Planning a holiday in Lanzarote during the course of 2010? Over 1.3 million tourists did just that during the course of last year. A testament to the enduring popularity of the island as a vacation destination. And there’s a whole raft of interesting events and fiestas that are worth planning your break around this year.

Hundreds of thousands of British tourists will be enjoying a break on the island during the course of 2010. With around 50% opting to stay in self catering accommodation, with apartments and villas in Lanzarote proving especially popular. Many choose to build their visit around specific events on the island – as there’s a whole raft of fiestas and festivals taking place throughout the course of the year.

For independently minded travellers there is a plethora of Lanzarote holiday villas to choose from all year round.

The most colourful event of the year takes place next month. As the annual Carnaval season gets underway throughout February. And whilst not as riotous as Rio this event is still well worth a visit. Featuring brightly decorated floats, marching samba bands and a host of beautifully dressed dancers. The event rolls across the island throughout the course of February – with the biggest celebrations taking place in the oldest resort of Puerto del Carmen and the capital city of Arrecife.

Iron Man hits the island in late May. This event is widely regarded as one of the toughest triathlons the world. As over 1000 super fit contestants battle it out over a course comprising a 3km swim, followed by a 180km bike ride – all topped off with a full marathon. The top 60 entrants win a slice of the prize money and a coveted slot in the Grand Final in Hawaii. Although plenty of entrants never even make it to the finishing line such is the gruelling nature of this competition.

There’s no shortage of great music events on Lanzarote. With the Musica Canarias Festival taking place in February and Jazz Canarias hitting the island in July. Which showcases the best emerging talents from the world of jazz. In the past this event has featured performers such as the guitarist Kyle Eastwood – offspring of the famous actor Clint Eastwood - and the prodigious young jazz bassist Esperanza Spalding. All of whom appear free of charge in a big top erected in the main square in Teguise.

September is also a great time for booking holiday apartments in Lanzarote. As the Costa Music Festival takes place that month. Bringing an eclectic mix of live dance acts and top DJ talent to the beach at Playa Bastian in Costa Teguise. And like so many other events on the island this is also entirely free of charge – attracting crowds in their thousands.

Click here for further information on Playa Blanca apartments and villas .