Escape to Lanzarote This Winter

Millions of tourists will be seeking to escape the gloom of winter this year. Despite the current economic climate. With many sun starved Northern Europeans heading for exotic destinations such as the Caribbean and the Far East.

But there is a set of islands that are much closer to home – and which offer far better value breaks. As the Canaries can be reached in just four hours from any UK airport and offers affordable accommodation to suit all budgets.

These seven Spanish owned islands are located off the coast of Africa in the Atlantic and whilst some are now quite developed others, such as Lanzarote, remain largely unspoiled. Especially once you venture outside of the main resorts.

During December and January temperatures here remain in the 20´s Celsius whilst visitors can expect plenty of sunshine hours and very little if any rainfall. Making it possible to celebrate Christmas on the beach.

The island still has a marked microclimate though – so holidaymakers are better off staying in the southern half of Lanzarote. In either Playa Blanca or Puerto del Carmen. In order to maximise their chances of enjoying good weather.

Playa Blanca is located at the southern foot of the island and is home to some great beaches – such as Playa de Papagayo. As well as a wide selection of Lanzarote holiday villas and hotels. Many of which are arrayed along the shoreline offering great views of the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura.

In the unlikely event of bad weather there’s still plenty do in and around Playa Blanca as the resort is in close proximity to Lanzarote´s main tourist attraction – the Fire Mountains of the Timanfaya National Park.

Puerto del Carmen makes a good base for anyone seeking holiday apartments in Lanzarote. As the resort boasts a high concentration of this type of accommodation.

Puerto del Carmen is the oldest and largest resort on Lanzarote and has been welcoming tourists for over forty years. It has recently undergone a real facelift – with €16 million being pumped in to improve the facilites and overall tourist offering. A project which has created a new marina in the Old Town harbour area and a new pedestrianised sea front promenade.

Away from the resorts there are plenty of things to do and see. With many visitors opting to hire a car and tour the incredible creations of a local artist called César Manrique. Who worked with Lanzarote´s volcanic terrain to develop unique sites, such as the Jameos del Agua and Mirador del Rio.