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 …

A new mountain bike route in Lanzarote will be inaugurated tomorrow at the Castillo de San José. Totalling some 205 kilometres in length the cycle path will take riders through most of the varied landscapes the island has to offer.
This new sporting initiative will be officially unveiled at 20.00 on 3rd December at the Castillo by Iñaki Lejarreta Errasti, an international mountain bike competitor who attended the Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008 and the World Championship in 2001. The route will have six distinct stages,

The deceased King of Pops´s spirit lives on in Lanzarote! As Michael Jackson has been selected as the theme for 2010 Arrecife Carnaval – which will be taking place from February 5th to the 17th.
Every year the organisers of Carnaval select a new theme for the event – often plumping for something newsworthy that has caught the imagination of the general public. And with Jackson’s death proving to be such a major media story a celebration of his life has been deemed as a fitting tribute to one of the …

Expat residents of Lanzarote can take advantage of a couple of excellent flight offers.  Courtesy of Jet2 and Binter Canarais.
Low cost British based airline Jet2 has just expanded their loyalty scheme – MyJet2 – to encompass Spain and the Canaries.  With customers able to earn points on flights and other services booked.  Which can then be redeemed against future bookings.
Every pound or euro spent on a booking of any sort earns a point. Jet2.com destinations are split into two zones, with the Canary Islands in zone two. Customers who accumulate …

Budget airline easyJet is launching new flights to Lanzarote from John Lennon Airport.  Thanks to the introduction to their fleet of new Airbus 320 aircraft – which have helped open up new services to both Lanzarote and neighboring Fuerteventura.
The new aircraft has a longer range than existing craft such as the Boeing 737 and can carry 180 passengers. The new route to Lanzarote which launches today, Tuesday 3 November, will provide a three times weekly service with prices starting from as little as £40.99 (one-way, including taxes).
According to Trevor Spinks, …