Travel guide – lanzarote
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Overview
The most northeasterly of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote has embraced the tourism boom with a more laid-back feel than its popular sister islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Nature is still a big attraction on this small volcanic island, which measures only 38 miles (60km) long and 13 miles (21km) at its widest point. Camels are often used to transport goods (and sometimes tourists) in this desert-like climate, across the dry volcanic ash that covers most of the landscape. UNESCO declared the whole island a Biosphere Reserve in 1993, and visitors exploring the dozens of enchanting spots on the island will soon see why. Lanzarote’s capital, Arrecife, is a small town on the eastern coast, its harbour packed with fishing boats. Although the town itself has little to offer in the way of sights or nightlife, it does have a magnificent, clean beach, El Reducto, which has been granted blue flag status by the European Union. A promenade runs along the beach front around the San Gines lagoon with its fine golden sand and placid waters.
The smallest and most recently developed of the island’s three main resorts, Costa Teguise is situated on the southeast corner of Lanzarote and is a haven for families and sun-seekers. Although it is a purpose built resort, Costa Teguise manages to have a nice community feel to it, with lots of little squares around which the bars and restaurants are located. The resort is more low key than some but still has plenty to do with a wide variety of shops and restaurants for all tastes and of course lovely beaches. Playa de las Cucharas is probably the best of the three beaches with uninterrupted views and crystal clear blue waters, but Playa Bastian is another idyllic spot to enjoy the sub-tropical sunshine.
Things to do and see in or around Costa Teguise
La Cueva de los Verdes
In the northern part of Lanzarote, close to the Monte de la Corona volcano, is a spectacular system of underground grottos known as La Cueva de los Verdes. This is one of the largest volcanic galleries in the world, at just over four miles (six km) long, formed approximately five thousand years ago in a prehistoric eruption when a massive stream of lava boiled down to the sea, hardening around the spaces inflated by gases. More than a mile of these grottos are accessible to visitors, and lighting effects have been added to accentuate the contours and colours of the weird shapes resulting from the lava flows.
Telephone: 928 173 220 ; Monday to Sunday 10am to 6pm
This quiet resort situated in the very south of the island is named after the surrounding white sandy beaches. Although Playa Blanca has grown considerably over the last few years the old fishing village, in the centre, retains its charm and has escaped much of the commercialism that has blighted larger resorts. There is a good selection of cafés, bars and restaurants along the promenade but the main attractions are the nearby beaches; some of the best beaches in the Canary Islands are just four miles (six km) away at Papagayo. The resort is mainly geared for families and couples – those wanting a more lively nightlife will need to make the 18-mile (29km) journey to Puerto del Carmen.
Things to do and see in or around Playa Blanca
Fuerteventura
If sand and sun is what you are after, then Fuerteventura, second largest island in the Canaries archipelago (but the most sparsely populated) is the place to go. Its whitewashed capital, Puerto del Rosario, is known as the place where goats outnumber its citizens by a long chalk. Other than that however there is not much to the place except for very bleak buildings, which only the most curious visitor may find interesting. What one will find when taking the ferry to Fuerteventura from Lanzarote, is a good beach. Giniginamar is a peaceful spot with black sand fringed by elegant palm trees. There is also a long stretch of golden sand at the mouth of the Juan Gomez ravine on the Jandia peninsula. La Pared in the south has a black pebbly beach with rough seas, and there is the secluded, scenic Ajuy beach near the fishing village of the same name. One can still explore Fuerteventura and find stretches of virgin sand, even in the height of summer. The name, Fuerteventura, most likely derived from the amalgamation of fuerte (strong) and viento (wind), describing the strong off-shore winds that offer cooling breezes for the sun-worshippers.
Set beneath a range of steep hills on the south coast of Lanzarote, Puerto del Carmen is the island’s major resort. Its main feature is a spectacular two-mile (three km) golden beach, which is backed by a main road, The Strip, where shops, bars and restaurants of every variety can be found. The Old Town retains some of its old world charm but for the most part the resort is a sprawling holiday complex offering entertainment for all ages. Puerto del Carmen is the centre of the Lanzarote’s nightlife and, being centrally located, is within easy distance of all the islands key attractions. Matagorda is a small purpose-built resort just a few minutes drive along the coast from Puerto del Carmen, or a 30 minute walk.
Things to do and see in or around Puerto del Carmen and Matagorda
Museum of Contemporary Art
Modern art in an old building works well in Lanzarote’s capital, Arrecife, where a collection of works by international artists is on permanent display in the Castle of San Jose, a fortress built between 1776 and 1779 by King Carlos III of Spain. Some of the artists featured are Bacon, Picasso, Miro, Botero, Damaso and Luis Feito.
Museum: Monday to Sunday 11am to 1pm; art galleries: Monday to Sunday 11am to 9pm
Timanfaya National Park
Timanfaya National Park is unique because it is the only national park in the world to have been developed by local residents. Also unique is what the park offers, which includes a volcanic field filled with a variety of geological and geothermic phenomena. In the restaurant visitors can end their guided tour of these wonders by enjoying a meal cooked on geothermal heat emanating from the steam vents and geysers exuding from the lava. The park also features 180 different plant species on its stark landscape.
Telephone: 928 84 0056 ; Monday to Sunday 10am to 6pm
The Cactus Garden
Situated between Guatiza and Mala is an unusual sightseeing attraction that combines art with nature. Artist Cesar Manrique created a work of art in the form of a cactus plantation in an old quarry. The site also features a restored windmill.
Telephone: 928 52 9397 ; Daily 10am to 6pm
Climate
Lanzarote has a great climate throughout the year, although the sea breeze can be quite bracing. The average temperature is comfortable all year round, rarely dropping below 63°F (17°C) and more often above 82°F (28°C) during the day. During the winter it gets cool in the evenings and the sea temperature drops. Rainfall in the summer months is almost non-existent, but showers are likely between October and April.
Health
There are no health risks associated with travel to Spain, and no vaccination certificates are required for entry. Spain has a reciprocal health agreement with most EU countries, including the UK, providing free emergency health care at State run hospitals. UK travellers should take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Note that private clinics are not covered, and the scheme gives no entitlement to medical repatriation costs, nor does it cover ongoing illnesses of a non-urgent nature, so comprehensive travel insurance is advised.
The basics
Getting Around
Lanzarote is small and easy to navigate; most of the major resorts and attractions are within ten miles (16km) of each other. Efficient bus services go around and between the main resorts and operate until quite late. Taxis are also easily available and fairly good value. Those going off the beaten track may wish to hire a car for a day or two; car rental companies have offices in all the main resorts.
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