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Resort Guides
Arrecife
The skyline is dominated by the tallest building on Lanzarote, the Grand Hotel, it is best described as a bustling, friendly and unpretentious city. Arrecife is the capital of Lanzarote. Its name originates from the abundance of reefs and islets along the coast, which form a magnificent sea front promenade. It is the principle commercial area on the island with its main street Castillo y Leon hosting a wide variety of shops and nearby cafes. There are numerous beaches in the area running from Arrecife airport, Guacimeta, right through to the old town of Puerto Del Carmen. So there is plenty to choose from. There are many sights to see in Arrecife such as El Charco de San Gines, a saltwater land enclosed lagoon in the city centre surrounded by fishermen's houses. Other interesting attractions include the Castles of San Jose, home to the international Museum of Modern Art, and San Gabriel, home to the Archaeological Museum.
Transfer approximately 5 minutes and 5GBP from Arrecife airport.
Costa Teguise
Costa Teguise is an extremely popular resort for those who want a laid back break away. This resort is ideal for both families and couples as it offers a relaxed and up market atmosphere. There are no nightclubs in the resort with the majority of the nightlife centering more on the excellent selection of bars and pavement cafes in the area. There is also a wide selection of restaurants that offer great value for money, which makes eating out a popular choice in the evenings. Costa Teguise is an incredibly popular resort for sports enthusiasts due to its wide array of facilities, such as the Toca sports center, waterpark, windsurfing and diving schools. Golfers are particularly well catered for as it possess an 18 hole course just outside the resort. There are 3 main beaches in Costa Teguise, namely Las Chucharas, Jabillo and the Playa Bastian beach. All of them possess fine, white sand that curves round the coast as far as the eye can see.
Transfer approximately 15 mins and 10GBP from Arrecife airport.
Matagorda
Once an entirely separate little village, Matagorda is really now a tasteful extension of Puerto del Carmen, with only the beach and resort of Playa de los Pocillos between the two. Matagorda is now connected to los Pocillos via a promenade. It is a recent development and thus contains a very high standard of modern accommodation. If you choose to stay in this resort, you will find a two-storey shopping area that includes Chinese, Greek and Indian restaurants, Irish bars, a cocktail bar and supermarket, together with souvenir shops. It has come into its own, not least because of its excellent beach but thanks as well to the renowned windsurfing school which operates there. If greater variety or nightlife is wanted, Puerto del Carmen is very easily reached, either by local bus or taxi.
Transfer approximately 10 mins and 8GBP from Arrecife airport.
Playa Blanca
Developed around an old fishing village, Playa Blanca has a laid back, old fashioned feel to it. Playa Blanca combines a relaxing atmosphere with some stunning scenery. Nightlife here is fairly low-key. The majority of evening entertainment is centered around the bars and restaurants in the area. This makes it a great destination for couples and holidaymakers who are just looking to get away from it all. Playa Blanca offers several sandy coves to relax on with a book. The large white sand expanse of the Papagayo peninsula is only 3kms away. These secluded beaches are one of the main attractions of the resort. Scuba diving is a popular pastime during the day, with many instructors on hand to guide the novice diver.
Transfer approximately 30 mins and 18GBP from Arrecife airport.
Playa de los Pocillos
With its all round appeal and wide range of attractions, Los Pocillos is rapidly becoming one of the most popular holiday destinations in Lanzarote. This resort has something to suit everyone. It possesses a vibrant town centre teeming with local shops and restaurants as well as bars and a couple of nightclubs. Far smaller than its neighbouring resorts of Puerto Del Carmen and Matagorda, it retains a relaxed atmosphere that appeals to all ages. The stunning beaches are one of the key attractions of Los Pocillos. With golden sand that goes on for miles there is always be a place to plant the deck chair. There is also an extensive range of water sports that attract enthusiasts from around the world. The lively resort of Puerto Del Carmen is only a taxi ride away for those who seek more extreme nightlife.
Transfer approximately 10 mins and 6GBP from Arrecife airport.
Puerto del Carmen
The most popular resort in the whole of Lanzarote, Puerto Del Carmen has an endless selection of amenities with numerous shops, amusement arcades, stylish bars and cafes situated along the beach. Due to its lively atmosphere it is ideal for the young and lively who want to spend the days on the beach and the nights out partying. Due to its year round sun, Puerto Del Carmen is always a hive activity, whatever the season. The resorts nightlife is one of the best in the world with the majority of clubs open all through the night. A visit to the Old town of Del Carmen shows the more traditional quieter side of the resort with a number of excellent harbour-side restaurants. The long, dark, sandy beaches are the perfect antidote for a hard nights clubbing, and stretch for 3km. The water here is much calmer than in a lot of the other resorts in the Canaries which makes it much warmer to swim, especially in the shallower areas. With a wide range of sports facilities complementing the abundance of attractions in the resort, Puerto Del Carmen is perfect for those who want to get plenty of activity from their holiday, whatever the time of day.
Transfer approximately 10 mins and 6GBP from Arrecife airport.
Weather in Lanzarote
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Beaches
Lanzarote has a large variety of wonderful beaches. From the beautiful white sands of the North to the dark volcanic sands of Puerto Del Carmen, one will be amazed by this contrast that is unique to Lanzarote.
The main beach in Puerto Del Carmen is known as Playa Grande. This is a long beach facing the busy resort. There are numerous beaches in the area running from Arrecife airport, Guacimeta, right through to the old town of Puerto Del Carmen. Adjacent to the old town lies a beautiful picturesque beach, Playa Chica. This beach is host to a wide variety of sporting activities.
In the South of the Island near the resort of Playa Blanca lies the most beautiful beach of all, Papagayo. This fantastic white beach is a must for beach lovers.
For those who love surfing and body boarding the beaches of Famara and La Santa, in the West, both present fabulous opportunities. Famara is world famous for its surf but would not be recommended to the fainthearted.
La Santa Sports Complex, as well as being the training ground for international sports stars, is also surrounded by a beach and wind surfing lake.
At the North of the island, near Orsola, there are a number of white sandy beaches. The sand is blown over from the Sahara desert. The beaches are isolated but can be accessed by foot. In the Northeast lies the Resort, Costa Teguise. The main beach here is known as Las Cucharas and is famous amongst the windsurfing community. In fact it has been the breeding ground of international champions.
Finally, Arrecife, Lanzarote's capital, has a wonderful golden beach, El Reducto. This beach faces a number of Canarian bars where one can have traditional coffee, Cortado, or a relaxing cocktail.
Top Attractions of the Area
Guinate Tropical Park - Located near the northern village of Guinate, on the foot of the volcano "La Corona" the Guinate Tropical Park was lavishly constructed on a plot of 45.000m². It features artificial lagoons, waterfalls and thousands of tropical plants. It is home for more than 1300 different species of birds and reptiles. The restaurant offers a funny parrot show several times a day, where the birds perform stunning stunts.
Jameos del Agua - This is a cave complex that includes a natural concert hall with wonderful acoustics, subterranean lagoon, a restaurant and a museum. These natural volcanic caves have been turned into an auditorium, swimming pool, gardens and restaurants, while still blending into the surrounding volcanic landscape.
Mirador del Rio - provides spectacular views. The early inhabitants of the island used this site as a lookout point as Lanzarote was often attacked by pirates. In 1898 the 'Bateria del Rio' was built as an Artillery base where the canons now resting at the Castillo de San Gabriel once resided. Then it was turned into a restaurant and tourist centre.
Museum of Contemporary Art - Modern art in an old building works well in the capital of Lanzarote, Arrecife. A collection of works by international artists are on permanent display in the Castle of San Jose, which is 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.
Rancho Texas Park - This amusement park and small zoo was introduced to the public in its modernized form in 2002. It's easy to find on the main road connecting Puerto del Carmen with the airport. Different shows are performed several times a day, e.g. a drolly parrot show in the saloon - restaurant, an impressive raptor show with eagles and buzzards shooting over the spectators heads and the taming of a crocodile. All the shows are very interesting and informative. Children have lots of activities available including, canoeing, riding ponies, washing gold as well as experiencing the life of cowboys and indians.
Timanfaya National Park - This is a must-see for any visitor to Lanzarote. 50km² of volcanic landscape and craters, as well as the 'El Diablo' restaurant where traditional Canarian food is cooked in a natural volcanic oven. It has unique 'martian' landscape and rare plant species. After you arrive at the visitor's car park you will witness several demonstrations of 'how hot' the area is (temperatures just a few metres below the surface reach between 400°C and 600°C). Dry brush is thrown into a hole in the ground which catches fire immediately, water is poured into a bore hole and seconds later the water erupts back into the air as steam.
Wine Museum El Grifo - The region around La Geria is the main wine-producing area of Lanzarote. El Grifo is the largest and most frequented wine museum with 45,000 visitors each and every year. On arrival at the museum you can see the 'Monument to the Grifo' created by local artist César Manrique.
Shopping
In Lanzarote you will find several shopping and leisure centres as well as an array of stores and boutiques selling all kinds of goods: from perfumes, clothes, jewellery and electrical equipments that can be purchased at very reasonable prices to local produce and handmade crafts. The shopping districts are located in the main resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca. Arrecife, the capital of the island and in Playa Honda are the largest shopping centres of Lanzarote. In Arrecife, you will find a galore of shops selling all kind of goods: international brand names, duty free goods and electronic equipments (best prices and service) and much more. One of most popular events is in Costa Teguise, which is the grand open air Sunday Market, the ideal spot to hunt down souvenirs and gifts at a bargain price. The whitewashed town of Costa Teguise hosts the vibrant market every Sunday. The town comes to life as locals set up stalls and people come here from across the Island. There are plenty of products to choose from, anything from table cloths to ceramics.
The shopping district of Costa Teguise is gathered along Playa de las Cucharas where you can find endless shops selling brand names sportswear, souvenirs and accessories; many shops are clustered together in Las Cucharas Commercial Centre, mainly dealing with electrical goods.
Every Friday night in Pueblo Marinero there is a craft market and the area is surrounded by shops and lively cafes.
Playa Blanca's main shopping areas are along the promenade, Calle Limones and the leisure centre Papagayo.
Playa Honda hosts one of the largest shopping centres of the island with an array of shops formal clothes, sports wear, perfumes and electrical goods.
In Puerto del Carmen, one of the main resorts in Lanzarote, shops galore can be found along the main strip of Avenida de las Playas selling electronic goods, formal clothes and sports wear and accessories. In proximity to the promenade is a brand new shopping centre, covering several floors which combine the pleasure of shopping with those of entertainment. From this area you can have a stroll down the picturesque old town and browse in some interesting sports wear shops. In the opposite end of Puerto del Carmen, along Playa de los Pocillos, you will find more shops clustered in the following shopping centres: Centro Comercial Pocillos, Costa Mar and Jameos, around the Hotel Jameos Playa.
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.
By Bus
Good bus services are becoming more available all over the island. There is a frequent service between the main towns of Arrecife, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise. Playa Blanca is on the southern coast of Lanzarote and the bus service is less frequent, but still good. Currently, there are three or four regular services per day connecting the town with the rest of the island and more are to be provided soon. The local buses are known as guaguas (pronounced 'wah-wahs') and provide the cheapest means of getting around the island.
By Car
Hire car is the way that the majority of tourists get around the island. Cars are easily available and cheaper than in the UK and the roads are good. One thing to remember, however, is to keep your passport, driving license and hire agreement with you as it is required by law. Before you set out, do ensure that you know the telephone number of the car hire company just incase you may need to contact them.
By Taxi
Taxis, as in the UK, are strictly controlled and regulated. The standard of the cars provided is high and they are widely available. Prices are regulated and very reasonable. Most people hire their own cars or get around by bus, but tours around the island can be arranged by taxi. There are taxi ranks in all the main towns (or, you can ask the receptionist of your hotel or holiday complex to call one for you). If you are out and about taxis are available by hailing them from the roadside. Be wary of paying for fares with large bills, as taxi drivers often claim not to carry change and you may end up giving a much larger tip than you intended.
Nightlife
Although not as busy as the islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife, Lanzarote's nightlife is still quite lively too … at least in some places! While Lanzarote is not nearly as boisterous as Tenerife or some of the Balearic Islands, there is still plenty of nightlife to suit most tastes.
When the night falls, the island's nightspots gain a different look with music and animation for all tastes and wallets. The good thing is that Lanzarote is definitely not 'lager lout' territory!
Arrecife is a must-visit if you want to get to know local people's preferences when it comes to nightlife. It is thriving with nice bars where you can have a good time in the company of people of all ages and enjoy music of all types. Most of the in-places are located in the Calle José Antonio and one of the trendiest places, La Naos, can be found in the Avenida de Naos, right opposite the port.
Costa Teguise has a good selection of restaurants, bars and pubs along Avenida Islas Canarias, near the Toca Shopping Centre. In this area don't miss the Cariatico, a popular nightclub located at Las Maretas shopping centre, the Treble (an animated sports bar) or the Saxo (a good music bar).
Bars are open all day every day until late hours. Discos and nightclubs usually open around 23.00 hrs and close when the last person has left (usually around 5.00 or 6.00 hrs in the morning) - most don't charge an entrance fee.
Apart from this, there is also a wide offer in the tourist resorts' weekly entertaining programmes, often including live music, cabaret and dance performances. You don't have to be a guest of the hotel to attend these shows, so choose the one that best suits your needs or mood.
Puerto del Carmen is the lively tourist centre of the Island with two merging areas: the famous promenade packed with live music bars, pubs and discos to suit most tastes; and la Tiñosa which unfolds around the old fishermen's port and it is soaked in a very special atmosphere. The south coast is bustling with all the nightlife action! Head to Avenida de las Playas and to Centro Atlantico in particular where you can dance all night to the rhythms of commercial music and salsa. The famous promenade is packed with live-music bars, pubs and discos to suit all tastes. The Casino de Lanzarote is also located in the Avenida de las Playas. Here you can combine the emotions of trying your luck at the gambling tables and machines with an excellent dinner in a lovely atmosphere.
Eating Out
In Lanzarote, you will find restaurants for all tastes: Mexicans, Italians, Chinese, Indians, etc. and, above all, local cuisine.
Typical dishes from the Canary Islands include wrinkled potatoes with mojo, cheese, los pejines, mussels, limpets, burgaos, steamed or in vinegar. Jareadas, fish consommé, Canarian stew are some of the tastiest dishes that you can try when you visit the island. The dishes are mild and are made with local ingredients, like fish seasoned with mojo.
The phrase "dining out" has extra meaning in Lanzarote. With a showcase of International cuisine and wine so uniquely appetizing, those who wish to experience a variety of tastes with their menu selections, will be spoilt for choice. One thing is certain of all the restaurants; the Spanish, with their strong family roots, welcome children with open arms, which immediately creates a warm friendly atmosphere. All restaurants have high chairs and many offer a children's menu or will certainly adapt something from the main menu to keep the kids smiling.
From tapas to silver service, from chow mein to burritos, Lanzarote truly offers something for visitors with any taste and a growing demand for variety. And with several home-grown, award winning Lanzarote wines to select to accompany your meal your dining experience is sure to be a success from start to finish.
There isn't a better time than when you are on holiday to select foods you've not tried or had elsewhere - dishes beyond the familiar. Several renowned chefs from every part of the world have brought their experience and talent to Lanzarote.
Canarians like to take their time when dining and lunch can often go on well into the early evening. Similarly dinner can go well into the night. So when in Lanzarote make dining a major part of your holiday. Try different restaurants, different dishes and different wines. You will be spoilt for choice.
Sports
A temperate climate, clean waters and an ecologically sound environment make an ideal playground. Throughout the year you can enjoy all kinds of sporting activity, exploring the inner depths of the mountains, trekking or climbing them; water sports galore, both on and under the sea; or taking to the sky hang-gliding in the steady breezes that bless the island.
In the main, sporting activities tend to be related to the sea, Lanzarote is perfect for windsurfing, swimming, diving, surfing, and fishing.
In Puerto del Carmen there are numerous diving schools, deep sea fishing excursions, jet ski hire, parasailing and much more. Also in the resort there are professional gyms providing sporting facilities including squash and tennis. The resort of Costa Teguise is famous for its excellent windsurfing conditions while Famara and La Santa, in the west, have some of the best surf in the world. Puerto Calero is a wonderful leisure marina, where you can participate in numerous water activities.
Below are a list of some of the most popular and enjoyable sporting activities available throughout Lanzarote.
Golf
Year round warm and gentle climate, landscapes offering an oasis of peace and tranquillity beneath clear blue skies make Lanzarote a favourite destination for professional golfers and newcomers alike. Lanzarote cannot really be considered a golfers' paradise - as there is no big choice of golf courses for the time being, but it has a consistently warm climate and little rainfall in winter, which makes it an attractive venue for playing golf all year round. At present, Lanzarote has only one golf course at Costa Teguise, but two more are either currently in construction (at Puerto del Carmen) or in the planning stage (at Playa Blanca).
Horseback Riding
A route network for sightseeing on horseback has recently been introduced to the island. This practical sporting activity allows visitors to view the countryside in comfort, while remaining in close contact with the landscape around them.
Sailing
Sailing along Lanzarote's shores, where the trade winds provide ideal conditions, is also a very popular pastime for islanders and visitors alike. Even leave if you have no experience at all and you want to find out what is it that attracts so many to this beautiful sport, just charter a yacht and try your hand at it. There are many registered clubs and organizations that offer comprehensive courses and provide all the necessary equipment for hire. They even organize sailing outings where others do the heavy work, while you enjoy the trip.
Scuba Diving
The ocean surrounding Lanzarote is renowned for its abundance of marine life. The ocean floor, sharing a volcanic origin with the islands themselves, supports a spectacular array of plants and fish, which can be easily admired due to the clarity of the water. Off the harbour of Puerto del Carmen, a number of wrecks have been sunk to create a fascinating marine park, bubbling with life. On a short swim to the wrecks you will have the opportunity to see common ray, cow nose ray and angel sharks.
Water Sports
Parascending, jet skiing, water skiing, a trip on a speedboat and other adrenalin producing activities are mainly offered at the major resorts. The ever popular banana boats, pedal boats and sea kayaks are also available for hire on many beaches and make a good way of getting out on the water with your children.
Windsurfing
Lanzarote is one of the greatest windsurfing destinations in the world, and offers conditions ideal for the beginner and the expert alike. The coast is home to numerous windsurfing schools and specialized centres to suit all skill levels. The trade winds blow throughout the year, guaranteeing excellent windsurfing conditions in all seasons. Costa Teguise, and particularly the beach of Las Cucharas, is one of the best windsurf spots on the island, where the wind really picks up in the afternoon, so mornings are more adequate for beginners. Free-stylers will find their favourite place here, due to the flat-water conditions and strong and steady winds further out. The beach off the Club La Santa at the village of La Santa on the north coast provides a sheltered lagoon for beginners. The wind conditions are always at their best during the summer months.
For the Family
The first thing you and your family will want to do upon reaching Lanzarote is explore its volcanic landscape. The longest volcanic tunnel ever discovered is Lanzarote's Atlantida Tunnel, which measures about 8 km in length. While many sections of the tunnel have been preserved as natural wonders, other sections have been put to more creative uses: as concert halls, as gardens, and as underground pools.
Be sure to tell your kids that many of the "alien" scenes from the movie Planet of the Apes were filmed on Lanzarote, which was considered ideal because of its eerie, volcanic setting. Indeed, many travellers feel as though they are on an alien planet as they navigate through bumpy lava floes and plains of volcanic rock. Children and adults alike will enjoy the sensation of "walking on the moon."
If you're hoping to give your family a taste of what the locals do, explore Lanzarote's festivals. As highly religious people, the islanders annually organize grand festivals to honour holidays from both the Christian and native traditions. The most widely celebrated feast day is Corpus Christi, and it is common for tourist families to take part in the festivities since it occurs in June. Lanzarote marks the occasion by dyeing salt into various brilliant shades and scattering it in front of church walkways - children should certainly enjoy this. Other Saint's Days are celebrated throughout the year and should not be missed if your family's visit coincides with one.
A great place for the whole family is the Aqua Park. The large aqua park in Costa Teguise offers swimming pools, flumes and water rides for kids and adults of all ages. Please note the water is not heated so be sure to check temperatures outside of the summer months as they may drop past a comfort level! Open every day 10:00am to 18:00pm.
There is also lots of entertainment for children at most of the hotels on the island.
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