Lanzarote is a popular holiday island located in the Atlantic Ocean close to the coast of Africa. And is part of the Canary Island chain – which is an autonomous region of Spain – although it is located many hundreds of miles south of the Iberian Peninsula.

The Canaries are divided into two distinct administrative regions. With Tenerife the lead island and capital of the Western Canaries, which comprise La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma. Whilst to the east Gran Canaria is the central hub of the eastern Canaries, which also include Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.

However despite being all part of one single autonomous region these islands are in fact all very different. Lanzarote for example is very much drier and more barren than the other islands in the archipelago. The result of very low rainfall and a desert climate – which is little surprise as the outer reaches of what was once the Spanish Sahara are just 100 miles away. So the weather is very warm here but can feel chilly once the sun has set.

Volcanic activity during the 18th century has served to further compound this aridity. As the eruptions wiped out lots of farmland areas – leaving fields of thick solidified lava in their place. Making it even harder for much in the way of vegetation to grow here. Although Lanzarote does have its green spots – particular in the north of the island in and around Haria and the Valley of 1000 Palms.

Local Holiday Accommodation – Playa Blanca Villas and Lanzarote Hotels

Tourists arrive at the islands only international airport at Arrecife before heading on to their accommodation. With Lanzarote hotels paying host to about half of all visitors. Whilst the other 50% of tourists book apartments and villas in Lanzarote. Favouring the privacy and flexibility of self catering accommodation.

There are three main tourist resorts on the island – but during the winter months Playa Blanca in the south of the island really comes into its own. As the weather in this part of Lanzarote is warmer during December and January. Making this the ideal spot for anyone in search of winter sun.

As a result accommodation such as hotels and villas in Playa Blanca are in demand – especially during December and January. And the resort also offers wonderful beaches – such as the fine stretches of sand at Playa Dorada and Playa Flamingo. Whilst the awe inspiring sight of the Fire Mountains – Lanzarote´s 300 plus volcanoes – are just a short ten minute drive away.