Winter Villa Holidays in Lanzarote
The Canary Islands are Europe´s only genuine Winter sun destination. And as the nights start to draw in and autumn turns to Winter these seven specks of Spain, located just off the coast of West Africa start to come into their own. Offering sun drenched days and temperatures in excess of 20C, even in December and January. Whilst Northern Europe shivers. And all just four hours flying time from all major UK airports.
Lanzarote is the eastern most link in the Canary Island chain and lies on the same line of latitude as parts of Florida and Mexico. Combining a mix of Latin, African and European influences all set against the backdrop of a unique volcanic landscape. Which has often led to the island being referred to as the Hawaii of Europe.
The island has long been popular with British tourists – who are expected to make around one million visits to Lanzarote during the course of 2008. But despite this big level of popularity and Lanzarote´s relatively small size – measuring just 58km by 34.5km – the island remains remarkably unspoilt. Thanks to the fact that the three main tourist resorts have been carefully contained. Whilst high rise buildings are banned and advertising hoardings are outlawed.
The majority of holiday villas in Lanzarote are concentrated in the islands southern most resort of Playa Blanca and the central resort of Puerto del Carmen, which is also the most popular destination on the island.
Playa Blanca was little more than a fishing village until development began here in earnest back in the 1980´s. And the resort enjoys the best weather that the island has to offer, thanks to its location at the southern tip of Lanzarote. In close proximity to the neighbourignisland of Fuerteventura which lies just across the Bocayna Straits.
Puerto del Carmen has a slightly longer pedigree as a tourist resort as this was the spot where package holidays first really took off on Lanzarote. Transforming a small pueblo called La Tiñosa into the epicentre of island tourism.
Holiday villas in both resorts are available throughout the winter from around £500 per week. Which would secure a basic villa with private pool. Although visitors to the island can expect to pay more during peak times such as Christmas. As well as for bigger and more impressive holiday rental properties.