Lanzarote is a great destination, winter or summer, and the 4 hour flight time from the UK makes it the perfect distance from home. The only problem you will face is choosing a resort in which to stay. I’ve visited Lanzarote a number of times, so thought it would maybe help if I shared my impressions of its main resorts….
Costa Teguise is just 20 minutes away from the airport. This resort is not as tranquil as Playa Blanca yet not quite as lively as Puerto Del Carmen; it strikes a happy medium. The beautiful beaches are a definite attraction and water sports, in particular wind surfing, are very popular here as the warm Sahara breezes drift over the waves from the African coast making conditions for surfing ideal. Lessons are available for absolute beginners so give it a go while you are here! There are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from, some open late for the younger crowd, but again most offer children’s menus and family entertainment. Nightlife can be busy but never rowdy. Costa Teguise boasts the first golf course to be built on the island but more are being planned and built. Costa Teguise is a purpose built resort so caters excellently for tourists, shops offer everything from designer labels to Spanish souvenirs. The Aquapark is on the outskirts of Costa Teguise and has rides for the whole family, childrens slides keep the youngsters happy while daring rides test the nerve of even the most fearless members of the family.
The little yellow submarine
Puerto Del Carmen can be reached within 10 minutes of leaving the airport and is the livliest resort on the island. As with all of Lanzarote, strict planning laws ensure there are no high rise apartment blocks or hotels here and the Blue Flag award for the entire length of the beach, all add to the appeal of this resort. Bars, restaurants and cafes line the promenade and main street making this the place to be seen on Lanzarote. Puerto del Carmen is popular with the younger crowd as the night life here is quite vibrant, but don’t let this put you off as the size of this resort ensures there are plenty of facilities for families too. Childrens menus are available at most restaurants and although lively, Puerto Del Carmen is definitely classed as a family resort. Once again the Marina has flourished from a small fishing harbour and boat trips are available daily. The whole family will love the Yellow Submarine that submerges beneath the surface to explore the local marine life and shipwrecks, look out of your own private porthole as the deep sea diver feeds the fish, encouraging them to come nearer the sub.
Playa Blanca to the south of the island is about a 45 minute transfer time from Arrecife airport and has probably the best beaches on the island, the most impressive being at Papagayo. The resort itself is peaceful and relatively quiet, ideal for a romantic getaway, relaxing break with friends or family holiday. The beaches stretch for miles and as Playa Blanca is on the slightly more sheltered side of the island, tends to be a bit less breezy than other resorts making it ideal for swimming and
Rubicon Marina at sunset
sun bathing. What started life as a quiet fishing harbour, Rubicon Marina now harbours multi-million pound yachts and offers day trips over to Fuertaventura. Shopping here is pretty much tourist orientated with more shops popping up every year and a good range of boutiques and perfumeries are now open. Nightlife is good but fairly quiet, no all night parties here. Restaurants are again plentiful with lots of cafes and bars to choose from, excellent menus of a high standrard can be found here and those along the promenade also offer excellent views over the Atlantic Ocean to Fuertaventura.
Overall Lanzarote is definitely a family destination. If you want to hit the beach by day and party by night, choose Puerto Del Carmen, a bit of life without being too noisy, try Costa Teguise and if you like peace and quiet, head for Playa Blanca, is the choice for you.
I hope this guide has been useful and you enjoy your holiday to Lanzarote as much as I have done over the years.
Happy holidays,
Kenneth R. Watson
Leicestershire.
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