The Canary Islands are a small group of volcanic islands in
the Atlantic ocean just off the west coast of Morocco. Although closer to
Africa, they belong to Spain. The currency is the euro and the main language is
Spanish, although due to the huge tourism industry, English, French and German
are also common.
Lanzarote is the perfect holiday island (hence it’s huge
popularity). The weather is great year round, with hot summers and mild
winters. The constrast of the island is quite amazing. Enter the holiday towns
of Costa Teguise, Peurto del Carmen or Playa Blanca and you will be in tourist
heaven. These towns are built specifically to cater for the influx of tourists,
with restaurants, bars and clubs to boot. There are beautiful beaches
(especially Papagayo in Playa Blanca) and plenty to do. Costa Teguise is
especially synonimous with wind surfing and Puerto del Carmen with scuba
diving.
The true heart of Lanzarote however lies outside the typical
tourist towns.
Famara in the North West is one of the most beautiful
beaches in the world, with a spectacular mountain backdrop, it also happens to
revolve around surfing. There are numerous surf schools in Famara, and finding
a local who doesn’t surf takes some doing. It is definitely my favourite part
of the island and a must visit.
La Santa just north of Famara is also surf mad with one of
the meanest breaks in Lanzarote known as “The slab”. The quiet town is also
home to a world famous fitness centre where locals will brag Brad Pitt acquired
his buff body prior to his latest movie roles.
Puerto Calero has a small marina which often plays host to yachting
races and deep sea fishing competitions. Watch the races from the shore or
dabble in some deep sea fishing of your own on board one of the local boats.
Lanzarote also hosts the Ironman triathalon in the middle of
the year, where some of the world’s finest athletes compete. A must for all
fitness fanatics.
The Canary islands and Lanzarote in particular are also
famous for their carnivals, with villages hosting parties throughout the year.
The Spanish really know how to party, prepare yourself for a rough day after
should you indulge in the festivities.
Getting off the beaten track and mingling with the locals is
a must in Lanzarote, lest you find yourself in just another tourist trap.
How to get to Lanzarote
There are many charter flights available from Europe (mainly
UK) with such airlines as Easyjet, Ryanair and Spanair (there are numerous
more). Iberia also offer a flight from Madrid to Lanzarote.
The flight time from UK is around 3-4 hours. From Madrid the
flight time is approximately 2 hours.
Where to stay in Lanzarote
There are numerous hotels and apartments for rent in the major
tourist cities of Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise.I highly recommend staying in one of the smaller, less tourist driving
towns. We stayed in Tabayesco, a small village in the North of Lanzarote. It
was beautiful and relaxing. For more information visit http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187477-d1978371-Reviews-Casitas_Tabayesco-Lanzarote_Canary_Islands.html
Accommodation is also a lot cheaper than the coastal towns of the Mediterranean area.
Accommodation is also a lot cheaper than the coastal towns of the Mediterranean area.
How to get around the island of Lanzarote
Although existent, public transport is not ideal in
Lanzarote. Hiring of a car is a necessity if you wish to see the island.
Alternatively you can set up camp in one of the holiday towns and relax, all
necessary amenities are within walking distance.
Must do activities in Lanzarote
Famara beach - take a surf lesson or rent a board and jump
into the deep end. Marvel and the beautiful mountain setting from the surf
backline.
Papagayo beach - rub shoulders with the rich and famous on
this tiny picturesque beach.
Carnival - the main carnival is in February ... try get
there for a week of mayhem.
Dolores - celebrate the Dolores carnival held in the centre of the island in
September.
Playa Chica, Puerto del Carmen - learn to scuba dive in a
sheltered bay teaming with fish.
Peurto Calero - go deep sea fishing on board one of the
local boats.
Nazaret - wine, dine and party at Lagomar , a great venue
built into the side of a mountain.
More information on Lanzarote
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lanzarote
Pictures of Lanzarote
Pictures of Lanzarote
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| Famara beach with mountain backdrop |
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| Sea view from Tabayesco Village |
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| Peurto del Carmen beach |
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