Last year I wrote about a free guide book to Lanzarote that was available online. Now an updated version has appeared for the spring months.

The 104-page guide book is available as a download free of charge from the site lanzaroteguidebook.com and contains up-to-date information with ideas on things to go and places to visit, as well as vital information such as bank opening hours, driving tips and emergency phone numbers.

In addition to the download, 10,000 copies are being distributed to visitors, free of charge, via local car hire companies and tourist information offices on the island.   But if you are planning a visit to the island this year, then I recommend that you download it before you go so that you can start planning your holiday right away.

Demand for property for sale in Lanzarote priced above the €300,000 mark has fallen flat. According to figures recently released by one of the islands largest property portals, Lanzarote Guidebook.

An analysis of 636 property enquiries received during the first two months of this year revealed that overseas investors currently have little interest in villas and houses. And are instead opting for apartments and studios. Suggesting that recent changes in market conditions and consumer confidence are stifling demand for the more expensive properties currently on the market. Whilst investors instead turn to lower risk and lower cost options.

According to Lanzarote Guidebooks figures 83% of all enquiries received in January and February 2008 were for properties priced €300,000 or below. Whilst properties priced below €150,000 attracted 43% of all enquiries.

And demand falls as price rises – with properties priced in the €300,000 to €500,000 bracket accounting for 10% of all enquires. Whilst properties priced above the €500,000 mark proved to be of interest to just 3% of all overseas investors.

I passed Emma’s Cantina Mexicana in the old part of Puerto del Carmen last year, and was tempted to go in and try it.  Unfortunately, on the evening that I was planning to go there it was closed, so I didn’t actually get to.

However, I hear it comes highly recommended, and allegedly has the only native Mexican chef on the island - which considering the number of tex-mex restaurants is quite a feat in itself.

So since I won’t be going back there myself this year, perhaps anyone who goes there could leave a short comment on this blog and tell me how it is?   Go on, make me jealous!