Travel Blog
Lanzarote in December
Our 7-Night All-Inclusive Winter Sun Escape
A Winter Sun Getaway
As the cold, dark days of winter arrive in the UK, there’s no better feeling than escaping to some guaranteed sunshine. In December 2024, we swapped frosty mornings and early sunsets for warm temperatures, blue skies and stunning volcanic landscapes with a week-long holiday to Lanzarote.
We stayed for 7 nights at the fantastic Hotel RIU Paraiso Lanzarote on an all-inclusive basis and flew from Liverpool with easyJet, treating ourselves to extra legroom seats for added comfort. From start to finish, it proved to be the perfect winter sun getaway.
Staying at Hotel RIU Paraiso Lanzarote
Situated in the popular resort of Puerto del Carmen, Hotel RIU Paraiso Lanzarote offers an excellent location, modern facilities, and everything you need for a relaxing holiday.
The hotel features:
- Spacious and comfortable rooms
- Multiple swimming pools
- Excellent all-inclusive dining options
- Daytime and evening entertainment
- Direct access to the beachfront promenade
- Beautiful sea views
The all-inclusive package meant we could completely switch off and enjoy our holiday without worrying about paying for food, drinks or extra expenses.
What’s Close to the Hotel?
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Hotel RIU Paraiso Lanzarote is its location.
Playa de los Pocillos
Just a short walk from the hotel is the beautiful Playa de los Pocillos, a long stretch of golden sand perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or simply enjoying a stroll along the shoreline.
Puerto del Carmen
The lively resort of Puerto del Carmen is easily accessible via the seafront promenade. Here you’ll find:
- Shops and boutiques
- Restaurants and cafés
- Bars and live entertainment
- Watersports activities
- A bustling marina
Whether you’re looking for a quiet drink overlooking the sea or a lively evening atmosphere, Puerto del Carmen has something for everyone.
Convenient Airport Transfers
Another major benefit is the hotel’s close proximity to the airport, meaning short transfer times and more time to enjoy your holiday.
Things to See and Do in Lanzarote
Although Lanzarote is famous for its beaches, the island offers much more than just sunshine and relaxation.
Timanfaya National Park
No visit to Lanzarote would be complete without visiting Timanfaya National Park.
The dramatic volcanic landscape feels like stepping onto another planet. The geothermal demonstrations are fascinating and show just how much volcanic activity still exists beneath the surface.
Jameos del Agua
Created by Lanzarote’s famous artist and architect César Manrique, Jameos del Agua is one of the island’s most unique attractions. It combines natural lava caves, amazing architecture, gardens and an underground lake.
Cueva de los Verdes
The spectacular Cueva de los Verdes offers visitors the opportunity to explore one of the world’s longest volcanic tunnels.
Mirador del RÃo
For breathtaking views across the ocean and neighbouring islands, visit Mirador del RÃo, one of the most scenic spots on the island.
Papagayo Beaches
The stunning Papagayo Beaches are often considered some of the most beautiful beaches in the Canary Islands, with crystal-clear waters and sheltered coves.
Dolphin and Catamaran Cruises
Several excursions depart from Puerto del Carmen, offering opportunities to enjoy catamaran cruises, water sports, and even dolphin spotting.
La Geria
Wine lovers should make time to visit La Geria, where vines are grown in volcanic ash, creating one of the most unusual wine-producing regions in the world.
Food and Drink Prices in Lanzarote
Although we stayed on an all-inclusive basis at Hotel RIU Paraiso Lanzarote, we still enjoyed exploring Puerto del Carmen and discovering some of the local bars, cafés, and restaurants.
For those staying self-catering, supermarket prices are generally comparable to or slightly cheaper than the UK, especially for local produce, wine, beer, and bottled water.
One thing that stood out was how reasonably priced food and drink can be compared to many UK tourist destinations.
Must-Try Local Specialities
If you venture beyond your hotel, there are several traditional Canarian dishes worth trying:
- Papas Arrugadas (Canarian wrinkled potatoes) served with mojo sauces
- Fresh Atlantic fish and seafood
- Grilled octopus
- Goat’s cheese produced on the island
- Canarian stews and tapas
- Locally produced wines from the volcanic vineyards of La Geria
Many restaurants along the Puerto del Carmen seafront offer stunning ocean views, which makes dining out a memorable part of your Lanzarote holiday.
Even if you’re staying all-inclusive, I’d highly recommend enjoying at least one meal or evening drink outside the resort to experience the island’s local atmosphere and cuisine.
Things You Should Know Before Travelling to Lanzarote
- Currency - Lanzarote uses the Euro (€). Most places accept card payments, but having some cash available can be useful for markets and smaller businesses.
- Flight Time - Flights from the UK typically take around 4 to 4½ hours, making Lanzarote easily accessible for a winter break.
- Language - Spanish is the official language, although English is widely spoken throughout the island's tourist areas.
- Driving - If you plan to hire a car, remember that driving is on the right-hand side of the road. The island's road network is excellent and makes exploring easy
- ï•“What to Pack - Although December is warm, evenings can be cooler. Pack light clothing for daytime, swimwear, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket or jumper for evenings
Important Information While Visiting Lanzarote
Don’t Forget Sunscreen
Even in December, the sun can be surprisingly strong. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are highly recommended.
Stay Hydrated
Warm temperatures and sunshine can quickly lead to dehydration, particularly if you’re spending long periods outdoors.
Explore Beyond Your Resort
While the all-inclusive facilities at Hotel RIU Paraiso Lanzarote were excellent, some of our best memories came from exploring the island itself.
Respect the Natural Environment
Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape is one of its greatest attractions. Visitors should stay on designated paths and respect protected areas, especially around Timanfaya National Park.
Same Time Zone as the UK
One of the easiest things about travelling to Lanzarote in winter is that there is no time difference from the UK.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory, but a small tip is always appreciated for good service.
Wi-Fi and Mobile Data
Most hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer free Wi-Fi. Many UK mobile providers also include roaming in Spain, so it is always worth checking before you travel.
Why Lanzarote is the Perfect Winter Sun Destination
After spending a week on the island, it’s easy to understand why Lanzarote remains one of the UK’s most popular winter sun destinations.
With reliable sunshine, temperatures above 20°C, beautiful beaches, unique volcanic scenery, fantastic accommodation, and a flight time of less than five hours from Liverpool, it offers everything you could want from a winter escape.
Whether you’re looking to relax by the pool, explore dramatic landscapes, enjoy watersports, discover local culture, or simply recharge your batteries in the sunshine, Lanzarote delivers.
Our stay at Hotel RIU Paraiso Lanzarote provided the perfect base for exploring the island while enjoying all the benefits of an all-inclusive holiday. Combined with comfortable flights from Liverpool and the convenience of extra legroom seats, it was a fantastic way to escape the UK winter.
If you’re dreaming of sunshine while the UK is wrapped up in coats and scarves, Lanzarote should be at the very top of your travel wish list.
Book Your Own Lanzarote Winter Escape
Inspired by our trip? Lanzarote is a fantastic choice for couples, families, and anyone looking to swap winter weather for sunshine. If you’re thinking about booking a winter sun holiday, I’d be delighted to help you find the perfect getaway.
Pack & Go Travel specialises in creating stress-free holidays tailored to your needs, whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive resort, a family adventure, or a relaxing beach escape.
Just fill in the form below or call us today.
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Stephen Fairhurst is an independent travel advisor under InteleTravel UK, ABTA membership P7384.
InteleTravel UK are appointed agents of our ATOL-protected suppliers.
Lanzarote
Contact Us Today
Phone
Lanzarote
Socials
Stephen Fairhurst is an independent travel advisor under InteleTravel UK, ABTA membership P7384.
InteleTravel UK are appointed agents of our ATOL-protected suppliers.
Contact Us Today
Phone
Lanzarote
Socials
Stephen Fairhurst is an independent travel advisor under InteleTravel UK, ABTA membership P7384.
InteleTravel UK are appointed agents of our ATOL-protected suppliers.








