|
Off the West Coast of Africa, 500 miles south of Gibraltar and
halfway to the Equator, are the Canary Islands, once known as
the Fortunate Islands because of their mild climate. Of the seven
principal islands Lanzarote lies nearest to the African coast.
There is hardly a day without sunshine all year round and Lanzarote
enjoys the best weather of them all. Winter is almost as warm
as summer, when even on the hottest day the Atlantic breezes temper
the strong sunshine. The sea is temperate throughout the year
and sea-bathing is possible at any time. The landscape is so completely
different from almost anywhere else it is difficult to describe;
you have to see it for yourself.
Altogether there are 100 or more beaches to be found on the island.
Lanzarote is becoming well-known for holidays but so far this
little island seems to have been able to receive its visitors
without losing any of its natural charm. The Island Government
carefully controls all new development and in general no apartment
blocks may be built more than two storeys high. The local traditions
have been very skilfully blended with modern architecture to produce
a distinctive style that is both functional and attractive. This
is the place to come for a relaxing or energetic holiday; whichever
you choose, a holiday packed with sunshine.
COST OF LIVING
Prices on average are much the same as in the UK but local produce,
particularly tomatoes, onions and fish are quite a lot less. There
is hardly any duty on drinks or cigarettes and these are approximately
half the UK price.
RESTAURANTS: There is a wide variety of restaurants on the island
from the simple fisherman’s cafe that serves excellent fish to
sophisticated restaurants with an international cuisine. The cost
of eating out is quite inexpensive by UK standards.
SOME INTERESTING PLACES TO VISIT
|
|
of the 18th Century volcanic eruptions.
It is just something you have to see for yourself.
Mirador del Rio
At the northern tip of the island – a fantastic view from the
sheer 1,000 feet cliff top, across the narrow strait of El Rio down to the Island of La Graciosa.
El Golfo
On the south-western coast, where the volcanic crater area reaches
the sea and the coast line has been twisted into strange shapes, lies El Golfo; this is an old volcano right on the coast, with its
crater filled by a brilliant green lake.
La Geria
Generations of vine-growers have created this really extraordinary
area which now produces two million litres of wine a year, but
where each vine has to be protected by a half-circle of low stone
wall against the prevailing north-east wind. You will see camels
being used to pull the hand ploughs, and the traditional and very
colourful dress from the past centuries that is still worn by
the peasants, mainly women, during working hours in the fields.
|
|
Drive to Papagayo
If you want to give yourself a really interesting excursion…
drive past Tias and Macher and through the country where, in addition
to grapes, the farmers produce melons, tomatoes, potatoes, onions,
figs … and much else, all without rain! See how they overcome
this by covering the soil with ‘picon’ – volcanic lava crushed
into black ash, which allows the heavy night dew to soak through,
but keeps the soil damp by protecting it from the hot sun during the day.
|
|
|
(The same technique is now used by residents for their
villa gardens). Drive on through Yaiza, which must be one of the
prettiest and best kept villages in Spain - more lunar landscape,
but this time flat. Past the vast Salinas del Janubio Salt Flats,
and down to Playa Blanca (where you should stop for lunch, either
going or on the way back). Continue along the coast, and then
the road gives out and for the last 10 minutes you are following
tracks just like driving across the North African desert. But
it is worth it, because you will come to the Papagayo Beaches
– some long, some just small coves, but all with the cleanest
white sand and clearest water you will find anywhere, and if you
see anyone on the beach, they may well be au naturel because they
didn’t expect to see you either!
PUERTO DEL CARMEN
Situated on the sheltered south east coast is the most popular
resort on the island. From the old fishing village which still
retains much of its charm, to the development of sophisticated
villas and apartments of the tourist community, you will find
a variety of contrasting lifestyles.
The two mile stretch of coastline between the Los Fariones and
Beatrix Playa Hotels includes some of the best beaches on the
Island, where you can choose between the wide golden sandy beach
by the Los Fariones, the sweeping Los Pocillos beach or Matagorda.
It doesn’t matter where you are as everything you need is only
a few minutes walk away.
There is an abundance of restaurants and bars, several shopping centres, with numerous supermarkets, banks, boutiques and bazaars.
A popular attraction also for the Europeans are the many duty
free shops. At night there is a wide choice of life from the simple
local run bar to the sophisticated discotheques where you can
dance the night away.
PLAYA BLANCA
Located in the far south of the Island is the quaint unspoilt
fishing village of Playa Blanca. Approximately 40 minutes drive
from the airport and 30 minutes from Puerto del Carmen, the resort
offers peace and quiet in delightful surroundings.
The village centres around a beautiful sandy beach providing
safe bathing all year round. Other beaches both east and west
of the village have been developed together with tasteful low
density tourist accommodation. There are excellent restaurants
and several shops, supermarkets and some small bars. 10 minutes
drive away are the fabulous beaches of Papagayo where you can
really escape from the world. It is possible to visit Fuertaventura
on the ferry from the harbour.
LA CALETTA DE FAMARA
A few kilometers north of Teguise lies the little known fishing
village of La Caletta. Here little has changed for generations,
and there has been no modern development whatsoever. The village
boasts one of the best fish restaurants on the Island – just try their fish casserole!
Proceeding due east from La Caletta towards the Famara Cliffs
(the highest point on the Island) you may visit the unique estate
of the Famara Bungalows, all half-moon shaped and set into the
slopes immediately below the cliffs. The estate has an excellent restaurant and bar and a well stocked
shop. From here a walk along the beach is both breathtaking and spectacular.
Playa de Famara offers a holiday a shade out of the ordinary,
remote and peaceful with a touch of the wild.
THE WEATHER OF LANZAROTE
Lanzarote is generally considered to have the best weather in
all the Canaries and the rainfall is minimal – about 3" per year
and flowers bloom all year round. Tomatoes planted in December
are harvested in April.
January & February Most days are sunny and warm,
18-22°C (65-72°F) although the nights may be cool, 15°C (60°F). Sea bathing is possible.
March & April Almost every day sunny;
temperatures 20-25°C (68-77°F). Sea bathing pleasant.
May & June The weather is usually very settled with may warm
days around 23°C (74°F) and often much hotter. The sea is very pleasant.
July, August & September The hottest months but with the Atlantic
breezes nearly all days feel ‘air conditioned’. The sun can be very strong.
October & November The days are still very warm, about 25°C (77°F).
Sea still warm.
December Fine sunny days with the temperature 21-23°C (70-75°F)
are usual right though to the end of the month. Sea bathing still comfortable.
ACTIVITIES, SPORTS AND PASTIMES ON LANZAROTE
FISHING with a rod and line from the rocks is extremely good whilst big game
fishing for shark, barracuda etc, is available from fully equipped boats.
Facilities for SCUBA DIVING are available on the island and
there are beginner courses for the less experienced.
WINDSURFING is available from the beach and is very popular.
Conditions are ideal for everyone from beginner to expert. Board hire and instructions are offered by the beach clubs.
THE SPORTS CENTRE close to the Los Fariones Hotel offers a variety of facilities.
Here there is a swimming pool, numerous tennis courts and squash court.
There is also a bar and sunbeds. You only pay for the facilities you use.
LA SANTA SPORT in the north of the island, is a purpose built holiday village for
sporting enthusiasts and offers a wide range of facilities including,
windsurfing, cycling, running track, tennis etc. Also swimming pool and
numerous shops and bar in the complex.
A round of GOLF can be played on the course at Costa Teguise.
There is a club house and bar and a resident professional. Trolleys and clubs can be hired.
Close by the golf course is AGUA-LANZA WATER PARK for an
active family day out; there are slides and flumes, a huge swimming pool plus bars and snack bar.
For the more sedate, a visit to the superb CACTUS GARDEN (a creation of Cesar
Manrique) at Guatiza is a must. There are almost 10,000 cactus of 1,450 different species.
From here continue on to the GUINATE TROPICAL PARK, at the top of the
Famara cliffs where you can see hundreds of tropical birds from all over the world.
EXCURSIONS and further information about any of the places mentioned in the
portfolio can be obtained from our Island representative.
|
