Hot Winter Breaks in Playa Blanca
Looking for a reasonably priced holiday break this winter? The Canary Islands are the closest winter sun destination to the UK – at just four hours flying time. Yet still boast temperatures above the right side of 20C, even during the depths of December and January.
However all of the main tourist islands in the archipelago, such as Lanzarote, have pronounced microclimates. Making the choice of resort of paramount importance for those in search of maximum sunshine.
Lanzarote has long been established as a popular holiday destination, especially amongst British and Irish tourists. As they are usually able to access a range of cheap holidays and low cost flights to Lanzarote that are not so readily available in other markets, such as Germany and Scandinavia.
However visitors to Lanzarote need to choose their resort with care. As for a small island, measuring just 58km long and 35 km wide, Lanzarote offers quite big variations in microclimate. Especially during the winter months.
Whilst the south and centre– encompassing resorts such as Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca –can be basking in warm temperatures, the North can feel cold and wintry by comparison at this time of year. A phenomenon created by the presence of a large range of mountains – Los Riscos de Famara – which encourages cloud to linger so cooling this area of the island.
Add in the prevailing North West wind and relatively low sea temperatures (as this is the Atlantic and not the Med) and a winter holiday in the North of the island can be a chillier experience than expected. Far better therefore to head south.
Playa Blanca is Lanzarote´s newst and southern most resort. Located right at the bottom tip of the island, just across the Bocaina Strait from the neighbouring island of Fuertventura. A location which generally ensures that temperatures can be at least a few degrees higher than in the most northerly resort of Costa Teguise. Whilst also granting great views and the opportunity to explore not just one island but two.
Thanks to this enviable location Playa Blanca has really taken off over the last few years. As large hotel groups and developers have seized on its potential and poured millions of euros into creating the best selection of new, four and five star hotels and luxury holiday villas in Lanzarote. Providing a range of choice unmatched in either Puerto del Carmen or Costa Teguise.
As well as quality accommodation and a great climate Playa Blanca also boasts the best selection of beaches on the island. Encompassing the breathtaking set of coves and bays at Papapagayo (parrot in Spanish), some ten minutes walk from the centre of the town. As well as some fine stretches of sand within the resort itself – such as Playa Dorada and Playa Flamingo.
Whilst the town itself has also grown organically – and fortunately lacks the superficial feel so endemic to most man made or purpose built holiday resorts.
With an organic heart in the town centre around the small beach of the same name – Playa Blanca. With plenty of good quality restaurants in and around the main seafront area.
The opening of the luxurious Marina Rubicon a few years ago has also given the resort an added dimension. Attracting upmarket restaurants and bars such as Lanzarote´s very own branch of Café del Mar. Creating a more sophisticated ambience than can be found in the other resorts on the island.
