Escape To Lanzarote in 2011
The Canarian island of Lanzarote is located in the Atlantic just next to Africa and has been an oasis of warmth for the many people wanting to escape the unprecedented spell of cold that swept through Northern Europe in recent months. As here the daytime temperatures at the beginning of the year are well above those of northern Europe, and 23-25 degrees is not uncommon.
This wonderful weather is definitely one of the major draws for visitors, along with a varied selection of holiday rental properties. With loads of Lanzarote villas and apartments available for tourists to book. The outstanding landscapes and all year round weather also make the island an ideal location for purchasing a holiday home. Attracting a variety of investors trying to find solid returns or alternatively a sunshine holiday home.
Whether you need a holiday break or a reasonably safe and secure sanctuary for your savings the island has a wonderful assortment of resorts, such as Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen. As well as a wide variety of holiday hotels and loads of points of interest. Given the sheer diversity of what is on offer hiring a car or a mini bus if you are in a group is definitely the easiest way to get round the island. But if this is not for you then there are loads of guided tours covering the key attractions such as the Timanfaya National Park and the many creations of Cesar Monique. Visitors can book these at the reception desks of their Lanzarote hotels or direct online.
Anyone seeking a more active break will also love Lanzarote, as the weather makes it possible to pursue an outdoor lifestyle whatever the time of the year. And there´s scope for indulging in a wide variety of sports from cycling through to surfing. As a result lots of athletes choose to over winter here, enabling them to train through the toughest months of the year.
One of the greatest things about Lanzarote is the clarity of light during the winter months. Which is in part due to the lack of industrialisation on the island and also its location. As well as day photography, night photography is also un-miss able as the Canary Islands are regarded world wide as one of the top locations for astronomy, so you can image the sort of shots you could come away with.
Making your way to the island of Lanzarote today is comparatively easy, and the flight duration is just four hours or so. Prices have fallen a lot over the last year and flights to Lanzarote now start from about €100. This is probably down to the overwhelming competition between the main players servicing this area.
Villa Breaks in Playa Blanca
Whilst no holiday destination in the world can guarantee sunshine every day of the year, the climate in the south of Lanzarote can usually be relied upon most of the time. Which goes a long way to explain why Playa Blanca has grown in popularity over the last ten years and is now the second most visited tourist resort on the island.
It also benefits hugely from the location of the Papagayo beaches which are just at its eastern most edge. These six golden sandy coves are generally acknowledged to be amongst the best to be found in the whole of the Canary Islands. They are directly facing the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura and the islet of Los Lobos and have translucent waters lapping at their edges.
Many holidaymakers arrive at Papagayo by boat, as a number of excursions run between the resorts and the beaches. Which is just as well, as the route to Papagayo by land is via a dirt track or coastal footpath. Protected as a natural reserve, the area has managed to escape development so far.
The town has spread itself along the southern coastline in the last ten years. So that now there is a greater number of holiday villas in Playa Blanca than in either of the other main resorts. Not to mention the concentration of four and five star hotels that can also be found here.
In fact, the accommodation in Playa Blanca is newer and has more facilities than elsewhere on the island. Holiday villas here have heated swimming pools as standard, with extras such as Jacuzzi’s and air conditioning in many. Their recent construction means that most have stylish modern interiors, with kitchens fully equipped for self-catering.
And it is this style of holiday in Playa Blanca that has grown noticeably over the last few years. As the freedom that rented accommodation gives is often preferable for families with children, than the rather rigid dining options that prevail in many hotels.
Holiday villas also provide the most flexible base for people who like to get out and explore. And Playa Blanca has one or two attractions almost immediately on its doorstep. With the volcanic park at Timanfaya only a fifteen-minute drive away and the picturesque village of Yaiza slightly closer to hand. Cheap car hire on Lanzarote makes this a particularly good way of seeing the rest of the islan
Malllorca´s Main Resorts
The beautiful Balearic Island of Mallorca has been welcoming holidaymakers since the 1960´s. Boasting a fantastic Mediterranean climate, excellent golden sand beaches and splendid pine clad scenery. Ingredients which combine to make it one of the most popular destinations in Europe – welcoming over 6 million visitors a year.
Indeed over the centuries the island has played host to plenty of VIP visitors. And no we’re not talking about more modern day stars such as Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones. As the island was once the haunt of artistic eminents such as Robert Graves, Frederic Chopin and Joan Miro amongst others. And is still a sanctuary for creative types today.
In some ways Mallorca – or Majorca depending upon your pronunciation – is much like a football match. That is to say is it split into two halves. With the south home to package holiday destinations such as Magaluf. Once synomous with full English breakfasts and lager louts. Whilst the north has a more upmarket air – attracting well heeled tourists and boasting the best selection of character properties and traditional stone built holiday villas in Mallorca.
As a result it is important for visitors to select their holiday destination on the largest of the four Balaeric Islands carefully. In order to avoid finding themselves in the wrong resort. And with over twenty to choose from and some popular with specific nationalities it pays to research this carefully.
Alcudia in the north of the island is home to what is arguably Mallorca´s most impressive beach. With this former fishing village boasting a nine mile long stretch of sand that makes it hugely popular with holidaymakers. As well as an atmospheric marina that offers plenty of good quality bars and restaurants to choose from.
Along the coast lies Puerto Pollensa – the sister resort to the former Roman settlement of Pollensa. Which is located around 8km inland and which is a real treasure trove of historic buildings and atmospheric squares. Pollensa is set against the dramatic backdrop of the pine clad Tramantura Mountains and is a much quieter option than Alucudia.
Party animals should concentrate on the south and the mega resort of Magaluf. Whilst anyone who wants to combine sun-bathing with sightseeing should head for the capital of Palma. Home to a historic cathedral and a host of great museums.
Getting to Mallorca is easy. Flights to the island are available from all of the main budget and holiday airlines in the UK and the journey time is a bearable two and a half hours.