There are few better feelings for sun starved Northern Europeans than to escape the grey skies and cold of winter. Exchanging their anoraks and umbrellas for swimming trunks and sun loungers.

There are plenty of destinations catering to this market but none are closer to the UK than the Canary Islands – which encompasses well know year round holiday destinations such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. All located around 100 miles away from the African coast and a four hour flight from all UK airports.

During the winter months the mercury climbs in to the 20 degrees Celsius range on Lanzarote – with the south of the island enjoying better weather than the north. A microclimate that makes the resorts of Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen the best choices for winter sun seekers.

Playa Blanca is as far south as you can go on Lanzarote – and this fast growing resort has rapidly emerged to become the second most popular destination on the island. Much of it s popularity can be attributed to the fact that it is home to some truly fantastic beaches – such as Playa de Papagayo. Which is really five seperate beaches all closely interlinked and located just a fifteen minute walk from the town centre.

There are plenty of places to stay in Playa Blanca – as the resort boasts one of the biggest selections of Lanzarote holiday villas and hotels on the island. Such as the impressive Gran Melia Volcan – a luxury five star establishment that overlooks the relatively new Marina Rubicon development. Where tourists can enjoy watching the expensive yachts moor and disembark whilst enjoying some upmarket shopping and good quality restaurants.

Puerto del Carmen is located around twenty to thirty minutes back along the coastline from Playa Blanca. And was the first place on the island to welcome foreign tourist during the early days of the holiday industry in the 1970´s.

The resort has grown around the Old Town harbour area and now extends for around 8km in the direction of the airport and the neighbouring resort of Matagorda.

Puerto del Carmen is the ideal location for anyone seeking apartments in Lanzarote as the resort is home to the highest concentration of complexes on the island. With may offering budget accommodation from as little as £160 per week. Local tourist authorities have recently poured over €16 million into renovating and revitalising the resort – so it’s an excellent time to visit.