Lanzarote – Vacation on the Canary Island
Vacations in Lanzarote offer vacations away from mass tourism. The island of Lanzarote is the northeasternmost of the seven major Canary Islands. On an area of 845,94 square kilometers live just 140.000 people. Lanzarote with its capital Arrecife belongs to Spain and the province of Las Palmas. The island has a total of 10 kilometers of sandy and 16.5 kilometers of pebble beach.
The island of Lanzarote is of volcanic origin. This can be seen by the sparse vegetation all over the island. Mass tourism has fortunately not yet arrived on Lanzarote. Therefore, the island is particularly suitable for vacationers who are looking for peace and relaxation. The three most famous tourist resorts on the island are Playa Blanca on the southern tip, Puerto del Carmen in the south and Costa Teguise in the southeast of the island. The beauty of the volcanic island and the mild climate are the whole capital of Lanzarote. That is why vacationers are attracted to this beautiful island.
Popular resorts on Lanzarote
On an area of 845,94 square kilometers live on Lanzarote about 141.000 people. Lanzarote belongs to the Spanish province of Las Palmas and is divided into seven municipalities: Arrecife, HarIa, San Bartolome, Teguise, TIas, Tinajo and Yaiza.
Arrecife
Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote, with its many historical buildings, the small churches and the colorful markets, is worth a visit in any case. In addition to many restaurants and boutiques, the place also offers several leisure activities. At the beach Playa Reducto you can relax and unwind. In addition, the international airport of Lanzarote is located in Arrecife.
Puerto del Carmen
Puerto del Carmen, is like so many places on Lanzarote, a former fishing village. Over the years, however, the place has developed into a tourist resort. Meanwhile live in Puerto del Carmen more than 11.000 people. On the almost 8 kilometer long promenade there are many apartment complexes and hotels. In total there are about 30.000 vacationers place. The place is very popular especially with bathers. Here are some beautiful beaches bordered by the Avenida de las Playas (beach road). This is the street where most of the tourist life takes place by day and night. Here you can find several bars, restaurants, boutiques, photo stores, supermarkets and amusement arcades.
Of course you can also do sports in Puerto del Carmen. A bit south of the old harbor of Puerto del Carmen you will find a beautiful diving area, the Punta Tinosa. There you can observe for example barracudas and schools of small fishes. Sailing, biking or hiking is also possible around Puerto del Carmen. In addition, there is a golf course or several tennis courts in the resorts.
El Golfo
El Golfo is a small village in the southwest of Lanzarote. El Golfo belongs to the municipality of Yaiza. The small town has only about 130 inhabitants and is popular with tourists mainly because of its fish restaurants. South of the small fishing village El Golfo is one of the most famous sights of the island Lanzarote. The volcanic crater, which is under nature protection, is partially submerged in the sea. In the volcanic crater the so called "Green Lagoon" has formed. It is about 50 meters from the coast. Directly at the entrance of the village there is a small black beach. Here you can also find the boats of the local fishermen.
La Caleta da Farma
The small fishing village La Caleta da Farma is located on the edge of the sand steppe EL Jable. On the outskirts of the village there are a few small bars where you can have something refreshing to eat. Of course there are also a few small fish restaurants in the village. South of La Caleta there is a 5 kilometer long, light sandy beach. Here you can enjoy the sun or take a nice walk on the beach. The beach is also popular for surfing. Bathing here is not without danger because of the strong currents.
Costa Teguise
Costa Teguise is one of the big tourist places on Lanzarote. The village is located about 10 kilometers northeast of the island's capital Arrecife. From 1970 the village of Teguise was developed into a tourist resort. Typical for Tequise are the small white buildings with green and brown windows, in Canarian style. At the Costa Teguise live some 7.000 people live on Lanzarote, most of them of course from tourism. There is no city center in the village, but along the streets there are numerous cafes, restaurants, shopping centers and car rentals. Most of the life takes place along the beach promenade. Here you can find several beer gardens and cafes. The many sandy beaches including the Playa de los Charcos, the Playa de las Cucharas, the Playa del Jablillo and the Playa Bastian on the Costa Tequise were all artificially created. Especially windsurfers find excellent conditions along the Costa Teguise.
Leisure activities on Lanzarote
The island of Lanzarote has a lot to offer in terms of leisure activities, whether on land, sea or air. There is something for every taste and budget. Like almost every vacation region, the island of Lanzarote also has several golf courses. Since the island usually has a spring-like climate, golf can be played on Lanzarote 365 days a year with an average temperature of 22ºC. Thereby the golf courses are suitable for beginners and professionals. If you want to spend a golf vacation on Lanzarote, you will find everything your golfer's heart desires on the island.
Due to the landscape and the mild climate, Lanzarote is ideal for cycling tours, both with a road bike and with a mountain bike. On Lanzarote there are mountains up to 600m above sea level. NN. which can be mastered by experienced cyclists and professionals. For beginners there are a large number of routes with few slopes. In addition, one has on the tours a breathtaking distant view over the island and the sea.
Lanzarote as well as the rest of the Canary Islands are a first class sailing area all year round. If you arrive with your own boat you will find some interesting anchorages at the ports of Playa Blanca, Marina Rubicon, Arrecife and Marina Puerto Calero.
Excursion destinations on Lanzarote
In the national park Timanfaya on Lanzarote you can experience the natural forces of the Canary Islands very close. The 51 square kilometers large national park is a must for every Lanzarote vacationer. Especially the unique volcanic landscape of Timanfaya with its lava seas, various rock structures and volcanic tubes fascinates visitors again and again.
There are several interesting possibilities to experience the huge volcanic area very closely. For example, you can explore the national park on the back of a dromedary. Alternatively there is the possibility to explore the park by bus on the Ruta de los Volcanos or on foot with a guided hike.
The JardIn de Cactus near Guatiza was the last great work of Cesar Manrique. He transformed a former quarry for volcanic ash into a botanical garden. In the cactus garden on an area of over 5.000 square meters more than 10.000 plants planted. The complex has been broken up with numerous staircases and water features. Above the garden there is a mill, one of the last well preserved of its kind in Lanzarote. In a cafe with souvenir store you can linger after the visit and strengthen yourself.
Cesar Manrique was one of the most famous artists, architect, sculptor and environmentalist of the Canary Island of Lanzarote. It has decisively shaped the image of the island. The Manrique house stands on a 30.000 square meter property in Tahiche near Arrecife in the middle of a former lava flow. The building is built on 5 natural volcanic bubbles. The living area is about. 1.800 square meters plus 1.200 sqm terraces and ca. 3.000 square meters of gardens.
Accommodation on Lanzarote
You can spend your vacation in Lanzarote in very different ways. If you don't like the hustle and bustle around the hotel complexes, you can also spend your vacation in a vacation home or apartment in Lanzarote. The advantage is you can completely customize your daily schedule. In Lanzarote, tourism is mainly concentrated in Puerto del Camen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise. Here are also the most vacation homes often built in finca style.