Mrs B and I are looking for a winter break in the Canaries. Of the main islands with direct UK flights the only one we've not been to is Lanzarote so we'd like to give it a go. Leaving UK, Birmingham, EMA or Luton for preference towards mid/late November.
Hotel rather then self catering I think and we'll usually go half board.
Looking for recommendation for a resort that's between quiet and not too lively and preferably relatively unspoiled. Not bothered about beaches, somewhere inland but scenic would be fine.
We'll have hire car and spend most days exploring.
Read somewhere that it's an island of two halves with the north quite different geologically and scenically from the south. If that's correct and may have bearing on choices please expand.
|
|
There are beaches on Lanzarote, but I believe most of them are dark grey.
|
Resorts wise, I have been to Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen.
Sounds like the former is better for you than the latter!
|
When we were in Lanzarote a few years ago we stayed near Puerto del Carmen, but spent hardly any time there. We much preferred the more civilised Playa Blanca. The only drawback is that, if you stay there and wish to visit other parts, they are relatively distant. On the other hand, Lanzarote is not huge and not mountainous.
We visited Arrecife and enjoyed that, but wouldn't actually stay there. The Parque Natural de Los Volcanes is also worth a visit.
Last edited by: James Loveless on Sat 3 Oct 26 at 19:17
|
A left field idea but Cyprus historically has decent weather in November…I checked Nov 2025 in Paphos and it’s very agreeable.
I was there a few weeks ago when it was too warm, even for me, but just booked a one way outbound Jet2 from LBA @ £39. As are virtually all their flights in Nov. More expensive inbound but i’ll worry about that later..happy to use a different carrier & airport.
I stay in Kato Paphos B & B, a 15 min walk from my fav pre breakfast swimming cove, then walk in the NW peninsula, a one hour drive, or go to the Troodos.
‘old’ Paphos town is far more pleasant and worth a short drive to eat with the locals, although I’ve found a great authentic Greek restaurant, as recommended me, in Kato Paphos. And it’s close to the airport…20 minute drive, 25 on the public bus.
Worth considering in my humble opinion.
|
No idea about Lanzarote, but just has a very pleasant 5 days in Rimini, (got no tips on here!)...
Seafood heaven for me.. Couple of excellent Pizzas, A quite nice friendly family run B&B/Hotel about 250 metres from the beach in Marino Centro, a 10 minute walk from the train station.
Went to Ravenna for a bit of culture ( Dante's Tomb) and museum ) and to a concert one evening in Rimini. Trains were 5.5 euros to/from Ravenna and (9.30 to Imola. Walked a grand total of 58 kilometres in 5 days got a tan and generally had a relaxing time.
Flight times were good both ways.
|
>>Cyprus historically has decent weather in November
S'not as good as the canines and ... they don't hablo Español.
:}
|
Lanzarote (and Fuerteventura) used to be a fairly frequent destinatiion many years ago when we had kids in tow.
My recollection is that the main resorts on the south coast are fairly typical sea and sun resorts - a mixture of decent restaurants through to tacky cheap burger bars etc. Lots of 4* type hotels with predictable facilities.
There is little authentic charm. Inland there is probably enough to keep you interested for a week and the north coast has far less development. The only place that I have not visited properly is Arrecife which I suspect is large enough to have a more local character.
About 10 years ago we visited Fuerteventura for the last time - being on the wrong side of 60 and no great fan of basking in the sun I found it rather tedious. I can only imagine Lanzarote is fairly similar.
|
>> >>Cyprus historically has decent weather in November
>>
>> S'not as good as the canines and ... they don't hablo Español.
>>
Cyprus doesn’t effect my 90/180 Schengen..currently in N Spain for a few weeks before going ‘on tour ‘ heading SE. Home early november, then Cyprus 11 Nov, return Spain 28/11.
Very careful monitoring of my Schengen days..
|
>>Cyprus doesn’t effect my 90/180 Schengen
Interesting, I didn't know that. I wouldn't mind retiring to Cyprus.
|
>> >>Cyprus doesn’t effect my 90/180 Schengen
>>
>> Interesting, I didn't know that. I wouldn't mind retiring to Cyprus.
I wouldn't count on the anomaly lasting long term - I think it arises partly due to the Turkish/Greek situation.
|
>>I wouldn't count on the anomaly lasting long term - I think it arises partly due to the Turkish/Greek situation.
To get a golden visa, "applicants must invest €300,000 (plus VAT) in one of four categories: new residential property, new or used commercial property, share capital of a Cypriot company employing at least five people, or units in regulated investment funds"
"Applicants must demonstrate a secured annual foreign income of at least €50,000, with additional amounts required for dependents (€15,000 for a spouse.
Think I'll stay in North Cornwall :)
Went to Meldon Reservoir this morning (EX20 4LU) = Stunning!
|
|
We have a timeshare in playa blanca. November is when we go or rather use to (I don’t fly anymore). The weather is great, l.e. Not too hot. Las Brisas is our resort.
|
>>
The villa we went to before, and have booked again for wife's 60th, is right next to that just off C Holanda.
|
|
Aware other destinations exist but I think we're committed to Lanza!!
|
In March 2025 we had a week at te Casona de Yaiza, in a small inland village, booked as a package with Cachet Travel, including a car.
Very pleasant small hotel with good food and lovely, friendly and helpful staff.
The head waiter was a bit dour for a few days, but unwound as he seemed to recognise us!
Short drive to the Volcano Park, which is well worth a visit.
Leave early to avoid the queue to get in.o
We also found the underground house of Cesar Manrique, and his cactus garden.
Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen were hell.
Playa de Papagayo is lovely, if you can stand a 6 mile drive along a very bumpy dirt road.
The reataurant at Mirador de la Salinas is a treat.
|
I went for some winter warmth last February to Costa Teguise with an opinion similar to that of Terry. It as relatively quiet during the day but the night time economy picked up to a level. I imagine it would be much busier during peak season. An element of the very mature vest top T shirt clientelle (arent I a snob :) ?) We had a complex apartment (Nazaret Apartments) near the centre which was very quiet, plenty of pool space and easy access to the shops, beach etc.. The buffet food was ok but a but a bit 'same old' so we ate out a couple of evenings. Comfortable with good housekeeping.
A bus ride to Arrecife and we hired a car for a couple of days which allowed a bit of an explore and took in the Timanfaya National Park (excellent) and Teguise old town.
A nice break and enjoyed the week.
|
|
I have a love hate relatioship with lanzarote. Dislike the place, but love what César Manrique has done with his architecture incorporating the landscape.
|
He wasn't happy with a block of high rise apartments that were built in Arrecife.
tinyurl.com/3exf3hmp
|
AI Says
The building you are referring to is the Arrecife Gran Hotel & Spa, a 15-story, 54-meter-tall skyscraper located on the seafront of Lanzarote’s capital, Arrecife.
The iconic visionary, artist, and environmental activist César Manrique absolutely detested this building because it directly violated his strict, low-rise architectural principles for the island.
Why He Disliked It
• Skyline Pollution: Manrique famously campaigned for a rule that no building on Lanzarote should be taller than a palm tree (restricting constructions to a maximum of two to four stories). The hotel shattered this harmony.
• Mass Commercialism: He viewed it as a monolithic monstrosity that resembled the uncontrolled, high-rise mass tourism destroying the coastlines of mainland Spain and other Canary Islands.
• The "Eyesore" Reminder: It is said that while Manrique initially wanted the hotel demolished, he later pivoted. He decided it should remain standing as a deliberate eyesore—a permanent, cautionary reminder to the public of exactly what the rest of Lanzarote would look like if zoning laws were not strictly enforced.
|
When we were in PDC last Jan, we hired e-bikes and cycled along the coastal cycle path all the way to Teguise and of course, this passes by the edge of the airport where you can get a close up of the plans arriving and departing
maps.app.goo.gl/utUwv2J7rYy1G61e8
|
|
Carmen is the pits unless you like the brits abroad brigade..I’m sure you’ll know what I mean.
|
|
Rethink being had after discovering Jet 2 fly direct to La Palma.
|
La Palma booked for a week from 13/11.
Was going to be 20th but 'kids' are doing a run at Silverstone that weekend.
|
"La Palma booked..."
I'm very envious.
|
Never been to LP but if it’s poor UK weather in January & February then 10 days winter sun could be very attractive.
|
Probably about 10 years or so ago, maybe even longer, used to get cheesed off at work as had several colleagues who would go to Canaries for a week of winter sun so one year the missus and I decided to cut out all Christmas presents to each other and then use the money towards a winter week.
We have never looked back and other than covid, we have been away in Jan for a week every year. Was predominantly Tenerife but this year and next year will be Lanzarote. Easyjet full package for £450 a head.
Following year will probably be Corralejo as I have several friends who are all pestering me to go as they think I will love it and the music square at night.
|
February is when I usually feel winter has dragged on for too long and am desperate to get away for some warmth.
That's not been possible for a couple of years due to health issues. But we may get away next year and it would be to Gran Canaria, which we went to once and really liked. I have my eye on a self-catering place in Puerto de Mogan, but would hire a car and get into the centre and north of the island.
|
I’m booked to visit La Palma for a month this winter. I tend to alternate between my two favourite islands which are La Palma and Lanzarote although La Gomera is very nice too.
I like to stay in Los Llanos which is a pleasant town with good facilities and restaurants although parking is chaotic! Recommend the guided walk up to the area of the recent eruption . ( you can’t access by yourself because of gas levels)
|
>> La Palma booked for a week from 13/11.
And not booked. Email from Jet 2 today to say they've pulled the flights.
TUI from Gatwick looks possible though.
|
|
Thats not much notice - why are they pulled?
|
|
We have a villa booked next May in Lanza for my wife's 60th and the family all coming. Easyjet flights booked but my son had to travel back a day before but Ryanair have just cancelled that flight so he now needs to look at options (which currently are original 5 nights becoming possibly 4). Or fly home via Madrid.
|
>> Thats not much notice - why are they pulled?
Quoting their email:
Like all airlines, Jet2.com plans its schedules many months in advance. From time to time, cancellations must be made due to unavoidable operational reasons and unfortunately, the flights for your holiday have been withdrawn.
Looking on their website they've pulled La Palma altogether after the end of this month.
Nothing next spring either.
Last edited by: Bromptonaut on Wed 7 Oct 26 at 14:10
|
La Palma flights have always been on the edge of profitability. Easyjet withdrew some years back. Tui are about the only option now although it is not difficult to fly to Tenerife and get the ferry.
|
>> La Palma flights have always been on the edge of profitability. Easyjet withdrew some years
>> back. Tui are about the only option now although it is not difficult to fly
>> to Tenerife and get the ferry.
For reasons that I admit may not be wholly sound I prefer to book hotel and flights as a package.
As you say TUI still seem to hold on to the route and have the same hotel as we wanted at avery similar price. Flight from Gatwick rather then Stansted and on Thursday rather then Friday.
|
"I prefer to book hotel and flights as a package."
I am entirely pragmatic about this. I cost up the proposed holiday on the basis of travel and accommodation separately, and then do the same with the equivalent package. Often one is cheaper the the other, but you can't be sure which one it will be.
I suppose the package is more convenient.
|
>> "I prefer to book hotel and flights as a package."
As do I. I have done it both ways, ie make up the package myself, and used Tui for a package deal.
The DIY option is invariably cheaper, often by some margin. Recently (last last trip and upcoming) I have used TUI. Mainly because if any flight/Airport cockups delays (and the passport fiasco in europe) etc the operator has responsibility to sort you out and get you home.
Last edited by: Zero on Wed 7 Oct 26 at 18:01
|
Main benefit with a package is that the tour operator is wholly responsible for any problems and compensation.
With separate floghts, hotels, taxi etc if the flight is delayed or cancelled the obligation to the hotel etc continues. More administration and insurance conplexity!!
|
Looked at doing our last Madeira trip as flights + hotel and prices were too near to make a worthwhile saving.
La Palma booked with TUI - same hotel. Price within a few quid of same.
|
I don’t tend to use hotels other than for City breaks or the night before a flight much preferring apartments or houses, preferably away from main tourist areas. Usually use Booking.Com.
Just returned from Nova Scotia for my granddaughters wedding. Stayed in an amazing apartment by the ocean with Jacuzzi and Sauna. Rented a VW Jetta sedan which not available ion U.K., which picked up at airport. Nice car for a petrol vehicle!
|
Interesting seeing all these refs to TUI, anyone I know has had nothing but issues with TUI flights - don't they "sub" their flights out to Ryanair and other companies? Or is that only for Scottish based flights? My daughter was going to Turkey with them in summer flying from Newcastle and 4 weeks before got told it was changed to Manchester. Can't mind who the flight was with - Monarch?? And then the Manchester flight was delayed something like 7 hours
For packages I always use Easyjet or Jet 2 and they use their own planes and have never experienced any problems - and often Easyjet holidays are substantially cheaper than Jet 2 for the same dates and accommodation.
|
“For packages I always use Easyjet or Jet 2“
Doesn’t that limit your choice of destinations?
I tend first to chose where I want too go first and then work out how I will get there. Airlines are much of a muchness whoever you fly with especially short haul.
|
>>Doesn't that limit your choice of destinations?
I am talking about package holidays - if I wanted to go somewhere that I couldnt do a package holiday to then obv look at individual flights
|
>> Doesn’t that limit your choice of destinations?
It might but Jet2 have very extensive network from multiple bases around the UK.
They've been our go to since we got the package tour bug after the pandemic.
Actually noticed the flew to La Palma while indulging my radio hobby. One of their flights calling Shanwick radio on HF had destination SPC which I didn't know and needed to look up.
A surprising number of flights to Madeira and the Canaries go way out over the Atlantic to avoid congested airspace over France and Spain. Too far out for the normal VHF radio and contact is with radio operators at Ballygireen in Ireland who in turn liaise with controllers at Shannon & Prestwick - the Shanwick callsign is a combination of those two places.
Flying back from Madeira to Birmingham last year we saw no land between the northeast most promontory on Madeira and the coast of north Cornwall.
Similarly from Tenerife. Coasted in over Cork then came over the Wirral and approached BHX from the north.
|
A lot of TUI holidays use other carriers. Given lack of other options in UK Jet2, Ryanair and Easy are likely.
There own airline has an extensive network of bases including places like Norwich and Exeter but only Glasgow in Scotland. They do fly to other places like Leeds typically using a W form where an aircraft will go Manchester>Palma>Leed>Palma with a slip crew taken to Leeds by road from Manchester.
A quick Google suggests they rely heavily on Ryanair, at least at Leeds.
Our flight from Gatwick is TUI and, based on the seating, looks like a 737 800.
|
We routinely use TUI and I don't recall a problem over the years apart from the occassional flight delay common to all airlines. They also tend to be fairly price competitive as they are able to negotiate very low rates with hotels not generally accessible.
They operate most of their own flights - occasionally on little used routes they use Easyjet or Ryanair. This can be an advantage - rather than sending a large coach to the airport for one or two passnegers on a flight, for transfer to hotel they will send a taxi. Faster and no waiting.
|
>> They operate most of their own flights.
True for their bases, or certainly those near London or like BHX with multiple airframes.
At others it's entirely or pretty much entirely contracted to (eg) Ryanair or Easy.
Their one time operating base of Luton, back when they were Britannia, sees no TUI aircraft at all.
They do the W stuff above most days of the week during summer to Leeds to one or two destinations but other then that, and for all of winter, it's Ryanair or maybe Jet2.
|
"Subbing out" isn't that unusual is it? I've often flown to the US on a flight booked through BA but at least one leg has "operated by our partner" eg Delta or AA. I tink I usually know that at time of booking, and that isn't for packages. But I've had flights booked from Heathrow to Faro (Portugal) which have been changed to Gatwick more than once.
Flew with TUI to Barbados in Jan and paid extra to turn left when boarding which was very nice - not quite up to business class but was good value IMO for a long flight.
TUI have some bad press today about river cruises where they had to ship people around using coaches as the river was too dry to cruise. Shame as I've used them a bit over the years and they've always been pretty good. But I believe they are starting to cut costs a bit on some of the cruises (Marella) which regulars seem to be taking exception to.
|
|
I wouldn't touch TUI with a bargepole after we used them to Gran Canaria and put us in a cockroach infested accommodation (Puerto Rico) and found the whole resort was similarly infested. You couldn't avoid walking on them in an evening as you walked around the resort. They moved us to a different accommdation that had bed bugs!
|
|
Wrong report, wrong island. Puerto Rico is the trashy end of the tourism scale.
|
We drove past that bit of Gran Canaria after visiting Puerto de Mogan.
Looked like my worst nightmare version of package tour hotels.
|
Did you like Puerto Mogan? I stayed there for a week a few years back back. I found it a bit artificial - in a Disney World sort of way.
|
>> Did you like Puerto Mogan? I stayed there for a week a few years back
>> back. I found it a bit artificial - in a Disney World sort of way.
Modern development but liked it enough to consider it next time we go to GC.
|
>>Puerto Rico is the trashy end of the tourism scale
Went there once - once was enuff.
Dunes adjacent to Playa del Ingles (Maspalomas are something else though.
Last edited by: Dog on Thu 8 Oct 26 at 16:24
|
>>Dunes adjacent to Playa del Ingles (Maspalomas are something else though.
They sure are! As is the Jumbo Centre!
|
|
A few years ago we had a week at Cordial Mogan Playa. Jet2 package. Hire car for a few days, boat trip on the coast…decent enough hotel but won’t return to the island.
|
Lanzarote in November - Andrew-T
