Lanzarote

An island with a difference. With its year round climate varying between 21°C to 27°C and a flying time of approximately four hours from most UK airports, it makes an ideal near holiday destination for a short break or longer stays. The island is also popular with keen sports enthusiasts from the cycling, triathlon, running and windsurfing world. Due to lack of rainfall, Lanzarote's volcanic landscape is difficult to describe other than to say nature has created an island of unique features. The absence of high rise blocks, seen in so many parts of the modern tourist world, promotes a feeling of quality and controlled development.

At the same time, history has not been ignored; some areas and villages on the Island having almost remained unchanged by time and hardly affected by progress and changes in fashion, yet at the same time preserved by continuous and careful restoration.

Between sunbathing and swimming, hiring a car and driving along the Island's well-developed road system will add to the enjoyment of your visit to Lanzarote and not the least of which should include 'Fire Mountain', the largest volcanic region in the Canary Islands covering some 200 sq. kilometres within the Timanfaya National Park.  Or a visit to Mirador del Rio, the highest point on the island where there is a viewing room, which also serves food, with wraparound windows which allow panoramic views towards the tiny island of the Graciosa and the Straight of "El Rio" which separates it from Lanzarote.

Puerto del Carmen

Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote's primary tourist resort, was until the 1970's a fishing village composed of a few houses where local fisherman and their families lived. Currently, since the advent of tourism, 70% of all visitors to Lanzarote spend their holidays in Puerto del Carmen be it in villas or apartments. In addition to its beautiful coastline of golden beaches, many shops and restaurants to suit most tastes abound the long promenade. Puerto del Carmen comes alive at night when most of the shops stay open until late evening, after which the night spots begin to open up for the young and energetic.

For those seeking a quieter atmosphere, the Old Town with its picturesque harbour has an excellent selection of fish restaurants and shops. There are a number of residential areas of Puerto del Carmen such as Los Mojones where many high quality villas with private pools are situated, most of which are within easy reach of all the facilities of the resort. Such is the popularity of Puerto del Carmen many holidaymakers make repeat visits year after year.

Matagorda

Over the past few years the development of Matagorda has meant that it is now an extension of the main resort of Puerto del Carmen. If offers a slightly more laid back alternative to the lively resort of Puerto del Carmen. The centre of Matagorda has a pedestrianised sea front lined with shops and restaurants and the beach at Los Pocillos is the largest on the island. Development of Matagorda, as on most parts of the island has been carefully controlled and the accommodation is made up of low rise apartments and bungalows, villas with private pools and some hotels. Proximity to the airport does make parts of the resort susceptible to some aircraft noise.

Guime

Guime is a centrally situated village situated in the hills overlooking Arrecife and the sea. It is within easy reach of Arrecife, Puerto del Carmen and all the main tourist attractions and just 10 minutes drive from the airport. Several high quality villas with private pools are situated in this small village with great mountain and coastal views.

Macher

Macher is a popular village location just off the main Arrecife - Yaiza road. Centrally situated approximately 5km from Puerto del Carmen and 20 minutes drive from the airport, Macher offers a quiet and peaceful atmosphere and has a number of restaurants and a supermarket.

Tias

Tias is a large village 5 km north of Puerto del Carmen about 15 minutes drive from the airport which is largely residential and typically Canarian. There are excellent shops and restaurants in the friendly community and it is a perfect location for those looking for a holiday away from the main tourist centres.

Puerto Calero

Puerto Calero is a very pleasant marina resort, only a few kilometres from the main resort of Puerto Del Carmen, with a sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere. Numerous restaurants which offer a wide range of international and local cuisine line the quay side to serve the visiting yachts. From here it is possible to take a trip on a submarine to see the underwater world, a cruise to the Papagayo beaches or go deep sea fishing for marlin and tuna. Also two new hotels have opened recently which include the five star Hesperia Hotel which has a Thalasso spa and wellness centre that is open to non residents.

Costa Teguise

Costa Teguise, the second largest resort on the island of Lanzarote, is an attractive modern resort situated to the north of the capital Arrecife and only twenty minutes by car from the airport. Costa Teguise has several beaches of golden sands and a very picturesque bay, popular with windsurfers and other marine sports enthusiasts. As a modern resort with strict building regulations, it has an extensive network of wide roads and pavements, good quality villas with private pools and apartment accommodation in addition to an excellent selection of shops, bars and restaurants.

Currently one of the islands two 18 hole golf courses is within a 7 minute drive of the centre of Costa Teguise. The course comes as quite a surprise in the volcanic surroundings of Lanzarote. Green fairways fringed by palm trees lead to well manicured greens. Reminiscent of earlier style courses where comfort and plenty of elbow room went hand in hand with good golf this par 72 course is well compensated with strategic bunker placings around the greens. A most unusual feature is the black volcanic sand in the bunkers – so much easier to spot the ball!. Looking down the 18th from the Clubhouse terrace, the panoramic views across the island towards the Atlantic are pleasant additions to the general charms and challenge of Lanzarote golf.

The resort itself was designed to satisfy the taste of every holidaymaker and has become ever more popular since its inception in the mid seventies.

Playa Blanca

On the south west corner of Lanzarote, approximately 35 minutes drive from the airport, Playa Blanca still retains the atmosphere of a once small fishing community despite the changes resulting from a thriving tourist industry.

Over the years, controlled development has increased the number of high standard bungalow complexes, private villas with pools and apartments enabling holidaymakers to enjoy the now flourishing but tranquil resort with its beach borderlined by picturesque restaurants and a shop lined promenade.

Within a short drive to the east are the magnificent Papagayo beaches, now given National Park status. Composed of several small bays and coves, many consider these golden sands to be the most beautiful in Spain.

A 15km stretch of water at the southern most tip of Playa Blanca separates the islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura which has become a busy sea lane. Several ferries use the port at Playa Blanca for the daily crossing to Corralejo on the North of Fuerteventura. The journey takes only forty minutes and many visitors make use of the pleasant trip to experience a second Canary Island during their holiday.