Winter is coming! And if you’re the type of guy or gal that prefers gentle southern sunshine to harsh northern winds that freeze your whiskers clean off, then take Eloise Forster’s advice and book a flight to Lanzarote…
If you’re anything like me, the cold winter nights drawing in will make you want to escape to somewhere warm, fast! Why would you want to wrap up under a blanket with a hot chocolate when you could be sipping a cocktail on a balmy, comfortable evening?
Thankfully, the Canary Islands can give a taste of summer at any time of the year. Temperatures stick around 22 degrees Celsius, even outside of the July and August summer season.
And when you get there, there’s plenty to see and do.
Getting to Lanzarote
Lanzarote is an increasingly popular tourist destination, and is experiencing something of a heyday right now. For travel, that can mean flights are more expensive than you’d like. If you’re looking for flights to Lanzarote, it’s worth comparing different airlines and their options based on your point of departure to see what they offer. If you are on a budget, look for unsociable departure times – some airlines offer flights very early in the morning, which are cheaper than their counterparts in the middle of the day.
Soak up the sun on Lanzarote’s beaches
When you’re escaping the cold of winter, the beach is one of the first places you’ll head when you arrive. But Lanzarote has so many beaches to choose from that picking one can be tricky. In fact, they all have distinct personalities of their own.
On the south-east coast, Playa Quemada offers the bold landscape and black sand you’d expect from a volcanic island. It’s quieter than its more well-known neighbours, but that doesn’t leave you short on amenities. On the beach itself you’ll find stunning restaurants, like 7Islas and El Pescador, serving up fresh, local fish.
Another gem, Papagayo is a breath-taking beach on the south of the island. Many locals will tell you it’s the finest stretch of coastline on the entire island but that makes it particularly popular with tourists. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, it’s not for you. But if you’re looking for a view you’ll never forget, don’t miss it.
Finally, Famara is a dramatic beach full of energy and excitement. While the sand is warm and welcoming, it’s the water that really brings people here, with activities including surfing and kiteboarding to enjoy. Try doing that back in the winter chill!
Shop under the sun in Puerto del Carmen
Of course, a trip to Lanzarote isn’t all reclining on the beach. While you’re there, don’t miss everything the major resorts have to offer.
Puerto del Carmen – one of the main resorts on the island – is an excellent place to head out for a day of shopping. As well as local independent retailers, major brands and plenty of souvenirs, the city is home to the Biosfera Plaza Shopping Centre. At the centre, you’ll find everything from fashion to entertainment, restaurants, and activities for the kids.
So whether you’re sunbathing, shopping, or exploring, Lanzarote has it all.
Eloise Forster is a Spanish and French graduate working as a freelance writer in Barcelona. She is obsessed with Catalonian history and fully immersed in Spanish culture. But she does miss fish and chips. Images by Andy Mitchell and Mr Hicks 46, used under the Creative Commons license.