Discovering Lanzarote
Lanzarote is located in the Canaries – an archipelago of seven Spanish owned islands that can be found in the Atlantic Ocean, about 100 miles away from the African coast.
They have all been owned by Spain since the early 1400´s and played an important role in the growth of the empire. As they provided a useful staging post for the galleons that used to criss-cross the Atlantic, laden with Inca silver and African slaves. A trade that also attracted the attentions of numerous buccaneers and privateers such as Raleigh and Drake – both keen to undermine the Spanish crown’s main source of income.
Today visitors arrive from countries such as the UK and Germany in serious numbers. Lanzarote welcomed over 1.4 million visitors last year and in the past this figure reached as high as 2 million tourists. However the arrival of other destinations on the scene such as Egypt and Turkey have eroded the islands popularity a little.
There are loads of great places to stay – visitors have their choice of over 200 Lanzarote hotels. Most of which are in the four star category, although there are six 5 star hotels too. Lanzarote holiday villas and apartments are also popular with those seeking self catering accommodation and can often be rented surprisingly cheaply. For example a seven night stay on a centrally located complex in the heart of one of the largest resorts costs from just €180 per week.
There are three main holiday resorts to choose from. The largest of which is called Puerto del Carmen – which can be found just ten minutes away from the sole island airport at Arrecife. Puerto del Carmen started life as a little fishing village called La Tiñosa before evolving into the large destinations that it is today. With life in the resort revolving around the main beach of Playa Grande and the harbour area in the Old Town. Which is a great spot for dining outdoors.
Playa Blanca is the second largest resort on Lanzarote and is about a thirty minute drive south of Puerto del Carmen. It was developed more recently so all of the hotels and villas in Playa Blanca are only a few years old. Providing plenty of modern comforts and amenities for guests. Such as heated swimming pools and Jacuzzis and high speed internet connections.
Thanks to its incredible year round climate the island can be enjoyed at any time of the year. So book your flight today and discover Lanzarote.
