Posted by admin | Travel Insurance | Posted on July 28th, 2011
There are seven Canary Islands in total but only Lanzarote, the fourth largest, boasts weird and wonderful volcanic scenery dominating about one quarter of the island. A terrain that was created by eruptions back in the 18th century.
Today Lanzarote is a popular holiday destination and the island is visited by millions of tourists every year – all in search of the great year round weather that the Canaries are so well known for. There are plenty of great places to stay here too – with lots of apartments and villas in Lanzarote available for rent. Along with hundreds of high quality hotels.
The main resort on the island is called Puerto del Carmen and it is located just a short drive away from the airport. There are some wonderful beaches to explore here such as Playa Grande and Playa Chica. And a delightful seafront promenade runs alongside these beaches, with bars and restaurants located on the other side of the road. This is also the place to head for come nightfall, as the strip comes alive. As a result many younger tourists like to book Puerto del Carmen villas – enabling them to enjoy the resort’s many bars and clubs.
The second largest resort is around half an hour away to the south and is called Playa Blanca. This is also the newest resort on the island and it has rapidly emerged as a serious rival to Puerto del Carmen. Thanks to the fact that it has a great climate and lots of superb beaches too, Such as Playa Flamingo and Playa Dorada. Villas in Playa Blanca tend to be popular with a slight older visitor, as there is less nightlife to enjoy here.
Costa Teguise is the third of the main resorts on the island. Located to the north of the airport at Arrecife it was built under the aegis of the famous local artist César Manrique. And is a lot quieter and more peaceful than either Playa Blanca or Puerto del Carmen. Making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a relaxing break. The beaches here are also excellent – with tourists able to choose from five great playas, such as Playa Bastian and Playa Cucharas.
Holidays in Lanzarote can be enjoyed at any time of the year as the island is situated close to the African coast. But at just four hours flying time it is much easier to reach than more exotic winter sun destinations.
Posted by admin | Travel Insurance | Posted on July 18th, 2011
Lanzarote may be one of the smaller islands in the Canarian archipelago but it still has plenty to offer visiting tourists in the way of culture. With numerous fiestas and many free events featuring live music and local artwork, there is usually something new to see at all times of the year.
During the summer months, for instance, there are events such as Jazz Canarias, which brings international stars from the jazz firmament to the islands to perform. And whilst Lanzarote doesn’t always get the headline act, the concert is free and normally takes place outdoors.
Perhaps the best way to immerse oneself in the island´s culture is by staying in one of many holiday villas in Lanzarote which can be found in all three resorts as well as in more rural and idyllic spots.
Home grown events include festivities held in honour of the patron saint of fishermen, Nuestra Senora del Carmen, which run from mid July into August. The highlight of this particular fiesta sees the saint’s effigy taken out of the church and paraded out to sea on a flotilla of fishing vessels.
As the island’s history is inextricably entwined with the fishing industry, the celebrations take place from one end of Lanzarote to the other. But to see the most impressive procession, it’s best to be based around the old town of Puerto del Carmen.
And the old town and neighbouring enclave of Los Mojones are two of the areas with the greatest abundance of Puerto del Carmen villas. Many of which provide exceptionally comfortable and well thought out accommodation, with lovely private gardens and swimming pools.
During the autumn and winter months, there are nautical events such as the Arc rally which sees cruisers arriving at Lanzarote ports to make the Atlantic crossing to St Lucia. Whilst in September, the miracle of Dolores is celebrated by many thousands of locals.
This particular fiesta is held to mark the cessation of a lava flow which threatened to engulf the village of Mancha Blanca in 1824. And the miracle was purportedly the result of Dolores praying to the Virgin Mary.
What marks this fiesta out from the rest is that it is unique to Lanzarote and involves many thousands of local people donning traditional Canarian costume to walk across the island their homes to Mancha Blanca. And it culminates in a huge outdoor party, with food stalls and live music that goes on well into the night.