Planning a summer holiday this year? After the brutal winter weather experienced in the UK many are planning to head abroad rather than rely on another summer flop at home this time around. And despite the weakness of sterling against the euro Spain looks like reigning once again as one of the most popular holiday destinations on the continent.
There are loads of great destinations to choose from in Spain – from the sun drenched beaches of the Costas through to the breathtaking architecture of cities such as Barcelona and Madrid. But many visitors instead tend to head for one of Spain’s beautiful holiday islands – in either the Canaries or the Balearics.
The Canaries are in fact the second most popular holiday destination in the country after Catalonia. Boasting seven separate islands which all enjoy a great semi tropical climate, whilst also offering wonderful beaches and a year round holiday experience.
Lanzarote is one of the most visited of the Canaries – welcoming millions of visitors every year. With holidays in Lanzarote proving popular thanks to the fact that this small island also boasts loads for visitors do to on top of just enjoying the sun.
Around half of all tourists opt to spend their break in one of the thousands of privately owned villas in Lanzarote that are available for rent. Often at much cheaper prices than on other Spanish islands such as Mallorca or Ibiza. And during the winter months villas in Playa Blanca are especially popular – thanks to the fact that this fast growing resort enjoys the best climate on Lanzarote.
Away from the beaches and the sun loungers the island boasts a host of great attractions. The hottest of which is the Timanfaya National Park – home to over 300 volcanoes which were created by huge eruptions in the 18th century. And which have left this entire region looking like something out of a science fiction film.
Indeed the scenery in this part of the island is so dramatic that a number of major motion pictures have been made here. Most recently Broken Embraces, which stars Penelope Cruz and which as directed by Pedro Almodovar. Car hire in Lanzarote is cheap so there’s no excuse for not getting out and about exploring this unique area.
Lanzarote has a strong culture heritage too – which is best epitomised by the work of a local artist called César Manrique. Whose former home and studio in Tahiche is a real must see attraction. As it was built over five bubbles in the surrounding lava flow.
