Lanzarote Holiday Deals

Do You Think You Could Beat This View?

2011-02-17T11:13:00.000Z

Let’s face it, whenever we visit any island on a summer holiday, we’re looking for more than just spectacular beaches to lie on the whole time. Even if that will be the main activity we can still think about getting the most out of our break by looking for amazing views as well. You have to admit that there is nothing better than finding a wonderful vantage point to sit down at and gaze out at the beautiful vistas before you.

Okay so it might sound like a dream and not reality, but you may just change your mind if you go to Mirador del Rio in Lanzarote. This has to be one of the most popular look out points on the entire island, and when you get there you will definitely see why.

The very name of this place tells you something about the venue – the word Mirador translates to mean lookout. But the view you get from here is very difficult to put into words. It’s more than just the view that will get you as well – the history of the place will add even more drama to the time you spend up there. Let your imagination take you back to the 16th century and imagine the Spanish residents of the island sitting in the self same place you will be sitting when you visit Mirador del Rio. They were watching for pirates and while you may not be watching for them, you can still see the same amazing view they would have done all those centuries ago. It’s quite something to think about for sure.

You will be able to see the archipelago of islands that pop out of the water just north of your position at Mirador del Rio. La Graciosa is the largest of them and you may even wish to pay it a visit on another day while you are enjoying your holiday in Lanzarote. But for now you can just enjoy seeing the land mass from your vantage point, gazing out at the sea beyond it as well.

In fact you may find it difficult to drag yourself away.

Visiting Cueva de los Verdes

2011-01-19T14:36:00.001Z

Even if your foreign languages aren’t that good, you may well guess that the above title means the Green’s Caves when translated into English. But whichever language you refer to Cueva de los Verdes in, you will still see the same amazing sight when you go to see these caves for yourself.

You may already know that Lanzarote is a volcanic island, and indeed these caves were formed as the result of an eruption that occurred in La Corona. It happened many years ago, around three thousand according to various reports.

So the caves were formed as the result of a dramatic natural occurrence. But they have also seen other dramatic events happen throughout the last three thousand years. Some of the residents who lived on Lanzarote in earlier times used to use the caves as a refuge when pirates arrived on the island. As such the caves saved their lives.

You might expect part of the caves to be of a green hue, since their name refers to green. But in fact this is not the case. Instead the name comes from the fact that the caves were once owned by a family called Verde, so they are known as the caves owned by the Verdes.

To call the cave a cave is something of an incorrect statement though. The cave is actually a lava tube and while part of it is open for the public to explore, much of it is closed off to visitors. Part of the tube is completely underwater and this section is still to be fully explored. Around two kilometres of the tunnels can be accessed by the general public however, so it is well worth going along to see the natural sight on your own.

Don’t expect to be greeted by the sight of nothing but a long tube though. Caves, galleries, alternate levels and much more besides await you at the Cueva de los Verdes. It is also lit by different coloured lights, which only serve to make the attraction even more amazing. Don’t miss this beauty of nature when you visit Lanzarote.

Visiting the Rancho Texas Park

2010-12-20T09:11:00.002Z

If you are visiting Lanzarote and you want to have a taste of Texas while you are there, don’t miss out on paying a visit to the Rancho Texas Park. It might seem a bit of an odd choice for a theme park on a volcanic island such as Lanzarote, but as you will see the park is a delight for all the family. Once you discover some of the treats it has in store for you, you will definitely want to add it to your holiday planner.

If you are staying anywhere near Puerto Del Carmen you won’t have too far to travel to reach the park either, as this is where it is located. It does have a Wild West theme too, which will make a nice change from any other venue you visit during your time in Lanzarote.

This is an animal park though, so it is more akin to a zoo in many ways than an actual theme park with rides and so on. But this shouldn’t put you off as it has some amazing species that are worth seeing. Everything from white tigers to cougars and right through to skunks and even donkeys can be seen here. It provides an educational and interesting day out for everyone in the family, but the kids should particularly enjoy seeing the animals and interacting with some of them as well.

There are shows taking place throughout the daily schedule as well, so it is advisable to find out when they are happening as you get there. You can then plan the rest of your day around the ones you want to see. The Birds of Prey show is particularly worth a look, but the parrots and the sea lions are also waiting to be discovered.

Another part of the Rancho Texas Park is the shows it holds at night. These are totally different to the shows featuring the animals, as you’ll see if you opt to be a part of one of them. With a country and western night on offer as well as a Spanish night, you’ll be spoilt for choice and having more fun than you might have thought too!

A Classic Beach Holiday Destination in Lanzarote

2010-11-19T14:21:00.002Z

There is nothing quite like a beach holiday is there? No matter what else you do if you head to the Canaries or some other similar place on holiday, you will always find you have plenty to appreciate if you have a great beach nearby. You can get up, have a leisurely breakfast and then walk down to the beach to stake out your spot for the day. Just add a drink, a spot of lunch and a superb paperback book and that’s about all you need to truly unwind.

If that appeals to you as your favourite type of holiday abroad, check out the features and benefits that La Caleta de Famara can offer you in Lanzarote. You’ll find it on the northern coast of the island directly beneath Teguise, which is further inland on the map.

If you want to have lots to do during your Lanzarote holiday then La Caleta de Famara may not be ideal for you. But if you hanker after a break with peace and quiet involved to a large degree, it could be just the thing. There are lots of notable things about La Caleta de Famara but one of them is the fact that it has just one proper road. If that doesn’t attract you to a quiet and peaceful holiday destination here, nothing else will. And even this road isn’t always seen, such is the amount of sand that sometimes blows over it, so keep your eyes open!

There is a certain amount of facilities but don’t expect a fully fledged holiday setting. In fact this is why so many people decide to choose it, particularly those who want to back away from the usual busy and lively destinations favoured by other holidaymakers. Relaxation is available on a daily basis here, without the interruptions and noise you might get from other areas.

The beach that begins here is a delight to behold. As soon as you see it you’ll know why La Caleta de Famara is a popular spot that some would like to keep secret. Will you tell anyone else?

The Joys of Arrecife

2010-10-20T15:28:00.002Z

Would it surprise you to learn that 50% of everyone who lives on Lanzarote permanently lives in Arrecife? It may not come as much of a surprise when you discover that this is the capital of the island. It may not be the ideal place to head for when you want a beach based holiday and little else. But if you can spare a day or two to explore a different and more vibrant side of Lanzarote, you should certainly pay the capital a visit.

This is a friendly city to visit and it benefits from being right on the coast as well. As you would expect, you will be greeted by a built up coastline if you venture out to the beaches on offer here. But it still has a charm that is unsurpassed elsewhere, thanks to its status as the capital of the island. That heady mix of built up streets and bustling thoroughfares right on the edge of the water is certainly a refreshing change from the more laid back beaches elsewhere.

But arguably the real joys of Arrecife are slightly further away from the water’s edge. You can visit the main cluster of shops in the city and browse around in the largely pretty streets for hours. Be sure to stop and grab a bite to eat, taking advantage of some local specialities along the way. There are plenty of places in Arrecife where you can simply sit and watch the world go by, enjoying every aspect of life in this bustling city as you do.

Arrecife has a long history as a maritime port and indeed it still operates in this manner today. It could do with some sprucing up here and there but improvements are gradually being made. The Grand Hotel is one such example of the huge success that can be gained from improving on previously disappointing and sometimes derelict buildings. This is now one of the main and very attractive sights in the capital.

It may not be the most stunning capital city in the world, but Lanzarote’s capital can certainly hold the interest very easily indeed.

Don’t Miss Out On Isla Graciosa

2010-09-21T12:23:00.002Z

If you are off to Lanzarote on holiday in the near future, don’t be fooled into thinking that the island is all you have to explore. Make no mistake, Lanzarote itself is quite stunning and well worth taking the time to look round. But one of its most delightful surprises is to the north of the island itself – and just beyond it.

This is where you will find the tiny islet of Isla Graciosa, and what a gem it is too. You can even choose to base your holiday here if you wish, as there are a few properties here that are available for rental.

Many people choose to stay in Lanzarote itself and make the short journey to Isla Graciosa though. It’s easy to see why you would want to go too. For starters it is deliciously close to the mainland – just two kilometres separate the two. You can gaze across at Isla Graciosa while you wait for the boat to pick you up and take you there.

Be sure to pack comfortable shoes to wear for the trip too, because you won’t be able to catch a ride anywhere. Not that you would need to, because the island is so small. But there are no roads on Isla Graciosa and this is one of the most appealing things about it. It’s no wonder walkers and ramblers love the island so much.

Alternatively you can hire a mountain bike for the day once you reach the harbour. This is an ideal way to explore the entire island while you are there, and it is well worth doing so. Although if you would prefer staying on two feet, you might be surprised to learn you can walk the entire perimeter in a day quite comfortably indeed!

This is the charm and attraction that Isla Graciosa has to offer its visitors. Its size means it can offer things that no other part of Lanzarote can. Caleta del Sebo is where you will alight from your boat, and this is as busy and built up as the island gets. How much more delightful could it be than this?

The Amazing Sights Of Los Hervidores In Lanzarote

2010-08-20T10:44:00.004Z

Every country has some key sights worth seeing that cannot be missed off any holiday itinerary. In the case of Lanzarote there are several locations that are absolute must sees. But one of the best of the lot has to be a place called Los Hervidores.

This translates into ‘boiling waters’, and that should give you an idea of what to expect. The location is on the coast, and it is the unique marriage of the sea and the rocks that has created this must see location. You may already be aware that Lanzarote is a volcanic island, and its history of eruptions is what we have to thank for Los Hervidores itself.

When you visit the area you cannot go without taking a camera. The combination of the volcanic activity and the relentless might of the sea has created a process of erosion that has given us a stunning show to watch. As the waves have crashed against the shoreline over the centuries, they have gradually worn away the black lava that was thrown out by the volcanoes many centuries ago. The unique series of holes and eroded areas has led to a spectacular display by the sea, with the water being forced up through the holes to give a violent but beautiful sight.

The water almost appears to be hot as it comes through the rocks, because it throws up spray and appears to be hissing as it comes. If you can take a film of it so much the better – you will be able to relive it over and over again once you get home after your holiday in Lanzarote is over.

It is the volcanic nature of the island that has made it into what it is today. When you explore many of the features that Lanzarote has to offer, you will notice the volcanic theme threading its way through all of them. There is no doubt that Lanzarote is a stunning natural beauty of a location, which is probably why it has remained a popular spot for a holiday for such a long time.

The Timanfaya National Park

2010-07-22T10:41:00.002Z

Most people are eager to visit the most popular destination in the area they are going to on holiday. If you are among this group you’ll want to know where to head to in Lanzarote. And the answer is simple – you need to head for the Timanfaya National Park.

Your first question may be to find out what the park holds in store for you. After all there are plenty of parks all over the world, so why should this one be any different or more notable?

The answer lies in the fact that it is actually a volcanic park. Indeed it is sometimes referred to as the Timanfaya Volcano Park. You will be pleased to know everything here is dormant, so there shouldn’t be any danger of seeing a real live volcanic eruption right in front of your eyes!

Obviously the landscape here has been formed as dictated by the volcanic eruptions that took place many years ago. But you can follow a path around the site that was created by Cesar Manrique, the island’s most famous resident architect. This route makes it easy to see the best of the park without missing anything out, and yet it does not disturb the natural look and creation that the volcano produced.

It may seem strange to think about this when you are there, but the ground on which you will walk used to be nothing more than farmland. The eruption that covered it all took an amazing six years to stop – which is definitely longer than the average eruption. The farmland was nothing more than a memory by the time it stopped.

This all occurred over 250 years ago, but the landscape you will see today looks pretty much the same as it would have done then. Diaries and memories of those who lived at the time were recorded and are now used to help us understand more about what happened back then.

So the next time you are in Lanzarote on holiday, make sure you see the Timanfaya Volcano Park. It fairly takes your breath away and gives you a greater understanding of how a volcano can change the landscape around it forever.

The Guinate Tropical Park

2010-06-22T14:31:00.002Z

If you are heading to Lanzarote in the near future for a well earned holiday, you will have the opportunity to visit the Guinate Tropical Park. You will find it at the northern end of the country and it covers thousands of square metres. This means a full day will be required to ensure you see the best of everything it has to offer.

While this is called a tropical park it also describes itself as a ‘penguin paradise’, and you can indeed look forward to seeing these little wonders as you explore the park. Indeed you can even watch the penguins being fed if you time it right, and on most days this means being at the penguin enclosure by noon and again by 4pm. These are Humboldt penguins too, which are well known by many people.

But let’s not forget this is a tropical park, which means there is plenty of greenery to look forward to seeing as well. This is an outstandingly attractive part of the world and there is no doubt that the gardens here have been designed to provide you with an equally stunning venue to wander round.

Of particular interest is the cacti garden. You may never have thought that cacti could be attractive, but when you visit this part of the park you will see that in fact they really are. You will even see water flowing throughout the park as and where it has been designed to, and this adds a whole new layer onto what you have seen already.

It really isn’t hard to see why the Guinate Tropical Park is an ever popular destination for people to visit when they are on holiday in Lanzarote. It certainly makes a refreshing change from visiting the beach every day and also from visiting other destinations such as the water parks. While all those activities are well worth doing, it is also nice to do something a little bit different as well.

The Guinate Tropical Park certainly fits the bill in this case. Whatever you might want to do while you are in Lanzarote, the flamingo pool and the various other delights of this tropical park are a definite draw.

Are You Heading For The Aqua Park In Lanzarote?

2010-05-24T15:42:00.002Z

What is it about a water park that really brings out the fun in the whole family? Certainly there are plenty of locations you can visit all across Europe and beyond that are geared up with water rides and slides of all kinds to try out. And in this respect, Lanzarote is no different.

The main thing to bear in mind with the Aquapark in Costa Teguise is that it isn’t as big as some of the other parks you may have been to previously. However with that said you can still plan a great day out here – and the kids will certainly love it too.

So what exactly can you find here? Well, there are plenty of rides which plop you down into the big pool at the bottom, and with the various tubes roped off from each other there is no danger of hitting anyone at the bottom either.

Watch out for the main batch of slides, which have eight separate slides all next to each other. If you are visiting with friends and family, try starting down all eight slides at once to see who makes it to the bottom first.

If you would prefer something along the lines of the rides you would expect in other water parks, how about trying the two larger tubes? One of them is covered so you’ll shoot down in half darkness from top to bottom. The other one is right next to it, but in this one you ride from top to bottom while sitting in a huge rubber ring. Get ready to splash down into the pool when you do finally leave the tube you started down.

There are other smaller slides and rides meant for younger visitors as well, but this is the main array of slides on offer. As you can tell this may not be the best or biggest water park you’ve been to, but there is no doubt it offers you a lot of benefits to think about. After all, with it being the only park on Lanzarote, it still does give you an entertaining alternative to the beach.

Head For The Surf In Lanzarote

2010-04-22T12:34:00.001Z

Surfing probably isn’t the first thing you think about when you focus on Lanzarote as a potential holiday destination. But you can try your hand at it if you head for Tinajo.

The beaches here are on the northern coast of Lanzarote, and many surfers come here to try their luck with the waves. The spot is notorious as a great venue for surfing, although you can visit the beach and enjoy sunbathing here too and watching the surfers do their thing.

You have La Santa beach and Teneza beach to explore in this area, so be sure to take a look at them both. You might end up flitting between the two and alternating between them each day, or you could find one is more appealing to you than the other.

You’ll be able to try out some windsurfing at La Santa beach as well if you fancy it. Alternatively if you are the type to watch rather than take part, why not just do that?

Tinajo itself is actually further inland than you might think. But some holidaymakers stay here as it is a great example of what you would expect to see in a typical village in Lanzarote. And since you aren’t too far from the beach you’ve really got the best of both worlds.

As far as the surfing is concerned this may not be the place to try it for the first time. But if you have some experience you can certainly enjoy a day or two of catching some waves off the coast of Lanzarote.

It’s good to know that the beaches on this stretch of the island are good for various water sports. Diving is also pretty popular here, especially near La Santa beach, so bear this in mind if you want to try your hand at it while you are away.

Whatever you love doing it’s the choice you have here at these beaches near Tinajo that makes this location a great one to pick. Whatever you want to do on holiday, put this destination on your shortlist of locations to see.

Lanzarote’s Eighth Wonder

2010-03-23T16:07:00.000Z

Rita Hayworth, the famous American movie star, was right. When it comes to Jameos del Agua it really is the eighth wonder of the world, or should be at least.

And it is there thanks to a volcanic eruption that took place thousands of years ago. It is also one of Lanzarote’s most popular venues for holiday makers to see, and when you see it for yourself you will understand why it is so popular.

What you will see is essentially the work of Mother Nature, harnessed and shaped a little more by Cesar Manrique. He was many things – all of them creative in nature – but he was also a landscape artist. The work he did to transform Jameos del Agua into something as stunning as it is today is down to all of these skills combined.

Jameos del Agua is actually a lava tube from the volcano which has collapsed. You can walk down into a subterranean world which has an underground lagoon to marvel at among other things. The attention to detail here is amazing – visitors should even be encouraged to use the loos because nothing has been spared the Manrique attention and personal touch.

Everything you could want is here. You can see a beautiful pool with a stunning white surrounding, and you can also visit the restaurant to sit for a while and take in what you are seeing all around you. To say this is an experience is really falling far short of what you will actually see and do. Manrique has not damaged the natural surroundings that were created here many thousands of years before he was even born. Instead he has used them and enhanced them with his own skills and abilities, and created something we shall never see anywhere else again.

This is what makes the Jameos del Agua so worth seeing. Once you have been you will know why Rita Hayworth referred to it in this way. She was not overestimating its power, and neither will you. Just be sure you see this unique venue and appreciate it for as long as you can.

The Volcanic History Of Lanzarote

2010-02-22T12:06:00.002Z

Since Lanzarote itself was created as a result of volcanic eruptions in another age and lifetime, it is hardly surprising that you can see many different signs of this during your time on the island. Because of this history it pays to drag yourself away from the beaches every once in a while and explore Lanzarote and its signs of a more violent past.

For example there is the Jameos del Agua lagoon, which was created many years ago by just one of the island’s many volcanic eruptions. It might sound as if Lanzarote is a dangerous place to visit, but while it has many different volcanoes present there is no doubt that Lanzarote has benefited from them in many ways.

For starters the soil is rich enough to allow many different plants to grow all round the island. So as you wander around exploring what Lanzarote has to offer, you should be aware that a lot of it owes thanks to the volcanic nature of the island.

The same applies to the landscape itself. As volcanoes erupt and send lava and ash up into the air, they change the landscape around them forever. In fact the year 1730 was a major one in the history of Lanzarote, as it kicked off a series of eruptions that lasted for six years. Many of these eruptions ended up creating the landscape you will see today.

The Cave of Los Verdes is a classic example of this. They weren’t created nearly three hundred years ago – think back three thousand years and you will be nearer the mark. These amazing caves offer a hugely long tunnel that you can explore when you pay a visit. The whole tunnel is not open but you can see enough of it to realise how lava has created this popular tourist attraction on Lanzarote.

You should remember that when you visit areas like this they are naturally formed and thus not always practical as walking surfaces. Good shoes and tough soles are essential in order to make the most of seeing this side of Lanzarote.

Have You Ever Seen A Green Lagoon?

2010-01-21T08:23:00.002Z

You might have heard of the Blue Lagoon. But what about a green one? Does such a thing really exist?

It certainly does, and it resides in Lanzarote. It goes by the unlikely name of El Golfo, although it has nothing to do with golf balls. The name literally means ‘the gulf’. And nearly three hundred years ago a volcanic eruption in the area brought about the creation of a crater, right by the sea. In the middle of the crater there is a small lagoon – and it really is bright green. The colour is caused by the algae that live in the pool itself.

But is it really worth coming to El Golfo just to see some green water? Well yes, actually it is. Firstly the lagoon itself is definitely worth a look because the colour has to be seen to be believed. In addition to this there is a black beach, so formed because of the volcanic activity nearby. And the contrast between the beach and the lagoon, as you might imagine, is truly stunning.

But don’t just go to see the Green Lagoon. Make sure you see the village nearby which is also known as El Golfo. It’s a good idea to turn up with an appetite too, because you will be able to sample some of the local catches before you head back to wherever you are staying. This is a fishing village so you can expect to have your choice of the huge number of fish dishes that are on each menu.

You can stay in El Golfo for your holiday if you wish, although you may find it a bit quiet for a holiday base. It’s far better to stay elsewhere in Lanzarote and travel to the area for a nice day out. The lagoon itself is right by the sea as well, so you will be able to indulge in a relaxing walk and some exploration of the local area.

What better way could there be to walk off a nice lunch at one of the local restaurants?

Do You Think Cacti Are Attractive?

2009-11-26T08:37:00.002Z

There are two firm opinions to think about when it comes to cacti. Either you like them or you don’t.

And if you fall into the former group you’ll want to make tracks for El Jardin del Cactus. Even if you aren’t good at foreign languages you’ll probably guess this stands for the Cactus Garden, and you would be right.

It was created by the artist Cesar Manrique, and you can get an idea of how big the gardens are when you discover they are home to nearly ten thousand of them! If you thought all cacti looked the same, think again. These gardens are really spectacular and quite unusual as well.

There are plenty of paths to wander down and the volcanic earth really provides a contrast to any other type of garden you will have seen in the past. Some of the cacti stand quite tall while others are short, squat and very close to the ground. The mix of shades, colours and shapes make for a quirky garden that is worth taking some photos of during your visit.

It isn’t all dry and dusty though. In the middle of the gardens a lake has been created to break up the scenery – and it works well. You wouldn’t ordinarily expect to find a lake in a setting such as this, which is why the backdrop of all those cacti looks even more impressive when viewed from this point.

You can easily spend a couple of hours wandering around here. But don’t worry if you get thirsty as there is a café on site where you can order some refreshments. There is a covered terrace outside so you can enjoy the nice weather without being right in the sun as well.

You will find the Cactus Garden in Guatiza, and you can expect it to be quite busy too as many of the tourists pay it a visit while they are in the area. Car hire is essential if you are going to see it yourself, unless you book a spot on a tour.

Why you should cruise the Canaries

2009-05-18T09:10:00.004Z

The Canary Islands represent one of the most popular holiday hotspots in the world, thanks to the region's year-round sunshine, natural beauty and Spanish culture. Because of the sumptuous island setting, it is perhaps no surprise that one of the best ways to see the area is on a Canaries cruise.

Holidaymakers looking into Canaries cruise holidays will soon find that the region is one of the best destinations to visit at any time of the year. The Canaries boast an average annual temperature of 22 degrees C - the perfect climate for almost every cruise and onshore activity you can think of.

The Canaries consist of seven islands, each with a distinct culture and their own set of attractions and sights. Gran Canaria is one of the most well-known of the islands, due to the fact that it is home to the capital of the Canaries, Las Palmas.

Those on Canaries cruises stopping at the island will be able to take advantage of gorgeous golden beaches, a plethora of historical attractions and lively nightlife, as well as popular festivals, extensive sporting facilities and numerous leisure parks.

Other Canaries destinations include Tenerife - where the main port is Santa Cruz - with its wide variety of active pursuits, golf courses, relaxing health and beauty centres and popular nightspots, as well as the peaceful paradise of Fuerteventura and exotic party hotspot Lanzarote, which is usually the last stop on a Canaries cruise.

Whichever island you stop at on your cruise, you are likely to find the perfect mixture of cultural sights and sounds, bustling shops, scenic sights such as volcanoes and caves, and enough bars and clubs to keep party fiends occupied well into the early hours of the morning.

And if you do decide to see the Canaries on a cruise, you can expect to be able to take your pick of numerous different itineraries from cruise lines such as Costa.

Cruises around the Canaries may come as part of a bigger package that takes in further destinations such as mainland Spain and Morocco, although this may depend on individual cruise lines.

For more information click here

The hidden side of Lanzarote

2008-11-28T11:11:00.002Z

Lanzarote has perhaps been considered as a classic destination for Brits abroad; think of it and what probably springs to mind is a stretch of Irish bars, cafes offering the staple burger and chips... the list goes on.

You're wrong.

Let's wipe the slate clean. Lanzarote lies 80 miles off the coast of Africa and offers tourists an array of natural splendour. Hunt down the full English breakfasts at your peril, for this, the fourth largest Canary Island has much to be explored.

Now time to answer the burning questions. Sun-seekers need not be let down, as Lanzarote enjoys 3,000 hours of annual sunshine, with an average yearly temperature of 24 degrees C.

Puerto del Carmen is the island's busiest resort, boasting a variety of seafood restaurants for those looking to branch out beyond the bacon sarnie. The Hotel San Antonio - a four star resort - is perfectly located. Just ten minutes from Arrecife Airport, it spans along the seafront, giving a lucky few visitors an unadulterated view over the ocean. Rooms are well-equipped, as is the buffet.

One thing that can be said of the San Antonio is its atmosphere. Everyone seems to be having a great time – and that's what a holiday is all about, right?

For those after a more child-friendly resort, Los Zocos ticks all the boxes. With virtually every activity imaginable on offer, the hotel is vast and vibrant. Many customers enjoy the all inclusive experience, with some locals even travelling to the hotel to sample its varied cuisine. Rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated, giving a feel of a home from home - just with better weather.

What is refreshing about Lanzarote is how understated it is. The government has imposed strict planning rules on the island, meaning it is not littered with high-rise buildings and over-imposing billboards. Typical perceptions of a holiday destination are turned on their head by Lanzarote, which just adds to its intrigue.

The people here are proud of their island, keen to show what it has to offer. Most of its top tourist attractions make the most of what this volcanic island has created organically over hundreds of years, again, making it a welcomed break from typical tourist activities.

Take Timanfaya National Park as an example. Its main attraction - the Montanas del Fuego, or Fire Mountains - present a lunar landscape unrivalled by anything I have ever seen. The area stretches over 50 km sq, with the vibrant colours of volcanic rocks starkly contrasted against the blackened landscape.

Just a 20 minute ferry ride away is Fuerteventura. It's bigger than Lanzarote, yet has a certain charm about it; there seems to be fewer tourists, fewer Brit bars, yet many more beaches.

Well worth a visit is Casa Santa Maria, a quaint restaurant set in a 16th century farmhouse. Nestling in the hills opposite in the town of Betancuria, this traditional Canarian restaurant doesn't disappoint. With a variety of locally-sourced fish and goat, the menu is as delicious as it is unconventional. It's not for the fans of good old British grub, but who wants that on holiday?

Tourist attractions on the island are likewise as impressive. It is difficult to recall anywhere else when one minute you can be on a white sandy beach, the next looking over a dormant volcano, then feeling so liberated among vast stretches of sand dunes…

Visiting a salt museum may seem bizarre on even the most educational of holidays, but the Museo de la Sal has something quite endearing about it. As one of the area's main exports, tourists can get to grips with how it salt is sourced. It may not be one for the kids, but it's interesting nonetheless.

The same can be said for the Mueso de la Pesca Tradicional (or the Museum of Traditional Fishing for those of us less fluent), another intriguing insight into how this island earns its keep.

Accommodation on Fuerteventura is as varied as its attractions. Dunas Alisios Playa is perfect for families, offering a range of entertainment for those who like to get involved and relaxation areas for those who would rather keep themselves to themselves.

Just around the corner Atlantis Fuerteventura Resort boasts well-landscaped surroundings and, more importantly, its own spa area.

One thing that can be said of the Canary Islands - they stay true to their roots. If you want to avoid excessively touristy areas, it can be done. Locals are keen for visitors to taste their cuisine, to engage with their lifestyle ... this is refreshing for somewhere which is generally considered as a British holiday hotspot.

Still, for those without a sense of wanderlust, it has everything a holiday destination needs. It Spanish influences are apparent, yet it maintains an identity of its own.

As for the burger and chips, I'd look elsewhere.

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Visitor Numbers Rise In Lanzarote

2008-10-16T11:33:00.001Z

Recent figures released by the Spanish airport authority AENA has revealed the number of foreign visitors to Lanzarote has increased this year, with the British tourist market leading the way.

According to reports on typicallyspanish.com 571,851 British tourists have visited Lanzarote during the first eight months of this year, which is a 7.9 per cent increase on 2007 figures.

Despite the credit crunch it seems the British are refusing to surrender their holidays in Spain. Irish numbers have also risen - up 4.7 per cent for the year to date, with a total of 150,003 visitors, cementing Lanzarote's position as the most popular destination in Spain amongst Irish tourists.

Overall, foreign visitor numbers to the island have increased by 3.4 per cent up until the end of August. With the Scandinavian market also showing large percentage increases in visitor numbers.

These figures represent some of the best results recorded in years, and should trends continue in a similar vein for the remainder of 2008 Lanzarote will have enjoyed its highest visitor numbers since 2003.

Even better news for holiday home owners on the island is that local hoteliers are reporting mixed levels of occupation. This reflects the fact that many tourists opt for apartments or holiday villas on the island over hotel accommodation. Of the total 65,000 tourist beds on offer, hotel accommodation only accounts for a third of these.

Many local businesses, such as bars and restaurants, are also reporting tough trading conditions - blaming the rise of all inclusive resorts and the diminishing disposable incomes of visitors. It is also probably the case that people renting holiday homes are choosing to buy cheap local produce from supermarkets and eat in their villa or apartment, rather than going out to restaurants.

For more information click here

New flights launched to the Canary Islands

2008-09-23T12:14:00.003Z

Low cost Scottish airline Flyglobespan has announced it is to launch two new services to the Canary Islands from December this year.

In a move which is being widely touted to boost the ailing Spanish property market, the airline will fly from Aberdeen to Gran Canaria and Lanzarote as of December.

The announcement comes just days after it emerged that no-frills rival Flybe is planning major route expansion at Aberdeen Airport.

While that carrier will be boosting the number of aircraft it has based at the gateway by four or five, Flyglobespan will add just a single plane to accommodate the new routes, which also include new flights to Egypt.

Flyglobespan Chief Executive Rick Green said, "Both Egypt and the Canaries offer a wide range of facilities including fantastic beaches, great golf courses, world-class hotels and resorts and of course a very appealing climate."

A research firm based on the Costa Blanca has established that tourist numbers in the Canaries are up on last year by 2.34 per cent, and the Canary Islands have been listed as one of the most popular destinations of recent holiday bookings.

For more information click here

Lanzarote: The complete guide

2008-09-23T12:02:00.009Z

Lanzarote is the destination equivalent of Daniel Craig: not exactly pretty, but with a muscular ruggedness that's heart-stopping.

If you like your holidays manicured and lavender-scented, look elsewhere: Lanzarote is barren and untamed. In the 18th century, Timanfaya, the liveliest of the island's 300 volcanoes, erupted 26 times in six years, oozing treacly lava over most of the south, and leaving angry charcoal peaks and red craters.

Little has changed this Canary Island that time forgot, far out in the Atlantic. Indeed, it was on these prehistoric-looking shores that Raquel Welch took on the T-Rexes in her animal-skin bikini for the film One Million Years BC.

A dinosaur-bone's throw from Africa, Lanzarote enjoys year-round sunshine and temperatures that rarely drop below 17 degrees celcius. This, and the easy four-hour flight, tempt almost one million Brits to flee here every year - so it was no surprise when, in the 1970s, a couple of cheap-and-cheerful resorts popped up, giving the island its 'Lanzagrotty' tag.

And had it not been for one native creative, artist Cesar Manrique, Lanzarote might have been completely buried under all-inclusives. For two decades, he spearheaded a campaign that led to the banning of billboards and high-rises, turning natural attributes into futuristic-looking visitor attractions and dotting his sculptures everywhere.

In the north, the lava gives way to scrubby, scarlet scenery, windswept surfing beaches and sudden bursts of colour provided by bright birds of paradise and swathes of palms and fir trees. When you've done enough gawping at the out-of-this-world surroundings, an evening spent sampling home-grown rose will soon bring you back down to earth.

Out of this world

Get to the bottom of the black stuff at Timanfaya National Park (00 34 928 840057; 6 pound). The 30 or so volcanoes here could blow again, and the only way of getting up close is on a coach tour. The route is precarious and the scenery otherworldly: buses climb mountains of silky-grey sand, past rust-red craters and lava frozen into waves tipped with white-lichen foam. At El Diablo, the park's Manrique-designed restaurant, you can watch chicken legs drip and sizzle over a well as they're roasted by the 600 degrees celcius heat raging 13m below the surface.

Edge down steep steps carved into the rock at Jameos del Agua (00 34 928 848020; open daily, and until 2am on Tues, Fri and Sat; 6 pound) into the first of two roofless caves (actually partially collapsed lava tunnels). Now head for the dark central area. Here, a sapphire lagoon shimmers, and thousands of tiny blind albino crabs glow on the bottom, like stars. There's a memorable night out to be had here, too: Manrique snuck a couple of bar-cum-restaurants and an auditorium into the recesses.

If you thought Lanzarote was just for people seeking cheap, all-inclusive autumn sun, the harbour at Puerto Calero will put you right. Its glossy-hull count puts trashier Puerto Banus to shame - the king of Spain is rumoured to berth here when things get blustery back home. There are designer shops and a row of unpretentious restaurants strung with fairy lights. Try Pappardelle (00 34 928 512911) for pizza and Taberna del Puerto (00 34 928 512882) for piles of paella.

The lichen-covered Mirador del Rio (00 34 928 526548; 4 pound) is an old lookout, which Manrique originally conceived as a restaurant. Perched in the heights on the northern-most tip of the island, it looks like somewhere Bilbo Baggins might call home. Inside, it's all much more Grand Designs, with minimalist Manrique decor, a spidery light sculpture and ferns in hanging baskets. The view from here is arguably the best in Lanzarote: the scrubby island of La Graciosa looks so close you might be tempted to jump across.

A visit to Cesar Manrique's house (00 34 928 843138, www.fcmanrique.org; 5.50 pounds), in Teguise, helps make sense of his work elsewhere on the island. Built on a lumpy black lava field, it looks as if tar has been poured through its windows. There are sketches of the Mirador del Rio (as well as drawings by Picasso and Miro), squiggly murals, a cactus garden and, down in the basement, domed black-lava ceilings.

Down to Earth

Cut off from the rest of the island by ash-coloured mountains, the village of El Golfo has a bouldery beach trimmed with a clutter of plastic tables, the salty air heavy with the smell of buttery fish. Look for the green-and-white striped awning of Casa Torano. There's no menu - waiters talk you through the day's catch and serve it with rainbow-coloured salad and chickpeas while the waves rumble against the rocks.

A couple of kilometres south, Los Hervideros ('The Boiling Waters') is a strange, cubic-looking stretch of coast sculpted by the Atlantic and punctured by a series of blowholes and caves. Peer from the natural rock 'balconies' into the emerald pools below, dodging the blasts as the sea is sucked in.

There's a string of undeveloped beaches to the east of Playa Blanca, on the south coast. But the prettiest is little Caleta del Mojon Blanco, in the northeast. You'll need flip-flops to cope with the stony shore, but the sherbet sand is Caribbean-white, with jet-black rocks, and washed by a sea so blue it looks electric.

You might think Lanzarote's dry, black pastures wouldn't yield a bean. In fact, vineyards are among the island's biggest employers and La Geria region is where it all happens. The 15km drive from Mozaga to Uga passes through fields of dark gravel that are studded with hundreds of semi-circular stone walls, each sheltering a spindly vine in a scooped-out hollow. At the many wineries en route, you can taste the popular Malvasia white for a euro. The largest, El Grifco (00 34 928 524951), started producing in 1775, and for a mere 6 pound they'll throw in five different wines and cheese. For history swots there's a museum full of beginning-of-time pressing equipment, too.

Manrique crammed more than 10,000 specimens into his bowl-shaped Jardin de Cactus (00 34 928 529397, 4 pound), outside Guatiza. Caterpillar and paddle shapes sprout from the black gravel, as well as more unusual examples, such as the long tentacles of Facheiroa Ulei, from Brazil, which look like Medusa's hair.

Teguise town (not to be confused with the bland resort of Costa Teguise) is the island's former capital. Its lovely streets, lined with whitewashed buildings trimmed in emerald and gold, are worth an afternoon's potter. There's good coffee and cake at Cafeteria Cejas in the main square, and tapas at Palacio del Marques (see Where to Eat). The town fills on Sundays for the market: come to pick up jewellery, lace and cactus jam.

15.50 pound buys: A clock made of lava at the souvenir shop in El Golfo. BEETLE JUICE: Cactus farmers near Guatiza harvest crops of cochineal beetles from the plants, before boiling them and using the dye to make red Smarties. SECRET SHELTER: Islanders once hid from pirates inside the underground cave system. Attacks were frequent so bells were rung as warning. TRUE GRIT: The 226km Ironman race is regarded as one of the toughest in the world - the slogan is 'Normal limits do not apply'.

WHERE TO STAY

NO EXPENSE SPARED

Finca Malvasia, La Geria (00 34 928 173460, www.fincamalvasia.com). Opened last year down a dusty road in Lanzarote's wine country, Finca Malvasia's four little apartments have kitchenettes, beamed ceilings and splashes of raspberry and lime green. The English owners are endlessly helpful, serving up fresh smoothies and croissants for breakfast, and wine made using grapes from their vineyard. There's a pool, as well as a volcanic-stone hut for yoga and massages, and hammocks hidden beyond leafy vines. Two double-bed apartments from 127 pound, room only.

Hesperia Lanzarote, Puerto Calero (00 34 828 080800, www.hesperia-lanzarote.com). If you want lazy luxury, without burnt Brits and burgers, then the Hesperia is for you. This 335-room five-star has been tastefully decked out in simple creams and earthy shades, with decent restaurants and thatched pool-bars overlooking the sea. Posh Puerto Calero is a totter away. Doubles from 110 pound, B&B.

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD

Casa Dominique, La Caleta de Famara (00 34 928 173268, www.casadominique.com). Marooned in the sand dunes on the northeast coast, this B&B has three airy, igloo-like bungalows. It's wonderfully peaceful, with a saltwater pool, and you can see the sea from the huge windows in the rooms - room one has a porthole in the bathroom, which means a loo-with-a-view. Doubles from 75 pound, B&B.

Casa de Hilario, General Garcia Escamez, Yaiza (00 34 987 734302, www.casadehilario.com). Here is proof that Lanzarote is finally getting cool. Opened last August, this 18th-century finca is slung with thick iron-chain banisters, and adorned with delicately painted oriental furniture - all references to a restored Chinese mural that covers one bedroom wall. The seven rooms are decorated in shield-your-eyes shades of fuchsia, lime or yellow, and you can watch the sun set over Timanfaya from the bed in number seven. Doubles from 62 pound, B&B.

ON A BUDGET

Caserio de Mozaga, Mozaga 8, San Bartolome (00 34 928 520060, www.caseriodemozaga.com). Until recently, this farmhouse was one of the only decent options outside the resorts. Set in a pretty lava garden, it's got masses of olde-worlde charm, even if it could do with a spruce-up. The restaurant, with its glass wall and views of twinkling Arrecife, is the best space in the house. Doubles from 60 pound, room only.

Finca de la Florida, El Islote, San Bartolome (00 34 928 521124, www.hotelfincadelaflorida.com). In the very centre of Lanzarote, Finca de la Florida makes a good base for exploring the island, with 15 basic rooms that are clean and done out in fresh pastel shades. It also has a pool, small gym, and mountain bikes for trips into the hills. Doubles from 55 pound, room only.

WHERE TO EAT

NO EXPENSE SPARED

Amura (00 34 928 513181). This gateau of a building stands apart from the other restaurants on the waterfront in Puerto Calero. Which is handy, since it's the one you want to be seen at. Join men in chinos and ladies with Linda Evans hairdos on the terrace, order veal medallions and pretend you're keeping an eye on your Sunseeker, bobbing in the port waters. Mains from 14 pound.

La Tegala, Carretera de Tias a Yaiza, Macher (00 34 928 524524). You can't miss the incongruous angular extension jutting out from this traditional finca on the road into Macher. Groomed regulars order spiced-up Canarian classics such as cuttlefish stew, followed by hot chocolate souffle, while gazing beyond the slick decor to Fuerteventura in the distance. Mains from 13 pound.

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD

Castillo de San Jose, Arrecife (00 34 928 812321). This converted fortress is the only reason to venture to the island's capital. The restaurant has glass walls overlooking the sea, black tulip-form chairs, fancy food and waiters in baby-blue bow ties. The International Museum of Contemporary Art takes up the rest of the building. Look out for Francisco Baron's sculpture, halfway down the stairs to the restaurant - it looks like a person crossed with a walnut. Mains from 11 pound.

Palacio del Marques, Calle Herrera y Rojas (00 34 918 845773). There's no menu at this leafy tapas bar on a side street in Teguise. Take a table in the sunny courtyard and watch butterflies skip between overflowing pot plants while you wait for a mixed plate (usually local cheeses, ham and a chunk of tortilla). There are countless wines to choose from, but go for its refreshing own-label stuff and you'll please proprietor Jurgen. Mixed plate from 10 pound.

ON A BUDGET

El Charcon (www.elcharcon.com). In the tiny fishing village of Arrieta, El Charcon shares the jetty with the odd fisherman. There are plastic tables and chairs scattered outside the blue-and-white building and buoys strung about the place like bunting. The paella is huge, steaming and stuffed with seafood, the wine local and cheap. Paella from 15 pound for two.

El Chupadero, La Geria 3 Yaiza (00 34 928 173115, www.el-chupadero.com). Fold yourself into a corner of this wine bar with plates of sweet-soy-laced tuna and a bottle of chilled Chupadero rose. The place started out as owner Barbara's party house, and she still throws riotous full-moon bashes. Tapas from 4 pound.

CAFES AND BARS

Cafe del Mar, Marina Rubicon, Playa Blanca. Lanzarote's outpost of the Ibiza institution has live DJ's at the weekends and serves a mean Martini. In busy Marina Rubicon, it's a good spot for people-watching over lunch, too.

Lag O Mar, 6 Nazaret (00 34 928 845665, www.lag-o-mar.com). Clinging to the rock face just outside Teguise, the former play-pad of Omar Sharif is now a purple-and-yellow restaurant and a Germoline-pink cave bar that stays open until midnight. Go easy on the Margaritas if you plan on exploring the tangle of glossy-white-painted tunnels that lead to rock gardens and secluded caves - you'll need your wits about you to find your way out.

FURTHER INFORMATION

See www.spain.info/uk

Ask the local

Alejandra Gonzales works at the Cesar Manrique Foundation in San Bartolome, and is training for the annual Lanzarote Ironman race

Cycling is a brilliant way to see the island. There are gentle roads around Haria in the north, and some beautiful spots you can't reach by car. They serve great tapas at El Fondeadero (00 34 928 634276), between Costa Teguise and Ensenada de las Caletas. It's super-cheap, and the fried eel is delicious. For a special occasion, I go to the restaurant in Manrique's Monumento al Campesino (00 34 928 520136), in San Bartolome. The quietest beach is near Ye (the highest village on the island), near Famara. From here, follow the path down the mountain. It's a tough 500m descent, but the beach is often deserted.

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Most Popular Things To Do in Lanzarote

2007-02-20T15:02:00.001Z

The Cesar Manrique Foundation, created in 1992, is located in the artist's studio home and was built in 1968 on top of a volcanic trail. It makes use, in the lower levels, of naturally formed volcanic chambers, and Manrique's creation is a fantastic blend of manmade features merged with natural characteristics created by the violence of nature.

You are guided to the foundation not only by traditional road signs, but also by some of Manrique's mobile sculptures, what he called "wind toys." It is claimed that he wanted to replace Lanzarote's lost heritage, the windmill, with modern references to those halcyon days.

He had plans to strategically place them around the island, but died before he could implement his vision. The town council used his sketches to create and erect these heavy metal structures, which seem remarkably graceful as they sensitively respond to the vagaries of the wind. Despite the outrageousness of some of the designs, they blend oh so well with the Lanzarote landscape.

The house is the perfect presentation of the artist's sentiments, as Manrique's creation merges with nature's own contribution. To greet you at the entrance is one of Manrique's early colourful wind toys, with the volcanic peak in the background, a real contrast to the simple white arched entrance that takes you through to his magical mystery tour.

The garden is yet another of his masterpieces, blending the volcanic landscape with the palm trees, bright flora, and naturally, the Manrique Cacti. Superb views of the mountains and lava flow are framed through large picture windows, seen alongside modern sculptures or fine specimens of cactus. Not forgetting a colourful Picasso-type mural providing the perfect interim background for more cacti and the foreground for the garden extension in the form of Lanzarote's own landscape.

For more information visit Most Popular Things to do in Lanzarote

Lanzarote Attractions: Top Five

2006-12-05T11:51:00.003Z

These are the top five attractions in Lanzarote according to in-depth island website Lanzarote Guidebook

1. Timanfaya Volcano Park

Giving the volcano park a miss would be like visiting Egypt and ignoring the pyramids. As the national park at Timanfaya is both unique and awe inspiring.

This is Lanzarote's most popular attraction and rightly so - as here you will find scenery like nowhere else on the planet. Timanfaya is often likened to the surface of the moon - but in truth this is more how the earth must have looked when it was first formed many centuries ago.
Witness the destruction created by the worlds longest ever volcanic eruption and marvel at the twisted lava shapes and colours.

2. Jameos Del Agua

The 8th wonder of the world according to old school Hollywood legend Rita Heyworth. And although this may be overstating the case a little the Jameos Del Agua is still a real jaw dropper.
A jameos is basically a collapsed lava tube - which island born artist Cesar Manrique turned into an underground grotto featuring bar and restaurant areas, great gardens, a lagoon that houses the worlds only albino crabs, a stunning auditorium and a swimming pool so beautiful that only the King of Spain is allowed in for a dip.

3. Mirador Del Rio

If you are a fan of breathtaking views then the Mirador del Rio is the spot for you. A mirador is basically a look out point and this used to be on old gun battery guarding the narrow waterway between Lanzarote and the neighbouring island of Graciosa.

It was transformed by Cesar Manrique into a stylish tourist attraction and offers really incredible vistas.

4. Cactus Garden

You don't really have to be a plant lover to enjoy the Cactus Garden. As the sight of over 1,000 different species of cacti on display makes an impact on most people. Like any plant family cacti are incredibly diverse - some flower, some climb, some just grow into giant species. So there's no shortage of weird and wonderful shapes, forms and colours to enjoy.

5. Cesar Manrique Foundation

You'll see the influence of island born artist and architect Cesar Manrique pretty much everywhere when you travel around Lanzarote.

So it's a good idea to visit his home in Tahiche - not least because much of it is built into five underground volcanic bubbles. His house feels a little like a scaled down version of the Jameos Del Agua - as there are the same trademark touches such as whitewashed floors and walls, organic shapes as opposed to straight edges, water features and lots of plants.

The Foundation also houses a Gallery exhibiting the artists highly acclaimed paintings.

Offshore Windfarms Planned For The Canaries

2006-11-13T10:30:00.003Z

13 November 2006

The Councillor for Industry, Trade and New Technologies on the Canary Islands, Marisa Tejador, has revealed that her department is looking at placing generating windmills off shore.

She said that more research was needed, but that there were possibilities off the coast of Fuerteventura in particular, but also off Lanzarote, El Hierro and Tenerife. She also admitted that the islands had come late to the concept of alternative energy.

The Timanfaya Volcano

2006-10-31T13:42:00.000Z

The Timanfaya volcano is the most popular tourist attraction there is in Lanzarote. Located in the south west this fire mountain nearly devistated Lanzarote by killing off everything on the Island.

The area in question errupted for a total of 5 years.

Tips
When visiting the National Park you should ensure you take suitable foot wear and remember that being on top of a volcano it will be windy and sometimes cold.

Opening Times:
10:00 to 17:45 (Restaurant from 12:00 to 15:30)

Lanzarote- Winter Sun

2006-10-24T13:22:00.003Z

Lanzarote is a fantastic Winter Sun destination with sunshine and high temperatures all year round. The island is situated just 70 miles off the coast of Africa and boasts a stunning volcanic landscape.

Puerto Del Carmen is Lanzarote's busiest resort and its main beach is the longest on the island. Along the waterfront there are many restaurants, shops and bars to suit everyone. The bars are great for relaxing in and admiring the beautiful expanse of white sandy beach opposite this strip.

A great area for clubbing and drinking venues is the Centro Atlantico which has an abundance of bars and discos popular with the younger, more energetic visitor! The picturesque Old Town area of Puerto Del Carmen is a fishing port and houses many good quality restaurants for a more sophisticated evening out.

Jet Ready to Win Free Flights With Monarch

2006-10-17T09:44:00.002Z

Low fares airline Monarch continues to fly the flag for quality low-cost travel from Luton Airport, and as we approach the winter months, now is the time to think about escaping for some winter sun.

With destinations in the Canary Islands, Spain and Portugal available, Monarch is one of the biggest players in European travel from Luton.

As well as low fares, which include complimentary daily newspapers and a refreshing hot towel service, Monarch offer a unique range of tasty hot and cold meals available with prices from 3 pounds.

Seats can be pre-booked at 5 pounds per one-way flight to avoid the last minute free-for-all, or you might prefer to try one of the 48 extra-legroom seats which offer up to six inches of extra space for just 15 pounds each way.

Regular travellers are rewarded too, with a range of benefits through the airline's loyalty scheme, Vantage Club.

Monarch flies up to 60 times per week from Luton Airport and fares start from just 40 pounds and 99 pence one way (67 pounds and 99 pence return), including all taxes.

The Croydon Guardian has teamed up with Monarch to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a pair of return flights to any of the destinations served by Monarch from Luton Airport, which include Alicante, Faro, Gibraltar, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Malaga, Menorca, Palma and Tenerife

The Cave of Los Verdes

2006-09-18T11:52:00.000Z

The Cueva de los Verdes is part of the Atlantida underground Cave system formed 3,000 years ago during the eruptions of Monte Corona. The Guanches who were the original inhabitants used to shelter here from Pirates that once tormented the island.

The tunnel is over 6 km long with an additional 1.6 km under the sea and is the longest Volcanic Tunnel in the World (the underwater section has not been fully explored). Only about 2 km are open to the public.

The cave measures more than 15 m wide and 15 m high.The lowest part of the cave is used occasionally as a concert hall.

Opening Hours: 10.00 - 18.00 (final Admission 17.00)

Admission: 6.61 euros

Lanzarote

2006-06-02T11:32:00.002Z

Lanzarote is the place to come if you enjoy action, adventure and watersports. The island has excellent facilities for the extreme sports fans including surfing and windsurfing to name just a few.

One of the great things about Lanzarote is that whether you're a beginner or experienced the conditions here cater for all levels.

If you enjoy the water, Lanzarote offer's some of the best scuba-diving in the world, with the majority of dive schools catering for the beginner through to the advanced diver. Diving is the probably the most popular watersport in Lanzarote. The underwater of this magnificent island is special volcanic character and has an abundant fish life. With a beautiful seabottom with lavarock and sand. On many places the bottom slopes down to a lava reef. The reef is actually a lava wall with crevices and ledges around which you can find a rich fishlife. There is about 550 different kinds of fish and over 1000 invertebrates in the Canary Islands.

There are four main points of diving in Lanzarote, some dive centres offer more but do not publicize this as they do not want the other dive centres there! These four are Puerto Del Carmen, Arrieta - Mala, Orzola - La Graciosa and Playa Blanca.

There are some surfing school's and windsurfing school's too in Lanzarote which you will find in the main resorts - Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca. With the island having a constant wind it is perfect conditions for windsurfing, the best area to practice to windsurfing for beginners and advanced is the beach of Playa de las Cucharas in Costa Teguise, which has excellent conditions most of the time.

In Playa de Famara, Due to the strong undertow and the crashing waves a red flag usually flies at this beach, it is excellent conditions for surfing but the only people going into this water are the experienced surfers! The beach has a vast expanse of golden sand with the Famara cliffs offering a stunning backdrop. The centres and schools will take those surfers who are learning to the various good points around the island.

Deep Sea fishing is also available from the local ports in the main tourist areas, and it is an amazing day out for all - just make sure you have your sea legs! One company that does these excursions is; Blue Delphin Uno Fishing Excursions, Playa Blanca - they offer all sorts of day trips - half day full day or just a few hours! They have a variety of fishing excursions including night fishing, shark fishing, bottom fishing and Currican. The experienced team will make sure your day out fishing whether a large group or on a shared charter will have a fantastic time!

Water skiing, jet skiing and para sailing, dolphin and whale spotting is also available from the all the main tourist resorts.

Lanzarote Nature

2006-05-14T14:31:00.000Z

In 1993, the island of Lanzarote was declared a Biosphere Reserve as it conserves one of the most exceptional ecosystems and volcanic landscapes in the archipelago.Lanzarote has a great wealth of native plants, such as Timanfaya seed and the Famara plantain which are both exclusive to Lanzarote.

The waters around Lanzarote support a large and varied population of marine species. Fish such as Barracuda, Grouper and Stingray frequent the reefs around the coast, while Hammerhead Sharks are found around the islet of Los Lobos.Whales, Dolphins, Turtles and Flying Fish can often be seen during a Ferry Crossing or Boat Trip.

Parents Still Playing Truant for Cheap Holidays

2006-04-30T13:25:00.002Z

08 January 2006

Over 75% of parents say it is OK to take their kids on holiday during school term time, according to a new survey.

As Tony Blair plans to introduce £50 fixed-penalty notices for parents who play 'holiday truant', 78% of them have rejected his plans in a survey on leading family travel website takethefamily.com. Despite the threatened fines, the 'Every Lesson Counts' campaign, as well as travel industry plans to offer discounts and free child places during school holidays, parents are still planning to take their kids out of school during term time to save money.

SCHOOLS BREAK UP. PRICES SOAR UP.
This February half term, a week in Lanzarote with Expedia will cost from 3,294 pounds compared with just 1,299 pounds the week after (Aparthotel Lanzarote Paradise plus flights and car).

Lucy Ace, managing director of takethefamily.com, said: 'Parents have just had enough of these price hikes. Yes, the government has tried to make a difference. But what good is a 50 pound discount or a free child place if the overall holiday cost is so much higher.'

'It's OK for Tony Blair's family jetting off to Barbados and staying in Sir Cliff's holiday villa but most families simply don't have that sort of money.'

'At takethefamily.com, we believe parents should be allowed to take full advantage of their 10 day allowance. Especially if it's used for educational trips. That could be improving language skills by ordering a croissant in a Paris caf' or learning about the pyramids first hand on a trip to Egypt.'

'Such trips are hard enough for parents with normal prices. But the extra increase during school holidays makes it almost prohibitive.'

In the takethefamily.com survey 34% of parents said a maximum of 5 term time holiday days was OK, 29% said they simply do it because it's cheaper while 15% said it was acceptable for educational trips only.

A Department for Education and Skills spokesman said: 'Taking a holiday during term-time can mean children miss important school time and coursework. A term-time holiday is all too often seen as the rule. It should be the exception.'

Headteachers can authorise 10 days holiday during term time. But they are increasingly coming under pressure to do so only in exceptional circumstances.

La Caja de Canarias, Special Sponser of the Lanzarote Marathon

2006-04-07T10:53:00.000Z

Club La Santa has the pleasure to inform that La Caja de Canarias will sponsor the Lanzarote Marathon Festival that will take place on 3 December (2005) in Costa Teguise.

La Caja de Canarias is an institution with huge tradition and relevance for the Canary Islands. It combines an important amount of services and attention in more than 160 offices with the extensive Social Work, i.e. implication in different fields, such as culture, education, arts, sports and environment.

One of the objectives of La Caja's Social Work (Obra Social) is to foment the practise of sports. As such, the Lanzarote Marathon is one more initiative to benefit from the funds dedicated by La Caja this year to sports activities and events on the Canary Islands.

Shopping in Costa Teguise

2006-04-03T12:09:00.002Z

There are a range of shops around the resort of Costa Teguise and also of course in the La Cucharas shopping complex. Here you can find a few electrical duty free stores but as a word of warning, watch what you buy. Although bargains can be found, make sure that you get a European guarantee, not an Asian one and that all plugs, leads etc are included.
Obviously all the usual tourist fare can be found in the resort such as T shirts and souvenirs but for those who fancy something a little more traditional, head for the Sunday market at Teguise where you can pick up some great bargains on pottery, art, lace and so on.

The history of Costa Teguise

2006-04-03T12:03:00.002Z

Costa Teguise literally translates as 'The coast of Teguise' - Teguise, being the ancient capital of Lanzarote. You can visit the old part of this town which offers over 500 years of history and a wonderful outdoor market every Sunday morning.
This area was declared an architecturally historic artistic site in the 1980's to preserve the history forever.
Todays modern tourist resort that we know as Costa Teguise is easily reached and although purpose built, is in keeping with the history and culture of the old capital.

Who does Costa Teguise Appeal to?

2006-04-03T11:55:00.001Z

Costa Teguise, at whichever time of year you choose really does cater for those wanting a quieter pace of life on holiday but still a great base from which to explore and activities if they wish.

A year round destination, this is ideal for anyone wanting 5* luxury in fantastic hotels, who can be pampered and looked after, for those wanting to self cater, explore and take in some water sports or for families looking for a break where the kids will be looked after and entertained. With accommodations featuring children's clubs and facilities, this can become a reality.

Costa Teguise certainly will not appeal to anyone wanting a wild time as the nightlife is more limited than nearby resorts but rest assured, if its peace and quiet you're looking for, with family entertainment and superb beaches, you will have come to the right place!

Accommodation in Costa Teguise

2006-04-03T11:36:00.001Z

Accommodation in Costa Teguise ranges from small, family run apartments, right up to the 5* luxury hotels with just about every amenity you can wish for. Being a great place for relaxing and simply taking a break, most of the accommodations have pools here and many offer childrens facilities.
There is also a good choice of board basis in the accommodations, whether you are looking for all you can eat and drink or self cater, you will find your ideal in Costa Teguise.

Eating out in Costa Teguise

2006-04-03T11:32:00.001Z

Costa Teguise offers a good range of eateries, ranging from the traditional English Breakfast to great quality restaurants such as La Ordana and Oscars. You can also enjoy Italian, more traditional local food or even Mexican style Tex Mex dishes.
If you fancy opting for half board in your hotel, there are a fantastic range of very good quality hotels offering wonderful cuisine, all included in the price of your holiday!

Nightlife in Costa Teguise

2006-04-03T11:25:00.001Z

If its a wild night out with busy clubs and bars you're after, Costa Teguise is not the place! Although there is a nightclub and disco, the true party animals should hop into a taxi and head for livelier Puerto del Carmen just 10 miles away.
Much of the entertainment is hotel based, with many of the larger hotels offering great shows, caberets and such like, with even a casino at the Oasis Hotel. Otherwise there are plenty of bars to choose from, simply head to the market place or the many squares around the resort for small laid back bars or the livelier Legends Bar, providing tribute acts or perhaps a hypnotist!

Beaches in Costa Teguise

2006-04-03T11:20:00.000Z

Although boasting three beaches, the two best known and favourite amongst holiday makers are Playa de las Cucharas and Playa Bastian. These are both fantastic spots to enjoy idyllic view, sunshine practically year round and crystal clear blue waters. For those who can manage something a little more energetic, there are a great range of watersports including sailing, windsurfing, jet skiing, snorkelling and scuba diving.

About Costa Teguise

2006-04-03T11:16:00.001Z

Costa Teguise is located on the southeast corner of Lanzarote and is the most recently developed of the island's three main resorts.
Costa Teguise is a purpose built resort, yet still manages to have a certain charm and village feel to it, with plenty of bars, restaurants, trinket shops and cafes dotted around its streets.
With beautiful beaches and good range of accommodation, Costa Teguise is a haven for families, sun seekers and those after some rest and relaxation.

Climate in Lanzarote

2006-04-02T14:52:00.001Z

The weather in Costa Teguise is usually very good all year round. The beaches are on the whole windier than those in other resorts on Lanzarote, which explains the proliferation of windsurfers, however this can be a real benefit in the height of the summer.

Golf Costa Teguise

2006-03-25T10:42:00.001Z

This 18-hole golf course was designed by the British landscape architect, John Harris, and built in 1978. A marvel not only for its challenging design but also for its excellent year-round conditions. Golf Costa Teguise is located at the foot of a spent volcano surrounded by thousands of palm trees, cactuses and, of course, black lava and breath taking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Lanzarote's warm temperatures combined with this picturesque setting provides a truly unique golfing experience.