Not just sun, sea and sand – there is more to Lanzarote

Lanzarote has managed to avoid the worst excesses of tourist development and still retains a calm easy pace - just right for a relaxing, enjoyable time. Our selected hotels offer a high level of comfort and represent the best standards on the island.

One of the most popular islands in the Canaries, Lanzarote has great weather, a good selection of beaches and the resorts are not too big and still retain much of their island charm but with plenty to appeal to the holiday maker.  Locals are warm and friendly and children in particular are made welcome in most places thus making it an ideal island for a family holiday.

Although a popular tourist destination it was named a Biosphere Reserve in 1933 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Lanzarote is one of the protected havens that represent the main ecosystems of the world.

As a natural sanctuary, the island has some special characteristics. Apart from the vast areas in Timanfaya National Park and Malpaís de La Corona with its various types of lava, it has eolic sand fields (the Jable of Famara) as well as unrivalled sea and coast environments (the El Rio area between La Graciosa and Lanzarote and the beaches on the south-eastern part of the island) here a multitude of extraordinarily adapted species and subspecies of plants and animals live together. This explains the abundance of endemic species on the island.

Fertile farmland contrasts sharply with volcanic hills making it an interesting island to explore. Or for those looking for more than sun, sea and sand there is also a good golf course (with three more planned) or a wide range of water sports. We list more details under our “What to do” page.

Our resorts

Puerto del Carmen

Formerly a fishing village this is one of the main tourist areas on the island and is popular because it has pretty much everything a holiday maker would wish for.  It is only 10 minutes by car from the airport and situated on a 6 km golden sand beach on the south coast of Lanzarote. With over a hundred restaurants, offering anything from fast food to gourmet, to choose from and with a wide range of boutiques and shop also with a huge range from local arts and crafts to designer clothes, shoes or jewellery this town is a hive of activity.
In the evenings, in addition to the restaurants, the bars and nightclubs often have rock and roll, jazz, salsa, flamenco and folklore entertainment.

The area in and around Puerto del Carmen is therefore ideal for those seeking year round sunbathing, sporting activities and nightlife.

Playa Blanca

The most southerly resort and the most recently developed on Lanzarote and although still expanding is generally a quieter resort than Puerto del Carmen. Ferries operate from the little harbour to Fuerteventura only 20 minutes away, and you can also take boat trips from here. The resort and main hotels are on either side of the original little fishing village which is linked by the promenade – a very pleasant walk mostly along the sea front.
As well as the main attraction being its beaches Playa Blanca has a choice of restaurants and bars, there are some excellent fish restaurants here, and a selection of the usual tourist shops. But if you are looking for a more sophisticated shopping experience visit the new Marina Rubicon which is proving to be the “in” place with  its boutiques, restaurants and bars, it is located on the outskirts of the main town next to the Melia Volcan hotel.
Nightlife in Playa Blanca is limited to the bars, restaurants and, of course, hotels, and reflects the quieter style of this resort.  In addition to small beaches around Playa Blanca the islands most famous and sought after are Papgayo which are only a short distance away, but they are access by dirt tracks rather than road – which is probably why they are not over developed. A golf course is planned for this area and as soon as more is known we will post the details here. Playa Blanca does suit those who prefer a quieter resort but with enough facilities to satisfy.

Teguise

Situated on the coast in the central part of the island, Costa Teguise is another of Lanzarote’s main tourist resorts and is only 20 minutes by car from the airport. Our hotel here, the Melia Gran Salinas is on the outskirts of Teguise but within walking distance of some of the resorts facilities.
Originally a village and the island’s historic capital the old town of Teguise has some interesting areas to explore and on Sundays has a bustling market. Around the town, the area has been developed into a tourist resort and has regained its popularity as much renovation work has been done on a resort that started back in the 1970’s.
The beaches perhaps have a little more wind than say Puerto del Carmen but this does make it a good area for windsurfers and the breeze is welcome on warm summer days.
The area is well located for exploring attractions in the north of the island, including Jameos del Agua and the Jardin de Cactus. Many activities are centred around the beach, but cycling and running are popular too as the roads are quieter here. Of course Costa Teguise has the only (currently) Golf course on the island. As with most purpose built resorts there is no shortage of shops, restaurants and bars and nightlife is lively but not boistrous.

Yaiza

This is where our rural property Finca de las Salinas is located.  A charming, typical whitewashed village that has, in recent years, won the “Prettiest village in Spain” award, twice!
During the early 1700’s volcanic eruptions this village survived when many surrounding it didn’t.  The lava streams split before reaching Yaiza and passed by on either side, so many of the squares and buildings from the 17th century still survive including the pretty church Nuestro Senora de los Remedios which has a Madonna statue that legend has is periodically bathed in a mysterious blue light. The less cynical may think this is what protected the village in the past.
As a typical quiet village there is obviously not a vast amount to do but perhaps that is the charm, relax with a coffee, wander the streets, perhaps look into one of the few galleries and generally just absorb the lovely atmosphere.

What can you do in Lanzarote?

We have itemised many things to do on the island on our “What to do” page above, these include Golf at the Teguise Golf course, a range of water sports and interesting places to visit.

Events on the island

Again, the main events are shown separately on our What’s On page and this will be updated as new events are announced.

Getting Around

Care hire is still probably the best ways to discover any destination and driving in Lanzarote is very straightforward and we work with two very reputable companies.  So if this does appeal don’t forget your driving licence!
Alternatively if Cycling is more up your street then there are bikes for hire, our representative or the hotel reception will let you know the nearest location.  If you are going out on bikes, remember Lanzarote is not flat so you would need to be prepared for a few uphill climbs one way or another.  But what a great way to enjoy the scenery!
Buses are obviously another alternative but do not run to very specific timetables our representative will advise you.
Taxis can be either flagged down when they have a green light on or there are taxi ranks or reception in your hotel will willingly call one for you, for short journeys this is probably the most economical and convenient.  All taxis are metered.

Beaches in Lanzarote

We have listed some information about various beaches on our What to do page for your convenience.

Things to buy: Genuine local embroidery and ceramics, cameras, watches, jewellery, cigars and flowers.

Prestige Plus in Lanzarote

Private taxi transfers.

Welcome gift of fruit or wine in your room on arrival.

Travel guide to the Canaries.

The superb support and services of our local team.