Tripwrite – Travel Articles

Seeking good value summer holiday accommodation that wont break the bank?  The Canary Island of Lanzarote combines guaranteed great weather and an exotic location with keenly priced accommodation deals.  With many of the leading tour operators offering a 10% discount on early summer holiday bookings this year.

Lanzarote is an ideal option for anyone planning a summer break on a budget this year.  As the island is cheap to get too – thanks to the ready availability of budget flights.  And is just four hours flying time from the UK – making it bearable for families with young kids. Whilst those seeking package deals can also expect to pay realistic prices too – thanks to an abundance of summer deals from big brand names such as First Choice and Thomson’s.

Lanzarote has become increasingly popular with independent travellers in recent years thanks in part to the growth of the internet and the increased availability of cheap flights.  Which has made it much easier for people to build and book their own holidays in Lanzarote direct online.

This has also increased demand for self catering accommodation on the island – and there are now thousands of Lanzarote villas and apartments available for rent.  With prices way below the sort of levels you would expect to pay in places such as the Balearics.

Villas in Playa Blanca have proven especially popular over the last few years as this resort has expanded rapidly.  And is now established as the second most popular destination on the island after Puerto del Carmen.  Thanks to a winning combination of great beaches, good quality restaurants and the best weather on the island.

Playa Blanca is also ideally situated for anyone planning to explore.  As Lanzarote´s leading tourist attraction of the Timanfaya National Park is just a fifteen minute drive away whilst the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura is just across the Bocaina Straits.  And can be reached on one of the ferries that leaves from the harbour area throughout the day.

Puerto del Carmen is a larger and older resort than Playa Blanca but on the plus side has just undergone a €16 million revitalisation project which has done much to improve the resorts facilities.  There are some excellent villas in Puerto del Carmen for rent – expect to pay more than in Playa Blanca though. The Old Town is the most atmospheric part of the resort and visitors staying here are also in close proximity to all of the bars and restaurants of the harbour area.

Spain is home to some fabulous holiday destinations.  Such as the breathtaking buildings of Barcelona and the white island of Ibiza.  But there’s only one region in Spain which enjoys year round sunshine – and that’s the Canary Islands.  A Spanish province since the early 15th century.

The Canary Islands semi tropical climate means that these seven islands are well established as a popular tourist destination – second only to Catalonia in terms of visitor numbers.  With around 9 million tourists visiting the archipelago every year.

This is created by their location close to the coast of what was once the Spanish Sahara in West Africa.  With the islands enjoying a desert like climate that makes them very warm during the day but much cooler once the sun has gone down.

Lanzarote is located at the far eastern end of the chain closest to the coast and is the fourth lagrest of the islands.  With a population of around 140,000 people that is augmented by the same amount again every month by tourist arrivals.  Which all touch down at the island’s only international airport of Arrecife.

Chief amongst Lanzarote´s many attractions are the surreal and eerie sight of the Timanfaya National Park.  Where Mother Nature reeked havoc during the 18th century – unleashing the modern world’s largest ever eruption which caused massive devastation.  Leaving 300 new volcanoes (all now dormant) in its awake.

Around half of all visitors to the island book a stay in one of Lanzarote’s many good quality hotels.  With the remainder booking accommodation in Lanzarote holiday villas or apartments in resorts such as Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca.

Villa accommodation on the island in general is much cheaper than in most other Spanish sunspots.  Thanks in part to the fact that Lanzarote´s holiday season runs for twelve months of the year.  Making it possible to rent a two bedroom villa with private pool from as little as £350 per week. Holiday apartments in Lanzarote are even cheaper – and can be booked from as little as £180 per week.

Visitors are often surprised by the amount of things to do and see that Lanzarote offers.  As well as the volcanic region the island is home to a unique wine region where local farmers use volcanic chippings called picon to mulch their vines.  And there are many other natural wonders such as the Green Lagoon at El Golfo and the Boiling Pots at Los Hervidores to explore.

Some say Majorca whilst others say Mallorca.  But however you pronounce it the largest of the four Balearic Islands remains a real hot favourite with tourists from around the world.  Thanks to its great scenery, golden sandy beaches and fabulous Mediteranean climate.  Making Mallorca one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe – welcoming around 6 million visitors every year.

Such is the islands beauty that is has long been the haunt of the rich and famous.  Playing host to Chopin and Miro in the past as well as Hollywood actors such as Michael Douglas in more recent times.  As well as hundreds of luxury yacht owners who like nothing better than to drop anchor off this islands beautiful coastline.

The season on Mallorca runs from May through until September – as unlike say the Canary Islands Mallorca’s climate cannot sustain a year round tourist industry. As a result the cost of services such as car hire and accommodation such as holiday villas in Mallorca can increase steeply during the peak summer months of July and August.

The island is nominally split into two halves.  With the south given over more to package tourism.  With resorts such as Magaluf still enjoying something of a wild reputation and geared up more to the 18-30´s party crowds.  Whilst the north is more sophisticated – attracting well heeled visitors to historic towns such as Pollensa.

Visitors to the island arrive via the sole international airport at Palma and have a choice of around 20 different resorts.  Some of which cater to specific age groups r nationalities.

Cala D’or on the islands east coast is a popular choice – as it boasts a selection of seven sandy coves as well as plenty of good quality accommodation options. Plus plenty of decent bars and restaurants.

Alcudia on the north coast boasts the largest beach on the island – some 9km long.  Which makes this a very popular choice with families and couples wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of mega resorts such as Magaluf.

Further along the coastline lies Puerto Pollensa – which is set against the dramatic backdrop of the Tramantura Mountains and which is very popular with British tourists.  Many of whom prefer to book holiday villas in Puerto Pollensa direct online with the owners.

Puerto Pollensa is the coastal sister resort to the historic inland town and former Roman settlement of Pollensa.  Which is home to plenty of atmospheric little squares and which provides a great diversion for anyone in search of a little more culture.

The popular holiday island of Lanzarote has been welcoming tourists for over forty years.  And offers a number of different destination options – each boasting its own identity, character and accommodation. 

Puerto del Carmen is the oldest of the island’s three main resorts.  And first started to take off during the 1970´s – as this former fishing village called La Tiñosa morphed into a bustling holiday hot spot. 

Puerto del Carmen today boasts some great beaches – some of which were actually man made using sand from the nearby Sahara desert.  Such as the aptly named Playa Grande – which offers around 3km of gently shelving sand along with decent facilities such as showers, loungers and umbrellas.  There are also a number of other smaller beaches such as Playa Chica which are better for escaping the crowds.

The resort is divided into two halves – the Old Town, which is based around the harbour area.  And the New Town – which basically runs parallel with the main beach and the Avenida de las Playas. 

Both areas have recently undergone something of a facelift thanks to the fact that local auhtorities have spent over €16 million on improvements.  Making it an ideal time to visit.  A new golf course has also opened recently on the outskirts of the town.

Puerto del Carmen offers the best selection of apartments in Lanzarote for rent as there are hundreds of complexes in the resort. 

By contrast Playa Blanca in the south of the island is the destination to head for if you are searching for villas in Lanzarote.  As there are hundreds to choose from here – along with a large selection of good quality four star hotels.

Playa Blanca was the last of the three main resorts to be developed during the 1990´s so amenities and facilities here remain largely as good as new.  Just like Puerto del Carmen Playa Blanca offers an excellent array of beaches – which are all united by a seafront promenade.  Ideal for an evening stroll once the sun has gone down.

Costa Teguise in the north of the island remains the poor relation of the three resorts.  And has been overtaken by Playa Blanca in recent years.  This can largely be attributed to the fact that the weather at this end of the island can be grey and cloudy during the winter months.  Whilst the other two resorts are still basking in sunshine.

There are plenty of winter sun holiday destinations around the world.  With exotic locations such as the Caribbean, the Far East and the Orient all vying for tourist arrivals.  But few offer either the value or the convenience of the Canary Islands for British tourists.  As these seven specks of Spain are just a four hour flight away.

Over the years the Canaries have been unfairly saddled with something of a downmarket reputation.  Fuelled by comedians such as Michael Palin who once dubbed Lanzarote Lanzagrotty.  But the era of the full English breakfast is long gone.  As the islands now welcome a slightly more sophisticated independent traveller.  Aided by the introduction of cheap flights to Lanzarote from carriers such as easyJet and Ryanair.

As a result many visitors now eschew package holidays.  Preferring to build their own break direct online instead.  A phenomenon which has led to an explosion in demand for Lanzarote holiday villas and apartments over the last five years.

During the winter months Lanzarote basks in warm sunshine and temperatures that reach at least 70 degrees.  Creating a spring-like climate that is ideal for spending days on the beach or by the pool.

Where are the best places to stay?  During the depths of December and January the south of the island offers more reliable weather than the north.  So plump for either Playa Blanca or Puerto del Carmen – both of which offer the most reliable resort based weather conditions on the island.

Playa Blanca was purpose built for tourism during the 1990´s – evolving from a small fishing village and ferry port – from where ships sailed across to neighbouring Fuerteventura – into the island’s second most popular resort today.   Knocking Costa Teguise to the north off the number two slot.

Playa Blanca has loads to recommend it.  It may be the furthest resort from the airport but the transfer time is still just a manageable forty minutes.  And it offers arguably the best beaches of any of the main resorts.  With the breathtaking coves of Papagayo just fifteen minutes walk away from the centre of Playa Blanca too.

Puerto del Carmen by contrast feels a little less upmarket.  Largely as the resort – Lanzarote´s largest – is much older.  With origins dating back to the 1960´s.  It’s been bought back up to date by the recent injection of €16 million into improvements though – making it an ideal time to visit.

There’s a wealth of accommodation options for anyone planning a holiday on the popular volcanic island of Lanzarote.  As this small Spanish outpost off the coast of Morocco boasts a huge range of apartments, hotels and villas to choose from.  At surprisingly reasonable rates.

Unlike most other Spanish destinations Lanzarote is open for business all year round.  As the island is blessed with great weather – even during winter.  Making it possible to enjoy a holiday here at any time of year.

This lack of seasonality also has a positive impact on prices.  As unlike say the Balearics holidays aren’t condensed into a two or three month window, resulting in higher rental rates for villas and apartments.  Indeed on Lanzarote it’s possible to book self catering accommodation much cheaper than in say Ibiza or Mallorca.

For example, apartments in Lanzarote are available from around £160 per week.  Which purchases a stay on a good quality complex located in the heart of Puerto del Carmen, which is the oldest and largest resort on the island.  And this is the cost per room – not per person.  Making this a highly affordable option.

Even villas in Lanzarote are not that much more expensive.  As a standard two bedroom property with private pool can be rented for as little as £450 per week.  Which when divided amongst a party of four also represents great value for money.

The best places to search for self catering accommodation are in Puerto del Carmen and the more southerly resort of Playa Blanca.  Which is also home to the largest selection of hotels in Lanzarote.  With prices starting from around £60 per night on a bed and breakfast basis.

Rural tourism has also enjoyed a real uplift in popularity over recent years.  Many tourists return to Lanzarote year after year.  With many keen to experience the islands beautiful countryside which they may only have previously glimpsed whilst touring.

The north of the island is regarded as the real rural heart of Lanzarote and here visitors can find real picture postcard villages such as Haria and Arrieta.  With accommodation available in rural fincas such as the Finca La Crucita.  Which boasts traditional architecture and fantastic gardens.

Alternatively head for the coast to the eco friendly Finca de Arrieta – which is powered by solar and wind energy and which offers guests the chance to pick their own organic fruit and veg or enjoy fresh free range eggs.

Looking for a holiday destination that offers a bit more than just beaches and sunshine?  Then take a closer look at the small volcanic island of Lanzarote – located just off the coast of Morocco in the Atlantic.  As this Spanish owned Canary Island really rocks.

Lanzarote does of course have plenty of beautiful beaches – along with great weather all year round.  But unlike many other holiday destinations it also offers loads to do and see as well.  Making it the ideal choice for anyone that likes to combine sunbathing with sightseeing.

The island is located around four hours flying time from the UK – and offers plenty of accommodation options to suit every budget.

Good quality Lanzarote holiday villas are available in each of the main resorts.  With prices starting from as little as £450 per week for a two bed property with private pool.  Whilst holiday apartments in Lanzarote are even more affordable – with weekly rental rates starting from as low as £160.

Away from the resorts Lanzarote is largely unspoiled and untouched by tourism.  And the island boasts the most incredible volcanic interior – which was created by massive activity during the 18th and 19th centuries.  Which left 300 new volcanoes and mile after mile of petrified lava in its wake. This whole area occupies around one third of the island today and is one of Spain’s most visited National Parks, known as Timanfaya or The Fire Mountains locally. 

Volcanic activity has also shaped other natural wonders – such as the Green Lagoon at El Golfo.  Where the interaction between mineral deposits and the salt of a sea water fed inland lake have interacted to create an emerald green lagoon.  Much loved by science fiction film makers – with movies such as One Million Years BC shot on location here.

Elsewhere a local artist called Cesar Manrique has worked with this terrain to create a number of imaginative attractions.  Such as the Jameos del Agua and his own home and studio – built over five bubbles in the lava flow.

Lanzarote is also home to some every pretty and picturesque towns and villages.  All boasting uniform white washed houses.  With some, such as Teguise, steeped in history.  As this was the first official Spanish settlement in the Canaries, dating back as far as the early 1400´s. The island is really small too – making it easy to get out and explore all of Lanzarote´s varied attractions.

Ibiza, is the Balearic Island famous for its incredible dance music scene and the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. This where the pulsating bass line takes you when you follow its enticing calls.

Famed for its clubs, Amnesia, Space and Eden Ibiza has more to offer than somewhere to splash about covered in foam and dance till your feet drop off! A smaller island than its Balearic cousin, Mallorca, Ibiza only attracts about a fifth of the market that holiday there every year.

It is fair to say that a lot of people are put off Ibiza because of the younger scene, but the truth is, that people of all ages and tastes enjoy the island. There is an Old Town district in the capital Ibiza Town packed with interesting sights as well as some beautiful traditional villages. In addition to that, there are no end of special hidden beaches and coves about the island so why not flee the routine for a day and while in Ibiza hire a car for a spot of exploring?

Menorca offers a slower pace of life. The sun does nothing other than shine, the sea tantalisingly shimmers and life is easy for holidaymakers to the more charming of the Balearic Islands.

There is plenty to discover on the island. The port at Mahon (otherwise known as Mao) is a popular destination for hotels in Menorca preferred by visitors with a penchant for a drop of gin (distilled locally).

Hire a car and drive over to wonderful Ciutadella for a special treat. Head down to the marina for a delicious paella, some warm hospitality, a soft breeze and some delightful locally produced art and craft souvenirs. This is a medieval town situated to the west of the island. If you are looking for an enjoyable experience as well as a picturesque backdrop for those memorable photso, this is the town for you! The paella is wondrous also!

Plenty! Welcome to the party capital of southern Europe! Ibiza attracts the party tourist, which is typically a younger crowd who are more specific in their expectations for a holiday. The total amount of holidaymakers booking into hotels in Ibiza each year totals only a fifth of that landing on the shores of Mallorca each year.

People who gravitate towards the island of Ibiza each year are those who sleep during the day and dance all night long. No they are not vampires and the clubs of Ibiza are not straight out of Tarantino’s “From Dusk till Dawn”, they are a younger market wanting to have a good time. Plain and simple!

There is more to Ibiza than its foam parties and big club scene, if you are not likely to be drunk every waking hour, there is much to take the holiday hire car out to explore. It is a very beautiful island!