The most recent figures to be compiled by the ‘Wines of Lanzarote’ Regulatory Council has found that during the first quarter of 2010 sales of local wines rose by almost 30% compared with sales during the same period of 2009.
In total 466,760 bottles of local wine have been purchased between January and March, whereas last year the amount was only 360, 508. As a result, if sales continue at this level, the Council hopes that 2010 will see sales reaching or surpassing the level recorded in 2008, which amounted to …

High winds and rain caused travel chaos in the western Canary Islands yesterday.  With 18 flights to La Palma and El Hierro cancelled. Most were inter-island flights connecting the smaller islands of La Palma and El Hierro with Tenerife, although one flight from La Palma was destined for Brussels but had to put down at Tenerife South.
The State Meteorological Office has issued an orange alert until Tuesday afternoon, as further high winds are anticipated, gusting up to 95 kilometres an hour in the peaks of Teide National Park.   With high …

It’s party time on Lanzarote this month as the annual Carnival season gets underway. Starting a month of celebrations across the island.
Arrecife swings into action this weekend with the Carnaval theme dedicated to the memory of Michael Jackson. So expect an abundance of white gloves and Thriller related threads.  The main event takes place in the island capital on Monday 15th as the Carnaval Parade sways through the streets from the Cuidad Deportiva to the Cabildo building n the seafront.
The action then moves on to Puerto del Carmen from the …

Severe storms have swept across the Canaries over the last couple of days.  Causing widespread flooding on larger islands such as Tenerife.  And whilst Lanzarote has managed to escape the worst of this weather transport routes to the island have still been disrupted.  With both flight and ferry services affected.
 
Yesterday eleven flights to Lanzarote from across mainland Europe had to be diverted to Fuerteventura – with pilots unable to land on the relatively short strip at Arrecife.  Whilst three inter Canary Island ferries were unable to dock at Puerto Marmoles.
 
The …

Sales of local wine in Lanzarote fell by almost a third in 2009. The decrease meant that only 1.2 million bottles were sold compared with 1.7 million the previous year.
The figures have been calculated by the Regulatory Council that issues the Denominación de Origen labels for wines produced on the island. Whether the situation has been caused by the crisis or a lack of promotion is unclear, but 29% fewer labels were issued during 2009.
It also suggests that the level of consumption in local restaurants declined during the last year. …

Could Lanzarote´s capital city soon be home to an important new landmark building?  That will certainly be the case if the mayor of Arrecife gets his way.  As plans are afoot to use an area known as the Islote de Frances as the site for an impressive new structure.  With owners hoping that a major international name such as Sir Norman Foster can be attracted to the project.
The Islote de Frances is located in front of the Charco in the capital, enjoying an enviable coastal position that could be exploited …

The catering industry believes that 14% of all bars and restaurants in the Canary Islands are likely to close during 2010 due to the anti-smoking law.
The president of the association of bars, restaurants and cafés (Federation of Catering and Tourism Businesses or the FEHT), Fernando Company, made this estimate amidst accusations that the Government is being more papal than the pope in relation to the tobacco prohibition in public spaces.
‘It will be total ruin in these times of crisis’ he commented, ‘stating that the likely decrease in business would see …

The Canarian Government has approved a bill assigning a budget of more than two million euros for services relating to the construction of the new Palace of Congress in Lanzarote, which will be located on a plot close to the Cabildo in Arrecife.
The design for this new building was opened to tender and 52 international architectural companies submitted their proposals to create a Congress that it is hoped will give a further boost to tourism in the capital and provide an appropriate space for cultural events and conventions.
The winning design, …

Many long term island residents have claimed that the weather in Lanzarote used to be much hotter fifteen to twenty years ago.  With stories abounding about how shorts and flip flops were de-rigueur all year round.  But now these memories have been revealed as rather rose tinted – as according to official data Lanzarote is hotter now than ever before.
The report into Lanzarote´s weather over the last 48 years reveals that the annual average temperature has increased by 1.4 degrees Celsius since records began.  With 1997 identified as the warmest …

The latest Edition of Lanzarote Guidebook, the comprehensive island guide, is out now.  Download your copy fast and for free by visiting the Lanzarote Guidebook website.
The Winter 09/10 edition contains all the information visitors to the island could need to know.  Encompassing guides to all of the main, attractions, excursions and places to see on Lanzarote.  As well as an introduction to the work of Cesar Manrique and a handy Essentials section which covers al of the holiday nitty gritty such as bank opening hours and emergency phone numbers.  Don’t …