The Canarian island of Lanzarote is one of the few European destinations that already have several green credentials under its belt. Whilst this may surprise some visitors, there are several good reasons why this is the case, due largely to the island’s climate and position.

To begin with, its location only four hours flight from the United Kingdom means that it is half the distance and therefore half the fuel consumption, of the Caribbean. And it can vie with tropical islands for all year round good weather, with an average of only twenty days rainfall per annum and day time temperatures of approximately 20º Celsius even in mid winter.

Even the Lanzarote holiday villas make a contribution to reducing the eco footprint of the island.

Across the island many of the apartments and villas on Lanzarote already use solar panels to produce heated water for their swimming pools. Whilst larger consumers of water, such as the island’s two golf courses, use recycled liquid to ensure that demand on the desalination system is kept to a minimum. Wind power is also popular, with several large turbines generating a proportion of the island’s electricity and smaller turbines used individually.

Whilst most villas in Lanzarote actually run on more conventional sources of energy, there are several which work entirely on these alternatives, and as a result can claim an excellent green pedigree. And as the technologies continue to improve, more residents are choosing to use wind and solar power.

But it isn’t just power generation that makes Lanzarote an environmentally sound tourist destination. As the island has also developed its resorts and attractions in ways that minimise the impact on the scenery and surroundings thanks to the vision and resourcefulness of the internationally renowned artist and architect Cesar Manrique.

These factors combined have turned Lanzarote into an ideal holiday destination for the environmentally conscientious. There are even several places to stay that run entirely on solar and wind energy, as these alternative sources of power have gained in popularity and effectiveness in recent years.  Making eco holidays in Lanzarote a reality.

Further details about available apartments and villas in Lanzarote can be found on the Lanzarote1.com website.

Planning a holiday in Lanzarote during 2010?  The fourth largest of the Canary Islands offers a host of great beaches and wonderful weather all year round.  As well as a whole raft of colourful fiestas and festivals.

Anyone planning to visit the island during 2010 will find a wealth of different accommodation options.  With good quality Lanzarote villas and hotels available in all of the main three resorts, as well as across the countryside.

Lanzarote car hire is also very affordable, making it so simple to get around and take pleasure in festivals that are going on during this spectacular period.

The year kicks off in style with the Canarian Music Festival.  A prestigious event that is staged across the entire island in the archipelago, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy some of the best classical music sounds around.  With Lanzarote playing host to performers such as The Prague National Chamber Theatre Orchestra.

Things then really start to hot up in February as Carnaval gets underway across the island.  With thousands of revellers donning colourful costumes and work pretty much grinding to a halt for a couple of weeks.  With events taking place at different times across Lanzarote.

Carnaval is staggered – so it takes place in different towns and resorts on different days.  The biggest and best events take place in the island capital of Arrecife and the oldest resort on the island of Puerto del Carmen. Where huge decorated floats and marching batacuda drum bands beat out a frenetic rhythm. Attracting thousands of residents and tourists alike – with many donning colourful costumes and partying late into the night.

During May Lanzarote becomes the venue for one of the toughest triathlons in the world.  As the annual Iron Man contest returns.  Featuring over a thousand competitors who are all battling it out for the top prize of a slot in the grand final in Hawaii.  Over a course that includes a 2km swim, 180km bike ride and a full marathon.  Which is staged along the Avenida de las Playas in Puerto del Carmen.

Corpus Christi is one of the most important events in the Catholic calendar and is celebrated on the eighth Thursday (or 60 days) after Easter, which will be the 3rd of June in 2010.  On Lanzarote it is marked with carpets created from multi coloured salt – with different municipalities all competing to come up with the most imaginative and high impact design.  The best of which cane be viewed in the capital of Arrecife or the historic town of Teguise.

You can find details of self catering villas in Lanzarote and other Lanzarote self catering accommodation on the Lanzarote guide book website.

Lanzarote in the Canary Islands offers a huge amount of things to see and do.  Despite only measuring just 60km by 40km.Boasting a host of natural wonders, the creations of a famous local artist called César Manrique and close to 100 great beaches.

Lanzarote is the most easterly of the Canaries – and is a very popular tourist destination.  Welcoming in the region of 1.5 million visitors every year – the majority of them from the UK, Germany and Eire.

The island enjoys great weather all year round and has been welcoming tourists for over forty years. Thanks to Lanzarote´s location just 100 miles off the coast of west Africa.

Standards of accommodation are high – with plenty of enticing options available around the island.  During the winter months the best weather can be found in the south – where visitors will also find a good range of hotels and holiday villas in Playa Blanca to choose from.

Exploring the island is simple as the roads are both safe and quiet – especially outside the main resorts.Whilst car hire is cheap – starting at around €13 per day.  Petrol is cheap too – at around €0.80 per litre.

1) The Timanfaya Volcano Park
No holiday in Lanzarote would be complete without a tour of the Fire Mountains.  Which was forged by enormous eruptions during the 18th and 19th centuries. 

These wiped out many villages and destroyed farmland.  Leaving fields of solidified lava and spent volcanic peaks in its wake.  Creating surreal scenery that is often likened to the surface of the moon and which has provided the backdrop for a number of major motion pictures.

2) The Jameos del Agua
This huge collapsed tunnel in the lava flow was being used as a rubbish dump by locals until César Manrique transformed it into a breathtaking underground concert venue and grotto.  Complete with bars, restaurants and a swimming pool reserved for the sole use of the King of Spain.

This was Manrique´s first major project and helped to establish Lanzarote as a hot new destination.

3) The Valley of 1000 Palms
Lanzarote is an arid and dry island with little in the way of vegetation and plant life.  So the Valley of 1000 Palms provides a real surprise – as it is packed with thousands of Canarian Palms.  As locals follow the tradition of planting two palms for every new born boy and one for a girl.  Creating a stunning oasis.

4) The Mirador del Rio
This former naval gun battery was converted by Manrique into an incredible look out point.Which is situated around 450 metres above sea level at the northern tip of the island.  And offers incredible views down to the small neighbouring island of La Graciosa.  Thought to be the real life location of Treasure Island – the classic adventure novel by Robert Louis Stevenson.

5) The Cactus Garden
This celebration of the plant world´s spiniest species is another Manrique creation.  Located in the heart of what was once the islands cactus growing country and regarded as one of the most comprehensive collections of cacti in the world.  With over 10,000 plants on show.