Mallorca is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe.  As this beautiful Balearic Island welcomes well over 6 million tourists a year.  The majority of them hailing from sun starved northern European nations such as Germany and the UK.  Attracted by the island´s winning combination of great beaches, dramatic pine clad scenery and high standards of accommodation.

Mallorca is also very easy to reach from pretty much anywhere in mainland Europe as it is possible to get cheap flights to the island from countries such as the UK.  Whilst it can also be reached by ferry from mainland Spain.

Anyone visiting for the first time or choosing a holiday destination on the island should be aware that there are in fact 20 odd resorts to select from.  Some of which such as Magaluf cater to a younger party crowd whilst others are predominantly booked by German holidaymakers.  So it’s important to make the right choice.

The south of the island is still party central – even though the island is starting to shrug off the stigma of package tourism which was earned during the boom years of the 1980´s.  Whilst the north is more laid back and sophisticated.  Boasting ancient towns such as Pollensa and home to a selection of some of the best hotels and holiday villas in Mallorca.

Puerto Pollensa
Puerto Pollensa is the upmarket coastal cousin to inland Pollensa.  And is a popular holiday destination with British tourists.  Many of whom book their own private holiday villas in Puerto Pollensa direct online.  Pollensa Old Town is just 8km away for anyone keen to explore this atmospheric town’s quiet cobbled streets and pretty squares.

Alcudia
Just along the northern coastline lies Alcudia - home to the biggest beach on the island – a huge stretch of sand which extends for around 8km.  A plus point that makes Alcudia very popular with families looking to escape the mega resorts of the south as a result. 

Cala DÓr
On the east coast is the relatively modern resort of Cala D’or – which is around one hour’s journey time from the islands sole international airport at Palma.  This former fishing village has now become one of the most popular holiday destinations on the island.

Boasting a pedestrianised town centre - which makes it very pleasant to stroll around come nightfall.  Whilst during the day the action revolves the seven beaches in the resort.

Lanzarote is already well established as a package holiday destination. But thanks to its manageable size and the variety of landscapes and attractions it is home to, it is also the ideal place for those who like to go out and discover somewhere new.

And the wide choice of apartments in Lanzarote means that visitors who prefer to go on self-catering holidays have a good selection of accommodation to choose from. This type of trip affords much greater freedom for those who don’t want to be tied to the hotel dining room or an all-inclusive deal.

It is also a great way to get away for less, as the combination of an apartment and one of the cheap flights to Lanzarote that are now available will leave more money to spend whilst on the island. Such as hiring a car and getting out to explore the unique volcanic landscapes to be found here.

The island’s clement climate also makes it a hotspot for sports enthusiasts, with a wide range of activities from golf to sailing, horse-riding to kayaking available. And plenty of sea-based action as well, as the Atlantic Ocean provides ideal surfing and windsurfing conditions.

For visitors who prefer a more sedate pace to their holidays in Lanzarote, there are numerous cultural and historical sites to take in. Such as the Emigration Museum, based in the Santa Barbara castle that overlooks the former island capital of Teguise. And which hosts a standing exhibition detailing where the islanders went when the six year long volcanic eruptions of the 1730’s devastated the farming community.

Several of the chief attractions on Lanzarote are the creations of the island born architect and artist César Manrique. Whose influence is still felt, even seventeen years after his death, due to the pioneering efforts that have seen tourist developments strictly controlled. And includes some of the most original attractions to be found anywhere in Spain.

Meaning that the coastal resorts are attractive white-washed towns where no building is taller than a palm tree and advertising hoardings are strictly prohibited. These factors help to maintain the charm of the island which was designated a protected Biosphere in 1994.

And this is why today the island is able to amaze and delight holidaymakers who may not know what to expect when they arrive. But are enchanted with the pristine beaches, the unspoilt landscapes and the low impact accommodation in Lanzarote.

There’s never been a better time to visit the small Canary Island of Lanzarote. As it’s now possible to buy return flights to the island for as little as £9.99.  Thanks to growing competition on this route between low cost carriers Ryanair and easyJet.

But which is the island’s best resort?  There are three to choose from in the shape of Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise.  Each boasting its own unique own character and attractions

Puerto del Carmen
This is the biggest resort on the island.  Extending some 8km along the shoreline from its original roots in the Old Town harbour area in the direction of the airport at Arrecife.

Puerto del Carmen was originally conceived as the island´s budget holiday destination.  Offering good value breaks to holidaymakers from the UK and Germany.  As a result the resort is dominated by apartment complexes.  But there are also a couple of good hotels in Puerto del Carmen – namely the Los Fariones and the San Antonio.  Whilst the best villas in Puerto del Carmen can be found in and around enclaves such as Risco Prieto and the Old Town harbour.

Playa Blanca
If you’re visiting Lanzarote during the winter months then head for Playa Blanca.  As this resort is located right at the southern foot of the island and enjoys the best weather in Lanzarote as a result.

Playa Blanca offers an abundance of good value hotel accommodation with prices for a stay in one of the resort’s many four star establishments starting from as little as €70 per night.  Which is the price per room and not per person.

Playa Blanca is a real beach lover’s paradise as the resort boasts three great stretches of sand within its boundaries.  Whilst just fifteen minutes walk away lies the coves and bays of Papagayo.  Which is one of the most picturesque beaches in the whole of the Canaries.

Costa Teguise
Costa Teguise as originally designed to be Lanzarote´s upmarket resort.  A more expensive sister to Puerto del Carmen.  And during the 1980´s this strategy worked wel l- attracting well heeled guests from countries such as Germany.

Over the years though Costa Teguise´s star has waned somewhat and it is now lagging as the third most popular destination on the island.  Which is a shame as it still has much to recommend it such as excellent beaches and the best hotel on the island in the form of the Gran Melia Salinas.  Located right on the main beach at Playa Cucharas

The Canary Islands are one of the most popular holiday destinations in Spain.  With only Catalonia and the magnet of Barcelona attracting more visitors than the archipelago ever year.

But despite the Canaries reputations as a bucket and spade package holiday destination there is a growing rural tourism sector.  With islands such as Lanzarote enjoying an upsurge in the number of country hotels and fincas catering to this market.

Whilst over 1.5 million tourists visit Lanzarote every year the island still manages to remain largely unspoiled.  Making it an ideal venue for rural holidays.  With a host of good quality Lanzarote villas and hotels available for rent outside of the main resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca.

On Lanzarote rural tourism is concentrated in the interior and the north of the island.  With the coast dominated by package holiday makers.  One of the newest rural options is the excellent and eco friendly Finca de Arrieta.  Which is located close to the coastal village of the same name. 

This former farm runs entirely on wind and solar power – a first on Lanzarote – and offers guests a range of accommodation options from cottages through to Yurts – which are a Mongolian yak herders tent but with a modern twist.  As these glamourous camping options also include hard wood floors, top quality furnishings and all mod cons.

Close to Arrieta lies the pretty village of Haria, located in the Valley of 1000 Palms.  Where locals still plant a Canarian plam for each newborn baby.  Here rural holidaymakers can check into the Finca la Crucita, which boasts eight guest villas all named after various villages on the island. Finca La Crucita is set in delightful gardens, surrounded by giant Canarian palms, and offers seriously luxurious accommodation in very relaxing surroundings.

The pretty village of Yaiza is home to two of Lanzarote´s best known rural hotels – the Casona de Yiaza and the Finca de Salinas.  The Casona de Yaiza occupies the former holiday home of a local landowner and farmer.  Dating back to 1825.  And is owned by a couple of art lovers – whose passion can be seen through out the public spaces and bedrooms.

Whilst the Finca de Salinas was once the stately pile of a local salt trader.  Bought and converted into a luxurious rural hotel by the current owners in 1996 and featuring an excellent on site restaurant. Both hotels charge around €100 per room per night and are located around twenty minutes way from the main international airport on the island at Arrecife.