Package holidaymakers have been visiting the small Canary Island of Lanzarote ever since the 1970´s. When the island first started to appear in the brochures of tour operators in the UK and across Europe. Its popularity sealed by its breathtaking beaches and equally wonderful weather. But this popular destination offers more than sea, sun and sand. As careful development has created a largely unspoilt holiday island.
Just like on Tenerife and Gran Canaria there is a profound north south divide on Lanzarote when it comes to the climate and subsequent tourist development. With the south boasting better weather as a result of the profound microclimate here. Whilst the north is less developed and preferred by the locals as a result.
Over the last decade more and more independent travellers have started to visit Lanzarote. A result of the growth of the internet and the trend to browse and book holidays online. This trend has increased interest in self catering accommodation such as Lanzarote villas and apartments – at the expense of package holiday deals and hotels. With holiday villas in Puerto del Carmen – the islands largest resort – proving very popular with tourists from the UK and Eire.Accommodation details on holiday villas in Playa Blanca can be found here
Outside the three resorts is an island that is full of hidden delights. Some of which don’t even appear on local maps. So it really pays to book a rental vehicle and take some tie to tour around. With the north home to the real authentic heart of Lanzarote.
To connect with the real Lanzarote just drive to the north of Lanzarote and stroll around the incredibly picturesque village of Haria. Which also plays host to a great market every Saturday morning. Haria has been described as the prettiest village on the island – if not the world. And whilst the former is true the latter is something of an exaggeration. Although Haria is a real gem as it is very green and verdant whilst the rest of Lanzarote is arid and dry. A phenomenon that is not all down to Mother Nature as locals here continue to follow a tradition of planting a Canarian palm for every newborn baby in the village. No wonder it has long been described as the Valley of 1000 Palms!
From Haria it is just a short drive to the coastal village of Arrieta. Which is home to one of the few beaches on this side of Lanzarote to have escaped development. Soak up the great views and the sun here from one of the restaurants that are located right on the sand.
