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.

Affordable Villas in Majorca .

Despite the recent volcanic activity in Iceland and the chaos this caused for countless travellers plenty of tourists will still be heading for similar hot spots around the globe during 2010. With destinations such as Lanzarote still very popular. This little island still bears the very visible marks of huge eruptions that took place some 250 years ago. With the interior left resembling the stage set of a science fiction movie.

Films and TV series shot on location on Lanzarote and around the other Canary Islands include:

• One Million Years BC
• Even Dwarfs Started Small
• Doctor Who
• Take a Hard Ride

Today though these volcanoes are all now dormant – and whilst the Timanfaya National Park is the islands number one tourist attraction there is still much more to Lanzarote than lava fields alone. As this unique island also has close to a hundred great beaches sprinkled along its coastline, as well as loads of interesting places to explore.

Lanzarote Villas And Apartments; There are lots of places to stay too – with plenty of self catering properties and hotels for visitors to select from. Villas in Lanzarote have proved very popular with British and Irish tourists over the last decade. Whilst Spanish and German guests tend to book Lanzarote hotels instead. With plenty of luxurious five star options available.

Most people will want something a little different from their annual holiday or break, for some it will simply be lazing on one of Lanzarote’s sun kissed beaches followed by relaxing evenings spent in a restaurant or bar, Whilst for others they will want to be hitting the watersports scene either surfing, paragliding or even diving. More active visitors will almost certainly want an equally bouyant nightlife scene with plenty of action. Of course for the cultural types staying in one of the main resorts of Playa Blanca or Puerto del Carmen may be far from their mind, and instead they may prefer Costa Teguise or even to stay in one of the increasingly popular rural villas that are guranteed to give a true taste of island living.

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 C?sar 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.

Finding holiday accommodation in Lanzarote

Puerto del Carmen’s appeal as a holiday resort is firmly established as a result of its wonderful climate. The town takes full advantage of its location on the eastern coast of Lanzarote, where it is also sheltered by several volcanoes from the prevailing winds.

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. Visitor here are spoilt for choice given the range of Lanzarote holiday villas to pick from.

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.

There is no shortage of restaurants throughout the town, with almost every type of cuisine represented from Thai to Irish. Perhaps the most atmospheric area for dining is the old harbour, where numerous establishments look out over the sea towards the southern tip of the island.

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.

Lanzarote Accommodation

Like the other main Canary Islands such as Tenerife Lanzarote is probably best known as a package holiday destination. Although in recent years it has started to attract a greater number of independent travellers. Thanks in no small part to the introduction of more cheap flights to the island from low cost operators such as Ryanair and easyJet. With returns now available at most airports across the UK starting from as little as €100.

As a result of this growth in independent travel demand has also increased for private rental accommodation on the island. With a growing number of visitors booking their own Lanzarote villas and apartments via the internet. And despite the lure of chic rural accommodation many British tourists still prefer to opt for accommodation in the two main resorts, with villas in Playa Blanca or Puerto del Carmen proving perennially popular with this market.

Do a quick search on the web for holiday villas in Lanzarote for the best accommodation available to suit almost any requirements

Wherever tourists decide to book their accommodation though there re still loads of hidden spots on Lanzarote that lie well off the main tourist trail. As the island boasts loads of natural beauty spots along with plenty of cultural attractions developed by C?sar Manrique, a famous local artist. Not to mention historic little towns such as the former island capital of Teguise.
Arguably, Lanzarote?s most famous talking point is its 300 plus volcanoes. Which were created by seismic activity during the 18th century that went on for over six years. As a result the interior of the island today looks like the moon – with lots of lava fields and spent peaks. With little in the way of flora and fauna able to grow or survive here. So it comes as something of a surprise to discover that this arid island can sustain its own wood.

But 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.

For independent villas in Lanzarote click the link.

Lanzarote has been welcoming foreign tourists ever since the package holiday industry first started up in the early 1970?s. Proving popular thanks to a classic combination of breathtaking beaches and incredible weather. However Lanzarote can offer visitors much more than just sand and sun alone. Thanks to the fact that development here is carefully controlled – leaving the bulk of the island largely untouched.

Much like other islands in the Canaries there is a pronounced north-south divide on Lanzarote. With tourist development and the main resorts confined to the south – which enjoys the best of the weather. Whilst the north remains the domain of the locals, with less development and a cooler climate.

Over the last ten years package holiday makers have been augmented by independent travellers. As a result of the growth of budget airlines and the internet. Which has enabled tourists to book their own travel and accommodation online. As a result this trend has in turn increased demand for apartments and villas in Lanzarote. Which are now booked in preference to hotels and all inclusive holiday deals. With many British tourists booking holiday villas in Playa Blanca – the islands fastest growing resort - direct with the owners.Details about holiday villas in Playa Blanca can be found online

Away from the main holiday resorts though there lies an island full of surprises and attractions. Many of which lie well off the beaten track. So visitors are well advised to hire a car and explore. Especially in the north which is still widely regarded as the true heart of the island.

To connect with the real Lanzarote just drive to the north of Lanzarote and stroll around the incredibly picturesque village of Haria. Which also plays host to a great market every Saturday morning. Haria has been described as the prettiest village on the island – if not the world. And whilst the former is true the latter is something of an exaggeration. Although Haria is a real gem as it is very green and verdant whilst the rest of Lanzarote is arid and dry. A phenomenon that is not all down to Mother Nature as locals here continue to follow a tradition of planting a Canarian palm for every newborn baby in the village. No wonder it has long been described as the Valley of 1000 Palms!

Just ten minutes away is the equally delightful coastal village of Arrieta – which is one of the last unsoiled spots on Lanzarote?s south eastern shoreline. Head here at lunchtime and enjoy a great meal in one of the restaurants that sit right next to the beach.

Lanzarote travel information

The little island of Lanzarote offers big value for money for anyone seeking a self catering holiday on a budget. As it is home to a very large selection of privately owned accommodation – normally available at prices that just cannot be matched in other parts of Spain. As here owners enjoy a year round rental season – as well as a reliable flow of tourist guests.

As one of the seven Canary Islands Lanzarote basks in delightful semi tropical weather, with sunshine predominating all year round. This is due to the fact that the islands all lie close to the coast of Africa and the Tropic of Cancer. Producing very little in the way of precipitation too – which makes the island look quite barren in appearance, with little in the way of trees and plants.

The scenery here is made even more surreal and strange by the fact that Lanzarote was rocked by enormous amounts of volcanic activity some 250 years ago. Leaving much of the interior of the island looking like a scene from a science fiction film.

But the island also has plenty of more conventional beauty away from the volcanic region, where it is much like many other island destinations. There are around 100 beaches adorning the coastline and visitors can choose from three modern and well appointed holiday resorts. Which is also the location most of the top choices of Self catering Lanzarote villas and apartments.

Puerto del Carmen is the islands main resort – located close to the only airport at Arrecife and blessed with an abundance of golden sand beaches. Accounting for its enormous popularity with tourists from across Europe over the last forty years. As well as excellent nightlife and a large selection of bars and restaurants.

As a result Private villas in Puerto del Carmen are a popular choice with tourists and offer good value for money too – with prices starting at about €500 per week.

Playa Blanca is the second biggest destination on the island after Puerto del Carmen. And it has grown quickly since development work first started here in earnest some thirty years ago. Today the resort is a hot choice with visitors keen to secure well priced self catering properties.

Lanzarote can be enjoyed as a holiday destination at any time of the year. But some months are better than others – with the most unreliable weather usually experienced during February and March.

Must see attractions on the island include for example Jameos Del Agua -The Jameos Del Agua?s popularity is attributable to the fact that this incredible natural space has been further enhanced by Cesar Manrique. Who - with the help of fellow architects Luis Morales and Jesus Soto - transformed it into a stunning subterrenean auditorium.

Enjoy your visit here.