Lanzarote has been owned by Spain since the 1400’s, but is an autonomous region boasting its own cultural identity, customs and dialect.  And if you thought some Spanish resorts were laid back Lanzarote is virtually horizontal.  Thanks to the fact that the weather is great here all year round too.

The island is one of the seven Canaries and can be found off the coast of Africa, quite close to the Tropic of Cancer.  A long way south of Spain and the European mainland.  As a result the island was of great use to Spain during the years of empire and conquest as galleons could dock and refuel here.

Today Lanzarote is all about tourism and the vast majority of visitors arrive by air rather than by sea.  From countries such as the UK and Germany which are just a four hour flight away.  Many book their own travel but holidays in Lanzarote are still prominent in the brochures of many tour operators and travel companies despite the advent of the internet.

Which is the best resort on Lanzarote?  There are three in total, four if you also include the stylish marina of Puerto Calero, which is home to some of the best Lanzarote villas and apartments.  But the bulk of the accommodation can be found in Costa Teguise, Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen.  Which are all more like conventional resorts with plenty of shops, bars and restaurants for visitors to enjoy.

Puerto del Carmen is ideal for anyone planning a lively holiday as it has great nightlife alongside excellent beaches.  The resort also boasts the biggest selection of apartments in Lanzarote and there are loads of complexes here.  Most of them located just a short walk from the main beach of Playa Grande which as the name suggest really dominates the resort.

Playa Blanca is the second most popular destination – and little wonder – as it is home to lots of very good beaches such as Playa Flamingo and Playa Dorada as well as the superb stretches of sand at Papagayo.

This winter it’s even possible to buy flights to Lanzarote for under a tenner.  Thanks to the advent of cheap flights from the low cost specialists Ryanair.  Who have recently created sixteen new routes to Lanzarote as they seek to take advantage of a recent decision by the Spanish government to waive airport charges.

As a result it’s never been cheaper to visit this small volcanic island – which boasts close to 100 great beaches, fabulous weather all year round and a host of things to do and see for visitors.

Puerto del Carmen is the most popular resort on the island and has recently been rejuvenated.  Thanks to a cash injection of €16 million from the local government.  Which has been spent on improving the infrastructure and facilities.

This winter it’s possible to book self catering accommodation here from as little as £160.  Which buys weeks stay on a centrally located apartment complex.   Whilst Puerto del Carmen is also home to one of the largest selections of villas in Lanzarote.  With two bedroom properties with pools available from around £450.

For those who prefer to let someone else do the cooking and cleaning there’s also a good selection of hotels in Puerto del Carmen.  Ranging from budget apart-hotels through to five star luxury.  The RIU group operate a number of good quality four star establishments in the Los Pocillos area.  Whilst the Los Fariones hotel located in the heart of the resort is a very popular choice.  Not least as it enjoys its own small private beach.

Wherever visitors choose to stay they can expect to enjoy temperatures well into the 70´s.  Making it possible to enjoy Christmas Day on the beach or by the pool.

Puerto del Carmen has a number of excellent beaches for visitors to choose from such as Playa Grande and Playa Chica and provides an ideal holiday base.  As it is centrally located and in close proximity to Lanzarote´s best known tourist attractions, such as the volcanic region, the wine region and the Green Lagoon at El Golfo.