Lanzarote is the most north eastern Canary Island, located just 100 miles off the coast of Africa. Whilst its location makes it a hot holiday hotspot all year round, the culture is distinctly Mediterranean thanks to the island’s strong Spanish influence.

The weather is reliable with predictably warm temperatures and low rainfall all year round. Lanzarote holidays continue to be one of the most popular holidays in Europe, and although it’s not as lively as sister islands Gran Canaria and Tenerife, here you’ll find the perfect balance of a laid-back beach break and an activity-filled itinerary.

Whether you’re travelling as a family, as a couple, or even solo, and looking for relaxation or excitement, Lanzarote has developed something for everyone over the years. Don’t worry though, unlike the skyline of many well-established holiday destinations the only high-rise you’ll find here are the spectacular mountains that soar towards the cloudless sky.

August is high season in the Canary Islands, so cheap holidays to Lanzarote are most available outside of August, in particular throughout the winter months. Luckily you’ll find warm temperatures no matter what time of the year you visit, so you can grab a bargain and a tan.

From golden beaches to silver mountain peaks

The island’s volcanic beaches are certainly one of the main draws for holidays in Lanzarote. With a grand total of 99 stretches of sand to flop down on, from long sweeping bays to small secluded coves surrounded by dramatic rugged cliffs and mountains, there’s somewhere for everyone.

Playa Blanca is literally named after its soft, white shores – small but mighty. Elsewhere on the island, tons of the golden stuff have been shipped over specially from the Sahara Desert, creating a true paradise. Now after all of that effort it would be rude not to catch at least a few days of rays, right?

In Costa Teguise there’s fascinating wildlife to spot including crabs, dolphins and many species of exotic birds – who knows what you might see!

Natural wonders

Lanzarote’s lunar-like inner landscape has been recognised as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve since 1993, protecting it from both development and destruction. Its silver mountain peaks and black rock formations look like something from another world, and the fascinating Timanfaya National Park are known as “Fire Mountains” owing to the hundred or so volcanic craters scattered across the land.

It’s a fabulous place to go trekking or opt for a camel ride across this spectacular land instead.

In the north is La Cueva de los Verdes – a series of impressive underground grottos just waiting to be explored, but, for something a little tamer, the sun-soaked Cactus Garden a little further out is a lovely place for a wander through the decorative pieces.

These wonders certainly deserve a place on your itinerary and many excursions can be researched and booked before you even depart. Booking ahead can be handy for cheap Lanzarote holidays and help keep you on budget.

Family friendly activities

Family activities are aplenty on holiday in Lanzarote, so there’s no chance of the kids complaining that they’re bored.

The Lanzarote Aquarium in Costa Teguise is the biggest aquarium in the Canaries, and can make for great fun, as well as a day in the shade. Similarly, the Guinate Tropical Park in the north is home to exotic birds, reptiles, fish and flowing waterfalls.

For something a little different, don your cowboy hat and yee-ha your way to the Wild West themed Rancho Texas theme park. With its Indian Village and Nature Park full of animals such as crocodiles, armadillos, turtles and birds of prey, it’s a great day out for all the family.

Shopping is yet another great day out for all, with many resorts on the island housing commercial centres where you can find designer brands and electronics. Also, nearly all resorts are home to a number of smaller boutiques too, offering unique goods.

Plus, like the rest of the Canary Islands, you can enjoy Duty Free tax on products such as perfume, tobacco and alcohol.

Held weekly, in many locations, are local markets where you can find original trinkets and handmade crafts among other things. Cheap Lanzarote holidays leave plenty of room for the local markets, just stand firm when bartering and get a good haggle!

Dining and nightlife

Most resorts present fantastic ocean facing restaurants which make for ideal locations to enjoy romantic meals. You won’t have to search too far to find a promenade full of shops, bars and restaurants of all kinds in Lanzarote – plus, much of the food on offer is freshly caught in the Atlantic Ocean.

Whilst it can be considered nowhere near as rowdy as the island of Tenerife, holidays to Lanzarote still provide a lively night out in its own style.

Though there aren’t an abundance of nightclubs across the island, there are many opportunities to find some live music or disco bars in Puerto Del Carmen. Enjoy everything from karaoke bars to sports bars too.

Playa Blanca on the south coast is also a fine nightspot with bars located in and around the resort’s commercial centre, while Costa Teguise offers a slower pace, home to a number of smaller bars and pubs; perfect for a sociable evening spent in calm surroundings.

Even if you’re travelling in the low season in search of cheap holidays to Lanzarote, you can be sure there’ll still be plenty of options to enjoy.