The small volcanic island of Lanzarote is an ideal destination for a villa holiday. As it is home to an abundance of great beaches – as well as top quality accommodation. With the best value villas in Lanzarote starting from as little as £350 per week. Which compares very favourably with other similar Spanish destinations such as the Balearics. The origin of Lanzarote´s name is shrouded in conjecture.With some historians postulating that it is taken from the Latin words for broken lance. Whilst others think that the island was named after the explorer Lancelotto Malocello – who was part of the original expedition that first discovered the island in the early 1400´s.

Once subdued by the Spanish crown Lanzarote became a vital cog in their growing empire. Providing a stopping off point for the Spanish vessels that were busily engaged in the transportation of precious metals such as silver and gold seized from the Incas in South America. A trade which helped to fuel the expansion of Spain’s empire. During the 18th century Lanzarote´s tranquillity was shaken by volcanic eruptions. Which went on almost uninterrupted for six years. Devastating much of the best farmland on the island. Leaving fields of solid black lava in their place. Today this area of island is the most popular visitor attraction on Lanzarote. With scenery that looks like a planet that has just been formed. And with temperatures that still reach up to 400 degrees just below the earths surface. Ably demonstrated by wardens who pour water into bore holes – only for it be expelled seconds later as hot steam. Visitors can even take a camel ride of this region – at the cost of just €10 per camel. Away from the volcanic interior Lanzarote is home to some fantastic beaches.

Whilst on other Canary Islands these are often made up of black sand the beaches on Lanzarote are all pure gold. With the coves of Papagayo in the south regarded as the most breathtaking on the island. Getting to the island is easy – especially from the UK. As there are cheap flights to Lanzarote available from most major airports. With a journey time of around four hours. Public bus services are few and far between outside of the three main resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise. But fortunately car hire in Lanzarote is surprisingly inexpensive. A standard C class model can be hired for about €90 per week. Whilst petrol is cheap too.

The Beach Boys sang about waxing down their surfboards and waiting for June, well there’s no need to wait for June on Lanzarote as the surfing season continues all year round. Even though the main surf beaches may be relatively free of crowds at the moment, there are still a few committed surfers who go out every day. However, plenty of surf fans will be planning their surf holidays for next summer and booking their flights to this popular island in the Atlantic.

Several of the surf schools on the island have been in business for over 10 years now and have well established bases, coaching surfers from all over Europe throughout the year. Famara is the best known spot on Lanzarote for surfing, for various reasons. It’s location is key, being in the perfect spot to receive those ideal Atlantic swells that roll in continuously, sometimes quite aggressively, sometimes more gently for beginners. Famara also has great sand, to keep the spectators happy and, being quite remote from the typical tourist beaches, there’s no problem with sun seekers getting in the way. An added benefit is the area’s beauty, with no lack of wonderful scenery to provide a perfect backdrop to a day’s surfing the waves. (more…)