The popular holiday destination of Lanzarote is located just off the coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. And is one of the seven Canary Islands – which are part of Spain even though they are in fact situated many miles south of the Iberian Peninsula.

The Canaries are divided into two distinct administrative regions. With Tenerife the lead island and capital of the Western Canaries, which comprise La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma. Whilst to the east Gran Canaria is the central hub of the eastern Canaries, which also include Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.

Each island is distinctly different. With Lanzarote home to a very dry and arid terrain. Reflecting the fact that there is very little in the way of rainfall here – as the mountains on the island are very low lying. Whilst the outer fringes of the Sahara are just 100km away. Creating a desert like climate which is hot by day but which cools quickly come nightfall – especially during the winter months.

Volcanic activity during the 18th century has served to further compound this aridity. As the eruptions wiped out lots of farmland areas – leaving fields of thick solidified lava in their place. Making it even harder for much in the way of vegetation to grow here. Although Lanzarote does have its green spots – particular in the north of the island in and around Haria and the Valley of 1000 Palms.

Local Holiday Accommodation - Villas in Playa Blanca and Lanzarote Accommodation

Visitors to the island are able to select from a broad array of accommodation options. There are over 250 hotels in Lanzarote to choose from for example. As well as a large selection of holiday rental accommodation. With apartments and villas in Lanzarote available across the island.

There are three main tourist resorts on the island – but during the winter months Playa Blanca in the south of the island really comes into its own. As the weather in this part of Lanzarote is warmer during December and January. Making this the ideal spot for anyone in search of winter sun.

As a result accommodation such as hotels and villas in Playa Blanca are in demand – especially during December and January. And the resort also offers wonderful beaches – such as the fine stretches of sand at Playa Dorada and Playa Flamingo. Whilst the awe inspiring sight of the Fire Mountains – Lanzarote

Spring still doesn’t seem to be on its way, as the UK prepares itself for another spell of freezing weather. For those desperate to see blue skies and feel the sun on their skin, it looks like the best option is to book a holiday elsewhere. Holiday prices remain at an affordable level so now is an ideal time to start browsing the holiday websites and see what’s available to break the winter blues.

But where at this time of the year is a good bet for sunshine? Within Europe there is only one place that reliably offers decent weather throughout the year and that is the Canary Islands. Not strictly in Europe at all, they are included within the borders of EU as an autonomous region of Spain.

Of the Canaries, it is Lanzarote that usually has the driest climate, given its close proximity to the north African coast and the low-lying nature of the island. With no mountains over 700 metres, rainfall is kept to a minimum, falling on average only twenty days a year. The intense heat of mainland Spain is tempered by breezes straight off the Atlantic.

The huge choice of Lanzarote villas and Lanzarote apartment accommodation that you’ll come across will always astound many of the visitors to the island.

Most apartment complexes are set within semi-tropical gardens around a communal swimming pool. None will be more than three storeys tall, as strict rules about construction mean that buildings can only be as tall as a palm tree. A good number of these complexes have been refurbished in recent years to bring the accommodation up to date, with modern style furnishings.

So its resorts couldn’t be further from those of Los Cristianos or Maspalomas. There are no skyscrapers and no advertising hoardings, two factors which blight many landscapes. In the coastal towns, where the majority of apartments in Lanzarote are based, there is a uniformity that makes these places pleasant to visit and stay in.

Families, on the other hand, often prefer the more comfortable and spacious alternative of a villa in Lanzarote. A wide choice of this type of property is available to rent, many with great extra features, such as Jacuzzis and air conditioning. Fully equipped kitchens come as standard, allowing more elaborate dining to be an integral part of the holiday.

Whether that entails a day’s sailing or golfing or visiting each of the centres of Art and Culture, Lanzarote has a lot to offer. Its tourist attractions are stylishly individual, having been created by the internationally renowned artist, C