Diversity is the theme on Lanzarote, an island of dramatic contrasts that has a little something for everyone. Close to the west coast of Africa and basking year-round in one of the sunniest climates of the Canaries, the island offers both golden and black sandy beaches against a backdrop of dramatic volcanic scenery. With a flight time of approximately four hours fifteen minutes from the majority of UK airports, Lanzarote is an ideal destination for those looking for relaxation or a lively getaway without a long haul flight.
Best for...
Lively nightlife, duty free shopping, year-round good weather and great windsurfing make Lanzarote attractive to all...
With its wide variety of resorts, beaches, bars and nightclubs you should choose carefully when deciding where to stay on the island. Families and couples will be attracted to the quieter resorts with their safe beaches and peaceful surroundings, as well as the warm blue waters that are gently cooled by the Atlantic breeze. For those who prefer something more active there are many beaches that cater for watersports and there is a lively nightlife with bars and nightclubs in all major resorts.
| Lanzarote is an ideal destination for those looking for relaxation or a lively getaway... |
What to do...
For the majority of holidaymakers, the number one reason for visiting Lanzarote is the glorious sunshine (the weather in Lanzarote, as with all the Canary Islands, is consistently good year round) and the welcoming atmosphere extended to visitors. However, if you want to combine a beach-based holiday with energetic nightlife, then Puerto del Carmen is a popular choice.
This resort, located just 30 minutes from the airport, has a vibrant centre with more than 100 bars and lots of discos and clubs that stay open long after dawn. There are a variety of boutiques and souvenir shops to keep shoppers busy during the day, along with extensive dining facilities including authentic Spanish restaurants serving dishes like Sancocho, and expat restaurants offering the perfect pick-up for anyone missing home with full English breakfasts and traditional Sunday roasts.
Both Playa Blanca and Matagorda offer a relaxing alternative for families and couples who prefer a quieter setting. Matagorda is the closest resort to the airport with long and light sandy beaches. The coast makes an ideal setting for watersport enthusiasts with windsurfing and snorkelling, or fishing for those who want to take it easy. Playa Blanca is also a quieter resort that runs a regular ferry to the neighbouring Fuerteventura and has fantastic watersport facilities. There is an excellent selection of waterfront bars and restaurants but the nightlife is much more low key than Puerto del Carmen.
Perhaps the most rounded resort is Costa Teguise, which is stylish and modern, relaxed by day and lively by night. The area is famous for its tax-free shopping, with the ancient capital of La Villa de Teguise in close reach containing a market selling everything from local trinkets to bread and cheese. The area is a popular choice for families with its waterpark, eighteen-hole golf course and a wide selection of places to eat and drink, while the beaches themselves are fine with clear blue waters and attractive promenades.
The golden coves of Papagayo Beach are always popular with tourists, while Famara Beach is famous for its surf. For those willing to trek inland, be sure to visit the Atlantida Tunnel - the world's longest volcanic tunnel - and the expansive landscapes of Timanfaya National Park, the setting for Planet of the Apes. The live Fire Mountain is one of the most famous natural wonders and the Jameos del Agua is the world's largest lava cave with bubble houses, swimming pools and a stack of restaurants and eateries.
