Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, Guide

Roger1

Elle1971 wrote: »

... Playa Blanca will always be special to me...

Me too. (Sigh)

My wife and I stayed at the original unspolit fishing village some years ago before it was developed. We stayed at a hostal with few facilities and no window, changing our room for the second week to one overlooking the sea (with a window).

I got by with basic Spanish, the restaurants such as they were were basic but delightful. Magnificent fish but dodgy wine. No supermarket but friendly baker and grocer. Nothing special at Christmas, New Year was more exciting.

We spent the days naked on the beach at Papagayo along with very few others. We got there in a hired Fiat 127 (probably the Seat version) and only once got bogged down in the sand. No road fee then. We helped another couple change a wheel after a puncture.

'Our' PB would be unrecognisable today. On the one hand, I'd like to go back and see the development. On the other hand, I don't want to go back because of the development.

Elle1971

I hear you Roger! I never saw it before the main developments... although I have seen some magnificent photos. I saw a lot of changes in my years there... but not as dramatic as you would find it if you returned x

rustyboy21

Hi Elle
We have booked to go for Christmas this year and have got a villa with pool in the Calle Inglaterra area of the resort.


Just wanted to know a few things


1. Weather, whats it like at Xmas?
2 Will we be able to get a restaurant open on Xmas day to eat at in the eve? if so, any recommendations, also somewhere we can book prior to going.
3 will most of the touristy places be open through Xmas ( Timanfaya etc)?
4.We arrive on a Sunday lunch, any supermarkets open then?


Great thread BTW, have already got a lot of inspiration to do a lot whilst there. Have actually paid more insurance to try out Scuba, always wanted to do it. Been to Tenerife and Gran Canaria before, but wanted to try somewhere different.


Last Question, we have booked car through Autoreisen, but wondered if they let you take it on ferry to Fuert. They say cannot be taken off Island, but it is only 25 mins away, any experience in this?


Cheers

Elle1971

Hi rustyboy21 (nice dog!)
1. - Weather historically is always good at Christmas. Temps in the low to mid twenties with bright blue skies. Any morning cloud usually burns off. I was able to sunbathe every Christmas Day I lived there. The water is too cold for me to swim in, but many people do - I'm just a wuss perhaps. Take a light jacket for the evenings.
2. Yes you will be able to get a restaurant - but book in advance if you can. La Bocaina has been bought out, and isn't open again yet... or I would have sent you there. However, La Chalanita is very good... but DO book ahead! You can phone (in English) on +34 928 51 70 22. They were booked up for Christmas Day months in advance... so the earlier you can book the better. However, most of the seafront restaurants will squeeze you in too. It is also better to book if you are still there for New Year's Eve. If you want a traditional turkey dinner - then choices are more limited. That perhaps would be "Port of Call" or "The Lighthouse" in Faro Park. Any Brit places WILL need to be booked in advance.
3. Yes - those things are open every day except Christmas Day and New Years Day
4. Yes - usually open until 4pm. Best is in centre of town, about a 5 or 6 minute drive for you. Calle Inglaterra is nice - enjoy! I lived in Parque del Rey down there for a couple of years.

Enjoy the Scuba - plenty of goodies in Playa Blanca waters. Playa Blanca is quieter than the popular areas of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, but still lovely.

No, you can't take the car to Fuerteventura without express permission of the hire company - and most say no. But the bus service is pretty good over there, and the number 6 (I think) will take you to the capital etc. Sit on the side behind the driver if you can, for best views. Or you could hire a car from Corralejo and pick it up when you get off the ferry.

Christmas and New Year in Playa Blanca is fantastic - you'll have an amazing time!

rustyboy21

Thanks Elle

There from 18th dec till 4th jan, so will be looking to try and book places to eat
It is the first proper holiday we have had since losing old Rustyboy 2 years ago and didn't go away for 3 years prior due to him being too frail to go in kennels, so this holiday is just what we need. OH won't travel long distance, so this is far enough.


Looking forward to it, your thread is great, lots of info, driving OH mad at mo, looking at videos of PB and tracking down places on maps etc !


Once again, thanks for your help. x

ElzorroLondon

Well I went to Spain last month and used my Bon Appetit Card to save money at Restaurants.

The discounts are from 20% but its totally worth it.

Derwent

Elle1971 wrote: »

I miss La Bocaina since it closed...

You'll be pleased to hear that it's re-opening soon, but with Spanish owners and a whole new menu and decor.

Elle1971

ElzorroLondon wrote: »

Well I went to Spain last month and used my Bon Appetit Card to save money at Restaurants.

The discounts are from 20% but its totally worth it.

You can't use it in Lanzarote I'm afraid.

Elle1971

Derwent wrote: »

You'll be pleased to hear that it's re-opening soon, but with Spanish owners and a whole new menu and decor.

Yes - so Paul and Nina said. I will definitely give it a try next time I'm there. I'll also be booking Paul to come cook for me at my villa (as he does mobile stuff too now). Mmmmm.... seared scallops... tornados rossini...

Elle x

Jacqu79

After having read this thread so many times, I've finally talked my OH into booking a holiday in Playa Blanca!:j

We're staying at the Hotel Volcan for two weeks in June, and I can't wait!:j

We've booked on a B&B basis, so if anyone could recommend anywhere nearby for lunch/dinner that would be great, although we plan to hire a car to see as much of the island as possible, so won't be eating in Playa Blanca every day.

Any info and advice on the resort and Lanzarote as a whole would be gratefully appreciated, although I'm off to read this thread from start to finish again lol!