Lanzarote is the easternmost of the Canary Islands, situated 93 miles (150km) off the north west coast of Africa.
TYPES OF HOLIDAYS
It takes about four hours to fly from the UK to Lanzarote, and because this is not too excessive you can fly here for a short break or a longer, more relaxing stay.
Tourism has been the main economy in Lanzarote for 40 years, meaning that they know a thing of two about catering to all types of holidaymakers!
The range of activities and accommodation on the island of Lanzarote will appeal to younger, party-going holidaymakers as well as families and older travelers seeking a more relaxing, peaceful getaway.
You can also easily tailor your holiday to suit every kind of budget, so it is easy to see exactly why Lanzarote continues to be so popular.
BEST TIME TO GO
The Canary Islands enjoy beautiful weather all year round, with winter temperatures still remaining pleasant when compared to the UK.
Prices are usually cheaper in the winter months of November to April so you may be able to bag yourself a good deal and get some respite from the usual British winter!
However, there is less accommodation available in the winter months and many of the tourist activity on the island will be closed.
Naturally, the best time of year to visit is during the summer months of May to October. The island is bustling and you can enjoy the full range of sights and sounds that Lanzarote has to offer. Accommodation is usually more expensive during high season, but the huge variety of hotels and resorts available means that they are very competitive - allowing you to bag a good deal whenever you choose to visit.
Is Lanzarote busy in October? Well, it's not peak season and as the weather is still sunny and warm, it's still a popular destination. However, as many British holidaymakers have returned for their children to go back to school, it's slightly less busy and therefore more appealing.
While the temperatures are not as warm as the peak of summer in July and August, you can still enjoy mid-20s°C and temperate evenings to watch the sun go down.
SIGHTS TO SEE
Lanzarote is so rich in natural beauty that wherever you turn you will find something you will want to explore.
El Golfo (The Gulf) is an unusual amphitheater shape located in the caldera of an extinct volcano. Here you can see the green lagoon in its center and enjoy spectacular ocean views.
And the Monumento al Campesino is an impressive sculpture of huge white blocks dedicated to the rural farmers of the area.
The numerous wildlife parks of Lanzarote also cannot be missed!
MOST POPULAR LANZAROTE RESORTS
The most popular resorts in Lanzarote tend to be Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise. With so many inland villages and other coastal accommodation options, there is definitely something for everyone.
ACTIVITIES
Many of the best things to do in Lanzarote revolve around the array of natural sites on the island.
There are a number of ways to enjoy the scenery and wildlife of the National Park, whether you want to go it alone by hiking, go on a jeep safari, or take a guided walk or cruise, you can certainly experience everything it has to offer.
The coastline is stunning, and there are boat trips available from all of the main resorts for a unique way to enjoy it.
Caleta de Arriba is a mecca for lovers of water sports.
BEACHES
Lanzarote features 156 miles (250km) of coastline and as it is a volcanic island, its beaches feature sands ranging in colour from white, to golden to black!
Arrecife is a touristy area very close to the airport and has two conveniently situated beaches for you to enjoy. El Cable features golden sand and is famed for its excellent windsurfing and El Reducto boasts white sands and nearby amenities, including kiosks, shops and restaurants.
These areas can become very busy so it may be worth venturing off the beaten track for a more secluded day on the beach.
La Graciosa is an island just off of northern Lanzarote and features secluded beaches that are only accessible on foot. Las Conchas, Francesca and La Cocina beaches are famed for their beautiful scenery and white sands. Caleta de Arriba is a mecca for lovers of watersports.
Beaches around the resort of Puerto del Carmen include Barilla, Fariones, Lima and Matagorda. These beaches are very popular as they are very close to amenities such as toilets, showers, kiosks and restaurants.
And popular beaches around Playa Blanca include Punta de Papagayo, La Campana, Flamingo and Janubio beaches.
NIGHTLIFE
There is an impressive nightlife in Lanzarote, located around the centre of the major resorts.
Numerous bars along the beaches cater to those wanting to enjoy a cocktail in the evening breeze, while Avenida de las Playas in Puerto del Carmen and Rubicon Marina Playa Blanca are the best places to go for all night partying!
ACCOMMODATION
Seeing as tourism has been the main industry in Lanzarote for over forty years, there is a huge range of accommodation to suit anyone's needs.
One of the most popular resorts in Puerto Del Carmen is Seaside Los Jameos Playa. Here you can enjoy an all inclusive stay in a hotel decorated in traditional Canarian style. Meals are served buffet-style in the main restaurant and there is also a poolside bar serving snacks all day. Kids are well catered for with games and activities, while parents can relax in the spa and sauna!L
Ideally located for access to the beach in Playa Blanca is the Iberostar Lanzarote Park. This resort is great for families as it features four full size outdoor swimming pools and three for children. The beach is just a few minutesâ walk away and there is both a buffet restaurant and grill restaurant on-site.
For those seeking something a bit quieter you can stay at the Costa Calero in Puerto Calero. Located just 5km west of Puerto del Carmen, this resort offers four outdoor pools as well as a spa and sauna! A shuttle service to the beach runs from the hotel, while on-site you can choose from the buffet restaurant, three bars and live entertainment in the evenings.
For a value-for-money hotel that caters for couples and families alike, consider H10 Suites Lanzarote Gardens. This three-star hotel is just a stone's throw away from the beach and offers a dedicated mini waterpark for children and spacious family rooms, as well as a multi-sports court and three bar restaurants.
And the Santa Rosa in Costa Teguise offers a mix of hotel and self-catering accommodation, with an on-site restaurant offering buffet-style meals and apartments complete with fully fitted kitchens. There is a swimming pool and fitness centre on-site, and the resort is peaceful even though it is just a ten-minute walk to the beach and town center.
THINGS TO DO
The Lanzarote Aquariumis another great place to spend the day as a family, with three touch pools where you can enjoy a hands-on interactive experience with some of the aquarium's residents.
As you'd expect for a popular tourist resort, Costa Teguise is brimming with excellent shopping, dining and accommodation options. You'll find plenty of shops selling everything you could imagine along the promenade which backs Las Cucharas beach, with even more shops inside the Las Cucharas Commerical Centre. If you want a one-of-a-kind handmade souvenir to take home with you, check out the craft market each Friday evening at Pubelo Marinero.