HOW IT IS LIKE IN LANZAROTE?

It has been a long time since I felt nothing but the overwhelming stillness and quiet. The dusk was falling, and I was sitting on the black lava stone bench and staring on the little fountain lazily pouring the water in the little basins. A pair of pigeons was constantly flying in and out and supping the drops of its tears.

There was nothing here except for a little square with the 15th century restored church, a few palm trees that sprung up from the black earth and a row of low-rise whitewashed buildings with green shutters and doors. They all looked almost the same. Only the signboards above or beside the doors were distinct from each other. In the distance you could overhear the buzz of the human chats, the distinct sound of clicking glasses and the soothing jazz of a trumpet player.

The town simmered with some sort of Moroccan and La Spanish Pueblo feel. It is like the time stopped ticking away in Teguise. La Villa de Teguise as the local call it, is the Lanzarote’s former capital and one of the oldest towns in the Canaries. The place is like a mini-oasis amidst the barren, rocky, almost lunar like landscape of the Lanzarote island. I stopped by for a moment but returned for more…to sit for infinite amount of time at the table in front of the Cantina Restaurant enjoying tapas and immersing into this simplicity…

WHY IS WORTH VISITING LANZAROTE?

The volcanic island of Lanzarote offers an absolutely intriguing contrast in the scenery. You can find here both beautiful sandy beaches, and dramatic infinite black lava fields sown sparsely with low-stone-walled vineyards, low-key towns and villages (Yaiza, Nazaret, El Golfo, Arrieta, Haria), shelves at the supermarket filled with the cactus jam and a lot of fascinating sights and creations, mainly the legacy of its most prominent artist, architect and environmentalist - César Manrique. In fact the whole Lanzarote seems like a joint art project of César Manrique and the Mother Nature created after the magical rum infused night, a couple of primo smoked cigars and long juicy conversations. If you decide to come over, anytime will be good. It is sunny and warm almost all year round, with the temperatures above 20 degrees. You can be absolutely sure too, if no surfer falls into your clatches, there will be plenty of great fish to savour anyway…

WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN LANZAROTE?

The little island of Lanzarote born of the fire and water and majestically emerging from the Atlantic Ocean will marvel you from the very moment you step on its tar-like soil. Lanzarote is not an island you visit in a hurry. Give it at least a week and bask in its fabulousness: exotic volcanic beauty, the shades of the blue of the sky and water, starry nights, sun-drenched beaches, the colours of the mountains, its architecture, exquisite wine, and fish…

1. Go (Surfing) to La Caleta de Famara. This is a very charming coastal fishing village and for me the most beautiful golden sand beach in the whole island. This is the best place to go surfing in Lanzarote and for those who do not surf the best view point to watch the sculpted male bodies bending and curving on the surfing boards and emerging from the depths of the Ocean like mythical gods. If this is not enough, there is a surf school and surfing equipment rental shop in here, where you can find even more surfers. Come and enjoy wonderful sunsets, the frequent wetness under your feet and in other parts of your body and simply let yourself to get carried away by a wave or something else…

2. Spend a day in Teguise - Sleepy charming town of Lanzarote and the former capital of the island comes alive on Sundays when there is a big market day. Teguise Market is the largest market in Lanzarote. Currently due to COVID-19 the market in Teguise is cancelled though. You can still come over and explore its charm and little cute shops to buy local products and souvenirs and stop by for a glass of wine or dine. If you come across an Aloe Vera museum and you wonder… there is an Aloe Vera Museum in every town in Lanzarote…Aloe Vera is actually a big thing in here.

3. Jameos del Agua is a huge venue located inside a volcanic tunnel produced by eruptions of the Corona Volcano. There is a lake filled with albino crabs, wonderful cafeteria and restaurant, and even an auditorium. This place is a pure magic. Sit, relax, forget all your sorrows and simply appreciate the moment.

4. Take a ferry to La Graciosa Island - Technically speaking it is a separate island. It is one of the last places in Europe with no asphalted roads. It is probably the most peaceful and serene of the Canary Islands. Jump on a ferry in Orzola (leaves every 30 min) and once you get in here, rent a bike (20 EUR/for 2 people per day), and simply enjoy its beauty, nature and silence. There are accommodation options here so you can even stay for a night or a few.

5. Admire the view from Mirador del Rio

6. Cactus Garden - The nature and art intertwine in Lanzarote and this is another marvellous complex designed in the cooperation between César Manrique and the Mother Nature.You can admire the magnitude of (over 1100) otherworldly protrusions resembling thrusting asparagus spears in here, stop at the a stunning bar, cafe and get yourself a cactus burger.

7. Get relaxed at Papagayo Beach. There is a 3 EUR fee in order to access the beach and a very very long approach road… Bear in mind, there is only one restaurant in the proximity of a few km but it has all you need (almost): ice cubes, a terrace with a stunning view and a toilet… with a broken flush though… You can roll over and beautifuly rouge your appetizing body here accompanied by many other people.

8. Timanfaya National Park - It is said it is a must for an every visitor to Lanzarote. If there is not enough around, come and sunken into the volcanic landscape even more. The visitors are not allowed to drive freely around, you get to view the park from one of the coaches that will take you around so called “Ruta de los Volcanes”. Not for fainthearted.

9. Visit the Lanzarote vineyards (la Geria)

10. Eat out in the Teleclub/Sociedades. Every village in Lanzarote has a social centre called a Teleclub. They have a great reputation for offering cheap quality traditional dishes. Check out Teleclubs in Tao, Mozaga and Nazaret. But you can really eat divine food everywhere in Lanzarote. Stop by for a meal at El Amancer in Arrieta; and Domus Pompei in Costa Teguise. Grilled octopus, oysters, freshly fried sardines etc. and of course a lot of Canarian potatoes with the Mojo sauce…

where to stay in lanzarote?

There is a wealth of great accoommodation to choose from in Lanzarote: villas, apartments and a number of luxurious hotels. The island is very small so it is never too far from/to anywhere. It takes around 1h to cross the island from south to north or the other way round. But the main towns/villages to consider are as follows. Bear in mind though, wherever you decide to stay, rent a car to freely explore the island. The rental price of a fierly red spluttering FIAT - 99 EUR/week. For a few EUR extra, you might get a non-spluttering one.

• Costa Teguise - The best location to explore Lanzarote. If you want to have it all but with a bit more quiet than in the big resorts, beautiful beach (Paya de las Cucharas), a high number of good quality restaurants in the near proximity acquapark etc, it is all here. Fantastic choice for families with hyperactive and unbearable kids.

• Famara - Offers the most scenic views :D in the whole island and a lot more authenticity than the other places. If you come to Lanzarote to go surfing or to admire the lean, chiseled and semi-naked surfer bodies from the dawn to dusk, it is the place for you to be. The rough ocean dulls the screams of the bliss. The accommodation options are very limited in Famara.

• Playa Blanca - The most enjoyable resort town in Lanzarote. It is very touristy so there is no local charm but it is a great spot for party nights out (discoteques, casino etc) and to grab a pint with the fellow Brit…, if this is something you look for.

• Puerto del Carmen - This is the largest resort in the whole island. Good to stay for the same reasons as above Playa Blanca.

• Punta Mujeres - Offers a coastal charm and a lot of quiet. If you want to slow down and quiet your mind, head here and do not reverse.