The biggest choice to make when deciding to take a holiday to a lavish location is actually choosing where to go. Some people prefer a calm and relaxing break, while some prefer excitement, nightlife, and fun. Some people want it all. If you want to experience everything all in one trip, Lanzarote, Spain is definitely a unique and memorable place to travel.
Lanzarote History
The eastern most of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote is known for its mysterious and fascinating history. In 1402, Lanzarote was the first of the Canary Islands to fall to Jean de Béthencourt. This set the stage for the beginning of the Spanish conquest. In the 16th century, Lanzarote was often raided by Moroccan pirates. The raids later became more common, with French and British buccaneers also taking part in the raiding of the island. Violent and large volcanic eruptions destroyed parts of the island, including some of it’s most fertile land. Although many towns were destroyed in the chaos, the volcanic soil left behind was actually found to be quite fertile for farming, which led to restructuring and repopulation of the island. The population has grown since then from 300 to over 127,000 citizens today which has led it to become an extremely popular tourist attraction.
Where to holiday in Lanzarote?
Those seeking an exciting and lively time in Lanzarote’s year-round enjoyable weather will want to head to the capital Arrecife, which is home to the majority of Lanzarote’s locals, with a population of nearly 50,000. Arrecife was founded in the 15th century and was mainly a small fishing harbour. It has grown considerably ever since, and is now one of the main attractions in Lanzarote.
Arrecife definitely has a faster pace than other parts of Lanzarote. It is home to beaches, promenades, excellent shopping resources, and plenty of nightlife. Those visiting Arrecife may want to consider staying at the fabulous Arrecife Gran Hotel. One of only 6 five-star hotels in all of Lanzarote, the Arrecife Gran Hotel is located next to Reducto Beach. It is only 6 km away from the airport and a mere 5 minute walk to the main shops. The second floor of the hotel boasts a spa area with a sauna, pool, massage rooms, a Turkish bath, and other relaxing beauty treatments. All of the rooms have a beautiful view of the bay and is surrounded by beautiful landscape gardens. There’s also two restaurants, a taxi rank right in the front, and an underground car park.
Right alongside the hotel is El Reducto beach, the best beach in Lanzarote’s capital. Accompying the beach’s calm blue waters is many convenient services like restaurants, guaguas, showers, and a boardwalk. Also located on Arrecife are two other smaller beaches, El Cable Beach and La Concha Beach.
For families wanting to go on holiday in Lanzarote together, Playa Blanca the destination to take a look at. Located on the southernmost part of Lanzarote, it is more low-key than a lively place like Arrecife. Along the waterfront there is a very long promenade, several popular shops, restaurants, and bars, and three small beaches. Playa Flamingo is the biggest beach, and is slightly isolated so people can enjoy the beach in peace.
There are plenty of activities for the whole family in Playa Blanca as well. Kaboti Surf School offers surfing lessons for the whole family. The instructor will pick you up at your hotel and then you’ll head to Famara beach for easy-to-learn surfing instructions. The marina Rubicon Market is another extremely popular attraction for locals and tourists alike. On Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9am until 2pm, this market has over three hundred stalls of affordable crafts, like handmade dolls, knitwear, jewelry, and more.
Families and couples are also sure to enjoy Costa Teguise. This particular resort is known for its watersports. Whether participating or spectating, people from all around the world head to Costa Teguise to experience the surfing, sailing, and scuba diving. Teguise is another place in Lanzarote with a laid-back atmosphere, making it ideal for those who wish to relax. Las Cucharas is the biggest and most popular beach on Costa Teguise. The white sand and bright sun help make this beach perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing.
Aqua Lanza is Lanzarote’s only water park, located right inside Costa Tequise so an ideal attraction for families and next door is the 18 hole golf course, for those who want a break from the water. Hotel Coronas Playas is an excellent 4-star hotel nearby that offers much more than a place to sleep. There’s live music and entertainment all day. The rooms have many convenient features and some offer beautiful views of the sea or the garden.
Puerto del Carmen is the biggest resort on Lanzarote, and is also the liveliest. It is located in the south-east and has more than 6km of beaches, the most popular being Grande beach and Los Pocillos. Nightlife is vibrant and abound. There are plenty of entertainment centers, restaurants, bars, pubs, and discos. There are also several attractions throughout the year that draw much attention – the Carnival Parade, Puerto del Carmen triathlon, and the Festival of Our Lady of Carmen. Puerto del Carmen also offers very affordable apartments to stay in during your holiday and are located with access to grocery stores for self catering, pools and spas with cars and even bikes available for rent.
Things to do in Lanzarote
Apart from the aforementioned locations, there are several other attractions to enjoy in Lanzarote. The Timanfaya National Park is located just north of Yaiza. Taking a guided tour throughout this historical park will teach you all about Lanzarote’s volcanic history. Brown coaches will drive you around and the tour will end at the local restaurant, where food is cooked using the heat rising from the ground.
Another interesting attraction is the Lagomar Museum, located in the township of Oasis of Nazaret. The area consists of a restaurant, bar, a gallery and a museum, and there are gardens built in to the volcanic rock face. The art gallery houses a wide collection of art work by local sculptors and painters. There are tunnels, rock gardens, and caves which leads up to the main house where you can see astonishing views over the Nazaret Valley. The house was originally built as a display home and was once used as a backdrop for the filming of tv shows and movies. Shortly after the 1980′s, it was expanded in to its current state.
With so many ideal attractions and ways to please many different people, holidays in Lanzarote offer a great value with sunny, modern resorts. Its unique structure and features makes it useful to everyone – You can learn about i’s volcanic history and then later hit the beach for a relaxing afternoon. You can visit a lively and exciting disco or bar, or simply enjoy a quite dinner at a restaurant with your family. A holiday to Lanzarote can literally be anything you’d like it to be.