Panoramic Villas
Torreblanca is a great place to stay on the Costa del Sol. Easily accessible by train from Malaga Airport and within easy reach of a great stretch of sandy beach, it’s the perfect place to relax in the sunshine. There is also an array of great places to eat in Torreblanca, tucked away down its narrow streets, or along the seafront promenade. You can find every kind of cuisine you could ever wish for. Here is out pick of the restaurants in Torreblanca.
With technology and social media forever developing and growing, travelling on any journey has become increasingly different compared to how it used to be. The days of using guide books and paper maps to navigate around, compiled by “experts” with information that’s outdated, are no longer relied on.
Tourists from all over the world flock to just about every corner of the UK, and the numbers are steadily increasing with each year that goes by.
Whether travellers are visiting for a day, for a few weeks or even longer, we can't deny how important tourism is to the UK in terms of economic stability and overall growth.
But finally, the figures are here! Visit Britain have carried out a detailed survey
regarding tourists visiting the UK in 2017 and we're here to tell you about it.
Click here to find out more about the methodology of the 2017 survey.
So, which region is contributing most financially? Does the British weather play a part? Who has seen the biggest increase in visitors and why? All of these questions will be answered!
You may use the interactive map below to visit your desired region.
Scotland is the most northern part of Great Britain - well known traditions include dancing, celebrations at the start of a new year and the Highland Games.
There is a vast array of beautiful scenery throughout the country, including mountains (Ben Nevis being the highest in GB), lakes (better known as lochs, including the famous Loch Ness), valleys (traditionally known as glens) and forests.
Take a look at a range of interesting statistics regarding Scotland along with individual
figures for 11 of the counties below.
Number
of visits
3.21 million
Total
expenditure (£)
£2.28 billion
Total nights spent
24.4 million
Average length of stay
7.6
Average spend per visit (£)
£709
Holiday
1.86 million
Visiting Family/Relative
776,871
Business
505,154
Most popular time of year to visit?
Other interesting statistics...
Number
of
visits
21,053
Total
expenditure (£)
£5.54 million
Total
nights
spent
59,333
Average length
of stay
2.82
Average spend per
visit (£)
£263
Most popular time of year to visit?
July - September
Most popular reason to visit?
Holiday
Most popular amount of time to stay?
8-14 Nights
*Average length of stay calculated in nights.
Ireland is well known for its cultural customs and traditions including it's language, music, literature, art, food, folklore and passion for sports.
A large majority of Northern Ireland is agricultural land, and it boasts a long and wonderful coast. One of the most famous sights in Northern Ireland is the Giant's Causeway in County Antrim.
Take a look at a range of interesting statistics regarding Northern Ireland tourism below.
Number
of visits
445,604
Total
expenditure (£)
£214.47 mil
Total nights spent
2.38 million
Average length of stay
5.35
Average spend per visit (£)
£481
*Average length of stay calculated in nights.
Visiting Family/Relative
195,244
Holiday
119,637
Business
83,873
Most popular time of year to visit?
Other interesting statistics...
The North East of England covers Northumberland, County Durham, Tyne and Wear, as well as the former county of Cleveland now in North Yorkshire.
This part of the country is well known for it's strong industrial background including the manufacture of plastics and nylon, iron, steel, salt and glass.
Take a look at a range of interesting statistics regarding The North East of England
including it's 4 counties.
Number
of visits
556,132
Total
expenditure (£)
£241.26 mil
Total nights spent
5.03 million
Average length of stay
9.04
Average spend per visit (£)
£434
Visiting Family/Relative
237,467
Business
152,613
Holiday
138,296
Most popular time of year to visit?
Other interesting statistics...
Number
of
visits
369,600
Total
expenditure (£)
£153.53 mil
Total
nights
spent
2.94 million
Average length
of stay
7.94
Average spend per
visit (£)
£415
Most popular time of year to visit?
July - September
Most popular reason to visit?
Visiting Family/Relatives
Most popular amount of time to stay?
1-3 Nights
*Average length of stay calculated in nights.
The North West of England is the third-most populated region in the UK, after the South East and Greater London.
The well known features in the North West are the Lake District and the Cheshire Plain. The highest point in North West England (and the highest peak in England) is Scafell Pike,
Cumbria, at a height of 3,209 ft.
Take a look at a range of interesting statistics regarding The North West of England
including it's 5 counties.
Number
of
visits
102,472
Total
expenditure
(£)
£43.59 mil
Total
nights
spent
1.22 million
Average
length of
stay
11.91
Average spend per
visit (£)
£425
Visiting Family/Relative
237,467
Business
152,613
Holiday
138,296
Most popular time of year to visit?
Other interesting statistics...
Number
of
visits
910,772
Total
expenditure (£)
£378.89 mil
Total
nights
spent
4.08 million
Average length
of stay
4.48
Average spend per
visit (£)
£416
Most popular time of year to visit?
April - June
Most popular reason to visit?
Holiday
Most popular amount of time to stay?
1-3 Nights
*Average length of stay calculated in nights.
Yorkshire and the Humber is one of nine official regions in England.
It comprises most of Yorkshire (South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire, Hull, North Yorkshire and York), as well as North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire.
Take a look at a range of interesting statistics regarding Yorkshire & The Humber
including it's 6 counties.
Number
of
visits
1.34 million
Total
expenditure
(£)
£567.22 mil
Total
nights
spent
10.29 mil
Average
length
of stay
7.67
Average spend per
visit (£)
£423
Visiting Family/Relative
528,569
Holiday
368,666
Business
364,495
Most popular time of year to visit?
Other interesting statistics...
Number
of
visits
492,697
Total
expenditure
(£)
£197.80 mil
Total
nights
spent
3.28 mil
Average
length
of stay
6.66
Average spend per
visit (£)
£401
Most popular time of year to visit?
July - September
Most popular reason to visit?
Visiting Family/Relatives
Most popular amount of time to stay?
1-3 Nights
*Average length of stay calculated in nights.
The East Midlands is one of nine official regions of England. The eastern part of the
Midlands consists of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire (except North and North East Lincolnshire), Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Rutland.
The East Midlands is home to large quantities of limestone and the famous Charnwood Forest is well known for it's levels of volcanic rock, estimated to be around 600 million years old.
Take a look at a range of interesting statistics regarding the East Midlands including it's 5 counties.
Number
of
visits
1.28 million
Total
expenditure
(£)
£443.62 mil
Total
nights
spent
9.8 mil
Average
length
of stay
7.65
Average spend per
visit (£)
£346
Visiting Family/Relative
555,311
Business
442,418
Holiday
226,450
Most popular time of year to visit?
Other interesting statistics...
Number
of
visits
341,294
Total
expenditure
(£)
£125.15 mil
Total
nights
spent
3.01 mil
Average
length
of stay
8.81
Average spend per
visit (£)
£367
Most popular time of year to visit?
April - June
Most popular reason to visit?
Visiting Family/Relatives
Most popular amount of time to stay?
4-7 Nights
*Average length of stay calculated in nights.
The West Midlands is a metropolitan county and city region in western England with a 2014 estimated population of 2,808,356, making it the second highest populated county in
England
West Midlands is an eclectic mix of town and country including Birmingham’s city
attractions, charming small towns and quaint villages full of character and open spaces
allowing visitors to get away from it all and enjoy the best of the scenic English countryside.
Take a look at a range of interesting statistics regarding the West Midlands including it's 4 counties.
Number
of
visits
2.32 million
Total
expenditure
(£)
£806.94 mil
Total
nights
spent
14.16 mil
Average
length
of stay
6.1
Average spend per
visit (£)
£348
Business
916,038
Visiting Friends/Relatives
822,983
Holiday
496,937
Most popular time of year to visit?
Other interesting statistics...
Number
of
visits
392,963
Total
expenditure
(£)
£145.01 mil
Total
nights
spent
2.46 mil
Average
length
of stay
6.26
Average spend per
visit (£)
£369
Most popular time of year to visit?
July - September
Most popular reason to visit?
Visiting Family/Relatives
Most popular amount of time to stay?
1-3 Nights
*Average length of stay calculated in nights.
The East of England is the most eastern region of England and indeed of the entire UK.
The area is historically a rural region of small capitals, market towns and small picturesque
villages. The character of the flattish landscape has been heavily influenced by the people that live on it transforming marshland into fertile farmland, and the ancient excavations that resulted in the waterways of Norfolk's Broads.
Take a look at a range of interesting statistics regarding the East of England including it's 6 counties.
Number
of
visits
2.41 million
Total
expenditure
(£)
£815.20 mil
Total
nights
spent
16.09 mil
Average
length
of stay
6.68
Average spend per
visit (£)
£339
Visiting Friends/Relatives
1.09 million
Business
616,750
Holiday
537,487
Most popular time of year to visit?
Other interesting statistics...
Number
of
visits
225,114
Total
expenditure
(£)
£63.57 mil
Total
nights
spent
1.51 mil
Average
length
of stay
6.73
Average spend per
visit (£)
£282
Most popular time of year to visit?
July - September
Most popular reason to visit?
Visiting Family/Relatives
Most popular amount of time to stay?
1-3 Nights
*Average length of stay calculated in nights.
The capital city of London boasts a wealth of culture and history, did you know that 3000 languages are spoken throughout Greater London?
London is known for the London Eye, Big Ben & The Millennium Dome as well as being known for it's traditional big red buses, black cabs and endless amounts of pigeons.
Take a look at a range of interesting statistics regarding Greater London.
Number
of
visits
19.83 million
Total
expenditure
(£)
£13.55 bil
Total
nights
spent
114.02 mil
Average
length
of stay
5.75
Average spend per
visit (£)
£683
*Average length of stay calculated in nights.
Holiday
10.05 million
Visiting Friends/Relatives
4.99 million
Business
3.52 million
Most popular time of year to visit?
Other interesting statistics...
South East England is the sunniest region in the UK.
It's entire section of coastline averages more than 1,600 sunshine hours per year and more than 7 hours per day during the summer months.
Take a look at a range of interesting statistics regarding the South East of England and the 9 counties.
Number
of
visits
5.32 million
Total
expenditure
(£)
£2.14 bil
Total
nights
spent
38.60 mil
Average
length
of stay
7.26
Average spend per
visit (£)
£402
Visiting Friends/Relatives
2.08 million
Holiday
1.62 million
Business
1.18 million
Most popular time of year to visit?
Other interesting statistics...
Number
of
visits
646,990
Total
expenditure
(£)
£175.88 mil
Total
nights
spent
2.96 mil
Average
length
of stay
4.58
Average spend per
visit (£)
£272
Most popular time of year to visit?
July - September
Most popular reason to visit?
Visiting Family/Relatives
Most popular amount of time to stay?
1-3 Nights
*Average length of stay calculated in nights.
The South West of England has the largest area of all regions reaching from Gloucestershire and Wiltshire to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
Agriculture and tourism are the important industries of the region and mining of tin and copper were formerly crucial in Devon and Cornwall.
Take a look at a range of interesting statistics regarding the South West of England and the 7 counties.
Number
of
visits
2.58 million
Total
expenditure
(£)
£1.21 bil
Total
nights
spent
20.73 mil
Average
length
of stay
8.02
Average spend per
visit (£)
£466
Holiday
1.09 million
Visiting Family/Relatives
998,037
Business
392,151
Most popular time of year to visit?
Other interesting statistics...
Number
of
visits
314,591
Total
expenditure
(£)
£105.54 mil
Total
nights
spent
1.96 mil
Average
length
of stay
6.23
Average spend per
visit (£)
£335
Most popular time of year to visit?
July - September
Most popular reason to visit?
Holiday
Most popular amount of time to stay?
4-7 Nights
Wales, also known as Cymru, is one of the prettiest parts of the United Kingdom and also well-known for its rich history and culture.
Did you know, only 21% of the entire Welsh population of Wales can speak the native
language and it also believed that the country has more castles per square mile than
anywhere else in the entire world.
Take a look at a range of interesting statistics regarding the country of Wales along all of it's 22 counties.
Number
of
visits
1.08 million
Total
expenditure
(£)
£368.76 mil
Total
nights
spent
6.89 mil
Average
length
of stay
6.39
Average spend per
visit (£)
£342
Holiday
427,739
Visiting Family/Relatives
358,234
Business
163,797
Most popular time of year to visit?
Other interesting statistics...
Number
of
visits
33,859
Total
expenditure
(£)
£5.87 mil
Total
nights
spent
169,101
Average
length
of stay
4.99
Average spend per
visit (£)
£174
Most popular time of year to visit?
July - September
Most popular reason to visit?
Visiting Family/Relatives
Most popular amount of time to stay?
8-14 Nights
*Average length of stay calculated in nights.
An important note about the survey's methodology
Visitors who spend at least one night in the UK during their trip are asked where they stayed. This information can then be aggregated to look at the number of visits, nights, and spending in
different regions, cities, and towns.
So, which region is contributing most financially? Does the British weather play a part? Who has seen the biggest increase in visitors and why? All of these questions will be answered in our visual right here.
We all know how exciting the build up to a holiday is whether it’s six months away, two months away or two days away! No matter how organised you are though, packing is usually the worst part and is why most of us are guilty are leaving it to the last minute. Make holiday packing a breeze and transform some of your holiday packing methods.
In our detailed guide below, we’ve got a list of 50 holiday packing tips for your next adventure! Covering general luggage tips, clothing packing tips, toiletry packing tips, gadget and document packing tips, as well as food and medicine tips, we’ve got you covered for your next vacation.
Whether your next adventure is a yoga retreat or fitness holiday, a relaxing beach holiday, city break or even a cruise, careful planning when it comes to your packing will save you a lot of hassle in the long-run. Within the guide, there are also some fantastic tips from top travel experts! Read on below to see just what they have to say.
"Pack plastic carrier bags in your suitcase - it may sound silly but they are essential for packing because they’re multipurpose. Plastic bags can be used to protect clothes from damage, leaking sun cream, shampoo and other toiletries, as well as to separate and pack dirty laundry you acquire during your travels.
Plastic zip lock bags are also a great item to use, particularly handy for protecting and separating your gadgets from the other contents in your suitcase."
"One of my greatest tips is to pack everything into bags. Sounds silly but it actually comes in super handy. I label mine as tops, bottoms, underwear, jewellery and bathroom stuff. It is great if you have a big rucksack and need to find certain bits, and you don't want to unfold everything. You can actually buy travel bags - but plastic bags work just as well!"
This should be one of the first things to do before starting your holiday packing (other than ensuring you have a suitcase). Making a packing checklist will help you to be thorough and ensure you’re not forgetting anything. You can split up your checklist into essentials, hand luggage, clothes, accessories and then toiletry and beauty products.
Don’t leave your packing until the last minute to then realise you need to buy a new toothbrush, some travel sized bottles, or even some new underwear. As part of your packing checklist, you should write a diary note to at least start the packing process two days in advance.
Most airlines will have restrictions when it comes to your luggage – both your hand luggage and the luggage which you want to place in the hold. This is mainly often just the amount of bags you have, as well as the weight you’re allowed per passenger. There are also restrictions on the size of your bags, as well as restrictions on what items you’re not allowed to take in your hand luggage.
There are so many stylish and sleek suitcases out there that you really are spoilt for choice! Size and weight should definitely play the most important role when you’re out suitcase shopping. Buying a suitcase which has metal protection might be good for durability; however it will really impact on your luggage allowance.
Avoid any issues when it comes to collecting your luggage from the conveyor belt and not being able to identify your own suitcase by sprucing it up a bit. Especially if you’ve got plain black luggage, you could add stickers, a coloured ribbon or even just ensuring your suitcase has a tag is a good start.
If you haven’t already heard of them, packing cubes are about to transform the way you pack. Packing cubes will help you to organise your belongings and keep them compact. As well as keeping clothes neat and less creased, packing cubes can also help you to maximise your space.
Keep your luggage smelling fresh by packing a fabric conditioner sheet or scented drawer liner here and there. When you get to your destination you could also use them in your hotel room as well, especially if it’s a comforting scent and smells like home.
If you’re travelling as a couple or with any family members, to avoid any issues if your luggage gets lost or goes astray you should use half of each other’s suitcase. Therefore, if your suitcase did happen to go astray then at least you’ve got some back up clothing, underwear and toiletries.
Avoid squashing or damaging any delicate or fragile items by packing the heaviest items (not including your towel) at the bottom of your suitcase. These heavy or bulky items might include electrical items such as a hairdryer, shaver or straighteners, shoes and then certain accessories including belts and handbags.
It’s often a good idea to place your towel on the top when it comes to packing. You might want to use it straight away at the hotel for freshening up or for heading straight to the pool (especially if your hotel room isn’t ready yet). Your towel also comes in handy for some additional padding in your suitcase.
Unfortunately luggage theft incidents do still happen so it’s best to take any precautions where possible. Packing any valuables in your hand luggage rather than in your hold luggage means that you’ll have them on you at all times. This might include your purse or wallet, jewellery, mobile phone and any other digital devices.
Just like they’d do at the airport, you should check the weight of your luggage yourself at home. This helps you to know how much extra weight allowance you’ve got. Luggage scales are really worth purchasing, as you can just pop them in your suitcase and take them on holiday with you.
There’s nothing worse than any last minute panics either on the morning of travelling or even when you get to the airport. Avoid any issues by checking and double checking that you have the absolute essentials for your holiday. These are your passport, travel insurance documents, tickets/booking confirmations, bank cards and travel money, mobile phone and charger, as well as any medication.
Take some bubble wrap on your travels. This might sound silly but take some folded bubble wrap in your suitcase with you. It will come in handy when you’re travelling back from your holiday and you’re bringing home some delicate mementos and keepsakes.
If you’ve made the right choice when it comes to buying your suitcase, then hopefully you’ve got various compartments inside your bag. This is useful when it comes to organising your clothes, underwear, toiletries and gadgets etc. Just make sure not to put anything in outside pockets if your luggage is going into the hold!
It has been known that pets do like to come and sit in an empty suitcase to claim their territory or just to remind you to pack them too. Yes they might look cute and they might just fit in, however they will take up quite a bit of your weight allowance so it is recommended to remove any pets from your suitcase.
"Pack for your activities – by planning your outfits in advance you can avoid chaotic mornings and always be prepared to take on the day. Whether your next adventure is a yoga, fitness, cultural or water sports holiday, pre-planning saves a lot of hassle in the long-run. Once you have each outfit laid out, fold (or roll) them together and pack them in the order in which you’ll need them. Don’t be tempted to overpack ‘just in case’; plan ahead, and you’ll have exactly what you need."
Not only does rolling your clothes instead of folding them save space but it also prevents them from getting too creased as well. This technique can also be applied with specific outfits. For example, you could roll up a dress with underwear and then wrap it all up with a pair of socks to save space.
You might have a friend or relative who has already been victim to a lost luggage scenario, so to make the best out of the situation (if it were to ever happen to you), pack a change of clothes as well as essential medicines and toiletries in your hand luggage as a backup.
There are 3 items which you should pack in your hand luggage to avoid any luggage issues from ruining your holiday. The first is some swimwear so at least you’ll be able to relax by the pool, the second is a versatile outfit or dress which you can wear for day and night, and the third is a multitasking scarf which you could wear as a sarong, shawl, head scarf or even use as a towel.
Unless you’ll be arriving somewhere hot and between noon and 3pm (which is generally the hottest time of day for most countries), wearing your heaviest and most bulky items will hopefully save you some weight in your luggage. Heavy items might include long trousers or jeans, long dresses, and then a jacket or jumper.
Aim to only pack items of clothing or shoes that you’re happy wearing at least twice (or even 3 times). This ensures that the pieces you do end up packing are much more versatile and hopefully will result in you packing less stuff.
Even if you’re going away on holiday for two or three weeks, you should only try packing enough clothes and shoes for one week. It will be harder to choose those items but you’re likely to wear most of them twice anyway so it’ll really help you to cut back on what you take. You can always wash the clothes whilst you’re on holiday anyway.
It might be a tough choice, especially if you’re known to own more than ten pairs of shoes, but versatility over volume really is key when it comes to deciding which shoes to pack. It will depend on how long you’re going away for and what types of activities you’ve be doing, but as a general rule three pairs of shoes is usually a good amount for a 1-2 week vacation.
Particularly if you’re going somewhere sunny and warm then you’ll most likely be packing some light-coloured clothing. Avoid any stains from grubby shoes in your case by packing your light-coloured clothing inside out.
This might not be relevant to every destination but if you often struggle to decide what to wear when packing, then matching your colour palette to your holiday destination might just help. For example, you could pack rich azure blues and whites for the Greek Islands, or you could pack burnt orange and berry hues if you’re going somewhere like Marrakech.
Grubby shoes can be a nuisance when it comes to travelling both to and from your holiday destination. Avoid any unwanted stains or dirty suitcases by using a disposable shower cap to cover the base of your shoes. Just wrapping them in a plastic bag will work too!
This goes without saying really but you should keep updated with the weather of your destination right up until the day you’re going. This will help you to mentally prepare for the weather conditions as well as helping you to pack the most appropriate clothing and accessories.
Even if you have researched the weather and it says blue skies and sunshine all week, we’re not suggesting you should pack your best waterproof and windproof outdoor jacket but it certainly wouldn’t hurt to pack a lighting pac-a-mac which won’t take up much space in your luggage.
Don’t waste any space where you pack your shoes and instead pack socks, rolled up t-shirts or gadgets inside your shoes. As well as utilising your shoe space, you should also tuck underwear and socks into any spare gaps between other clothing and luggage items.
Take a laundry bag (or just a plastic bag) in your suitcase to separate your dirty laundry and clean laundry whilst on holiday. Especially if you’re away for a few weeks, you’ll want to know where your clean clothes are at and to also make things easier when you return home.
Compress your belongings safely and securely by investing in some vacuum storage bags for your holiday travels. Not only will they reduce the volume of your clothes and help to add more space in your suitcase but they will also protect your items from dirt, dust and damp. Only downside is that you do usually need to use a vacuum cleaner to seal it all up.
“For stress-free cruising, we highly recommend that you take a first aid kit, since medications onboard can be expensive. To create more space in a small cabin, we also suggest packing an over-the-door shoe holder so you can easily store small items such as make up, toiletries and jewellery. It is also worth taking a foldable bag for bringing back things you want to buy onboard and ashore, as well as a good size bag for day trips or beach trips. This can also be used to house your first day essentials onboard, since you might not receive your luggage in your room for a good few hours.
It is also advised to bring along a small power strip - no more than two outlets and not power surge protected - to charge your smart gadgets, as there are often not enough outlets in cruise cabins. Lastly, for men, it is worth packing at least a jacket, if not a suit and tie, for more formal nights onboard."
If there are certain medications that you really need to rely on then always bring a few days extra, just in case there are any delays either going out or coming back home. You should also bring a few extra medications for headaches, colds, allergies and even an upset stomach, especially if it’s a destination you’ve not been to before.
If you’ve got a bit of extra space in your suitcase, then it’s always worth packing a few of your favourite snacks and favourite tea and coffee brands. They might come in handy if you miss the hotel breakfast one day, or even if you arrive at your hotel late on the first night and need a comforting cup of tea before bed.
Keep all of your essential travel documents all in one place and close to hand. Having your passport, tickets, travel insurance etc in a clear wallet or ziplock bag will help you identify them quickly and easily. Ziplock bags are also great for organising your electrical items such as chargers and other cables.
Keep all your electronic cables tidy and organised by securing them individually with cable ties. As mentioned above, pack them in an easy-to-spot bag such as a clear bag which will especially come in handy at airport security when you need to place electrical items in the tray.
Keeping a copy of your important documents is underestimated and should be quite high on your priority list. Particularly documents that you’ll need for travelling such as passport, boarding passes, travel insurance, driving licence, you should ensure you have either a digital or physical copy for reference.
You shouldn’t keep all your travel money in just one place, although try and not hide it so well that you can’t find it again! You’re always going to need some cash on holiday, however it’s definitely worth checking the conditions of using your credit or debit card abroad to save you carrying around lots of cash.
Different countries have their own standard plug type and voltage, and although some plug types are interchangeable for several countries it’s best to double check. You might be able to grab one at the airport, however it’s not guaranteed and it’s also likely to cost you more!
Leave the heavy paperbacks, travel guides and maps at home – instead transfer all your reading material and documents to your mobile phone/tablet/kindle before you go. Well, depending on how reliable your digital devices are anyway and you also might want to avoid having to rely on the local wifi access too.
To save space on your phone or to avoid packing unnecessary additional cameras or memory cards, you should try uploading your holiday snaps on the go by uploading to Google photos. This also helps to create a backup of any really precious holiday moments as well.
Even if you’re packing bottles of shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, moisturiser etc into your main luggage, it’s still a good idea to take travel size bottles where you can. This will help to free up some space as well decrease the weight of your toiletries.
Before placing your bottled products (shampoo, conditioner, shower gel etc) into your wash bag, add a layer of cling film under the twisting cap of your bottles. This will help prevent your toiletries from exploding all over each other or over any other items in your suitcase.
With airport security limiting the amount of liquids you can take in your hand luggage anyway, it’s a good idea to try and limit the rest of your liquids. Either by taking fewer products or you could also buy solid versions e.g. shampoo bars, conditioner bars, soap bars instead of your shower gel.
This might not be obvious to everyone, as you might get tempted to slip that shampoo bottle into a shoe or into that little bit of extra space between your t-shirts, however it’s advised to pack your toiletries in a separate container or wash bag so they don’t explode all over your clean clothes.
Particularly if you’re a frequent traveller and not always staying in a hotel where they might provide a hairdryer, it might be worth investing in a travel size hairdryer and some straighteners. Similar to downsizing your travel products, downsizing your electrical items will also help to save space.
Bringing a small bottle of travel hand wash with you means you can freshen up any of your clothes or underwear on the go. This also means that you could actually pack fewer items of clothes, as you can just wash them on holiday – particularly useful for underwear.
To help prevent any of your powder compacts from smashing or crumbling during your travels, try placing a cotton wool pad between the pressed powder and the lid which will help provide more cushioning.
Whether your next adventure is a yoga retreat or fitness holiday, a relaxing beach holiday, city break or even a cruise, careful planning when it comes to your packing will save you a lot of hassle in the long-run. Within the guide, there are also some fantastic tips from top travel experts! Read on below to see just what they have to say.
Playa Blanca is a beautiful southern town on the Spanish island of Lanzarote. Awarded many times for its peaceful tranquillity, it has now become the third largest tourist area on the island - which comes as no surprise as it's the ideal place for the whole family to relax in.
You will find a whole host of restaurants, bars and shops along the Playa Blanca boardwalk, and the streets running parallel to it, at the edge of the old town. The recreational port is also a must visit with many activities to get involved in.
Playa Blanca boasts a selection of bars, restaurants, businesses and is known as one of the best recreational ports in Lanzarote. It is also surrounded by many beautiful beaches where white sand and clear blue waters wash against the rocks.
Being very familiar with this area (and the surrounding) whilst having many villas to rent in Playa Blanca, we thought it made sense to put together a guide of must-see and must-do things for everyone to enjoy.
Choose from the five sections below to get started...
The Playa Blanca carnival is an annual celebration packed with culture, diversity and entertainment which includes a flamboyant street parade, colourful dancers, performers and prizes to be won.
This year was a “Rock n Roll” theme and the theme of the carnival changes each year.
Find out more about this year’s itinerary here.
The vibrant red mountain of Montaña Roja, often pronounced montana Roger instead of montanya roha as it sounds in Spanish, is simply a thing of natural beauty, and has even been linked to
mysterious UFO sightings in the past.
This volcano is situated in the far South of Lanzarote and to walk around it fully is roughly 3km.
Although a fairly steep incline, travelling up the path would be suitable for most to manage, all we would say is take your time up and enjoy the view.
This walk can easily be extended along the Playa Blanca promenade or taking the track down to the coast behind.
Marina Rubicón is a unique setting, in the south of Lanzarote, between the natural monument of los Ajaches and Playa Blanca.
In this magnificent setting, in the heart of the tourist centre of Playa Blanca, Marina Rubicón has (since 2003) complemented and improved its facilities to become a commercial, sports and leisure centre of the highest level accessible to everybody.
You can enjoy activities of all kinds including nautical sports, activities and excursions, plus everything that both Marina Rubicon and Marina Village have to offer.
Every Wednesday and Saturday, from 9am til 2pm, you can enjoy the wonderful Marina Rubicon Market, which offers a huge variety of stalls with local products from island traders.
Castillo de Las Coloradas aka Las Coloradas’ Castle is located on the promenade not far passed Marina Rubicón towards the town of Papagayo.
It was built near the primitive Rubicón Tower and was constructed by Jean de Bethencourt during the first settlement of Europeans in Canarias in 1402. It is nowadays historically conceived as one of the most outstanding archeological structures in Lanzarote.
Enjoy views towards Papagayo on one side and across the ocean towards Isla de Lobos and
Fuerteventura on the other It makes a great cultural stop if you happen to be walking along the Playa Blanca Promenade.
The natural, beautiful swimming pools of Los Charcones can be found in the south of Lanzarote and only a five minute drive from Playa Blanca. A vast selection of pools of various sizes, depths and shapes are a joy to see.
Los Charcones has everything you need to relax, sit back and read a book or enjoy the visuals with your loved ones. With pools for relaxing swims and separate diving areas, there is a constant trickle of natural swimming pools along almost two kilometres from the Pechiguera lighthouse.
Only accessible by a dirt track, the open seas and fresh winds are more than made up for by a
natural design that we can confidently say will win you over!
A visit to the Timanfaya National Park is a must visit when in Lanzarote. The spectacular
volcanic landscape, that covers almost a quarter of the entire island, was created over six years of near-continuous volcanic eruptions.
A visit to the Timanfaya National Park is a must visit when in Lanzarote. The spectacular
volcanic landscape, that covers almost a quarter of the entire island, was created over six years of near-continuous volcanic eruptions.
The Volcano Park is one of Lanzarote's most popular tourist attraction. Every year, close to 1
million people visited this unique landscape that is home to a sea of colourful volcanoes and spent cones.
The heat just below the earth's crust is still so intense that the restaurant at Timanfaya uses an opening in the ground to grill meat and fish that they then serve to diners. Go into the grill room and experience the heat for yourself!
Janubio salt flats are the biggest salt flats still producing in the Canary Islands. Their amazing colours are a must-see for tourists in Lanzarote.
The salt industry used to be very important in the Canary Islands but sadly most of the old salt pans have been destroyed and constructed over.
Interesting fact; the now tourist town of Costa Teguise used to be filled with giant salt flats. The Janubio Salt Flats’ warehouse is open from 7:00 am til 2:30 pm every day for all to browse and buy their products.
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One of the principal attractions at El Golfo is the famous Green Lagoon - an incredible phenomenon in the cove, where sea water is trapped in the form of a lake and has turned a wonderful acidic green colour, due to the algae which lives and grows there.
The beach itself is made up of pebbles, and the cliffs behind the lagoon are equally as dramatic, having been wind eroded into fantastic shapes over the course of the centuries. The scenery is
further enhanced by the large rocks which sit just off the beach and causes the sea to crash around them.
If driving, you'll travel through part of the Natural Volcano Park, which encircles the Timanfaya Park on all sides, to reach this little village.
Ready to witness an amazing spectacle of nature? Los Hervideros is just that. This stretch of uniquely shaped cliffs is north of Playa Blanca towards El Golfo and is often visited by
holidaymakers for the strange yet wonderful views on show.
This coastal area boasts an abundance of underwater caves produced by the solidification of both lava and erosion.
Los Hervideros refers to the amazing display that sees the waves force water into the area of caves with such power that it appears as if the sea is boiling.
Playa Dorada aka The Golden Beach (which is the literal translation) is certainly an accurate
description thanks to it's warm sands with fantastic shades of agave.
The sea around Playa Dorada is generally calm and it is a popular spot with residents who like to get up early and take a morning swim.
The beach isn't too far from the main resort area of Playa Blanca and is well served by shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.
For those who want to grab a beer and lounge around in the sun all day, the beach at Paseo
Maritimo is perfect for soaking up some rays whilst enjoying picturesque sea views.
The promenade is the main feature here which boasts a lovely stroll and even more beautiful views to feast your eyes on.
Simply delightful, a place you must visit!
Just a few minutes walk to the west of the town along the sea-front, you will find the Playa Flamingo beach which is also very clean, safe and family-friendly.
Although outside of the town centre, you can still find a number of shops, restaurants and bars to satisfy your needs during the day.
This is the nearest beach to the new developments around Montaña Roja, including Faro Park,
Carlos Park and Shangrila.
Playa Blanca Beach (also known as The White Beach) has a European Blue Flag for cleanliness and is at the heart of the town.
It’s central location means you won't ever struggle to find any bars, cafes and restaurants as well as other shops and amenities that are often needed, to make your sunbathing a stress-free pleasure.
Although rather small, this beach is a favourite amongst locals and visitors, as there is plenty to see and an ideal place for those who love to do a bit of people watching.
Papagayo is one of he most well known of all the beaches in Playa Blanca. In
reality, it's actually a collection of small beaches that are all separated by high cliffs, forming a number of lovely sheltered bays.
The area has been well protected and is now also a national park which can be accessed via a dirt road (there is a small charge to use this route) or by the coastal pathway which starts at the eastern end of the resort.
You can also reach Papagayo via a Water Taxi from the harbour in Playa Blanca, if you're feeling fancy!
Always wanted to get up close and personal with sea creatures? You'll be happy to know that there are many ways to endure some deep-sea diving whilst staying in Playa Blanca.
Lanzarote Non Stop Divers are based in Playa Blanca and aim to offer an unforgettable
experience that allows you to discover the underwater world.
Many have commented on seeing animals including the octopus, angel shark and barracuda. We'd recommend contacting a dive master if you'd like to learn more about how you can get involved.
Submarine Safaris are a Lanzarote based company that offer "an underwater experience of a lifetime" - and according to many other tourists, a submarine tour makes for a wonderful family day out for both adults and children to enjoy.
The company on the island of Lanzarote in 1997 in Puerto Calero (one of the islands most exclusive marinas). Since opening, they've carried out over 23,000 dives, taking 800,000+ clients to the
bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, and of course back again.
Due to the company's success and demand for a submarine experience, they opened a new
operation in 2007 on the island of Tenerife in Marina San Miguel, situated in the south of the island.
Dive College Lanzarote offer a whole host of activities including guided boat and shore dives (for certified divers), guided dives to Museo Atlántico and even dives in the sea for absolute beginners.
There location is unique as they are the only dive centre in Playa Blanca that is situated directly on the beach (perfect!). This direct access is a huge advantage as you can quickly get to all dive sites, meaning no time-consuming transport to and from each site.
Visit the website for more details on how to get started.
The Museo Atlántico in Playa Blanca is the only underwater sculpture museum that exists in Europe and has only been open to the public since March 2016.
Most divers come here to dive amongst the wonderful sculptures (pictured above) that are
creations of artist Jason deCaires Taylor who is renowned for his underwater art.
The underwater museum in Lanzarote is situated in a well protected area near Coloradas at a depth of 15 metres.
View local attractions and landmarks in a completely different way by gliding through a fantastic off road adventure with Moving Segway Lanzarote.
Enjoy spectacular views and take in all the scenery of the wonderful Papagayo beaches or visit a site of indigenous people and huge volcanoes.
Whether you're after a relaxing stroll across the seafront or an interesting historical adventure filled with culture, these guys will provide!
For full prices and times, visit the website.
Explore the famous south coast of Lanzarote and take in the gorgeous golden beaches of Papagayo on a luxury catamaran.
Whether you want to swim in the pristine waters, get up close with nature with a touch of
snorkelling or do some dolphin spotting on a jet ski, all of these boxes can and will be ticked!
It's also worth noting that adult-only cruise are available with luxury champagne cocktails provided along with Ffree pick up from Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise and Puerto del Carmen.
If you're a lover of shopping, you'll discover several places to shop as well as an array of stores
offering all kinds of local produce and handmade crafts goods including perfume, jewellery and clothes that can be purchased at reasonable prices.
We highly recommend visiting the Teguise Sunday Market, a place filled with colour and vibrancy, where you can buy many interesting souvenirs, crafts and local produce (traditional wine, cheese and sauces) which make tasty reminders of your stay in Playa Blanca.
The shopping districts in Lanzarote are located in the main resorts of Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise.
Windsurfing Club Las Cucharas has been a part of Lanzarote for over 25 years offering the best in windsurfing lessons, rentals and much more.
They offer the best boards and sails for you to be on the water every day and they are located in Las Cucharas beach, Costa Teguise. This spot offers perfect conditions for both beginners and
advanced windsurfers.
When the wind isn't out to play, there are other ways to experience the joy of being out on the
water including stand up paddle, kayak and of course, surfing.
Boasting a variety of 10 surf spots throughout Lanzarote, Kaboti Surf invite you to "feel the spirit of surfing" in Lanzarote by offering you the best opportunity to have an unforgettable surfing experience.
Whether you're a complete beginner or an enthusiast, the professionals and teachers will offer you the right guidance and take you to the most appropriate surf spots, depending on your experience.
Although there are few places to kite surf in Lanzarote, the natural volcanic landscapes with the April to October trade winds, make for an unforgettable kite surfing experience.
Famara is known as "Lanzarote's king of the kite surf beaches" and at a whopping 4km in length, there is room for everyone. All the kite surf schools are based in the small village of Caleta de Famara - make sure you shop around to find the right one for your level of experience!
If you want to experience a completely different view of the Playa Blanca area, Stand Up Paddle (or SUP) is the choice for you.
SUP is suitable for all ages and if you have a desire to learn Stand up Paddling correctly, while
having someone supervising you for safety, Wind Blue Sports offer SUP initiation lessons which couldn't be better for beginners.
Whether your plan is to have a view of Playa Blancas' promenade or the main beaches in the area, get in touch to find out how you can get involved.
Barney's bistro and music bar boast spectacular sea views of the Marina and Fuerteventura whilst offering you a range of cocktails and pub grub style food to feast on.
They are located in Centro Comercial Papagayo which is right next to the main Playa Dorado beach, Playa Blanca.
They even offer live music every night which is ideal for those who like to watch local musicians in action.
The Lounge Bar is a fantastic bar made to chill-out in and is located in the heart of Faro Park.
They offer a range of ice-cold beers served in frozen glasses, great selection of classic and modern cocktails, wines and speciality gins.
If you're out for a few quiet drinks, this is the place to be.
Looking for a place to drink with a big atmosphere and plenty of places to sit and relax? We have a feeling you'd enjoy the Jungle Bar Terrace.
The bar opens every day from 8:30 am to serve a variety of delicious breakfast options and throughout the day offer a range of snacks, freshly made burgers, cocktails and live music from 9:30 pm
They also play the biggest and best sporting events shown on 5 big screens in various locations throughout the space - good to know if you're on holiday and need a place to watch the football!
Wax Bar opened there doors in May 2005 offering a unique experience on the island with an open invite to all.
Known for it's relaxing atmosphere, big screens, comfortable seating and a wide variety of drinks to choose from – it's the go to place for many who visit Playa Blanca.
The bar is located in Centro Comercial Papagayo (the commercial centre) which is situated behind Playa Dorada, the biggest beach in Playa Blanca.
Sit back and relax with a cold drink whilst enjoying the beautiful sea views on the roof top at The Galeria Bar.
This gorgeous little hidden gem of a bar isn't the biggest in Playa Blanca by anyh means, but the stunning views out across the ocean make up for the lack of space.
The staff are friendly, welcoming and are more than happy to help you choose from an amazing selection of cocktails.
