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- Lanzarote
Holidays to Lanzarote - explore the volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands
Not a fan of the dull UK weather? We suggest you leave the grey behind in favour of a holiday to Lanzarote with friends or family. Why should you holiday in Lanzarote? We think the island is a great choice for those interested in something a little different from your average beach holiday.
Located off the west coast of Africa, Lanzarote is the most northeastern of the Canary Islands. Yes, the island is known for its year-round sunshine, beaches, delicious cuisine and great wine. But it's also known for its volcanic landscape, which provides a uniquely beautiful backdrop for the culture, cuisine and adventure that characterise the island. Plus, the island was also the first in the world to be awarded the Biosphere Responsible Tourism Certificate, making it a great sustainable destination.
Getting to Lanzarote from the UK
The island's main airport is located just a few kilometres from Arrecife and there are direct flights from a number of UK airports daily. The flight time is just over 4 hours from London, making it an easy choice for a short break or longer holiday. Flights are cheapest during the winter season, when luckily temperatures are in the 20s. Expect higher flight prices in July and August due to summer holidays.
Pirate tip 🏴☠️: Bus number 22 takes you directly from the airport to the city. You can also take a taxi or hire a car from the airport to be mobile during your stay on the island.
The weather in Lanzarote
When is the best time to visit Lanzarote? Like all the Canary Islands, Lanzarote has a subtropical climate. Thanks to the Canary Current, the weather in Lanzarote is mild throughout the year, with an average of 20C. From June to October, temps rise to an average of 27 to 29C.
The water temperature in the Atlantic is similar, ranging from 18 to 22C, meaning there's no wrong time to plan a holiday to Lanzarote, as you'll have great weather for a beach holiday all year round.
Where to stay in Lanzarote
The island is divided into different holiday regions, each with its own charm. If you plan to hire a car, you can easily visit the different regions. Otherwise, we recommend picking a region of the island that suits you best.
Arrecife
If you like urban flair, Arrecife - the island's capital - is the place to spend your holiday in Lanzarote. In the centre you will find the Town Hall and the main boulevard, Calle de Léon y Castillo, with its promenade leading down to the sea.
Arrecife is a good starting point for exploring the island on holiday. From the bus station at the southern end of the promenade, you can easily hop on one of the island's public buses that will take you to different parts of Lanzarote.
Puerto del Carmen
The small fishing village of Puerto del Carmen will charm you with its old-fashioned atmosphere. The harbour and adjacent old town are full of historic buildings. Once built by local fishermen, they now house bars and shops.
This part of Lanzarote is also a good place to party. The promenade is full of cafes and restaurants. You can sip a fruity cocktail and enjoy the sea view or throw some shapes on the dance floor in one of the clubs. If you prefer things a little quieter, take a romantic evening stroll along the long promenade.
La Graciosa
Located to the north of Lanzarote, La Graciosa is an island that comprises 27 square metres of nature. The island isn't connected to Lanzarote and can only be reached by boat. You can catch a ferry from Órzola operated by Lineas Romero, which sails a few times a day. A return crossing will set you back around £24.
Costa Teguise
Although Costa Teguise has lost some of its typical Canary charm, it still has everything a tourist could want: plenty of leisure activities, a well-developed infrastructure and clean beaches. If you are looking for an extensive beach holiday, Costa Teguise is the place to be.
Playa Blanca
Located in the south of the island, Playa Blanca is a town with a 8 km promenade that follows the coast and is lined with shops, restaurants, bars and hotels. The town is best known for its beaches, including Playa Blanca, Papagayo Beach, Playa Flamingo and Playa Dorada.
Pirate tip 🏴☠️: Families with children should go to Playa Blanca. It's a lovely clean beach, close to restaurants and shops. It's also one of Lanzarote's Blue Flag beaches, which means it meets certain safety and environmental standards.
The best beaches on Lanzarote
Lanzarote is famous for its beaches. Relax on the warm sand with a good book, stroll along the promenade stopping for a bite or drink at one of the many restaurants and bars, or do some water sports.
These are our top picks for beaches in Lanzarote:
Playa Blanca
Playa Janubio
Playa del Reducto
Playas de Papagayo
Playa Dorada
Playa de Famara
🏴☠️ Pirate tip: Janubio Beach is a must-visit for its black sand, however just should be aware that the beach is not suitable for swimming as there is a strong undertow. On the other hand, the interplay of white spray and black lava sand has a calming effect on everyone who sees it.
Things to do in Lanzarote
While Lanzarote is known for its beautiful beaches, that's not all the island has to offer. The island has exciting hiking trails to suit all abilities, giving you a unique insight into the landscape. A classic is the route from Femes to Papagayo. You'll be able to see the rugged coastline of the island as well as the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura.
Nature excursions
A popular destination for excursions is the Timanfaya National Park, or Parque Nacional de Timanfaya in Spanish. It's located in the south of the island and covers an area of approximately 5.1 hectares, taking up about a quarter of the total area of Lanzarote.
We recommend booking a bus tour that will take you through valleys and past several volcanoes and seemingly endless lava fields that resemble a lunar landscape - a stark contrast to the colourful hustle and bustle of the island's sandy beaches. The red mountains stand out against the black lava fields and make for great photo opportunities. Just be careful, the ground can be very hot!
In the north of the island, you can visit the Jameos del Agua lava cave. It is a complex of tunnels and caves, all of volcanic origin. The artist César Manrique discovered the caves and created a tourist attraction that has attracted many visitors every year since 1966.
Cultural attractions
Lanzarote has a wide range of cultural attractions. For example, you can visit the oldest church in Arrecife, the church of San Ginés in the Plaza de las Palmas. It was built in 1574 and is dedicated to Saint Genesius. The church was rebuilt in 1665 after a flood. The last alterations were made in 1842. Inside the church, you can admire the carved ceiling and the magnificent stone arches.
Another impressive sight is the Castillo de San Gabriel. This castle is located on a small island called Islote de los Ingleses. It can be reached by walking across the Puente de las Bolas bridge. The two cannonballs are a real eye-catcher. The stone castle, built in the 16th century to protect the port, was declared a National Monument in 1972. Once inside, you can visit the Ethnographic Museum or simply enjoy the magnificent views of the Atlantic.
Lanzarote as a sustainable destination
The island was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in the early '90s and more recently, in 2015, it became the first destination to be awarded a Biosphere Responsible Tourism certification.
The island has multiple protected spaces that include natural parks and nature reserves, such as Los Valcanes Natural Park, Timanfaya National Park and Chinijo Archipelago Park to name a few.
🏴☠️ Pirate tip: Lanzarote is a great place to go on holiday with children. In many areas of the island there are public facilities and parks with playgrounds where children can enjoy themselves under supervision. Take the whole family to the organic farm Las Pardelas in the north of the island to get to know the island's flora and fauna. Many animals, including donkeys and cows, roam free.
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