Lanzarote, the popular Canary Island holiday destination, expects to welcome well over a million foreign tourists this year. most of which are from the UK. Despite the recent depreciation of sterling against the euro and the confidence sapping effects of the credit crunch.
Fortunately most families still refuse to cut their annual vacations even if money is tight.
Lanzarote, along with the rest of the Canary Islands, is only four hours flying time from the UK. And is serviced by a number of cheap flight operators, such as Thomas Cook, Jet 2 and easyJet. Ensuring that flights to the island remain relatively affordable, usually starting from around £200 return, depending of course on the time of year. The main flight days to the island from the UK are on Mondays and Thursdays. Although flights to Lanzarote are now available on virtually every day of the week.
Lanzarote only has the one international airport at Arrecife. Which is located around 3km from the island capital of the same name. This serves as the hub for ´domestic’ flights between the other six Canary Islands as well as the rest of Spain. Facilities at the airport are a little limited by mainland European standards. For example there are no bureau de change facilities or shops in the arrivals hall.
The majority of visitors to the island are booked on package holidays. Which means that they are transferred to their hotels in Lanzarote on coaches provided by their tour operator. Independent travellers should note that there is no public or shuttle bus service available at the airport. Which means that they will need to either hire a car in the arrivals hall or take a taxi just outside it. Car hire on the island is relatively cheap with prices starting from around €20 per day.
On the upside, getting to most accommodation such as Lanzarote villas or apartments is usually pretty quick. As the island is very small – measuring less than 60km from end to end. So transfer times are speedy. For example, Playa Blanca, which is the furthest resort from the airport can be reached in around 35 minutes. Whilst the other two main resorts of Costa Teguise and Puerto del Carmen are both within a ten minute radius of Arecife airport.
There´s lots of things for tourists to do on Lanzarote. As the island boasts over ninety great beaches. Along with a surprisingly large amount of natural beauty spots – such as the Timanfaya Volcano Park and the Green Lagoon. Along with historic towns such as Teguise – the oldest in the Canaries. And some unique man made attractions – created by the island born artist Cesar Manrique. So hire a car and take time to explore this enchanting island.
Pop along to the Lanzarote guidebook website for the very latest availability of villas in Lanzarote. If you fancy a holiday home of your own you can also find some great information about property in Lanzarote there too.
Tags: Canary Islands, Lanzarote, Lanzarote Villas, Spain, travel
