If you’re considering your 2010 Lanzarote holidays at the moment and want something that’s eco friendly, looking at a Lanzarote map there’s a finca in the north-east of the island that could be just what you’re looking for.
To read about it click here
Across Europe the number of holidays sold this year has taken quite a hit, and with it many areas which rely to a large part on tourism for their economy have suffered financially.
But for Lanzarote the show goes on - the weather is far better than many holiday destinations in Europe during the autumn and winter months, and the island is as geared up for autumn and winter tourists as it is for the summer.
But the weather in Lanzarote hasn’t been enough to see a slump in the number of holidaymakers deciding to visit - with just a couple of months to go before year end there could be up to 20 per cent fewer tourists on the island in 2009 compared to 2010.
The economy has taken a direct hit on the number of people taking flights to Lanzarote this year, but with the UK being a major market for the island a second factor has come into play, giving all countries who have the Euro as their currency a double whammy if a large part of their tourism derives from the UK.
The British pound has nosedived in value against the Euro, and at times has come close to parity, with a net result that a holiday in Lanzarote has become significantly more expensive while on the island for British tourists.
And the type of holiday in Lanzarote being taken by British tourists has changed for many this year, until recently people were increasingly booking their flights, hotels and car hire seperately, getting good deals from different internet sites for each component of their trip.
But with the currency exchange being so poor for British tourists many have gone back to old fashioned all inclusive holidays in Lanzarote, where not only the flights and hotel are booked together, but meals and locally produced drinks are included in the overall price.
Which is good news for the holidaymaker and for tour operators such as Thomson Holidays, as it allowed tourists to keep their spending down while at the same time it meant they could still go on holiday - but with this shift back to package holidays was there a loser?
The answer is yes - local businesses.
While a lot of holidaymakers were creating their own holiday packages, most would have their lunch and evening meal out and about. With the shift back to the all inclusive holidays with tour operators like Thomson Holidays this has been on the decline, and has hit local bars and restaurants hard.
So while there is good news for the travel industry where tour operators creatively make holidays to Lanzarote possible for those watching the pennies, the flip side sees ex-pats who bought bars and restaurants on the island in some cases going bust, and in nearly all situations experiencing a serious decline in revenue that can’t be sustained indefinitely on personal savings owners might have going into support their business.
The hope is that the economy will pick up and both the holidaymaker and Lanzarote’s businesses can start enjoying all that is good about the island.
The schools are back and for many holiday destinations it’s time to wind down and look forward to next year..
But not for Lanzarote, where the weather and sunshine carry on all year, and the autumn months brings people who prefer an off peak break to one at the height of the summer.
And this year there’s even more reason to visit Lanzarote for an autumn holiday, with events that will not only draw holidaymakers on their own accord but provide extra attractions to those who had already decided on a holiday in Lanzarote.
One example is a surfing competition, which will attract competitors from the surfing world along with keen spectators of the sport - the five day event will be a big draw too among those living on the island plus those who are on their Lanzarote holidays at the time.
With the world economy still in trouble and the number of people taking holidays abroad well down on previous years, tourist destinations such as Lanzarote that can hold events like the surfing competition have an edge on those areas that do nothing extra and rely on past holidaymakers to make return visits - Lanzarote will draw people who have never been to the island before who might well return in future years.
But when people visit the island for a holiday, what can they expect to find apart from the great weather in Lanzarote?
Playa Blanca has been transformed from a simple fishing town to a good family resort, and is popular for villa holidays in Lanzarote. Teguise is the former capital and is a historical town with narrow streets, restored homes and some of the most popular hotels in Lanzarote.
Tias is a less populated area with tapas restaurants and art galleries, while Puerto Del Carmen is the oldest resort on the island, and is a firm favourite for holidaymakers. It’s got an active night life and a mile of shops, restaurants and bars.
Arrecife has been the capital of Lanzarote since 1832. It is a port town situated near the airport. The local economy is mainly tourism and agriculture. The views from Arrecife are amazing. The Atlantic Ocean is to the east and southeast, the mountains are to the north and the rest is made up of hills and farms.
To read more information visit http://www.yourlanzarote.net and other media such as social media site delicious.com
Lanzarote
The Canary Islands have found no respite from the worldwide economic downturn, and Canary Island residents who holiday abroad are seeing their own islands in a new light.
The Canary Islands have been a popular holidays destination for years now. The islands rely upon tourism for much of their economy and employment opportunities for local people - over thirty percent of its gross domestic product is generated by tourism. In recent years an average of ten million visitors holiday on one or more of the Canary Islands annually.
The wavering economy hasn’t stopped tourists from travelling to the Canary Islands, but it looks like there will be a drop this year of between 15 and 20 per cent on 2008, and often who are holidaying in the Canaries are being more careful with their spending money.
It also appears that native islanders who reside there year-round are travelling less. This may be the result of fewer tourism Euros being spent within the country. Those who own the businesses which cater to the international visitors have less of their own money to spend on outside travel.
Many Canary Islands residents are instead choosing to appreciate anew what international visitors have long been drawn to. They are opting to take “staycations” and visit the attractions in their own backyards.
The islands’ biggest draw is typically the great weather. However, outside visitors also appreciate the rich history and the diverse geography of the Canary Islands.
Canary Islands residents, on the other hand, don’t need to leave home for good weather. They are instead seeing the islands through the eyes of outsiders.
The Canary Islands are an archipelago of seven islands. Gran Canaria and Tenerife are the largest of the islands, and home to both of the Canary Islands’ joint capital cities. Both islands are popular tourist destinations, along with Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. The four make up the largest and most populated of the archipelago.
The weather in Lanzarote for example is good year round, and there are plenty of tourists who head for the island November to March because of the weather in Lanzarote.
The smaller Canary Islands of La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma also draw a significant number of visitors each year. They have fewer clubs and resorts than the larger islands. Instead, they tend to attract tourists who desire smaller crowds and more adventurous vacations.
All of the islands are of volcanic origin. Many are home to diverse ecological preserves and boast flora and fauna that cannot be found anywhere else. Ancient structures and preserved ruins can be found on a number of the islands. It is these attractions that are appealing to the Canary Island “staycationer.”
While similarities exist between all seven islands, significant differences are abundant too. Many of the islands feature regional cuisine and specialty local wines. Residents from one island can visit another and get a very different cultural experience without spending a lot of money.
Local events also draw visitors from one island to another. The various islands are home to golf, water sports, motorbike and other popular tournaments and races. These types of events have grown substantially over the past decade and many draw thousands or more spectators annually.
Those who choose to remain on their own islands can still enjoy the culture in their backyards. Camping destinations draw locals for quick, easy getaways. The slow economic market means that good deals can often be found on hotels and for 2010 villa holidays.
More details for Lanzarote are available with http://www.yourlanzarote.net
Lanzarote
Lanzarote might not be the first place that comes to mind when it comes to surfing, but that’s about to change when the surfing world descends upon the popular European holiday island at the end of October, and is a real bonus attraction for those thinking of taking a late 2009 holiday.
Lanzarote has some great beaches, and was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1993 and has some of the most visually striking landscape anywhere. The whole island can be explored on foot, horseback or bike. Holidaymakers are well advised to do exactly that, as they will not be disappointed.
In particular, if you are lucky enough to holiday on Lanzarote, go see the Jameos del Agua. It is a stunning combination of art and nature, an intricate labyrinth of volcanic tubes where visitors can enjoy music and dance in a spectacular setting.
The beaches are part of the spectacle. Some feature dazzling white sands, while others display dark volcanic sand. All step off into crystal clear waters.
Depending on the beach, the waters are either calm and restful or feature powerful waves that come crashing in with regularity. These waves have attracted surfers. This year the La Santa Surf Pro Lanzarote 2009 will take place between October 25 and November 2. More importantly, this year it has a 6-star Prime status in the ASP WQS Series. Because of this, many more talented and qualified surfers seeking to boost their world points on the surfing circuit will be coming to Lanzarote. This promises to result in quite a show.
The hope is that as well as regular holidaymakers some will visit specifically for the surfing, and like it enough to book 2010 Lanzarote holidays after the event.
Surfing as a culture and a sport goes back hundreds of years. It was a central part of ancient Hawaiian culture. The chief was generally the most skilled surfer in the community with a board made from the best trees. But by the end of the 19th century, with the arrival of missionaries and their negative view of surfing as hedonistic, the culture had almost died out entirely. Thanks to Captain James Cook and his journal, we know that surfing was also quite popular in the South Seas back in the 18th century.
In the 20th century, a dedicated band of surfers refused to give up the ghost and continued to roam the oceans of the world, seeking the ultimate wave. But it wasn’t until mid-century that surfing once again came into its own. It took the California sounds of groups like Jan and Dean, the Surfaris and the Beach Boys to push surfing into the limelight. With songs like ‘Wipeout’ (Surfaris), ‘Surfer Girl,’ ‘Surfing USA,’ ‘Fun,Fun,Fun’ (the Beach Boys) and ‘Surf City’ (Jan and Dean - written by their friend and Beach Boy Brian Wilson), among others, everyone under the age of 30 suddenly loved surfing.
The Beach Boys in particular helped spread the word about surfing through their hits beyond California to Europe and around the world. They competed with The Beatles, Rolling Stones from Britain and from the U.S. The Monkees and Eagles at a revolutionary time for music - despite the fact that The Beach Boys had 4 number 1’s while The Beatles had over 4 times that number their music is played as much today as it ever was, and their album ‘Pet Sounds’ could have been the best album of the 60’s if it hadn’t been for The Beatles ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ which spent 15 weeks at number one in the U.S. and frequently tops polls of the best albums ever.
The surfing mystique that grew up in California in places like San Diego and Santa Cruz developed with it a language and an image all its own. It didn’t matter if you were from California or lived in a land-locked state in the Midwest. Everyone used terms like gnarly, radical, tubular, hang ten, wipeout, goofy foot and pop-up. And everyone knew what the terms meant. The long-haired blonde surfer dude in boardshorts trudging into the surf with his long board under his arm, ready to wait it out for the perfect wave became iconic.
If you were not actually a surfer, you surely wanted to look like one because that’s who the girls looked at. For at least a brief period of time, ‘four girls for every guy’ was more than just a song lyric. You heard it at concerts. You saw it at the movies. You watched it on TV. Living the surfing life was fun. It was exciting and a dream come true.
The popular image, of course, was not the complete image of the surfing lifestyle. True aficionados of the sport continued to search out the big waves from ocean to ocean. For them the sport was much more than beach parties and posturing. As the sport came more and more into its own as a truly competitive endeavour, a series of year-long meets and a system of ratings grew up around it.
As with other sports, the goal was to play in the bigs. Sponsors became an important element because without them surfers could not afford to travel the world. An entire industry built on surfing equipment and outfitting grew into multi-billion dollar enterprises. Every surf meet that was ASP WQS certified drew the biggest names.
That is why, in October of 2009, Lanzarote, which is always visually spectacular but not always the biggest holiday destination, will find itself drawing a new crowd and the Lanzarote hotels will welcome some first time visitors.
The island has great all year round weather and the weather in Lanzarote end October should be ideal.
Fans of surfing will want to be there to see the pros do their thing. But regardless of the number of professional surfers that do show up in Lanzarote, spectators should see some great surfing at the event on the beaches.
Well known among the travelling public for her all year great weather, Lanzarote is the perfect place for a holiday, regardless of what time of year you go.
The Spanish holiday island is the fourth largest of the Canary Islands. It’s 37 miles long and 32 miles wide. Though you can see the island in a day by car, walking is often a better choice because you can see and do more things along the way - but buses and taxis are also available plus car hire.
Sandy beaches, colourful rock formations, beautiful landscapes and picteresque towns and villages attract holidaymakers to Lanzarote. It is of volcanic origins and was created 35 million years ago. The volcano makes a beautiful backdrop and is a point of historic interest for many visitors.
The Beaches Of Lanzarote
The beaches are clean and a crystal clear turquoise. The beaches are wide. Some have black sand, while others have white sand, making a nice contrast against the water. They are decorated with volcanic stones and are good spots for windsurfing and diving.
The Landscapes and Rock Formations of Lanzarote
The volcanic action that has taken place on the island has left its mark. The explosions have created unique landscapes. It’s not uncommon to see jagged lava, volcanic rocks, craters, ashes or petrified lava. The landscape also includes small villages, caves, valleys, palm trees and cactus, as well as panoramic views.
The Resorts and Hotels In Lanzarote
Playa Blanca is in the central area. It has been transformed from a simple fishing town to a nice family resort. Teguise is the former capital of Lazarote. It is a historical town with narrow streets, restored homes, hotels and resorts.
Tias is a less populated area with tapas restaurants and art galleries. Costa Teguise is more touristy, especially since it is close to the international airport where all the flights to Lanzarote arrive. It is equally popular among families, couples and the elderly. It has plenty of housing arrangements.
Puerto Del Carmen is the oldest resort on the island. It is a classic favourite among tourists. It also has an active night life and a mile of shops, restaurants and bars.
The Capital of Lanzarote
Arrecife has been the capital of Lanzarote since 1832. It is a port town situated near the airport. The people depend mainly on tourism and agriculture. The views from Arrecife are amazing. The Atlantic Ocean is to the east and southeast; the mountains are to the north; and the rest is made up of hills and farms. It makes for great Lanzarote weather.
Arrecife has a good mix of old and new structures. It is a port city with an urban feel. There are plenty of places to shop and eat. The nightlife is also lively.
Lanzarote is a great holiday destination. The island has its share of hotels with both old and new resorts to choose from. Several main towns offer major resorts to suit the needs of different types of visitors.
There is much more to this island than the sandy beaches. Make time to visit museums, festivals, markets, shops, castles and cultural centres during your holidays. If you are feeling a bit more adventurous, you can schedule a dive or go windsurfing - but whatever you decide to do taking holidays in Lanzarote is an unforgettable experience.
Three or four years ago a trend among the British public who take holidays abroad has been to move away from their traditional favourite destinations like Spain and the Spanish islands like Lanzarote to new areas like Turkey, Egypt and Morocco.
The reason for the move away from Spain and other traditionally favoured British areas of Europe isn’t because those traditionally favoured areas are not good holiday areas anymore - but simply because of economics.
The British currency - sterling - has declined in value against the currency most countries favoured by the British for their holidays, including Spain - the Euro. It has pushed up the cost of a family holiday quite a bit, to the extent where destinations not using the Euro have become popular. Turkey, Egypt and Morocco are the three top ones.
But there are signs from travel agent polls and data showing that the British are returning to their old haunts in increasing numbers, and that Spain is coming back into favour.
However, although the percentage of the overall market might be swinging back in favour of traditional holiday areas, huge problems remain for their travel industries as the number of people taking holidays this year has dropped dramatically because of the recession.
Media reports indicate different drops for different locations, for example Cyprus is thought to be experiencing a ten per cent drop in tourist numbers, while the number of people taking holidays in Lanzarote could be double that this year.
The good news for those who do visit Cyprus and Lanzarote is that even in the peak summer months the islands won’t be crowded, it will be easy to get seats at restaurants, and room for the whole family to stretch out and enjoy themselves on the beach - it could be a great year to visit, but what else will they find in Lanzarote for example, apart from less holidaymakers?
The island is a top dive destination for many divers worldwide for one, and diving lessons for newcomers can be taken. Underwater visibility in the waters around Lanzarote is 65 to 100 feet. Marine life includes angel sharks, moray eels, damselfish, groupers and many others. The occasional hammerhead shark is also known to inhabit the waters off Lanzarote.
Shipwrecks, natural caves and tunnels add to the thrill of diving in Lanzarote. Underwater landmarks have been named by various people over the years. During a visit to Lanzarote you may hear diving locations such as the ‘cathedral’ which is an underwater cave to the left of the Playa de la Barrilla Bay near Puerto del Carmen.
As well as diving, the wonderful weather in Lanzarote throughout the year is conducive to a variety of sports activities. Take your pick of golf, horseback riding, tennis and windsurfing.
The top golf course on the island is Golf Costa Teguise. The 18 hole golf course was designed by John Harris and built in 1978, and is good for both beginners and expert golfers. The course is located at the base of an inactive volcano and surrounded by all natural flora.
Like much of Lanzarote it’s pretty unique, and helps explain why holidaymakers who haven’t been to Lanzarote for a few years are starting to return - and discovering the Lanzarote they fell in love with is still there in all her glory.
Here’s an interesting article we saw recently about Lanzarote:
The Canary Islands are one of the most popular destinations for European tourists looking for a great time during the Easter holiday. The Canaries provide as many, or as few, activities as the beachgoer could possibly be interested in. The easternmost island of Lanzarote packs a great deal of attractions and excitement in its relatively small area of about 846 square km.
Great Places to Visit on Spring Break
Many resorts around the world consider the Easter holiday the beginning of the tourist season. This is quite different on the Canary Islands. Because tourism is a year round industry on the Canaries, Easter is often in the second quarter of the tourist season. Everything is already in full swing to ensure the satisfaction of tourists from Germany, the UK and other European countries.
Playa Blanca is the southernmost resort on Lanzarote. What was once a small fishing village is now one of the most popular resorts on the island. Slightly smaller than other resorts, Playa Blanca is most well known as a hot spot for night clubs. The new marina is home to several classy restaurants with incredible views of the surrounding Atlantic Ocean. The Marina Rubicon is quickly becoming Lanzarote’s most popular harbour.
The largest and busiest resort on Lanzarote is Puerto Del Carmen. Three areas of interest are Matagorda, Old Town and Avenida de Las Playas, also known as “the strip.”
Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote
Matagorda is near the airport where the Lanzarote flights from Europe come in and has a variety of bars, restaurants and tourist activities. The golden beaches in this area are often windy, which is great for parasailing and other water sports.
The second area, Old Town, maintains the look and feel of an authentic Spanish village. Several restaurants in Old Town are somewhat hidden from plain view.
Avendia de Las Playas is a stretch of beachfront properties including bars, restaurants and tourist attractions. The prime shopping area is the Biosfera, which is four stories of shopping, bars and children’s play areas.
Costa Teguise is one of the least popular areas for holidays in Lanzarote. The rise of larger resort areas has resulted in fewer guests to Costa Teguise. This could be considered both a blessing and a curse by many. Tourists looking for a quiet, more private atmosphere to enjoy family time or a honeymoon may enjoy the added privacy.
The lack of popularity does not mean there is nothing to do at Costa Teguise. Many restaurants, bars and shopping areas greet each tourist with a very friendly community atmosphere. Three beaches provide plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the privacy.
The smallest resort area on the island is Puerto Calero. Accommodation include a few nice Lanzarote hotels and privately owned apartments. This is by far the quietest and most private resort on Lanzarote. The harbour has become known as Millionaire’s Harbour by most because of its reputation for hosting boats and yachts worth more than ten million euros. The boardwalk is lined with restaurants and shops with amazing views of the harbour. Attractions include a whale and dolphin museum.
The capital of Lanzarote is a small city called Arrecife, only three miles from the airport. Although not a resort area itself, it holds a great deal of attractions and activities for tourists. Complicated roads and the sheer number of shops make travel through the town easiest on foot. The beaches of Arrecife are generally very quiet and peaceful. The seafront offers a lot of local history and shops that shouldn’t be ignored by those on their holidays in Lanzarote.
We saw an odd little article in the UK’s Daily Telegraph.
It’s grandly headlined:
Spain: an insider’s Guide to the Balearic and Canary Islands
and then has this as a sub headline:
An essential guide to visiting the Balearic and Canary Islands, including accommodation, arrival and the best sights and attractions.
There’s nothing wrong with the article itself, but doesn’t really suit the grand claims in the way it’s announced.
Here’s an extract:
A beautiful house in the pretty town of Pollença in north-west Majorca is the base for a photography break (0776 777 7482; www.eyephotographicworkshops.com), where you can improve your skills in a group of up to eight, with expert tuition. There are also sessions on storing images, editing and putting a slide show together. £1,900 for five-days’ tuition and half board. Book flights separately to Palma.
Single travellers with an artistic streak might enjoy a holiday based near Santa Eulalia, in Ibiza, where there are plenty of galleries as well as a beach. A wide range of activities is on offer, including boat trips and riding, but there is no pressure to join in if you would rather do your own thing. From £559 for a week with Solo’s Holidays, including flights and half board (0844 815 0005; www.solosholidays.co.uk).
Pedro Almodóvar’s new film, Broken Embraces, was shot in Lanzarote, and it’s sure to dispel preconceptions about the island. One of the key locations is the extraordinary beach at El Golfo, where there is an eerie green lake at the base of black lava cliffs. Vivid Canaries (0871 855 1565; www.vividcanaries.co.uk) has a range of self-catering accommodation on the island, including the traditional-style Villa Arrieta in the pretty village of Haria, which has three bedrooms and costs from £700 a week.
Away from the beaches, Gran Canaria is an island of volcanic landscapes, scored by valleys and gorges where unusual flowers flourish. On a luxury walking holiday with Headwater (01606 720199; www.headwater.com), you hike along ridges with spectacular views of the Atlantic and stay at the two best rural hotels on the island. £914 for seven nights, including half board, car hire and flights, or £629 if you arrange your own travel.
To read more click through to the Telegraph here
