Why go on holiday to Lanzarote? To
be the closest you are likely to feel to the Man on the Moon. Lanzarote
has a spectacular lunar landscape of lava fields and volcanic craters.
It also has some excellent beaches - both golden and black - and
year-round sunshine.
How much does it cost? There
are plenty of cheap deals to the island but as a guide price, a one
week's self-catering package with flights costs from £350 in summer.
Charter flights from £100.
When should I go? The
weather is hot all year round. Lanzarote is the driest of the Canary
Islands - in fact it rains so rarely that all drinking water here is
desalinated sea water. Temperatures often top 85F (30C) in summer and
75F (24C) in winter.
The Carnival takes place in February and March and Dia de San Gines on August 25 is another excuse for a party.
*Feeling inspired? Book a break to the Canaries.
Hot rocks
What should I do when I'm there? As
most tourists come here as part of a package holiday, you're likely to
find yourself in one of the three main resort areas. By far the
liveliest and brashest is Puerto del Carmen, while Costa Teguise is a
bit more refined.
Playa Blanca is the quietest. All three are
bursting with fish and chips restaurants and clubs holding wet T-shirt
competitions and the like. But don't worry - there's lots of other
stuff to do.
Like what? One of the most
popular excursions is to the Parque Nacional de Timanfaya in the south
of the island. This eerie park is built around the Montanas del Fuego -
a group of volcanoes which erupted in 1730 and were still belching out
lava six years later!
In some places the pebbles on the ground
are still hot and at a depth of only a few centimetres the temperature
is 100 degrees. Timanfaya's lunar landscape is a favourite location for
sci-fi films.
What are the beaches like? On
the whole not so good as on some of the other Canary Islands but,
nevertheless, there are quite a few to choose from. They include Playa
del Reducto in the capital and Arrecife, popular with divers.
Near
El Golfo is a collection of black sand beaches. The best beach, Playa
Blanca, has 3km of golden sand and lies just 6km away from the airport.
The naff bars and clubs on the esplanade ruin it a bit and it tends to
be crowded.
Any culture? The Museo
Internacional de Arte Contemporaneo in Arrecife is home to the most
important collection of modern art in the Canaries and includes works
by Miro, Millares, Oscar Dominguez and Lanzarote's most famous son,
Cesar Manrique.
Manrique campaigned to keep traditional building
methods and banned advertising billboards on roadsides. He was also
responsible for projects across the island - including the Restaurante
del Diablo, where food is cooked using subterranean heat.
Since
his death in 1992 his house, Taro de Tahiche, with its basement rooms
built in huge air bubbles, has been open to the public.
Bring home a bargain
Where's good for nightlife? Arrecife
has a selection of clubs and bars including Disco Pub No Name on the
Calle del 18 de Julio and a few more on Calle de Jose Antonio. Around
Puerto del Carmen events like Miss Sexy Bum Elections take place in
waterfront bars. You have been warned!
What's the food like? Lots
of fish such as swordfish and grouper. Papas arrugadas - baked new
potatoes boiled in lots of sea salt and served with pepper and garlic
sauce. Lanzarote wine is rated among the best in the Canaries - but
it's an acquired taste.
What should I buy? The
best thing about shopping in the Canaries is that goods are virtually
tax-free. There are a few shops in Arrecife - things to look out for
include electrical goods, watches, perfume, tobacco, alcohol and denim.
Popular
souvenirs include woodwork, basketware, embroidery, ceramics and
cigars. There is a Sunday morning market in Teguise, which is worth a
look.
What is there for children to do? As
well as beaches and caves, kids may enjoy the somewhat ridiculous bird
show at the Tropical Park in Guinate. Camel rides are offered in the
Parque Nacional de Timanfaya, but they often prove a bit scary for
children, who may prefer just to watch.
Tourist office Spanish
National Tourist Office, 22-23 Manchester Square, London W1U 3PX. Tel.
020 7486 8077. Brochure line: 09063 640630 (60p per minute).
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Playa Blanca has a cosmapolitan feel with a brand new marina, (Marina Rubicon), luxury boats, boutiques and excellent waterfront restaurants and bars. All of the tourist attractions on the island are within easy reach and the airport itself is only a 30 minute drive away. Lanzarote has many interesting attractions for such a small island. A visit to the Timanfaya National Park is a must for first-time visitors. Playa Blanca is a beautiful and relaxed resort with a delightful promenade, interesting
shops and superb restaurants. Evening entertainment is available for those who like to spend pleasant relaxing evenings rather than expend lots of energy. The Canary Island climate is ideal for both Winter and Summer holidays. Winter daytime temperatures average about 20 degrees and summer temperatures about 30. Typically there is an accompanying light breeze that makes every day feel pleasant and comfortable. Annual rainfall is approximately 4 inches.
