This is a guest post by Nick Ball over at Lanzarote Guide Book.
For more information you can email him.

Lanzarote is part of the Canary Islands group – which are an autonomous region of Spain and part of the EU. Despite the fact that they are located hundreds of miles south of the Iberian Peninsula off the coast of West Africa.

This anomaly has been created by the fact that these islands were conquered by Spain as long ago as the 15^th century. And have retained Spanish nationally ever since – despite occasional attempts by Morocco to exercise territorial claims.

The Canaries are heavily dependent on tourism and are the second most visited region in Spain after Catalonia. But despite this some of the smaller islands such as Lanzarote remain relatively unspoiled and untouched. Especially in then north of the island which has retained a strong agricultural identity.

The growth of the Internet has made booking holidays and accommodation and getting to the island so much easier and cheaper. With tourists now able to book their flights direct online whilst browsing the web for their ideal hotel or apartment. These days around half of all visitors book a break in one of Lanzarote´s 200 plus hotels. With the remainder opting for self-catering accommodation in Lanzarote villas or holiday complexes.

All visitors to the island arrive at the sole international airport of Arrecife, which is located around 3km from the capital of the same name. Before onward transit to their holiday accommodation, which is usually located in one of the three main resorts on the island; Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise or Puerto del Carmen.

Each resort has its own character – Puerto del Carmen being the oldest and the largest on the island. Boasting great beaches and excellent nightlife. Playa Blanca is the newest and fastest growing destination – boasting excellent value hotels and a fine array of private rental accommodation. Whilst Costa Teguise to the north is the ideal spot for anyone planning to explore key island attractions. As these are all within a 20 minute drive.

Anyone planning to tour and explore is advised to hire a vehicle, as the local bus services can be pretty infrequent. Fortunately though car hire in Lanzarote is very good value, especially in relation to other Spanish holiday islands. With price starting from as little as €15 per day.

Whilst it’s possible to enjoy holidays in Lanzarote at any time of the year most locals and long-term expats would agree that autumn is the best. As the summer crowds have long since vanished whilst the temperatures are still in the upper 20´s Celsius.