I don’t know about you but all winter long I dream of a destination vacation filled with beach sand, blue green water and plenty of things to see and do. Although I can’t hop on a jet and go where I’d like, I do plenty of dreaming. Recently, I stumbled across information about Lanzarote and I’m definitely adding it to my destination vacation list!
Just look at that picture above … breathtaking, right? It’s Papagayo beach in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote. Believe it or not (look at that picture!) Playa Blanca means, “white beach.” That explains a few things. Am I right? Bonus? You don’t just get 1 white beach here – you get a trio. Playa Blanca Beach is the smallest, though this Blue Flag-winner is handily right in the center of town. Then you can take your pick. You’ve got the super-soft sands of Playa Dorada to the east or sheltered Playa Flamingo to the west – both are just minutes from the café-lined promenade.
The great thing about Playa Blanca is that it’s not too busy and it’s not too quiet – it manages to get things just right.
You know what I like almost more than a gorgeous view, sand in my toes and a drink in my hand? History. Yep, no kidding! The harbor at Playa Blanac is filled with quaint, old-world buildings and plenty ofg opportunities for historical exploration including a tour of Cesar Manrique’s old home and a visit to Timanfanya National Park.
Timanfanya National Park is the perfect mix of history and natural history as it is the site where over 300 hundred years ago, a mass of volcanoes blew their top – leaving the strange, lunar vista that is now Timanfanya National Park. You can take a camel ride through the futuristic-looking landscape, then stop at the summit for lunch at the El Diablo restaurant. The chefs here don’t mess around with ovens – they cook your food using the heat coming up from the semi-dormant volcano.
Another natural spectacle in Lanzarote is Los Hervideros. This coastal area has an abundance of underwater caves produced by the solidification of lava and erosion. Los Hervideros refers to the amazing display that sees the waves force water into the labyrinth of caves with such a dramatic power it appears as if the sea is bubbling and boiling. Visitors can wander around pathways in the cliffs and watch the display below. How cool, and absolutely beautiful is that?
Besides the beaches, natural history and historic sites, Lanzarote offers great opportunities for shopping with plenty of little high-end boutiques in El Paseo promenade, Lacoste, Italian fashion places, and a bunch of perfume and art shops at Marina Rubicón and lots of souvenir shops on Avenida de las Playas. Also, I hope to check out Teguise Market & Museum, Rancho Texas Splash & Animal Park, the Sunshine & Divas Comedy Show and much, much more!
Need a place to stay? There are plenty of year round resorts with lots to offer like Sandos Papagayo Beach Resort in Playa Blanca, Barcelo Lanzarote in Costa Teguise and Seaside Hotel Los Jameos Playa in Playa De Los Pocillos.
Have you ever been to Spain? What do you think of Lanzarote?
