Lanzarote: A Volcanic Island Getaway
Landing in a Lunar Landscape
As our plane touched down in Lanzarote, we were immediately struck by the island’s unique and otherworldly landscape. Rolling hills of volcanic rock and sparse vegetation created a stark contrast to the lush greenery we were used to.
A Luxurious Retreat
We checked into the luxurious Lanzarote Secrets hotel, part of the Hyatt chain. The moment we stepped into the lobby, we were greeted with a warm welcome and a glass of Cava. Our room was modern, comfortable, and boasted stunning ocean views. One of the unexpected highlights was the friendly resident cats that roamed the hotel grounds.
Indulging in All-Inclusive Bliss
For the first time, we decided to indulge in an all-inclusive holiday. We spent our days relaxing by the pool, soaking up the sun, and enjoying delicious meals at the hotel’s restaurants. The all-inclusive package allowed us to truly unwind and forget about our daily worries.
Exploring the Volcanic Wonders
To explore the island’s volcanic wonders, we rented a car and headed to Timanfaya National Park. The park’s otherworldly landscape, with its lava fields, volcanic cones, and geothermal activity, is a must-see for any visitor to Lanzarote. However, be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season.
We also ventured to the northern tip of the island to admire the stunning views from the Mirador del RÃo. The panoramic vistas of the island of Graciosa and the surrounding coastline are truly breathtaking.
A Taste of Local Culture
We spent a day exploring the charming town of Teguise, famous for its weekly market. The market offers a variety of local handicrafts, souvenirs, and fresh produce. While it can get quite crowded, it’s a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture.
A Memorable Getaway
Overall, our trip to Lanzarote was a fantastic experience. The island’s unique volcanic landscape, combined with its luxurious resorts and friendly locals, made it the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway.
Tips for Your Lanzarote Adventure:
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Lanzarote is during the spring or autumn months when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller.
- Car Rental: Renting a car is the best way to explore the island at your own pace.
- Sun Protection: Don’t forget to pack plenty of sunscreen, as the sun can be intense.
- Local Cuisine: Be sure to try the local seafood, especially the fresh fish and shellfish.
- Island Hopping: Consider taking a boat trip to the nearby islands of Graciosa or La Graciosa.
We hope this blog post has inspired you to plan your own trip to Lanzarote.
Getting there summary…
A Smooth Start: Our Ryanair Experience from Dover to Stansted
Getting Started: The Dover to Stansted Drive
We kicked off our trip with a scenic drive from Dover to Stansted Airport. It was a quick journey, taking just under two hours. A tip: leave a bit earlier than you think necessary to avoid any unexpected traffic or delays, especially when going through the Dartford Tunnel.
Meet and Greet Parking: A Breeze
Upon arriving at Stansted, we opted for the convenient “Meet and Greet” parking service. This is a relatively new option that offers hassle-free parking right outside the terminal. You pre-book your spot through Ryanair (we found it to be the best price, even compared to popular options like Holiday Extras), and then simply drive up to the designated area. Friendly staff guide you through the process, drop your keys off at reception and you’re off to the airport in no time. Picking up is easy too, grab your keys from reception and they tell you where your car is within a 2 minute walk!
Ryanair Flight: Flexible and Affordable
We chose to fly with Ryanair, mainly because we had a flight to Albania that we needed to change. Ryanair’s flexibility is a big plus—you can change your flight up to 24 hours before departure to any destination they serve. We found this to be a great option, especially considering the affordable £45 per sector fee. The flight is as expected, BUDGET! Tip, on late flights book extra legroom seats, we were 2 hours late in the end and so landed at 1.30am, the extra legroom back was wonderful.
Fast Track: Worth the Investment
Based on our neighbour’s recommendation, we decided to splurge on the fast-track service at the airport. This proved to be a wise decision as it significantly sped up our security clearance process. We bypassed the long queues and were through in a matter of minutes. Cost about US$10 per person, so unless your a family, then worth the cost for 1 or 2.
Stansted Airport: A Bit of a Stir
Stansted Airport has seen some changes since our last visit. It’s now bustling with shops, restaurants, and the usual duty-free offerings. We grabbed a quick breakfast, but the food options were nothing to write home about. It was all fairly efficient though but the place was packed.
Boarding and Flight: A Smooth Experience
We arrived at our gate with plenty of time to spare and were among the first to board the plane. However, the boarding process was a bit slow as the plane hadn’t arrived at the gate yet. So you get queued up down the stairs and have to stand uncomfortably for 20 mins until they are ready, so speedy boarding sometimes suits them and not the customer! Once we were settled in, the flight itself was smooth and uneventful.
Luggage Tip: Pack Smart
A quick tip for future travelers: consider packing a checked bag if you have a lot of toiletries or other items. The overhead lockers on Ryanair flights can be a bit tight, especially if you’re traveling with a full-sized carry-on.
Overall, our trip from Dover to Stansted via Ryanair was a pleasant experience. The convenient parking, flexible flight options, and efficient boarding process made for a stress-free start to our journey.
A Ryanair Flight: Not Without Its Hiccups
A Packed Plane and Tech Troubles
Our Ryanair flight to Lanzarote was definitely a full house. We were lucky to find a spare seat in front of us, but it was clear that space was limited. One of the services Ryanair offers is pre-ordering meals and drinks on your flight. Unfortunately, the Bluetooth system for this didn’t seem to be working very well. We tried several times to add items to our basket, but it kept saying we didn’t have anything in there, even though we knew we did. After a bit of frustration, we finally managed to get our order through by simply choosing a sandwich and a drink.
A Smooth Flight, with a Rough Landing
Once we were airborne, the flight itself was relatively smooth. The flight attendant was friendly and helpful, although she had a bit of trouble with her card machine. We enjoyed our pre-ordered sandwiches and drinks before most of the other passengers. The only downside was the landing, which was one of the roughest I’ve ever experienced. It seemed like there was a strong crosswind, but thankfully, we landed safely.
Efficient Arrival at Lanzarote Airport
Passing through Lanzarote Airport was a breeze. We scanned our passports at the automated gates and then handed them over to a staff member for stamping. After a quick wait, we were able to collect our luggage and make our way out of the airport.
Overall, our Ryanair flight to Lanzarote was a mixed bag. While the flight itself was comfortable and the crew was friendly, the technical issues with the pre-ordering system were frustrating. The rough landing was also a bit concerning. However, the efficient arrival at the airport helped to make up for some of the negative aspects of the journey.
Lanzarote Surprise: Finding a Smooth Airport Transfer (Without Breaking the Bank!)
Hey travel fam! Just got back from an amazing trip to Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, Spain, and let me tell you, navigating a new destination can be a whirlwind. Especially when you land and need to get to your hotel – taxi lines, unfamiliar public transportation, the whole shebang.
This time, I decided to try something different: booking an airport transfer service through Booking.com. And guess what? It turned out to be a total win! For around US$30 each way (way less than the hotel was charging!), I got a super comfy ride in a brand new minibus.
Now, there was a tiny hiccup at first. I walked out of arrivals and couldn’t spot anyone with my name. But then I noticed a guy with a clipboard jotting down flight numbers. Turns out, that was him! (Turns out, I didn’t see the sign with my name – rookie mistake!). A quick call to the number on my confirmation voucher cleared things right up, and boom – I was whisked away to a sleek car waiting just a few minutes away.
The whole process was super efficient and took less than 20 minutes. My driver dropped me off right at the doorstep of the Hyatt Secrets Resort and Spa (fancy, right?). Seriously, this was the smoothest airport transfer I’ve ever had.
So, next time you’re jet-setting to a new city, ditch the taxi line stress and consider booking a transfer service through Booking.com. Your wallet (and your sanity) will thank you!
