Thousands of British and Irish tourists will be enjoying holidays in Lanzarote this festive period. As the fourth largest Canary Island is just four hours flying time from the UK and Eire. So what can they expect from their winter un break on the Island of Fire?

Location & Climate

Lanzarote is the most easterly link in the Canary Islands chain and is situated seventy nine miles off the coast of West Africa, on the same line of latitude as parts of Florida, Mexico and the Bahamas.

As a result the island enjoys a great year round climate that is characterised by very low rainfall – on average just 9mm per month. Along with average year round temperatures of 20 Celsius.

During the winter months temperatures can reach as high as 24C – and it is common for many visitors to the island to enjoy Christmas Day on one of Lanzarote´s 90 plus beaches. However, the island has a desert like climate (the Sahara for example isn´t that far away) – which means that temperatures can fall sharply come nightfall.

Volcanic Geography

Lanzarote was famously submerged beneath a sea of molten lava back in the 1730´s. When the island endured a six year long volcanic eruption – which forced many Lanzaroteños to flee for a new life abroad in places such as Latin America and Cuba. Whilst also enlarging the size of the island itself by around one quarter.

Today however the volcanoes are Lanzarote´s best known and most popular tourist attraction. With the Timanafaya National Park attracting around one million visitors every year.

Arriving In Lanzarote

Tourists will find themselves touching down at Arrecife airport (ACE) – which is based 4km outside Lanzarote´s capital city of the same name. Whilst there are flights to Lanzarote available from major UK airports five days of the week Mondays and Thursdays are the main days for British arrivals.

Over the last few years a number of cheap flight operators – such as easyJet and Monarch – have entered the fray. So ensuring that it is usually possible to fly to the island for around £200 return.

Airport Transfers

There’s no public bus or airport shuttle service to transfer visitors to and from Arrecife. So tourists will either need to queue for a taxi on arrival or arrange to hire a car.

Lanzarote Holiday Accommodation

As you´d expect from a well established tourist destination Lanzarote offers a wide selection of good quality and competitively priced holiday accommodation. Whilst rural tourism has been growing in popularity in recent years the vast majority of all tourist beds are located in one of the three main resorts on the island – namely Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca.

Holiday studio’s and apartments offer the best value option for anyone on a budget. As prices start from as little as £230 per week for a studio apartment sleeping two people in the islands main resort – Puerto del Carmen.

Playa Blanca is the best choice for those seeking more in the way of luxury. As Lanzarote´s newest resort boasts the biggest and best section of hotels and holiday villas in Lanzarote.

Culture vultures should head for Costa Teguise which is located in close proximity to all of the main attractions on the island.

Getting Around Lanzarote

Whilst Lanzarote´s main resorts are served by a decent local bus service the same cannot be said of the island interior. Which is where most of the main sightseeing attractions are located.

As a result tourists are best advised to hire a car – with prices starting from around €20 per day. Or book themselves on to one of the many island excursions that are available.

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