Lanzarote Guidebook

The latest edition of Lanzarote Guidebook, covering Christmas, New Year and the Carnival season, is out now. Packed full of information about Lanzarote it is an indispensable resource for visitors to the island throughout their stay.

The current issue runs to 108 pages with sections covering everything from where to eat to excursions and places to stay. All of which are illustrated with full colour high quality images of the island and some of its most popular spots.

Upcoming events during the next three months can be found in the agenda section, with details of the themes for Carnival, which arrives in Arrecife on 10th February and continues into early March in other parts of the island.

The recently expanded Food and Drink section offers impartial advice about where to stop for lunch or dinner if you are out and about around the island. Just re-opened in Yaiza is the restaurant La Era, which was one of the first establishments to be launched in the late 1960’s to take advantage of the then new tourist industry.

For anyone contemplating a return visit to the island, the Villa section is a good starting point to plan a holiday, as some of the best holiday villas available are featured here. Along with the contact details of each company providing quality self-catering accommodation across Lanzarote.

Meanwhile, for visitors who are already in Lanzarote, the Excursion section is worth investigating, as the range of organised trips and activities is always expanding and even those who know the island well may find something new that will be of interest.

So make sure you pick up a free copy from one of the many distribution points around the island, if you don’t already have one provided in your accommodation. Head for one of the tourist information centres in the main resorts to be sure of tracking down a copy.

Get your hands on the latest edition of Lanzarote Guidebook, the in depth island guide, which can be downloaded free of charge. Our 108 page Autumn issue is packed with all of the information that you need to make the most of your holiday here on Lanzarote, get your copy today.

The Autumn edition of Lanzarote Guidebook is out now and can be downloaded free of charge here. Alternatively we can post a copy of this handy pocket sized guide to your door in either Eire or the UK for the cost of postage and packing. You will also find Lanzarote Guidebook is available free of charge in numerous distribution points across the island such as official tourist information offices, all branches of Auto Feber and in many of the best apartments, hotels and villas in Lanzarote.

The Autumn edition covers upcoming events on the island such as the WQS La Sana Surf Pro in October and some great classical concerts coming up in November in the upmarket marina of Puerto Calero. As well as providing detailed information about all of the main resorts and attractions on the island, a guide to the bet beaches and excursions, great places to visit such as Lanzarote´s many museums and much more besides. Along with our Essentials section which covers all of the holiday nitty gritty from emergency phone numbers to your duty free allowances.

Looking to book last minute Lanzarote villas and apartments for a summer break? There is still availability in all of the islands main resorts, with some great self catering accommodation on offer in Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise and Puerto del Carmen in late July and into August.

Puerto Chico V :: Playa Blanca

The bungalow at Puerto Chico V offers comfortable accommodation on one of the best complexes in Playa Blanca. With beautifully maintained mature gardens, a fully heated communal swimming pool and one of the best location’s in the resort, right next to the seafront promenade, Puerto Chico is an excellent choice for a holiday in Lanzarote. One of the best beaches, especially for families with young children, is only five minutes walk away.

With two bedrooms and two bathrooms, the bungalow provides ideal accommodation for up to five people. It has an open plan kitchen and living area, with a large outdoor terrace and barbecue giving guests the option of dining al-fresco every day. The central location of the complex means that those who choose to self-cater have easy access to the shops. Prices for Puerto Chico V start at £405 per week.

More information and bookings

Puerto Chico T :: Playa Blanca

This bungalow is also on the Puerto Chico complex and has an even more enviable position as it is one of the frontline properties, with amazing sea views. The interior has been beautifully decorated and offers comfortable accommodation for up to five people, with one double bedroom and a twin bedroom. WIFI access is available across the complex and this particular bungalow comes equipped with a range of English satellite channels including SKY movies and SKY sports.

The complex’s enviable location on the seafront in the centre of Playa Blanca means that it is the ideal base for holidaymakers, with the lovely beach at Playa Flamingo only five minutes walk away and the town centre and shops also only a short stroll away. The immaculate mature gardens on the complex also provide plenty of private nooks and crannies for sunbathing or relaxing with a book. Puerto Chico T is available from £425 per week.

More information and enquiries

Villa Benjamin :: Puerto del Carmen

This holiday villa is situated in the oldest resort on the island, Puerto del Carmen and can be found in the prestigious area known as Los Mojones. Villa Benjamin has five bedrooms and three bathrooms and therefore offers ideal accommodation for larger families or groups of friends. It has its own private pool surrounded by a spacious tiled terrace, which makes it the perfect spot for sunbathing.

The property comes equipped with a fully fitted kitchen, including dishwasher and a separate games room, as well as lounge with satellite TV. At present, there is still availability between 15th July and 6th August with a 20% discount offered for any late bookings.
For more information:

More information and enquiries

Villa Patricia :: Costa Teguise

This three bedroom holiday villa is located in the resort of Costa Teguise. The villa boasts a very prívate walled garden with its own swimming pool and tiled sunbathing terrace. Situated in a quiet cul-de-sac, Villa Patricia is nonetheless still within walking distance of the town’s centre, providing a tranquil haven within reach of all the facilities you might need on holiday.

There are three bedrooms, one with a double bed and the other two with twin beds. There are two bathrooms and a fitted kitchen, along with a living room that comes with flat screen television and two sofas. At present, Patricia has availability across July and August and normally costs from £600 per week.

More information and enquiries

The number of foreign tourists arriving on flights to Lanzarote from across Europe grew again last month by 13.99%, according to the latest data just released by AENA, the Spanish airport authority. As tourism in the Canaries grew by 15% versus May 2010 figures.

The latest data just released by AENA reveals that a total of 119,020 foreign tourists touched down at Arrecife airport last month. An increase in passenger numbers of 13.99% versus May 2010, when the island welcomed 104,417 non Spanish arrivals. And overall, according to AENA, the level of tourists coming to the Canaries rose by some 892,540 passengers or 25.45% for the first five months of this year when compared with the statistics compiled for 2010.

Fuerteventura was the island that welcomed the highest increase in tourist visitors during May, with 18.41% more holidaymakers touching down on its shores, compared with the same month in 2010.

Whilst Tenerife remains the most popular holiday destination in the Canaries with 231,787 foreign visitors arriving during last month, an increase of 44,109 over those visiting in May 2010. With Gran Canaria not far behind, with some 157,264 visitors holidaying there last month, representing a smaller rise of only 3.18% in comparison with last year.

Britain and Germany remain the main engine rooms for the tourist sector in both Lanzarote and the Canaries as a whole. Whilst newer, smaller markets are also recording growth. Such as France, with visitor numbers up by 91.22% during May. And Italy, with tourist visits up by 84.73%.

Overall for the year to date Lanzarote has now welcomed 709,784 foreign visitors – an increase of 21.16% versus the same period in 2010.

Monarch airlines have just announced their intention to become the first British carrier to offer in flight internet services. As the company seeks to turn up the heat on low cost competitors Ryanair and easy Jet. With plans to roll out mile high wi-fi across their fleet by summer 2012.

Monarch airlines intend to offer passengers on flights to Lanzarote and all other destinations the option to access wi fi internet services at 35,000 feet by summer 2012. As the airline bids to transform itself into a genuine competitor to low cost airlines such as easyJet. A move that was initially signaled last week as the company announced their intention to waive debit card charges on all bookings – a move viewed within the industry as a deliberate side wipe at Ryanair.

Monarch´s chief executive Conrad Clifford is negotiating with a number of wi fi specialists to install in flight internet browsing by next summer. A process which will involve engineers spending up to a week per plane to install base stations that will then bounce signals off satellites orbiting the earth.

Monarch passengers will be able to choose from a number of in flight browsing options, ranging from full connections to free services. With the latter likely to be funded by tie-ups with corporate partners such as hotel and car hire companies. Enabling tourists to book these services in flight for the first time.

Five of Lanzarote’s beaches have secured their blue flag status again this year, awarded by the Association of Environmental Education and the Consumer (ADEAC). They are the beaches at Matagorda, Los Pocillos, Playa Chica, Playa Grande and Playa Blanca (the small town beach in Playa Blanca).

Across the Canary Islands as a whole, there was one additional blue flag awarded, bringing the total to 35 beaches in the archipelago, one more than in 2010.

Fuerteventura´s blue flag beaches are Las Playitas at Tuineje, Costa Calma, El Matorral, Grandes Playas, Gran Tarajal, La Concha, Playa Blanca and Butihondo.

On Gran Canaria the beaches that were given blue flags this year were at Maspalomas, San Agustin, Playa del Inglés, Mogán, Amadores, Hoya del Pozo, Salinetas, El Confital and the beach in the capital of Las Palmas, Las Canteras.

Whilst Tenerife lost three of the flags from its beaches it still has seven playas that meet the criteria for a blue flag. They are: La Tejita, Las Vistas, La Arena, La Arena de Santiago del Teide, El Medano, El Camison and Troya I-II.

Tired of the more conventional range of villas in Lanzarote and looking for somewhere a little different to stay the next time you visit the island? Then check out the all new Eco Tower at Finca de Arrieta, Lanzarote´s only eco friendly resort. Which is located on a 30,000 metre square former farm in the North of the island.

Finca de Arrieta has been transformed by its owners into a superb, sustainable holiday experience, with a wide variety of different accommodation options on offer. Ranging from yurts through to eco friendly luxury villas. Guests can enjoy exploring the mature topical gardens, take a dip in the solar heated pool or relax in the various chill out areas dotted around the estate.

Eco Tower :: From €420 per week

The Eco Tower is the latest addition to the range of accommodation on offer here and is located within a restored water mill, granting guests full panoramic views of both the sea and beach at nearby Playa La Garita and the surrounding mountains.

Like all of the other yurts, villas and apartments here the Eco Tower has been very stylishly decorated and thought through, making great use of local materials to create contemporary, light and airy accommodation.

The Eco Tower boasts a king size double bed, marble floors, balcony and a modern fully equipped kitchen making it ideal for couples seeking high quality self catering accommodation in relaxed and informal surroundings. Prices start from €420 per week depending on the time of the year.

For more information and enquiries

Other Accommodation Options

There are plenty of other interesting options for anyone seeking a great holiday in Lanzarote with green credentials. Finca de Arrieta offers a selection of different yurts – a type of tent once favoured by nomadic Mongolian yak herders – but now all the rage in glamping circles thanks to the fact that they offer both a stylish and sustainable alternative to conventional holiday villas and apartments. Along with high levels of comfort, decor and amenities.

Eco Yurt Royale

The Eco Yurt Royale for example boasts three bedrooms, a private walled and gated terrace and exclusive use of a Toyota Prius Hybrid car.

It has been decorated and finished to a very high standard by a local interior designer, boasting plush fabrics and antique Balinese and Mongolian hardwood furniture throughout.

The yurt also has star light features in its floor and a traditional two-skin yurt cover to shut out drafts and to ensure a constant ambient temperature inside. With a central skylight that allows ventilation as well as romantic star-gazing.

External features are equally stylish and include a private 300sq metre garden surrounded by dry stone walls and gated for the safety of families with young children. Along with a shaded day bed and bamboo gazebo for al fresco dining.

The Eco Yurt Royale also has an outdoor bath hidden away behind a bamboo screen and a large covered outdoor kitchen and lounge area, with granite-topped breakfast bar. And again guests here can enjoy some great views of the surrounding countryside. The Eco Yurt Royale can accommodate parties of up to 6 adults and is available from €1400 per week.

For more information and enquiries

Eco Luxury Villa

For those looking for more conventional villa style accommodation Finca de Arrieta also boasts some excellent options. Including the Eco Luxury Villa, a totally detached 200 square metre property which was once the farm’s aljibe, or water deposit. But which has been transformed into stylish accommodation for up to six people and which has once again been styled and decorated to a very high standard throughout.

The Eco Luxury Villa boasts an open plan layout, stone walls made with local stone, hardwood floors and walk in showers. Along with a modern granite topped kitchen and breakfast bar with great views out to the gardens. Whilst externally there´s a private terrace with sun loungers, BBQ and a thatched ‘breeze house’ dining area. The Eco Luxury Villa is available from €1085 per week.

For more information and enquiries

Occupancy levels in Lanzarote hotels and apartment complexes rose by 15.02% last month, according to the latest statistics just released by ASOLAN, the islands hoteliers association. As Lanzarote reaped the benefit of an additional influx of tourist visitors displaced by the recent upheaval in the Middle East.

The latest statistics released ASOLAN reveal that the recent political upheaval in North Africa and the Middle East has had a marked effect on tourism on the island. With occupancy levels in Lanzarote hotels and apartment complexes rising by 15.02% last month versus February 2010.

During February occupancy levels in hotels and apartment complexes reached 80.92%, an increase of 15.02% in comparison with the same month in 2010. This also represents a significant rise in the level of occupancy in comparison with the previous month of January, when figures showed a 7.58% improvement in contrast to the figures for January last year.

Figures for the individual resorts show that Playa Blanca achieved the highest level of accommodation take-up, with 86.18% of tourist beds being filled. In particular, aparthotels faired well, with 93.31% occupancy, followed by four star hotels registering 88.86% of their beds being occupied.

Puerto del Carmen was the next popular destination, with an overall average of 82.29% occupancy. Bungalows were the most popular form of accommodation in this resort, with 89.68% booked during February. Costa Teguise’s level of occupancy reached 76.08%, with aparthotels the most popular type of accommodation chosen at 81.57%.

Searching for cheap flights to Lanzarote over the Easter period? There are still plenty of reasonably priced deals available from most airports across the UK. With return flights from major hubs such as Luton and Stansted all available at under £160 return including taxes.

Just visit the Skyscannerwebsite to book any of the flights outlined below. All prices quoted exclude taxes and charges.

Flights To Lanzarote From London & The South East

Looking to escape to Lanzarote over the Easter period? There´s still plenty of availability on numerous Lanzarote flights from the capital departing on Thursday April 21st and returning to the UK on April 28th.

The cheapest deal currently available is with Ryanair from Stansted. Which departs on the 21st at 08.30, touching down at Arrecife airport at 12.45. With a return arrival time of 17.35 on the 28th. Which is available at just £147 return. A price that beats the next best deal by nearly £60. Ryanair also offer the cheapest flight deals from Luton to Lanzarote on the same dates. With the best priced return coming in at £153. Departing Luton at 11.10 on the 21st and returning at 11.15.

Both of these deals represent the best value for holidaymakers based in the South East. As the cheapest return fare from Gatwick on these dates is priced at £202, which is a split service with easy Jet handing the outward journey and Monarch the return. With a departure time of 06.55 and a return landing at Gatwick of 15.50 on the 28th. Anyone looking for more civilised departure times will still find availability on the easyJet flight departing Gatwick on the 21st for just a further £8.

Flights To Lanzarote From The Midlands

East Midlands leads the way over Birmingham for anyone seeking budget flights to Lanzarote over the Easter period. The best priced return deal from East Midlands departing on the 21st is currently available online at £180. And is a split service with Thomas Cook taking care of the outbound flight and Jet2 the return. With a departure time of 17.40 and a return touch down of 17.05 back at East Midlands.

Anyone keen to get to Lanzarote earlier in the day on the 2st to enjoy a fuller day of their holidays can pay just £13 more for a return seat on another Thomas Cook/Jet2 split service. Which departs East Midlands at 07.00.

Flights from Birmingham to Lanzarote are a lot pricier than from East Midlands on the 21st. With the cheapest return coming in at £259. And taking off at 08.05, available with Thomson. Lunchtime departures are also available at little more cost. With Monarch operating a return service that leaves Birmingham on the 21st at 13.30, retuning one week later at 22.45.

Flights to Lanzarote From The North West

Manchester is the cheapest option for anyone looking to book a flight to the island from the North West on the 21st. With the best priced return available at £229, a split service between Jet2 and Fly Thomas Cook which departs at 09.15 and touches down back in Manchester on the 28th at 20.10.

This beats the cheapest return deal available from Liverpool John Lennon airport by around £40. Where holidaymakers can fly out and return with easyJet for £269.

Flights to Lanzarote From Scotland

The only direct flight services to Lanzarote over the Easter period are available from Glasgow. With flights from both Prestwick and Edinburgh taking in further stops before flying on to Arrecife airport. So extending the usual four hour journey time to up to 11 hours.

Tourists based north of the border will find the best current deal online is available at £179 return with Thomson. Departing Glasgow at 14.55 and returning just into the morning of the 29th at 00.45.

There´s up to 20% off selected Lanzarote villas and apartments this month. Making this the ideal time to book if you´re looking for a last minute break here on Lanzarote. With good quality rental accommodation available in both Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca.

Villa Chartom :: Puerto del Carmen

From £716 per week

Three Bedrooms

There are some great villas in Puerto del Carmen available for rent and Villa Chartom is right up there amongst the best. Located in the upmarket area of Los Mojones, which is very centrally located to the rear of the Biosfera Shopping Centre, Chartom boasts three bedrooms and two bathrooms and can accommodate parties of up to six people in total comfort.

The villa is located within its own private walled garden and has it own heated pool. Along with loads of sunbathing terraces and a hot spring Jacuzzi. Fans of al fresco dining will also enjoy the portable BBQ.

Internally the property features a modern and spacious fitted kitchen and a stylishly decorated lounge. That comes fully equipped with a satellite TV with Sky package, DVD and CD players and comfortable leather sofas. So guests can really relax and chill out in the evening after another tough day by the pool. Maid service is provided weekly and Villa Chartom can be rented throughout March from £716 per week.

Lazydaze :: Puerto del Carmen

From £700 per week

Three Bedrooms

Lazydaze is centrally located in Puerto del Carmen, enjoying an elevated position within the resort that grants guests great views down to the coastline and across to the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura. The villa was built as recently as 2002 so all facilities and amenities are still as good as new – offering high standards of guest comfort.

Externally guests can enjoy the solar heated 8×3.5m pool, as well as a five seater Jacuzzi. Along with plenty of shady and sunny spots on the outdoor terraces. Whilst internally the villa features three bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Along with a comfortable lounge and modern fully equipped kitchen. Lazydaze is available through March from £700 per week.

Casa Bella :: Playa Blanca

From £500 per week

Three Bedrooms

One of the best value villas in Playa Blanca Casa Bella is located close to the Marina Rubicon. Where guests can enjoy a good selection of bars and restaurants whilst also catching a glimpse of some luxury yachts from around the world.

An electrically heated pool is situated in the garden which has been planted with tropical plants. And guests can also enjoy meals al fresco in the outdoor dining area. Whilst internally Casa Bella features a lounge with comfy sofas and flat screen TV.

Accommodation is arranged across two floors and a spiral staircase leads up to the three bedrooms. Whilst back downstairs there´s also a modern kitchen equipped with all of the usual mod cons and an open plan breakfast bar.

More information and enquiries

Villa Bianchi :: Puerto del Carmen

From £760 per week

Three Bedrooms

This seriously stylish villa is located in Los Pocillos, close to the San Antonio Hotel at the start of the main strip – the Avenida de las Playas – that runs through Puerto del Carmen. Making it easy to stroll to nearby bars and restaurants, whilst at the same time remaining removed from the hustle and bustle in the heart of the resort.

There´s a large 10m by 4m pool here which is heated during the winter months and which can be accessed by Roman steps. Surrounded by loads of sunbathing space as well as shaded terrace areas – plus a pretty, mature garden.

The villa can sleep up to six people, with three bedrooms available for guests use. And also boasts a well furnished and modern lounge area and well equipped fitted kitchen.Maid service is provided twice weekly and Villa Bianchi is available throughout March from £760 per week.

More information and enquiries