The problem is though that we can only get one holiday per year. Some of us might be lucky enough to get too, but for the most part our finances and our time off work are restrictive and we’re limited to just the one. When you’ve got so many places to choose from, and only two weeks to enjoy them, how do you decide where to go?

Well there are plenty of places to choose from indeed, but here for your consideration we shall be looking at Lanzarote and putting forward the case for making this beautiful island your next stop. Here are some of the top reasons you should choose Lanzarote…

El Golfo – One of the famous points on Lanzarote!, Canary Islands, Spain by Moni Sertel

The Weather: The weather in Lanzarote is what you would expect from one of the Canary islands – sunny and warm and actually ideal for lounging in the sun. However at the same time there is also a constant cool breeze which many people find highly relaxing and which prevents the heat from becoming overbearing and unpleasant. There are plenty of holiday resorts on the island too.

The Desert: Almost all of the holiday destinations most people consider have great weather though. They also have great beaches and lots more for the casual holidaymaker besides. One thing that you can get from Lanzarote that you wouldn’t get from just ‘any’ holiday destination though is a desert – and short of travelling to Egypt this is the best way to combine a little desert trekking with your other more standard holiday activities. El Jable is a small desert, but that’s part of the charm meaning you’re perfectly safe and unlikely to get badly lost – it’s just enough to try something different and get some great pictures (or a great day out riding camels).

Volcano: One of the big advantages of all of the Canary islands is the volcanic landscapes that they feature. It’s beautiful in a desolate kind of way, but it also makes for some interesting natural demonstrations and days out. Visit Timanfaya Volcano National Park for instance and sample meat cooked by volcano…

Lanzarote Coastline, Canary Islands, Spain by Luc Viatour

Surf: The beaches are ideal for relaxing and chilling out in the sun, but that’s not all they have to offer. If you really want to experience them in a more active way then this is also an ideal holiday destination for surfers. Head to Famara and you’ll have plenty of great surfing beaches and a vibrant community of enthusiasts.

Mountains: Okay so you’ve already got great beaches, a desert and a volcanic park. However what Lanzarote can also offer you – and what you won’t get to the same degree many other places – is a great mountain landscape which can make for scenic walks or just a fantastic backdrop while you’re swimming in the sea.

The Green Lagoon: For a stunning and unusual natural phenomenon, head over to El Golfo Beach to witness the green lagoon. Separated by red rock, this is generally a very colourful site and well worth seeing.

Vueva de los Verdes: And while you’re visiting wonderful natural formations, why not go to Cueva de los Verdes and explore beautiful caves formed by natural volcanic eruptions.

Variety: In short then you really can’t beat Lanzarote for its variety. It has all the shops and amenities you would expect of a holiday hotspot, and it has great weather and resorts. But at the same time this is also an island that can offer volcanoes, mountains, caves, lagoons and even desert…

James Ben is a renowned adventurer who started his own travel and adventure blog, featuring holidays tips and advice. He recommends Lanzarote as a top holiday destination.

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Yacht Marina; Dockyard Creek, Grand Harbour, Malta by John Haslam

Snorkelling

For the ideal activity holiday in Europe look no further than the gorgeous Maltese islands for great snorkelling throughout the year. Calm, sparkling waters of crystal clarity are major draw cards for snorkelling enthusiasts. Furthermore, rocky coasts turn into magical underwater caves and taverns, allowing for hours of exploration. It’s an ideal family activity holiday destination for snorkelling as well as other water activities, as tides around the island are nearly non-existent, making it safe for swimmers of all ages. Top snorkelling sites include Ħondoq ir-Rummien, Fomm ir-Rih, Wied il ħain and Ghar Lapsi. Lastly, you can enjoy burning 230 calories per hour of snorkelling.

Kayaking

The Malta beach activity holidays also comprise of kayaking. The conditions that make Malta ideal for snorkelling suit kayaking too, especially the lack of strong tides. Suited for an activity holiday for singles or couples, old and young, kayaking is an excellent way to admire the beauty of the Maltese island’s shoreline. It also provides unlimited access to unspoilt beaches, and provides access to great snorkelling spots. Whilst admiring the azure Mediterranean ocean you can burn around 400 calories in one hour.

Cycling

The smaller island of Gozo offers a great itinerary for an adventure activity holiday. The pace is relaxed and tranquil, making it ideal for exploration by bicycle. Whether you prefer hard peddling or gentle cycling, the mountains and plains accommodate for any preferences. It’s a great way to get off the beaten track and explore scenic coastal paths, secluded bays, lush valleys, baroque churches, country hotels and colourful fishing villages. Gentle cycling can burn up to 600 calories an hour.

Dave Tucker is a keen writer and traveller, aiming to inspire others to explore all corners of the globe – why not book your Malta flights today for an unforgettable, action-packed holiday?

The post Choose Malta for Your Next Activity Holiday appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Phil Jenkins

Surf Schools

There are a number of surf schools in the north of Lanzarote, where the best surfing conditions are found. The livelier resorts are in the south of the island and because of this, many of the surf schools offer shuttles and transfers. We recommend you to stay in Costa Teguise or Puerto del Carmen, for the best combination of surfing and other holiday activities. Below are some of the best schools:

• Surf School Lanzarote
• Lava Flow Surf

Before you go

Before you go, there are a number of practice exercises you can do so that you don’t waste time when you are on holiday in Lanzarote. You should start off by lying on the floor on your front as if you were lying on a surf board and practice jumping up to standing using your hands to balance, in one smooth movement. A good level of fitness is also always useful when learning to surf!

The best thing to do is to hire equipment for the first few times, before making the large financial commitment of buying your own board and wetsuit. There are surf shops and schools where you can hire equipment and the instructors will be more than happy to help you choose which is best for you.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Thierry Gregorius

Here are some top tips for beginners, including where to stay and what to wear.

• Always buddy-up. Never surf alone, just in case you get into any kind of difficulty
• Don’t be a hero. If you’re tired or feeling unwell, don’t risk it, no matter how good the waves seem!
• Look out for the flag system and any warning signs. beaches change every day, so don’t assume that just because it was OK one day, it will be the next
• Cover-up. the warm waters in Lanzarote may mean that you don’t want to wear a full wetsuit, but a long sleeved rash-vest will protect you from the sun
• Go long. when you first start surfing, you will need a bigger board so that you have more balance
• Most importantly. DON’T GIVE UP! Everyone falls off at first and it will take some people longer than others to stand-up.

Top hotel: The Aparthotel Blue Sea Costa Teguise Gardens is just 800m from the beach and is within the pick-up zones of the surf schools in the north. There are also shops, restaurants and water parks within easy reach.

View Surfing in Lanzarote, Canary Islands Spain in a larger map

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