Despite the credit crunch Lanzarote´s popularity as a holiday destination shows little sign of abating. As recently released figures from the Spanish airport operators AENA reveal that British tourist visits to the Island of Fire actually increased during the course of 2008 – up by 5.4% to November end.
So what can first time visitors expect from their holiday in Lanzarote? And where will they find the best accommodation on the island?
Lanzarote Weather & Climate
The key to Lanzarote´s enduring popularity lies in the island’s clement year round climate. As temperatures here rarely fall below 20 Celsius – even during the winter months. Whilst rainfall is minimal – with just 12cm of precipitation per year.
As a result Lanzarote enjoys a solid reputation as a sunshine destination and along with the other six Canary Islands are Europe’s only genuine winter sun option.
Lanzarote Flights
The island is serviced by all of the major low cost flight operators, such as Monarch and easyJet. With average ticket prices starting at around the £200 return mark. Flights to Lanzarote are available from all of the major UK airports and the journey time is a bearable four hours.
Despite the current economic climate a number of carriers, such as Monarch and Aer Lingus, have recently announced plans to add extra services to the island during the summer 2009 period in order to cope with additional demand.
Lanzarote Accommodation
The best hotels in Lanzarote can be found in the islands southern most resort of Playa Blanca. Just a quiet fishing village some ten years ago Playa Blanca has expanded rapidly over the last decade to emerge as the second most popular resort on the island.
Thanks in no small part to the fact that Playa Blanca enjoys the best microclimate on Lanzarote and also boasts some of the best beaches too. Such as the five coves and bays at Papagayo.
Unlike other resorts on the island Playa Blanca was developed with hotels at the core of the blueprint. And as a result visitors now have a great selection of four and five star establishment to select from. Such as the Gran Melia Volcan – a luxurious five star hotel located next to the stylish Marina Rubicon development. Along with good quality four star establishments such as the Hesperia Playa Dorada and the Lanzarote Princess.
Lanzarote Sightseeing
For such a small island Lanzarote is big on attractions. Boasting a great deal of natural beauty along with a set of unique tourist sites developed by the island born artist Cesar Marnique.
A visit to the Fire Mountains of Timanfaya is a must – as Lanzarote was subjected to one of the worlds longest ever volcanic eruptions back in 1730 which submerged around one third of the island beneath a sea of molten lava. Creating an eerie landscape that is today Lanzarote´s number one tourist attraction.
For a complete contrast to this arid moonscape, head to the north of the island and explore the lush, green Valley of 1000 Palms – where villagers used to plant one palm for every new born girl and two for a boy.