Sizzle in the sun with Matagorda holidays

As sunshine destinations go, Matagorda in Lanzarote is up there with the hottest. Its beautiful soft sandy beach, perfect for soaking up the year-round sunshine, is lapped by warm waters ideal for swimming and water sports. The resort’s shops, bars and restaurants provide everything a sun-seeker might need on holiday, and for some lively nightlife and even more shops, it’s just a short stroll to nearby Puerto del Carmen or quick hop to capital Arrecife with its bustling boutiques and pedestrian shopping area. Back in Matagorda, visitors can savour a sangria sun downer or three, satisfied that the sun will return tomorrow to help top up that tan…

Currency

The Canary Islands official currency is the Euro often signified by € or EUR.  One Euro is divided into 100 cents.   Money can be exchanged at bureaux de change and major hotels, but banks give the best rates.  All major credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops.   ATMs are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining money.  The Euro is used in 12 members of the European Union.  Countries and territories using the Euro include: Belgium, Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Finland, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, The Vatican, Martinique, Guadalupe, Reunion, Montenegro, and Kosovo.

Matagorda Climate

With over 300 days of annual sunshine, Lanzarote attracts year round holidaymakers who come to bathe on the sun drenched beaches. Daytime temperatures during the summer months rarely venture below 25C and Lanzarote has one of the most consistently sunny climates of all the Canary Islands. Temperatures in Lanzarote are hot during the summer months but never sweltering, and during the winter months they are pleasantly warm. If you are taking a trip to the beautiful inland volcanic areas, there will usually be a cooling breeze from the northeast trade winds that will take the edge off the heat.

The summer season, between June and September sees Lanzarote basking in nine hours of sunshine per day, making it the perfect destination for a beach holiday. Temperatures on the beaches can reach 30C in the summer, and sunbathing on sandy coves before dipping into the warm turquoise waters is a popular way to spend the day. Lanzarote boasts some of the best beaches in the Canaries, and located between the African and Spanish coastlines the water is always warm. The water temperature also makes a holiday in Lanzarote the ideal destination for water activities such as snorkelling, diving and wind-surfing.

The winter months between November and February are still pleasantly warm, with daytime temperatures ranging between 21c and 24C, giving around six hours of sunshine per day. The off season is the perfect time to savour some winter sunshine and although the nights can be slightly chilly, they are never unpleasant. The rainfall in Lanzarote is never excessive, and peaks in December and January with around 135m to 250mm. Due to the warm climate and daily sunshine quota, holidays in the Canary Islands, and Lanzarote in particular, make for the perfect winter sunshine get away.

Time

The Canary Islands are in the same time zone as the UK.  Local time is GMT in the winter (GMT +1 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).

Language

Spanish is the official language, but
English is widely understood in areas frequented by tourists.

Electricity

Electrical current is 220 or 225 volts, 50Hz. 
European-style two-pin plugs are standard.

Tipping

Hotel and restaurant bills usually include service charges, but additional tips are welcomed for services rendered.  In established restaurants tips of about 10% are expected.  Drivers of metered taxis expect small tips and it is customary to tip usually 5-10% for most services, including guides.

Communications

The international access code for Spain is +34.  The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom).