Why a holiday let is ideal for a Lanzarote break
Lanzarote has been a go-to package holiday destination for years. You pick a resort, you choose all-inclusive or half board, and right away you have a hassle-free holiday ready for you. But is staying in a catered resort really the best way to experience the Canaries?
Well, Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape is ripe with opportunities for adventure, from hiking over craters to exploring lava tunnels to scuba diving off the coast. Choosing a self-catered holiday let on this Canary Island is an ideal way to make the most of these opportunities during your trip. Here’s four reasons why…
Image by alfaltendorf, used under Creative Commons license (CC BY SA 2.0)
1. You’ll have more freedom
Without the limitations set by resort mealtimes, you’ll have much more freedom when it comes to your holiday itinerary. Whether you want to be up and out at sunrise, or enjoy a brunch after a long lie in, you won’t be missing out on any pre-paid breakfasts.
Image by alfaltendorf, used under Creative Commons license (CC BY SA 2.0)
Furthermore, holidaying in a resort might tempt you to stay in one place or just lounge in comfort by the pool. In rental accommodation, you’re more likely to venture further afield and see everything that Lanzarote has to offer. With gorgeous scenery and interesting attractions wherever you go, it would be a shame not to explore!
2. You can get a taste for local cuisine
Lanzarote is bursting with restaurants that you’ll miss out on if you’re staying in catered accommodation. From rustic Canarian eateries like Meson La Frontera in the village of Haria, to sophisticated dining in La Tegala near Puerto del Carmen, there are loads of places to enjoy Lanzarote’s finest food.
If you don’t feel like eating out, you’ll also have a well-equipped kitchen in your rental home. Head to the nearest supermarket to buy ingredients and you can cook your own meals. Whether you make familiar favourites from home, or experiment with local dishes like papas arrugadas, cooking is the perfect option if you fancy a night in.
3. The money you save can be spent on experiences
The chance to bag a cheap holiday in Lanzarote is one of reasons why this island is so popular with visitors, and with holiday rentals, there is plenty of scope for great bargains. The base cost of a self-catering villa is a fraction of a hotel. This makes holiday lets ideal for longer holidays, or trips for families or large groups.
Best of all, you can spend the money you’ve saved on experiences that you’ll remember. Why not hire bikes and enjoy the island’s cycling routes? Or go for a camel ride in Timanfaya National Park? There are plenty of memorable ways to enjoy the island.
4. You can unwind in comfort at the end of the day
After an action-packed day, you can return to your villa to relax in luxury. Lounge by your private pool, or sip drinks on the terrace in the evening sun. Instead of being crammed into a hotel room, you’ll have plenty of space – which is particularly great if you’re travelling as a family.
By Arianne Fabrice, a travel journalist who specialises in the popular resort destinations in and around Europe. Having worked for some of Paris’ premium travel mags, she’s recently moved into English-language publications.