A Lifetime of Memories for John & Vera, 35 Years of Holidaying in Lanzarote

Some people visit Lanzarote once and move on to somewhere new. Others discover something special that keeps drawing them back year after year.

John and Vera, from Wales, first arrived on the island in August 1989. More than three decades later, Lanzarote still feels like their happy place. Over the years they’ve explored the island, watched it change, and now enjoy a much slower pace whenever they return.

We caught up with them to find out what makes Lanzarote so special for them.

1. Hi guys, thanks for chatting, roughly how many times have you visited Lanzarote?

“We first came in August 1989 and have returned many, many times since. We’ve honestly lost count!”

2. Can you remember your very first trip?

“We were actually planning to go to Portugal, but there was building work taking place there. Some friends were coming to Lanzarote instead, so we changed our plans and joined them.

We stayed at the Playa Club near the casino in Puerto del Carmen and spent every evening enjoying ourselves, mostly in Charlie´s Bar, we even saw Johnny Logan sing there one night. We knew we’d found somewhere special.”

3. What keeps bringing you back to Lanzarote?

“It’s the weather, the feeling of safety, there´s lots to do for people of all ages, the friendly people and the fantastic choice of bars and restaurants.

You can completely relax here, and that’s something that’s become more important to us over the years.”

4. What makes Lanzarote different from other holiday destinations?

“We’ve travelled to lots of places including Croatia, Austria and Sicily. Those holidays were about sightseeing and exploring.

Lanzarote is different. This is where we come to unwind. We spend our days relaxing, enjoying the sun, then head out each evening to enjoy a meal somewhere different. It’s our escape.”

5. Describe your perfect Lanzarote day.

“Nowadays it’s all about taking life easy. We like to relax during the day, on the sun lounger, then enjoy a leisurely evening visiting different restaurants and soaking up the atmosphere.”

6. Where do you usually stay?

“We always choose an apartment in Puerto del Carmen. It suits us perfectly and gives us the freedom to do our own thing.”

7. Do you hire a car or stay local?

“When we first started coming, we explored much more, using public buses and organised trips to see the island’s attractions.

Now we’re just as happy using public transport and enjoying the areas we know.”

8. Do you have favourite places you always return to?

“Absolutely. Well there are so many! We always visit The Good Old Days, The Bucket List, Fire House, Cafe la Ola, Capri, El Polaco, and we love The Red Crab and Bodegón in the Old Town.

One of our favourite things to do is walk between Puerto del Carmen and Puerto Calero and come back on the water taxi.”

9. Has your style of holiday changed over the years?

“Definitely.

When we first visited, we spent our time sightseeing and making sure we saw everything.

Now our holidays are much more about relaxing. We also stay for longer whenever we can, sometimes even four weeks.”

10. What would you tell someone visiting Lanzarote for the first time?

“Don’t miss exploring beyond your hotel. Use the buses, it´s so easy, if you can and experience more of the island.

And of course, we’d tell them to visit The Good Old Days and listen to Nolita singing!”

Three Words to Describe Lanzarote

Vera: “FAB, FAB, FAB.”

John: “Just love it.”

A Lifetime of Happy Memories

John and Vera’s story is one shared by thousands of repeat visitors. What began as an unexpected change of holiday plans in 1989 has become a tradition spanning more than 35 years.

While they’ve travelled across Europe, it’s Lanzarote that continues to call them back. Not because they still have places left to tick off a list, but because they’ve found something far more valuable: somewhere they can truly relax.

For John and Vera, Lanzarote isn’t simply a holiday destination—it’s somewhere that feels like home every time they arrive.