Lanzarote is the most easterly of the Canary Isles lying just 100km or so off the coast of North Africa. The climate is fairly constant throughout the year being both mild and dry. Average temperatures range from about 21 degrees in January to about 29 degrees in August with annual rainfall of just 5.5 inches (140mm). This makes Lanzarote the perfect year-round holiday destination, especially with flights from the UK lasting just 4 hours.

Once a small fishing village, Playa Blanca is the smallest and quietest of all the resorts on the island making it ideal for both couples and families. It is the most southerly resort on Lanzarote affording it the best climate. The best beaches on the island are situated in the Playa Blanca area with pristine white sand, most notably at Playa Flamingo, Playa Dorada and at the nearby Papagayo. From the seafront, you can see across to nearby Fuerteventura and ferries cross to the island several times a day from the harbour, the journey taking approximately 40 minutes. There is a promenade running the length of this attractive resort along the fringes of the ocean, perfect for a leisurely stroll either before or after dinner.

Of the beaches, Playa Flamingo is suitable for all ages but is probably the best beach in the resort for young children due to its gentle slope into the water. It is also totally enclosed within rocky breakwaters and so is very calm. No watersports available on this beach. Another beach well worth visiting is Playa Dorada but this is less suitable for very young children. The sea becomes quite deep fairly quickly and has some small waves. If you do visit this beach with young children, go to the left hand end of the beach as you look at the sea as this is more gently shelved. There are watersports available on this beach in the form of jet ski’s, banana ride and more. The beaches at Papagayo are more wild with less facilities but are reckoned by some to be the best on the island. Personally, we prefer Playa Flamingo and Playa Dorada. There is some nudity at Papagayo so if you are likely to be offended, you are probably better off visiting the town beaches. Papagayo is a 5 minute drive from Playa Blanca, or for the more energetic, a 30 minute walk from the town centre.

There are many good restaurants in Playa Blanca, most of which are very child friendly. They tend to be informal but at the same time, serve very good food. The majority of the best restaurants are situated along the promenade between the harbour and Playa Dorada, most offering wonderful views of the bay and beyond to Fuerteventura, perfect for a romantic meal for 2 or for a relaxing meal for all of the family.

For those with more energy, both young and older, there are watersports available at Playa Dorada. Also, from the harbour, there is sailing, a submarine trip, boat trip to secluded beaches and fishing trips. Around the resort, there are a number of companies offering scuba diving for both the experienced diver and those wishing to learn to dive. There is tennis and crazy golf available as well as childrens playgrounds. Horse riding is available at stables situated between Playa Blanca and the airport.