Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, Guide

Elle1971

I do web design honey... but I also have a few busy websites too. It pays the rent and enables us to live here lol. It's still hard work thoug - and I actually do longer hours here than I did in the UK. It's tougher to make a living... but the perks are way better... and as I work for myself, I can take a day off and head out if I want to.

Regarding ATMs - plenty in the town centre... but I don't think there are any where you are staying. There is one in the Marina though, and then one at CC Papagayo.

Get your cash in town, and you'll be fine.

Yes, you'll be able to pay by card at restaurants (chip and pin machines in most places now). Not sure about Switch. I use my debit card without issue though. But if you're at a restaurant... you'll be close enough to a cashpoint - just check with them before you order. Don't carry large sums of cash about... same as anywhere else.

Elle xx

bazster

fletch3163 wrote: »

What do you do there? Am I right to be awfully jealous?

I hate to sound like a complete tourist to you PB-ites but are there sufficient ATM machines (ie a couple easily reached even)? We won't be doing traveller's cheques, preferring cash really. Is that safe enough do you think? Or, if we got our dinner at a cafe or something could we switch it?

There are cash machines in the marina area. I never take travellers' cheques in Europe, always rely on cash machines, never had a problem.

If you've got a Visa debit card that'll work fine in restaurants etc.

Elle1971

bazster wrote: »

Thank you, that jogs my memory, those are the very restaurants!

We were put off CC Papagayo by the tacky Irish bars and Burger King. Never discovered "The Italian Job", one for our next visit!

Yeah - it doesn't have then same decor as L'Artista. But I adore Fabio, and find the food less salty. It's directly behind Burger King... so you can get to it up the stairs and turn right... or follow the complex from the right hand side up the slope and turn left.

If you want authentic... then hire a car and go out to one of the villages... and try a "sociedad" or a local bar. They are like Working Men's Clubs or Village Halls. Cheap as you like, and good grub. Conil is my favourite so far... although Nazaret comes a bloody close second. Am trying "Mi Garaje" in Montaña Blanca on Sunday after a walk.

Elle xx

bazster

Sounds a hoot! Unfortunately though I do like a drink with my dins when I'm on my hols, and my OH is afraid of driving on the "wrong" side of the road so she will not do it (mind you, she likes the odd tipple on holiday too).

Don't know if you know Fuerte at all, but last time we were there we got chatting to a guy in the airport queue who'd rented a villa in Lajares (he pronounced it phonetically so it took a few goes to figure out where he was talking about!) with a few mates, which sounded like a great idea. Unfortunately all he saw in two weeks was the villa and the village supermarket, which is a shame 'cos the village has a few bars and restaurants and some decent walks, but the idea of spending a bit of time inland and away from the resorts did appeal!

Elle1971

Ah... yeah we like a drinkie with our food too. I don't drive - but luckily it's a friend driving on Sunday, so it's all good.

I'm not a Fuerte expert (although hubby did walk the length of it and the otyher 6 Canary islands recently for charity). We love the rural thing though. We hired one of the fishermen's cottages at El Golfo for a few days last year - fantastic! Our difficulty is finding somewhere that will let us bring our 3 dogs... or someone who will look after them for a few days for us (although my Father In Law always offers when he comes over for Christmas)
Elle xx

lfc84

how does playa blanca compare to puerto del carmen ?

ive been to pdc but not playa blanca

Elle1971

Hi lfc84. They are two very different resorts. Playa Blanca has a luxury Marina and easy access to Fuerteventura, whereas Puerto del Carmen has a lot more bars and restaurants, and a more varied nightlife.
Both are fine for families and couples... but Carmen is probably more suitable for large party groups.
Elle xx xx xx

lfc84

ok, a quick follow up. what about property prices? say house plus pool...playa blanca seems to be cheaper is that right?

Elle1971

Ah... yeah... if you're talking "like for like" then yeah, Playa Blanca is cheaper currently as it's trying to shift so many (watch the licences... or lack thereof). Puerto del Carmen is mainly apartments... it's the outskirts that are "villa with pool", and they tend to be larger and quite lovely.
Elle xx

fletch3163

Elle1971 wrote: »

Yes, you'll be able to pay by card at restaurants (chip and pin machines in most places now). Not sure about Switch. I use my debit card without issue though. But if you're at a restaurant... you'll be close enough to a cashpoint - just check with them before you order. Don't carry large sums of cash about... same as anywhere else.

Elle xx

Just showing my age really. Chip and pin is what I meant.

I'm so looking forward to it and willing my unimpressable son to love it too. Everything these days underwhelms him . He has never been a beach type sunny holiday (we Scottish ) so hopefully your lovely towns will be a hit.

Is driving safe enough in your opinion? Two years ago we were in Paris and driving was out of the question - erratic is not the word for what they do there :eek: