Lanzarote – A One Woman Trip to Playa Blanca

AN EASY DECISION!

So, I find myself on a flight to Playa Blanca, Lanzarote. How did that happen?

Well, during COVID, we’d booked tickets to go and see Sarah Millican in the UK but didn’t feel like going when the time came so Alison re booked for this year. The 23rd March to be precise!

Now bearing in mind Rita, Alison’s mum, is turning 85 next week, I had to decide what to do.

Alison had planned to be away nearly 3 weeks to fit both events in and for me, well it’s cheaper to go to Lanzarote for a week. So my mind was made up!

“If you’re going to Hull for 3 weeks, don’t think I’m going to stay here by myself”, I said to Alison. And a plan was born!

IT’S BEEN A WHILE…

I haven’t been on a plane since January 2020 when I was attending to my dad’s affairs and I must admit, I was nervous! In my 20’s I seemed to be flying everywhere solo. I was an adventurous young lady but suddenly, I’m not….or so I thought!

I booked my flights, hotel and car hire in Lanzarote and announced my plans.

After leaving Alison at the airport last week, I spent a week fretting about my upcoming holiday.

I booked a stay and fly package at the Radisson Blu hotel in Blagnac. After watching Hull lose to Rovers (again) and Saints beat Wigan, I set off on my holidays.

It was just getting dark and starting to spit with rain when I arrived at the hotel. I abandoned the car outside reception, checked in and found out what to do with the car.

My room key opened the barrier and off I went to the underground parking, how easy was that!

A lift ride back up to reception and I was off to find my room.

Room 126 was to be my abode for a few sleepless hours.

The overwhelming heat in greeted me as I opened the door. Had I arrived in the sauna I wondered?

Nope, there was a big bed and everything else you expect to find in a hotel room, including a kettle, fridge/minibar that said ‘closed’ (not for long, just needed plugging in) and no opening window! I swiftly turned the heat off and found I was to have warm air blowing all night.

As expected, I tossed and turned for 5 hours checking the time every 30 minutes or so. I had 2 alarms set and had requested a wake up call but with a shuttle to the airport booked for 04:45, I knew it was going to be a bad night.

By 3am I’d given up and by 03:30 I turned on the lights and sat there waiting for my wake up call.

Bang on time, the phone rang. I could now jump into the shower to try to get myself going.

TIME TO GO!

The hotel shuttle dropped us off right by the arrivals so a bit of a hike but a few minutes later, I was going through security. So far so good!

With dread, I entered the scanner. Now big bras mean lots of metal and I rarely get through security unscathed.

This time was no exception.

‘Sit there and wait’ I was instructed.

A few minutes later a girl arrived and gave me the most thorough ‘frisk’ I’ve ever had! Obviously I wasn’t planning on blowing the plane up and as I explained, my ample bosom needs rather a lot of support!

Three times through the machine, my watch taken off me (it’s wooden) and finally after my trainers were scanned, I was passed through. It would have been interesting if they made me remove my undergarments to scan!

Thinking I’m still a spring chicken, I’d packed my backpack, the biggest I’ve found that will fit in hand luggage cages. It’s an old Decathlon 40L backpack and filled, weighs considerablely more that it should I think. I even managed to get my Crocs in under the top flap!

I’d picked up a couple of bottles of coke from a vending machine, €3.10 a bottle, and settled to wait for my gate to be announced.

At 05:35 gate number 01 was announced, the furthest gate away.

With my bag back on, I started the 10 minutes hike.

I had booked with Volotea, an Airline we haven’t really heard of but they fly direct from Toulouse to quite a few destinations so I thought why not.

I’d booked seat 6F.

Boarding the plane I made my way to my seat. The amount of legroom amazes me. I can even cross my legs. With other ‘budget’ airlines I find my knees almost touching the seat in front, but this is a revelation! I must have at least 8” of space and that’s with the child in front reclined.

I’m surrounded by screaming children.

The seats are pretty spacious and I don’t feel too close to my neighbours.

The screaming child is being paraded up and down the cabin by it’s family but to no avail, it’s howling!

In 1 hour, I will land in Lanzarote.

So far the flight has been comfortable although non of my downloaded series of Below Deck are watchable!

Volotea also advertise in-flight entertainment on your own device but that doesn’t appear to be working either!

Ooooopppp a bit bumpy, sea looks a bit choppy too….

Estimated flight time to Lanzarote is 3 hours and 10 minutes.

I’m looking forward to arriving at my hotel. I have a feeling I’ll sleep well tonight.

HOLA LANZAROTE!

I arrived safe and sound at Arrecife airport, on time and raring to go.

Quickly off the plane and into the baggage reclaim area.

As I didn’t have any hold luggage, I proceeded immediately to the Car Hire desk, AutoReisen. We’ve used AutoReisen previously and found them to be very good. This time was no exception.

I paid around €134 for the week without having to pay a deposit.

I was directed to the huge garage to collect my car and after faffing for a few minutes, I was off.

First stop…..

IKEA! Seeing as our blog is called ‘Grab your Pillow’ it’s only appropriate if my first task was to locate a new pillow!

It was only 09:30 by the time I arrived and IKEA had just opened. What luck!

After trundling around a very compact IKEA, I emerged with my new pillow and a nice grey throw.

For €20 I was kitted out!

Next door to IKEA is a Lidl…..may as well get my provisions in whilst I’m here. I couldn’t check into the hotel until mid afternoon, so why not pass a bit of time.

The drive from Arrecife to Playa Blanca is easy. It’s a direct road with little traffic.

Just follow the LZ 2 towards Yaiza then Playa Blanca, around a 35 minutes drive. There is another way heading over the mountain. I did this route on my day out and also the return trip to the airport. Personally, I’d have rather not done it in the dark! It’s a winding road up from Playa Blanca and quite a busy road with no street lights. During the day it’s a lovely drive.

This route goes via Femes so avoid it if you prefer to stick to the main road.

DAY 1. HOTEL CORDIAL MARINA BLANCA

On arrival at my hotel, Cordial Marina Playa Blanca, I parked the car and headed to reception. As expected, I was too early to check in. The lady behind the desk suggested I leave my bags in the luggage room and go sit by the pool and they would find me when my room was ready.

I wasn’t in the mood! It was only around 13:00 but I was tired and agitated!

I decided a little wander onto the Marina Rubicon may keep me awake.

After about half an hour I was flagging. The sun was shining, a gentle breeze was blowing but I’d had enough.

I traipsed back to the reception, plonked myself down on a sofa, and there I waited.

Someone called me within about 40 minutes. I think the old saying ‘out of sight, out of mind’ definitely came into play there!

As I’d booked directly on the hotel website, joining the loyalty program, I had been able to pick my room from a map they sent. I’d picked room 213. I also benefited from a free night if 6 nights booked, the 7th free! It’s often worth checking directly as we’ve said before.

Armed with my key card and lots of information, I made my way to my apartment, a 1 bedroom apartment with pool view. Located up one flight of stairs with no lift, it was perfect. The apartment was small but perfectly formed and clean. The balcony overlooked both the fantastic pool and the marina. I even had a sea view.

There are both studios and 1 bedroom apartments available. There may even be 2 bedroom ones. The one bedroom has a sofa bed sleeping a third person but personally I think they’re perfect for one or two guests.

The kitchen area is equipped with a fridge/freezer, hob, microwave, toaster, kettle and all crockery and cutlery.

I was also treated to 2 half bottles of wine, 2 bottles of water and 2 little jars of cactus jam and spicy relish. (From booking direct I believe)

The bedroom had large twin beds. They definitely seemed larger than 90cm each. There was also a huge wardrobe, a safe (chargeable) and air conditioning.

The bathroom was well equipped. It had a great shower, shower/hair gel, soap, emergency toothpaste/toothbrush, comb and the bonnet de douche!

You could change towels as often as you wished. I don’t need my towels changed everyday so I shhhhooooo’d housekeeping away! It seems I was missing the ‘Do not Disturb’ door hanger so I was up and dressed early to avoid being caught naked in bed by the cleaning team!

The lounge/kitchen/diner also has its own air conditioning unit.

Breakfast is available in the bar area but I thoroughly enjoyed eating my breakfast on the balcony before the sun came round, probably by 11am.

After an hour laying on my bed not nodding off, I decided to go and find the local ‘English’ supermarket!

I just can’t help it!

Knowing Lurpak and Warburtons toastie loaf are within minutes is just too hard to resist!

I parked up with full intentions of filling my basket but seeing the prices, quickly changed my mind.

I did succumb to Lurpak (€8 for 500g ) and my Warburtons toastie loaf but not a lot else …oh yes, a 6 pack of Iron Bru Xtra and 4 hot x buns! How disappointing was that? I’d been planning my shopping for weeks previous to my arrival! By the time I got back to the hotel I was starving and knackered! I’d picked up a breadcake at Lidl but had eaten little else and had been on the go since 03:30.

It was going to have to be Burger King!

Off I went and picked up a takeaway.

Burger King is situated in Papagayo Commercial Centre. It’s a bit of a tired feeling centre but has lots of great bars, restaurants and takeaways. It really comes to life at night as I discovered later in the week.

As the clocks went forward on my first night, it got dark pretty early and I found myself sitting on the balcony at dusk enjoying my dinner.

I do love a balcony with a view!

Now I know most people wouldn’t even consider Burger King for their first meal on holidays but remember, we live in the middle of nowhere and a good half hour drive to our nearest restaurant! We rarely get takeaways as apart from pizzerias around 12 kms, there just ain’t any!

After a very long but successful day, I climbed into bed, turned off my light and had the best night sleep I’d had in a long time!

DAY 2. TIME TO RELAX

Upon waking, I flung open my balcony doors to be greeted by a lovely sunny day. It was a little breezy but all good.

I couldn’t wait for my toast and Lurpak!

I sat and watched people arriving to claim their sunbeds but as there are so many and a very vigilant lifeguard, there’s plenty to go round.

The hotel has a ‘no bagging sun loungers’ policy which seems to work really well. Nobody was fighting or queuing for sunbeds at 06:00!

By around 11:00 I’d decided it was time to go to the pool.

I packed my bag and headed off to reception to collect my beach towel.

The hotel provides great, large towels that can be used by the pool or taken to the beach. You sign for them and can change them every couple of days as needed.

I picked my spot and plonked myself down. I had plenty of space, a comfy lounger, a little table and parasol. Armed with music, headphones and a book, what more could a girl wish for? 

The pool was lovely and huge. The temperature was great, I’d guess 25 degrees but I didn’t ask. It was easy to wade into without taking your breath away. Always a bonus! 

This evening I had planned to eat out. Feeling nervous, I was going to be brave and venture into a restaurant alone for the first time! 

I wandered around the marina, which is accessed directly from the hotel through a gate, looking at menus…..I just didn’t dare!  I made my way to One Bar, a great sailors bar we had visited plenty of times during our sailing courses but it was closed. Fancy a closed bar in Playa Blanca and the only one I wanted to go to. 

Ok, next best thing, Lani’s snack bar. A little less formal than Lani’s restaurant and with better reviews. I loitered at the entrance, read the menu, saw they did takeaway pizzas and promptly ordered a pizza to go! My big girl pants had fallen off! 

Back to my balcony armed with my pizza it was then! 

To be fair, it was a great dinner. You can’t beat a kebab pizza ‘English style’ sitting watching the night draw in.

I only managed half of it and instead of thinking ahead to breakfast, dumped it in the bin! 

DAY 3. STILL RELAXING……

Pretty similar to day 2!

Ohhh I do love doing nothing sometimes and relaxing by a pool without feeling guilty!

After the previous nights near miss at eating in a restaurant, I decided tonight would be All Bran, fruit and a Hot Cross Bun on my balcony.

DAY 4. A BIT OF SIGHTSEEING

Today I decided to take a drive to see a bit of the island. The weather forecast was for cloud so a good day to visit my favourite places.

The day started with breakfast in my usual spot and after a quick shower, went to get the car. 

I was heading firstly to Puerto Calero which is the first destination I ever visited in Lanzarote for my Competent Crew sailing course many years ago. I always liked the Marina. It’s pretty quiet, has a nice little supermarket, lots of good bars and restaurants and good memories. 

Not a lot had changed. A few new shops had arrived and our favourite Buda Bar had moved to a new location. I did however, discover ‘Hey Dudes’. More shoes! 

From Puerto Calero there is a shuttle ferry boat to Puerto del Carmen. Probably the most lively resort in Lanzarote. Whilst I like it there, Playa Blanca has my heart. 

My next stop today would be Famara beach. Famara is situated on the North West of the Island and is pretty wild. It’s a totally different vibe to other resorts on the island. It’s a great beach for surfing and kiting as there is normally wind and waves.

The village is quite Boho. Little surf shops, cafes and restaurants. It really has a chilled out vibe and I didn’t see a nightclub or a high rise hotel! 

I had a lovely windy wander along the beach watching the surf lessons and kite surfers. The sun was shining and I even had a little paddle! On the way back to the car I decided to take a detour off the beach….

Behind the beach is a development of single story homes with a road along the beach. I decided to head to the road and have a little nosey. Little did I know that this road didn’t take me back to the car directly.

Half an hour later I was still wandering aimlessly, (imagine Laurence of Arabia crossing the dunes and you won’t be far off) looking for the car! 

There she was…. hoorah! After dusting myself down and getting a coke zero out the boot, I was on my way up the hill.

After a quick photo stop, it was time to head back to Playa Blanca, about an hour away. I stopped en route to take a few photos of the local vineyards. How anything grows here I’ve no idea! Another stop was to admire the volcanic landscape. It really is something else! 

TIME FOR A SUNDOWNER…

On arrival back at the hotel, I decided tonight was the night I was eating out. 

Quick shower and change into non sandy clothes and I was on my way to Bar One, my favourite bar. I stalked it, wandered around the outside a few times, peaked my nose inside and decided I’d sit outside to watch the sunset.

I ordered an Espresso Martini while I looked at the menu. Well, by the time the sun went down and I’d supped my drink, I was blooming freezing and my courage had deserted me.

Tonight was not the night! Stopping at the supermarket, I bought myself a half baguette and cheese slices! I was actually feeling a little merry being the almost non drinker I am. They must be pretty good measures at that bar! To be honest, I was tired. I was quite happy back on my balcony listening to music from the marina and watching the world go by….

DAY 5. TABLE FOR ONE

Today was going to be just another day lounging by the pool. I’d downloaded a few podcasts of Alan Carr chatting to various celebrities about their holidays. It’s really funny and gave me a 30 minutes turn over timer! 

You know when you’ve got headphones on and you suddenly realise you’re laughing out loud…. I’m sure some of the other guests must have thought I was nuts. 

I decided today that I was going to head into Playa Blanca town and take a walk. It’s a great little place. Lots of shops, restaurants, a lovely promenade, port for ferries to fuerteventura, a beach and plenty of seats to sit and eat an ice cream.

I found a great ice cream shop that made all their own ice creams on the pedestrian road above the promenade. With my ice cream melting quicker than Mr Snowman, I made my way down the steps and onto the prom. A vacant bench was waiting for me, what luck! 

Was tonight going to be the night ??

Quick shower and I was ready to go to Lani’s to eat. Would I dare sit at a table on my own??

I approached with a new found confidence and asked for a table. 

“One persons”? the guy said.

“Yes just me” I replied.

“Ok, table for one persons, here, ok?” 

I was plonked down in the middle of the restaurant. Happy families and groups of friends enjoying themselves. I felt conspicuous. I wasn’t the only solo diner. A guy was sat looking out onto the marina enjoying his jug of sangria but didn’t once turn round. At least he was sat on the edge.

I had decided I was going to order roast chicken. I’d fancied it since the take away pizza night but when my waiter arrived, I was informed “all gone”! Ohhh no. Here I was being brave and they didn’t even have what I fancied. 

Ok, I’ll have the chicken burger.  It arrived pretty quickly. It wasn’t bad, wasn’t the best but I scoffed it as quick as I could and made my escape.  Eating alone is just not for me I have decided. I much prefer my balcony! I had a nice wander around the marina before making my way home. 

DAY 6. MY LAST DAY

I was still pretty rosy from the day before by the pool so I decided I’d go for a walk this morning after breakfast.

I headed to the shoe shop selling ‘Hey Dudes’ but didn’t really see any I liked so didn’t bother. Next stop was the Rubicon Commercial Centre to get Alison a present. I’d seen a great shirt the night before and decided that would be a good gift. 

By mid afternoon, I’d done wandering and headed to the pool. I found a new spot because someone had taken my favourite sun lounger.

Today I was staying in the shade. I already looked like I’d been shipwrecked on a desert island! Before I knew it, the pool attendant was putting my parasol up for me. He really was very attentive and I’d decided he deserved a little tip.  Discreetly I shoved a note into his hand…..the response was rather unexpected!

I was hugged, nuzzled, thanked, hands held and almost proposed to….. “I’ll come back to Germany with you’” was suggested. “I live in France” I replied. “Ohhh you can’t leave tomorrow”……on it went! Luckily it was nearing 1800h and his finishing time! I’d had a lucky escape. 

Searching for some Rugby League….

Tonight I was going to find the rugby league. I’d seen online that a few bars show sport in Centro Commercial Papagayo so off I went. 

I passed Wax bar that already had the build up on but thought I’d go see if any of the big bars on the front were showing it. Nope, non. Wax bar it was. 

They don’t serve food but work with the takeaway next door where I ordered a pizza. It was delivered on a plate a few minutes later and I must say, sitting on a bar stool drinking coke, eating pizza and watching Leeds v whoever it was, was fine.

The bar filled up with Northerners and I had a thoroughly enjoyable evening. I’m sure if Hull FC had been playing, it wouldn’t  have been quite the same. We can’t win this season and who knows when we will? 

Seeing as I was leaving Lanzarote pretty early the next morning, it was time to finish packing and get my stuff organised.  My alarm was set for 06:15 and off I went to bed.

DAY 7. TIME TO HEAD HOME

I was up and in the shower before my alarm after a sleepless night.  As much as I love early flights, it’s impossible to sleep for fear of not waking up. 

It was still dark when I checked out of the hotel and loaded up the car.  I’d decided to stick to the main road back to the airport but Sat Nav Sally decided otherwise.  Over the mountain we went. 

Now during the day this is a lovely drive but at the crack of dawn with all the workers pilling into Playa Blanca, it’s not ideal. I was blinded by the lights….(I feel a song coming on….)

The route took me from Playa Blanca on the scenic route via Femes. It is quicker if you can get out of second gear but on this morning, it wasn’t. 

Within 35 minutes I’d dropped the car off and was heading to security. Hardly a queue so quickly through to the departure lounge.  Before I knew it I was back in seat 6A with bags of space and heading home.

Around 2h 50 minutes later and after a bit of a bumpy ride, we’d landed in Toulouse. What a great holiday I’d had. I called the Radisson where my car was parked and within minutes a taxi had arrived to reunite me with Vera the Volvo.  

Being a Saturday and Toulouse Olympiques first home game, it felt rude to not go.  I’d left my jeans and coat in the boot and planned a little kip in a car park. I messaged my friend that I knew was going to the match and we arranged to meet around 16:30 at the ground.  A quick Burger King ( I know…) and I was parked up at Stade Ernest Wallon.

It was a shocking game and I decided to leave with 20 minutes to go.  If I got going, I’d make it home before dark….I did, it had been a long day! 

Would I go again Solo? Too right I would. Watch this space…..

SUMMARY

• Playa Blanca – Great destination for families, couples and solo’s
• Hotel in Lanzarote – Cordial Marina Blanca. Booked direct through their website www.becordial.com €637.30 for 7 nights
• Dates – 30th March to 6th April 2024
• Weather – Great weather. Early 20’s with scattered cloud. No rain during the day. Cloudy/rainy at Arrecife on arrival
• Flight – Volotea. Booked direct from Toulouse www.volotea.com €127.45 return
• Car Hire – Auto Reisen www.autoreisen.com €133.94 for the week
• Hotel Toulouse – Radisson Blu www.radissonhotels.com stay and park. €174.10 for one night stay and parking for one week.