Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, Guide

Silverbird

Hi Elle

Thank you ever so much! That's really helpful and thanks for a really quick reply.

I've just been looking at the villas in the link you provided (Lanzarote Lates) and they look stunning. I'm hoping to stay in one for my 30th birthday in March 2011 and will be inviting family, so it would be perfect if I can get it all organised.

Thanks ever so much for the information. It's great to know it's not a 'ghost town'. I'd originally planned to visit the Algarve, but my sister warned me it was very much a ghost town at that time of year for them, so was worried Lanzarote would be the same, so your reassurances are great. I realise it won't be busy, busy, but it's good to know there are still people about at that time of year!

I checked the dates of the Carnival and found that it would be on whilst we're up there, which is great, but I thought this was only in Tenerife? Does it spread to the other islands? Also we won't be there during one of the main celebrating dates (ie Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday), but it will have started and still be ongoing until we leave - do they do the celebrating every single night? I did try to find out, but to no avail.

Thanks again so much! I really appreciate your help and your lovely and very helpful descriptions have really persuaded me and I have my heart set on Playa Blanca now!

Elle1971

You are very welcome Girlzmum! You'll have an excellent time. Sadly my favourite Irish Bar (Paddy Macs) closed its doors for the last time a couple of weeks back... but that's your thing, then head to Mollies or The Harp in CC Papagayo for a great craic... or to the Irish Anvil at Punta Limones (fab food and nearer to you - at about a half hour walk or so!) Enjoy it hon and don't forget to stash a boiling bacon in your suitcase for me! Ha ha ha ha. xx

Silverbird - no problem at all to help! Yes Carnival is celebrated in all the towns in Lanzarote... it simply depends on which date for which resort. It goes Arrecife, Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise... all at sequential weekends with the smaller towns dotted in between. I hope you catch one whilst here. Obviously Playa Blanca would be easier for you as that's where you'll be staying. It's not every night I'm afraid... but the Friday night through to early hours of Sunday morning is when it all happens. Enjoy it - and be prepared for a hangover from hell! Drop a message on this thread nearer the time and the dates should have been confirmed by then, so I can let you know where it's all happening.

Elle xxx

davetrousers

I hired a Mercedes A class for 5 days for 100 euros.

Silverbird

Elle1971 wrote: »

Silverbird - no problem at all to help! Yes Carnival is celebrated in all the towns in Lanzarote... it simply depends on which date for which resort. It goes Arrecife, Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise... all at sequential weekends with the smaller towns dotted in between. I hope you catch one whilst here. Obviously Playa Blanca would be easier for you as that's where you'll be staying. It's not every night I'm afraid... but the Friday night through to early hours of Sunday morning is when it all happens. Enjoy it - and be prepared for a hangover from hell! Drop a message on this thread nearer the time and the dates should have been confirmed by then, so I can let you know where it's all happening.

Elle xxx

Thank you SO much, Elle! You are so very helpful! :T

Elle1971

Hello davetrousers my lovely! Great to "see" you! Thought about you yesterday... as we were discussing the merits of honey rum :beer:
No problem at all Silverbird - always a pleasure to help!:D

Elle xx

davetrousers

Howdo. Yes Honey Rum (Ron Miel) is a Canarian must. Our favourite is Guajiro, it is a proper one (ie 30% ABV not a measley 20%). Best place for this in Playa Blanca (that I found) is the Spar in the centre, near the tourist information booth!

Remember you can only bring back 1 litre of spirits from the Canary Islands as they are not classed as the EU for fiscal reasons!

nottslass_2

Elle, Thankyou so much for the the time & trouble you've taken & your very informative replys :beer:

Elle1971

You're most welcome nottslass - if it helps just a little... then I'm a happy bunny.

Elle xx

Girlzmum

One more question - do you think it would be worth my while to hire a car? We'll be there for a week, myself, dh, 2 children and his parents together (I know I need my head examined) We do want to see around the island and get from the airport to the villa but I don't know if we should just use the tours available (are there many?) and taxi from the airport.

davetrousers

I'd recommend Car Hire. Then you can easily get to:

Jameos Del Agua
Cuevos de los Verdes
Mirador Del Rio
Fundacion Cesar Manrique
Jardin Del Cactus
La Geria - The Wine Region
Timanfaya National Park and up Fire Mountain
Los Hervideros (sp?)
El Golfo

Like I said above I paid 100 Euros for 5 days hire. Can't remember the name of the place atm.

Not quite sure how the Repsol Petrol station works on the main road into/out of PB maybe Elle could help???