Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, Guide

Sorry I haven't popped back in guys.... I didn't get an alert to say there were new messages.

But anyhoo - I'll jump in for now as it looks like the earlier questions are sorted. but if I've missed anything - do yell!

Right - car hire first. Don't worry... the roads are wide and well signposted. The most complicated bit is actually coming out of the airport itself... but once out, the rest is plain sailing (or should that be driving?).

To be honest... the price for the Grand Tour is about right. You can get it cheaper, but with booking large groups... so not an option for the two of you really hon. However, I would recommend seeing as much of the island as you can - and definitely do the volcano tour. If in a hire car, then it's only about €8 each-... and about a 20 minute drive each way from Playa Blanca.

Costa Papagayo is one of my favourite parts of Playa Blanca - we have a number o9f friends there... so you must have booked a lovely villa!!! No... unless there is a minimarket in the Hotel (Sun Tropical is it?) that is on the edge of that area, then it's a bimble into town. But don't worry. You can walk to the biggest and best supermarket in town in about half an hour from your place... and then a taxi back would only cost about €3. To be honest it's better doing it that way as you'd save a fortune on your groceries. Of course if you have a hire car, then it's even easier. (Note to Elle - put maps in the original post that show supermarkets etc)

There is a bus that goes from not far from there... that will take you about 10 mins to walk to the bus stop. To be fair, you might as well walk another 10 minutes and be in toan - hope that helps, Emma

Live Music / Entertainment
All the hotels I know of are happy to let you in during the evenings, yes as long as you are buying drinks. I don't know what the Sun Tropical's entertainment is like... but you'll find various stuff in town. Nearest commercial centre to you is CC Papagayo. Not sure what age your sons are - so could probably make some more specific recommendations for them when knowing that.

Sunset times in October
Hi Greg. I think it sets at around about quarter past / half past nine at that time of year (it's about 15 minutes off setting as I type - for June) but of course I would bow to the knowledge of an expert on that. It's quite a fast sunset here... and just before then is lovely and warm! Dinners and BBQs on terrace time!!

Playa Flamingo
The beach is still not completed... and work is a lot slower than everyone has been told. It's not too far off - but no way will it be completed by mid June. Saying that, the beach is still useable at one end and doesn't get packed so it's fine - or if the fencing offends you... then head East to Playa Dorada up the other end. Bus every half hour all day (€1.15 each way)

Hope that helps guys - but if I've missed anything - then please do yell!

Elle xxx

PS: Weather is fantastic right now! We've just had a heatwave - yeehaw!!!:T

Hi there Nottslass!
I had to Google "Caleta de Sebo" because I'd never heard of it... and the results suggested it was on the tiny neighbouring island of Graciosa. But as you seem sure it's in Playa Blanca - then maybe it's an area I simply haven't spotted yet. Rubicon Playa? Hmmm... do you mean Rubicon Palace? Or Rubicon Marina? Both at different ends of the town. Both nice areas. Yes you will be fine without a hire car. Rubicon Palace area is about a 20-30 minute amble into town... and maybe slightly less from Rubicon Marina. Both both directions bring you along a lovely promenade... and it's a lovely walk.

A month eh? You've just turned all the readers of this thread green with envy! No problems with the supermarkets. On the original post (which I updated last night) there is a link to a map that you can zoom in and out with. At the western end of the resort is Ropers. Hubby and I use that for our main shopping as it's not too expensive, and the quality of meat and veg is bang on! You will need to get the bus (number 30) up to Los Coloradas, and then bus back, or grab a taxi. Buses are every half an hour. Do ask the driver to let you know when you are at Los Coloradas though... or just jump off when you are in front of a white and peach commercial centre that has a kiddies adventure playground in front of it. You will have already come OUT of the town centre at that point... so don't confuse it with the adventure playground IN the town.

Also... in the town centre is Hiperdino. Again there are good prices and a wide selection - so if you don't fancy going to Ropers, then Hiperdino should be fine for you.

Avoid buying brand named foods - as you'll pay through the nose. Don't worry... the local stuff is absolutely fine. You'll struggle with fresh milk (as it will have turned before you even get it home) but everything else should be okay for you. English bread is best to buy frozen from Hiperdino or Ropers. They flit between Kingsmill... and Jacksons. the Jacksons is okay - but we prefer Kingsmill. It's pricier than Blighty of course, because we have to import it. But for us... it's our taste of the Uk, and best for bacon butties. Speaking of bacon - if it's English stuff you want... then ONLY buy it from Ropers as it's REALLY expensive everywhere else.

Both supermarkets are marked on that map I mentioned.

I've not seen Aptimil baby milk here I'm afraid - although you could try the Farmacias. I'd advise you bring your own... if your little one won't take anything else. And if littlun is on baby food already - then Hiperdino has a good range of baby desserts - all of which are organic.

Hope that helps a little. If you need any more help - then just yell! xxxx

Ah - then you'll not be too far from Ropers supermarket... and a half decent Hiperdino too! I'm about 10/15 mins walk from the Marina... so I'm guessing you must be closer to the Los Coloradas end there.

Re: transfers - have a look at the link in the original post. His prices are good... and if you book a private transfer, and mention my name... then he should give you a discount. He won't discount on shared transfers I'm afraid - but they're a great price anyway.

Have a fantastic time!

Elle xx