Lanzarote is one of the seven Spanish owned islands that comprise the Canarian archipelago. The year round holiday destination that is located just four hours flying time from the UK. Off the coast of Southern Morocco – on the same line of latitude as the Bahamas.

Like the other islands in the chain Lanzarote basks in warm weather all year round. During the winter months the temperature rarely falls much below 21 degrees Celsius. Whilst rainfall is scarce – limited to an average of just 9mm a month. Conditions that make it possible to enjoy days on the beach or by the pool even during December or January.

As well as this clement climate Lanzarote is also blessed with close to 100 fabulous beaches. Each of the three main resorts boast superb stretches of sand – such as Playa Grande in Puerto del Carmen, Playa Dorada in Playa Blanca and Playa Cucharas in Costa Teguise. But the real golden gems lie a little further off the beaten track – in locations such as Famara on the wilder North West coast and in the small seaside village of Arrieta.

Lanzarote is also home to some seriously surreal scenery – the legacy of volcanic eruptions which remodelled much of the interior during the 18th and 19th centuries. Leaving large swathes of land covered in lava – punctuated by now dormant volcanic cones. This whole region – know locally as The Fire Mountains – now covers about one quarter of Lanzarote´s total land surface and is the most visited tourist attraction on the island.

Other key tourist sights were created by a local artist called César Manrique. Who worked with this twisted terrain to conjure up locations such as the Cactus Garden, Mirador del Rio and the Jameos del Agua. As well as his own house and studio which he built over five empty bubbles in the surrounding lava flow.

It is thanks to Manrique that Lanzarote remains largely unspoiled as a holiday destination. As unlike larger Canary Islands such as Tenerife and Gran Canaria there are no high rise buildings or ad hoardings blotting the landscape here. These were all outlawed in the 1970´s – thanks largely to Manrique´s campaign to control over development.

He had witnessed the fate befalling the Costas – which were being bulldozered and buried in concrete. As General Franco pushed to develop Spain’s tourist industry in the late 1960´s. And resolved to fight for a measured approach on the island of his birth. Laying down guidelines for the sustainable evolution of tourism which are still in place today.

Lanzarote is a very small island. It measures just 60km by 40km and can be driven end to end in around an hour. Which makes it easy to tour and explore.
Local bus services are at best infrequent outside of the main resorts so visitors are best advised to hire a car. As rental rates here are much cheaper than on some other Spanish holiday islands such as the Balearics. With rates starting from just €13 per day.

Getting to the island cheaply has never been easier. As this winter Ryanair has started offering returns from as little as £9.99. With flights available from all major UK airports.

There are plenty of different accommodation options for anyone planning a holiday here too. Choose from chic rural hotels such as Casona de Yaiza or the Finca de Salinas – both located in the pretty little village of Yaiza. Opt for accommodation in the main resorts – where there’s a huge selection of Lanzarote villas and hotels to choose from. Or book a budget break in an apartment complex – with prices starting from as little as £160 per week.

Author: Nick Ball. He is a long term resident of Lanzarote and edits Lanzarote Guidebook – the in-depth island information guide. Visit their website to download your free copy. LanzaroteGuideBook.

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