The year-long sunshine of the island makes cheap Lanzarote holidays appealing to all manner of tourist; the island has been dubbed the surf capital of Europe, meaning that surfers can ride some great waves alongside the couples and families frequenting beaches on sun-kissed vacations. It may not receive the same level of attention as neighbouring Tenerife, but Lanzarote certainly offers just as much.
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The commercial and administrative centre of Lanzarote, Arrecife offers much to the tourist. Boasting three beaches, an old town and located just five minutes from the airport, Arrecife is a great location to visit on cheap Lanzarote holidays. For the sun seekers there’s three beaches, for the culture vultures there are castles and with it being Lanzarote, you’re also never too far away from exploring the island’s rich volcanic landscape.
One of the best beaches you’ll find on Lanzarote holidays, El Reducto is a beautiful, palm tree lined beach that almost feels enclosed. As well as its soft golden sands, El Reducto has a boardwalk promenade with a number of bars, cafes and restaurants, so there’ll be no need for you to take a heavy bag full of treats on your family holiday in Lanzarote. El Reducto runs at nearly half a kilometre, meaning that even on the most glorious of days there’ll be plenty of space for you and your party to make your own.
It’s a little known fact that Canarian emigrants – including 40 from Lanzarote – founded the city of San Antonio, Texas. This Lanzarote influence on the ascendancy of Texas is celebrated in Rancho Texas Park, a ‘Wild West’ themed park that offers fun and learning for all the family. There’s plenty of animal interaction in Lilyput Farm, while wild animals can be seen in their natural habitat. Adventure is very much a part of Texas’ early years and paid homage to in the park by the activities available such as canoeing, gold mining and horse riding. Located near Puerto del Carmen, Rancho Texas Park is a great day out filled with animals, adventure, lassos and learning.
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Castillo de Santa Bárbara
The oldest fortification in the Canary Islands, Castillo de Santa Bárbara was built in the 15th Century as protection against constant pirate attacks on Lanzarote. Located on top of the Guanapay Volcano, Castillo de Santa Bárbara today stands much as it did after an expansion in the 16th Century. Despite the fort, many invaders - particularly pirates - succeeded in their efforts to loot and pillage the island, and today located within Castillo de Santa Bárbara is a small museum dedicated to piracy and the migration of native Canarians to Spain’s American colonies.
The park’s eponymous volcano is the only one that remains active amongst a whole range of dormant ones in the heart of Lanzarote’s UNESCO designated biosphere reserve. The six-year-long eruption between 1730 and 1736 created the lunar-like, volcanic landscapes associated with Lanzarote. As well as the vistas, you’ll see artificial geysers created simply by a guide pouring water into the ground, the temperature of which can reach 600°C just 14 metres below the surface. Canarian cuisine is cooked up in natural ovens at the park within Cesar Manique’s El Diablo.
Essential info
Currency: Euro
Language: Spanish
Visa: N/A
Vaccinations: N/A
Dress code: N/A
Important numbers: Embassy: 020 7235 5555
Other info: N/A