Holiday resort information Lanzarote

It’s hard to believe that Lanzarote is only four hours away from the UK. With sunshine all year round you might have already guessed that the island is on the same latitude as Florida. It’s the ideal holiday destination at any time of the year. Flights are affordable and the golden beaches are fantastic!

Beaches

Playa Blanca is the sunniest and most southerly resort in Lanzarote. The resort has three golden sandy beaches in sheltered bays and the beaches of Papagayo are close by.

Playa Flamingo is a lovely beach just to the west of the town centre. On the promenade there are shops, bars and restaurants. The beach is sheltered by breakwaters and the sea in this bay is shallow so it is ideal for families with small children. The sand is golden and there are rock pools to inspect.

Town Beach is a small beach closest to the bustling centre of Playa Blanca. There are many seafront bars and restaurants here and you can enjoy a cold drink whilst soaking up the sea views and relaxing atmosphere.

Playa Dorada is the biggest beach and the one to choose for a wide range of water sports. There are sun beds and umbrellas for hire and beach bars. It is well worth swimming out to the small rocky island with a face mask and flippers to be amazed by the range of fish in the beautiful clear blue sea.

The world famous Papagayo Beaches are just a short drive from Playa Blanca or you can take a boat trip there. There is a small entry fee. This is the place to go if you prefer a less commercial environment.

Water Sports

Lanzarote is famous for its water-sports. The consistently good weather, clear water and fine beaches make it a popular destination for wind-surfers, surfers and sailors. There are underwater caves, reefs and shipwrecks where you can see barracuda and angel sharks. It’s perfect for diving, snorkelling and big game fishing.

• Try parasailing, hire a jet ski or pedalo at Playa Dorada.
• Playa Blanca Harbour offers fishing trips and sailing expeditions.
• Take a glass bottomed water taxi to Papagayo where there are rocky inlets and sheltered coves of Sahara sand.
• Book a dolphin and whale watching trip.
• Take a dive and watch the fish in a Yellow Submarine!
• Try snorkelling or take scuba diving lessons – you will be amazed at the beautiful fish all around you.
• Take a trip off the beaten track to the long beach at Playa Famara where the landscape is dramatic and join the locals for a spot of surfing

If you enjoy the water Lanzarote is the place for you. The sea is crystal clear, the beaches are beautiful and you can enjoy the sunshine all year round. The resort of Playa Blanca has developed around some of the best beaches on the island.

Walking

The promenade runs all the way from the lighthouse in the west to Papagayo Arena Hotel in the east and is a good walk for a cooler day. There are bars and restaurants to sample along the way. Take some bread to feed the huge fish in the harbour - look carefully by the harbour walls for shyer species. Rubicon Marina is well worth a visit to see the yachts and designer shops and there is a market every Saturday. If you are feeling more energetic you can walk up the volcano Montana Roja for a spectacular view of the resort and neighbouring islands. There are also footpaths to the coves of Papagayo for walking enthusiasts.

Shopping

You can buy most things in the pedestrianised town centre including electrical goods, designer clothing, duty free perfume and souvenirs. The shops also stay open until late in the evening. If you need to change money the banks are open from 7.30am – 2.30pm. After that you would need to use the cash machines outside the banks.

Try the local produce if you want the best prices when shopping for food. There are several supermarkets in Playa Blanca including Roper, Spar and Hiperdino.

The main resorts in Lanzarote offer tax-free shopping, so you’ll find goods at very low prices. In Arrecife, there is a maze of narrow streets filled with stores selling table cloths, leather goods and local art. This is where you will find familiar clothing chains such as Zara. Enjoy a coffee at a pavement café in the tree lined main street or sample Spanish tapas in a traditional bar.

Eating Out

Food in Lanzarote is similar to Southern Spain and fish is popular. In Canarian restaurants try swordfish or tuna steaks with garlic and wrinkled potatoes with mojo sauce. Tapas bars serve small portions of local specialities (so you can try a few dishes to find a new favourite) and freshly mixed jugs of Sangria go down well. International cuisine is readily available such as Chinese, Indian, Mexican, Italian, and of course you can always find English food such as steak and chips.

Most of the staff in the bars and restaurants speak English – they do appreciate your attempts to order in Spanish though! Most restaurants serve food until 11pm.

Golf

A round of golf is possible all year round in Lanzarote because of the great weather. There are two courses to choose from, Lanzarote Golf at Tias and Golf Costa Teguise. They both have informative websites showing fees and equipment for hire. A new course is being built in Playa Blanca and should be ready by 2013.

In Lanzarote, high season runs from 1st October until 30th April, while low season runs from 1st May until 30th September.

Lanzarote Golf
Designed by Ron Kirby, Lanzarote Golf is a modern 18 hole, par 72 golf course. It resembles a Links course, with wide fairways and beautiful views over the Atlantic Ocean and Puerto del Carmen.

To book you can phone or send an enquiry form via the website.
Carretera del Puerto del Carmen
Tías
35510 Puerto del Carmen
Tel: 0034 928 514 050
www.lanzarotegolfresort.com

Golf Costa Teguise
Designed in 1978 by John Harris, Costa Teguise Golf is a well established 18 hole, par 72 course. Set in an oasis of 3,500 palm trees and surrounded by the breathtaking volcanic landscape of Lanzarote this is a challenging and enjoyable course. Equipment is available for hire and lessons can be arranged.

To book you can phone or send an enquiry form via the website.
Avenida del Golf
Costa Teguise
35508 Lanzarote
Tel: 0034 928 590 512
Fax: 0034 928 592 337
www.lanzarote-golf.com

Sightseeing

Lanzarote is a unique island with amazing sights. Once you have had a few days to relax we recommend that you see what the island has to offer. The locals are friendly and welcoming and are especially kind to families with children.

Many buildings in Lanzarote bear the stamp of local artist César Manrique. Thanks to him high-rise buildings are banned. Around the island he has fused art with nature to breathtaking effect. Roundabouts are adorned with giant wind monuments and volcanic tunnels have been turned into popular cultural attractions.

Lanzarote has the most unique scenery of all the Canary Islands. The landscape is stunning and there are beaches, caves and volcanoes to explore. There is a wine making tradition with a unique cultivation method that is still practiced to this day. Castles, archaeological sites and museums pepper the island.

Most of the natural attractions are free to view. Where special facilities have been provided such as car parking, bar and restaurant, gift shop, exhibition or guided tour then the entry price is 8 euros per adult and 4 euros per child.

Take a journey through the Fire Mountains in Timanfaya National Park. A guided coach tour with atmospheric music is the only access to the heart of the volcanoes. The restaurant serves steak, chicken and kebabs cooked using geothermal heat.

Fundacion César Manrique is the artist's home incorporating volcanic bubbles and stunning landscape views. His private art collection includes work by Picasso and Miro.

El Golfo is a volcanic crater which has been almost completely eroded by the ocean then filled with sea water filtered through the dark black sand. The green coloured water is due to algae. Striking rock formations and jet black sand makes it an absolutely extraordinary site well worth visiting.

Explore the Cueva de los Verdes – a stunning complex of caves and galleries.

The caves at Jameos del Agua were formed by volcanic eruptions about 4000 years ago and this is one of the most amazing attractions on Lanzarote. The saltwater lagoon which runs underground is home to the Blind Albino Crab. The caves feature an auditorium, swimming pool, beautiful gardens and a restaurant.

The beautiful Jardin del Cactus was designed by César Manrique. The collection features more than 1000 different species of cactus. Adding to the glorious atmosphere of the garden is the restoration of the old windmill, as well as interesting metal sculptures.

Castillo de San Jose is located in Arrecife. It was constructed in 1799 to protect the harbour area from pirate attack. In 1974 it was restored into a gallery of modern art by César Manrique.