The popular holiday destination of Lanzarote is located just off the coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. And is one of the seven Canary Islands – which are part of Spain even though they are in fact situated many miles south of the Iberian Peninsula.

The autonomous region of the Canaries is split into two main administrative zones. The eastern Canaries comprise Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and the ?capital? of Las Palmas in Gran Canaria. Whilst in the west the well known holiday destination of Tenerife is the lead island – with La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma orbiting around it.

The Canaries are not all birds of a feather though by any means – with each island boasting its own unique character. Lanzarote for example is much less green than Gran Canaria or Tenerife – reflecting the fact that there is very little in the way of rainfall here. Just as you would expect of an island in such close proximity to the outer fringes of the Sahara desert. With a climate that is warm by day but quite cool at night.

This arid and rather denuded feel has been exacerbated further by volcanic activity. As a few hundreds years ago the island was rocked by enormous eruptions which wiped out many farms and villages. Leaving barren lava fields in its wake. With only the north of the island home to much in the way of greenery and trees in and around the Valley of 1000 Palms.

Local Holiday Accommodation - Playa Blanca Villas and Lanzarote Hotels

Local tourist authorities estimate that approximately half of all visitors book hotels in Lanzarote. With hundreds to choose from across the island – offering all types of tariffs from room only to all inclusive. With the most other visitors renting private rental accommodation, such as Lanzarote villas or apartments.

There are three main tourist resorts on the island – but during the winter months Playa Blanca in the south of the island really comes into its own. As the weather in this part of Lanzarote is warmer during December and January. Making this the ideal spot for anyone in search of winter sun.

There are plenty of places to stay in this fast growing resort too. With an ample selection of villas in Playa Blanca available for rental. Along with a number of good value four star hotels. Playa Blanca is also located just a short distance from some of Lanzarote?s leading tourist attractions – such as the Monta?as del Fuego, or Fire Mountains, of the Timanfaya National Park. And the famous Green Lagoon at El Golfo.

Lanzarote is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Spain. Although it is in fact located a long way south of the Spanish mainland – and is part of the Canarian archipelago, which is located around 80 miles off the Atlantic coast of Africa.

The seven islands that comprise the Canaries are separated into two main zones. The western Canaries – which revolve around the main island of Tenerife and which also include El Hierro, La Gomera and La Palma. And the eastern Canaries – which are governed from Gran Canaria and which also encompass Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.

However despite being all part of one single autonomous region these islands are in fact all very different. Lanzarote for example is very much drier and more barren than the other islands in the archipelago. The result of very low rainfall and a desert climate - which is little surprise as the outer reaches of what was once the Spanish Sahara are just 100 miles away. So the weather is very warm here but can feel chilly once the sun has set.

Volcanic activity during the 18th century has served to further compound this aridity. As the eruptions wiped out lots of farmland areas – leaving fields of thick solidified lava in their place. Making it even harder for much in the way of vegetation to grow here. Although Lanzarote does have its green spots – particular in the north of the island in and around Haria and the Valley of 1000 Palms.

Local Holiday Accommodation - Villas in Playa Blanca and Lanzarote Accommodation

Visitors to the island are able to select from a broad array of accommodation options. There are over 250 hotels in Lanzarote to choose from for example. As well as a large selection of holiday rental accommodation. With apartments and villas in Lanzarote available across the island.

There are three main tourist resorts on the island – but during the winter months Playa Blanca in the south of the island really comes into its own. As the weather in this part of Lanzarote is warmer during December and January. Making this the ideal spot for anyone in search of winter sun.

As a result accommodation such as hotels and villas in Playa Blanca are in demand – especially during December and January. And the resort also offers wonderful beaches – such as the fine stretches of sand at Playa Dorada and Playa Flamingo. Whilst the awe inspiring sight of the Fire Mountains – Lanzarote?s 300 plus volcanoes – are just a short ten minute drive away.

Instead of turning the heating up, why not look at where you could go for a week of winter sun and book a holiday? With the imminent return of freezing temperatures, many in the UK will be at the end of their tether with the coldest winter for twenty years. The downturn in tourism over recent years is also another reason for grabbing yourself a holiday bargain, and although Lanzarote has been less affected than other destinations there are still some great deals around.

But where can holidaymakers go and be confident of better weather than the UK? One of the best and closest destinations has to be Lanzarote. As the most easterly Canary Island it has good weather all year round and almost no rainfall. At only four hours flight time, it is the nearest thing Europe has to a Caribbean island.

And as a tourist hotspot, it already has a well-developed infrastructure that includes a range of accommodation in Lanzarote. At the cheaper end of the market, there is a wide choice of apartments in Lanzarote, that have been designed with self-catering in mind.

The sheer diversity of Lanzarote holiday villas and apartments in Lanzarote that can be found seems astounding to tourists coming to the island.

Most apartment complexes are set within semi-tropical gardens around a communal swimming pool. None will be more than three storeys tall, as strict rules about construction mean that buildings can only be as tall as a palm tree. A good number of these complexes have been refurbished in recent years to bring the accommodation up to date, with modern style furnishings.

Then there is an incredible choice of villas, in all three of the main resorts as well as plenty dotted around the countryside. Holiday villas in Lanzarote provide the kind of home-from-home comforts that many holidaymakers prefer these days. Including internet access, air conditioning and use of a private swimming pool.

Families, on the other hand, often prefer the more comfortable and spacious alternative of a villa in Lanzarote. A wide choice of this type of property is available to rent, many with great extra features, such as Jacuzzis and air conditioning. Fully equipped kitchens come as standard, allowing more elaborate dining to be an integral part of the holiday.

Some villas come equipped as a home-from-home, with DVD libraries and books to entertain their guests. Others have games rooms, with pool tables and Playstations. Nearly all have built-in barbecues, as the weather allows al-fresco dining at all times of the year. Private swimming pools are also the norm, with most heated during the winter months to just take the chill off the water. With hot-tubs also on the increase, there are plenty of ways to relax in a Lanzarote villa.