Stunning Lanzarote is in the East of the ever-popular Canary Islands. Its endless days of sunshine, little rain and warm, shallow azure waters attract thousands of tourists per year. From gleaming luxury resorts to cosy white-washed self-catering cottages, accommodation is plentiful with something to suit all budgets and tastes. Due to the rise of no-frills airlines and package holiday providers, a great value for money Lanzarote break is now within everyone’s reach.
An enormous range of activities perfect for visitors of all ages is available, although one of the main attractions are the inviting beautiful beaches for a day’s sunbathing or sandcastle building! Spectacular scenery, pretty villages, delicious cuisine and fun-filled days are all waiting to be discovered by you and your family…and with flights arriving from the UK within four hours, there has never been a better time to escape the rain and have some fun in the Lanzarote sun.
Timanfaya National Park Locally known as the Fire Mountains, the 100 plus volcanoes north of Yiaza were only created in the 18th century, yet the lunar-esque landscape looks like something from science fiction. You can only view this via a 40 minute coach trip or walking tour (book ahead for the latter – details can be found on their website), but the dramatic scenery and the geyser show is too impressive to miss. The coach trip is a very reasonable eight euros. The onsite restaurant serves food cooked using geothermal heat and there is a camel ride available for a couple more euros.
San Bartolome Go Karting There seem to be at least two go kart tracks on Lanzarote but this is the one we’ve heard excellent reports about. Spectators will enjoy the panoramic views of both the hillside and the track, and perhaps take advantage of the bar and sun terrace, where those with a need for speed will enjoy the exciting and challenging twists and turns of each lap. There is a grand-prix style starting grid and currently there is a competition being run to complete a full lap in the fastest time…anyone who beats the record will get a winner’s t-shirt and a souvenir photo. For anyone looking for a slightly gentler time, or with small children, there are double karts which can accommodate one adult and one child, as well as children’s karts suitable from ages three to six.
Marina Rubicon This marina, north of Playa Blanca, is a lovely place for a relaxing stroll, taking in the view and sea air, whilst listening to the sound of the water lapping the many boats lolling in their berths. There are lots of little shops dotted around selling everything from unique souvenirs to take back for friends and family, to an ice cold beer and delicious tapas. Spend time browsing the nearby art galleries, taking photos of the very picturesque marina itself and visit the shore-side market (every Saturday and Wednesday, 9 am to 2 pm).
Rancho Texas Park Rancho Texas is just outside Puerto Del Carmen and is Wild West themed animal park, starring rare white tigers, crocodiles, buffalo, a large variety of birds, armadillos and many more. The park is famous for its spectacular animal’s shows throughout the day – parrots, birds of prey and sea lions – and is not to be missed during holidays to Lanzarote. The brand new splash area will come as a welcome relief in the midday heat and is a great way to keep the kids cool. Other activities available include pony rides, mining for gold in the Indian Village, canoeing and a petting zoo. Regular country and western nights are held with line dancing, barbeques, a whip and lasso show and sangria – yeeeeeeha!
Surfing and diving Whether you’re already an expert surfer, or a complete beginner who doesn’t know which end of the board is which, there are great opportunities to surf and many surfing schools on the beaches of Lanzarote. The perfect weather conditions allow year-round surfing as the water temperature is generally around 20 to 23 ˚C and the air temperature even warmer, so grab a board and catch a wave…or try to! If it’s diving you’d prefer, again, there are many diving schools where you can obtain your PADI qualifications in beautiful surroundings of coral and tropical fish. There are even three shipwrecks which are virtually intact with excellent visibility. An unforgettable experience.
