I'm a qualified primary school teacher and love pink fluffy things! If you rate my reviews I'll be h...
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I have been very fortunate to be able to go to Lanzarote 7 times now and every time has been a pleasure. I have enjoyed the barren landscape and the history Lanzarote has to offer. So much so I am looking into moving there next year to pursue a career in teaching. We came back from Lanzarote 3 weeks ago and I was very sad to leave out of all of the places I have been on holiday this is the nicest place and certainly the one with most to offer families, couples and people looking for romance.
Having been to the island 7 times I have learned the ‘tricks of the trade’ and the skills to have a great trouble free, enjoyable holiday without being scammed. Every year when I go over and read the magazines ‘BUZZ’ or the “GAZZETTE’ I am shocked to hear how many tourists get scammed by the people in the electrical shops.
WHERE IS LANZAROTE? Lanzarote is situated just 70 miles off the coast of Africa and is the most easterly of the Canary Islands. The island is 37 miles (60km) long and 12 miles (20 km) wide, making it the fourth largest island in the Canaries.
WHY IS IT NAMED LANZAROTE Lanzarote was called Tite-Roy-Gatra which translated as “Rose-coloured-Hill”. A Genoese navigater, Lanceletto Malocello arrived on the Island in 1312 who made reference to the island in the "Dulcert Atlas" as the Island found by Lancelotto Malocello. The name Lanzarote is the direct translation into Spanish of Lancelot (Lancelloto). Therefore the name Lanzarote was derived from the Navigator Lancelotto. So contrary to popular belief that Lanzarote also referred to as Lanzagrotty due to its ancient Spanish traditions popular belief is wrong! I will endeavour to explain why the opinion that the Island is Grotty is wrong!
GETTING THERE Firstly to get to Lanzarote you have to travel for four hours across some rather interesting features. I fly from the south west and usually travel over the English Channel, over France over the Pyreneesmountains, over Spain then over the Atlantic Ocean starting descent for landing. This route rarely changes on the outward journey but is slightly different on the inbound journey. As most people arrive in Lanzarote by Air at Arrecife (ACE) Airport. This airport is also sometimes locally known as Guacimeta. Air traffic control can get a little bit busy therefore the plane tends to bank around the southern coast of Lanzarote and start its descent over the sea. Over the sea I hear you ask…yes that is correct I will explain the joys of this airport in the section ‘things to see in Lanzarote’ The Airport is located between Arrecife (the Capital) and Puerto del Carmen.
Due to the excellent views and superb landing facilities I would advise that you sit on the left hand side of the plane in seats 1-11 for the best viewing, film and photo opportunities.
The second tip I can offer about your journey is to stand in the far right passport queue as it certainly goes quicker and they tend to have more security officers on site. As mentioned previously the airport is rather small compared to a lot of busy international airports and the baggage collection can be A) slow at busy times and B) bags can sometimes go walkabouts this has only happened to us once when the baggage handlers went on strike.
You may remember a programme called ‘Lanzarote Airport’ with a man called Erkin he helped us get our bags back. The locals are very helpful and do appreciate any efforts you make to speak Spanish so do try although most speak great English.
TRANSFER TO HOTELS Now you have arrives in Arrecife and you now need to find your way to your hotel. If you have decided to book a package holiday then the chances that these are included in your holiday price are high so ignore this. If however you have booked your apartment/hotel privately you will need to get a taxi to your accommodation.
Now listen carefully because we have been ripped off in the past. IF you are going to get a taxi jump in a taxi marked with Tias or San Bartolome as these charge on average 5-10euros less than the Arrecife cab.
ARRIVAL AT HOTEL This section is split into two types self-catering and Half/Full-Board.
SELF-CATERING If you arrive during the day the first thing you should do is to search for the local shops Supermercado and HyperDino are two of the better supermarkets. You can recognise Supermercado with a ‘SPAR’ logo and HyperDino with a picture of a rather cute dinosaur. Collect as much bottled water as you feel you may need for your stay. The water can give you a nasty feeling in your tummy and tends to make you go toilet quite a lot! If you arrive at night the chances you will need water is unlikely anyway so pop to the shop in the morning.
The shops do in fact sell a lot of English products if you do plan to cook meals in your apartment however to eat out every night is cheep in the ‘places to go to eat’ I have given examples of places to eat and approximate prices.
HALF/FULL-BOARD If you you are half or full board the chances are that you will have everything provided for you however I would still advise that you search for a shop and buy a large bottle of water for brushing teeth and drinking (when all the bars have closed!)
EXCURSIONS There are many things to see and do in Lanzarote I will list the excursions here and suggest tips for the best experience. I will also give a rating for each one as even in a fortnight there is too much to see and do although you could easily drive over the island in a day. Last Minute Excursions provide excellent excursions all over the Island however to hire a car and to ‘pay as you go’ at the excursions is just as easy and enables you to see as much of the Island as possible. The Excursions are well priced but it works out a lot better to get a hire car for 2-3days and explore hidden coves. See the section on car hire if you wish to hire a car for part of your holiday. You can explore the North of the Island one day and the South the next so to help you out I have put North and South next to the places to help you plan a journey.
CUEVA DE LOS VERDES (The Green Caves) “North” The Cueva de los Verdes are part of the Atlantida underground system formed approximately 3000 years ago during the volcanic eruptions. They can be found in the North of the island.The original inhabitants, often referred to as the Guanches, and later the Hispanic population, would shelter here from Pirates that once tormented the Island. The tunnel is over 6km long it is the longest volcanic tunnel in the World. The caves hold a secret known only to those who have visited unfortunately legend has it that by breaking this secret it will rain continuously. The lowest part of the cave is used occasionally as a concert hall and the acoustics in this part of the cave are ideal for concerts.
TIP: Ensure that you are as near to the front throughout so that you can see the secret properly. Also sometimes the Spanish tend to talk after their commentary so the nearer to the guide that you are the more likely you are to hear the commentary. Most excursions are like this and by the end we learned that by talking during the Spanish commentary they learned how annoying it was. It’s a shame but many tourists have complained about this part of the tour.
Opening Hours: 10am - 6pm (final Admission 5pm)
7/10
JAMEOS DEL AGUA “North” This cave system is part of the Cueva de los Verdes mentioned above. The word 'Jameo' refers to a volcanic cave with a collapsed roof, of which there are many in this part of Lanzarote. You will find out more about Cesar Manrique below however this Lanzarote born artist helped to create these caves by adding a swimming pool, gardens and an auditorium. The auditorium hosts regular Canarian music. The underground salt water Lagoon is the home of a Species of Blind Albino Crab that can only be found here.
The caves are open everyday 9.30am until 7pm but on a Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 7pm – 2am for live events.
7/10
CESAR MANRIQUE “North” (although sculptures are dotted over the Island) Cesar Manrique Cabrera was born on the island on April 24, 1919 in Puerto Naos, Arrecife. Cesar Manrique was a painter, sculptor, architect, ecologist, monument preserver, construction advisor, planner of urban developments, outliner of landscapes and gardens. His view was that the island should be preserved and to avoid the damaging effects of tourism he put rules on the height of buildings and suggested that all houses should be white with brown or green doors.
Cesar Manrique built his home in 7 lava bubbles and here you can see some of his pictures and artwork. Cesar Manrique died at the age of 73 in 1992 but his memory still lives on due to the lasting effect his work has had on the locals and tourism.
8/10
SUNDAY MARKET AT TEGUISE “North” Teguise used to the capital of the Island until 1852. In the centre of Teguise is a lovely town square, the San MiguelPlaza, which becomes the centre of a market, which is held every Sunday morning. At this market you will find many locally produced crafts as well as "replica" watches, belts, wallets etc. The food is also lovely here with German sausage, Swedish cuisine and the typical British cheesy chips and burgers.
TIP: miss out the scammers on the side of the road who will charge 1-5 euros to park in their back gardens but the car parks are a long walk from the market. If you continue driving and turn into the village there is free parking in the centre of the market.
10/10
TIMANFAYA (The Fire Mountains) “South” The Montañas del Fuego (Fire Mountains) were created between 1730 and 1736 when more than 100 volcanoes, covering more than 50 km², rose up and devastated this part of the island. Several villages in the [path of destructiom were also wiped out.
The last eruptions were in 1824 and the landscape appears exactly is it did back then with few plants struggling to grow. This part of the island is a fantastic sight for any tourist and I must say after 7 years I still love to go back. The unique 'Martian' landscape and rare plant species have been used for many movies.
While it is not possible to just wander freely around the Volcanoes, a Coach Trip around the National Park is included in the entry fee. The Tour features an Audio Commentary that includes excerpts from the diary of a local Priest who was an eyewitness to the eruptions. TIP: Sit on the Right hand side of the coach near the front for the best viewing, film and photo opportunities.
Other demonstrations take place on top of the mountain showing how hot the area is and to remind us that these volcanoes are still live. Temperatures just a few metres below the surface reach between 400°C and 600°C). Dry brush thrown into a hole in the ground catches fire immediately, while water poured into a bore hole erupts
Pictures of Lanzarote (Spain)
Low flying planes at the airport!
seconds later in the form of steam like a geyser.You can also sit in the 'El Diablo' restaurant and eat food cooked over the volcano. Avoid disappointment as food is no longer served after 3pm so make sure you arrive early.
If you hire a car you can also stop at the foot of the volcano and take a Camel ride across the Volcanic landscape but this is not included in the 8 euro price for the Timanfaya tour The camel ride is approximately 8euros in addition to this.
Opening Hours: Everyday 10am – 6pm
10/10
NICE PLACES TO SEE
MIRADOR DEL RIO “North” The Mirador del Rio provides spectacular views La Graciosa (When you read this imagine Hermione Granger (Harry Potter) saying ‘Leviosa’ this is how it is pronounced) The early inhabitants of the island used this site as a Lookout point as Lanzarote was often attacked by pirates.
You can view this spectacular lookout point for a small charge of 2.70euros however if like us you fancy a bit of a challenge a dirt track can take you to a better vantage point for free. If you would rather pay however the opening hours are Everyday 10am to 6pm.
6/10
EL JARDIN DEL CASTUS (the cactus garden) “North” El Jardin Del Cactus was designed by Cesar Manrique. The large collection of cacti is home of the cochineal beetle famous for making the red coloured food dye. The restored windmill and strange metal sculptures are an impressive sight especially when compared to the barren volcanic landscape.
5/10
EL GOLFO “South” El Golfo is a volcanic crater eroded by the sea it is filled with sea-water that has been filtered through the black sand. The sand seperates the lagoon from the sea.The lagoon is green in colour due to algae living in the water this in contrast to the black sandy beach and weird formations is quite a peculiar sight and an excellent photo opportunity.
5/10
LOS HERVIDORES (Boiling waters) “South” On a rough day in the sea you can see water spurting out of the top of these caves and holes formed by the lava flow. As the waves crash into the caves, mountains of white surf are produced, giving the appearance of 'Boiling Waters'. I am yet to see an amazing eruption of water maybe you will be luckier than I am.
4/10 maybe more if I could see it!
PUERTO CALERO We stumbled across this place 3 years ago and have continued to go back the modern fishing harbour for luxury yachts is an amazing place to eat on an evening and watch the sun go down.
8/10
PLACES TO EAT Eating out in Lanzarote is rather cheap and an enjoyable experience. Walking along the sea front of Puerto del Carmen you can choose from a steak house, TexMex, Chinese, Indian, Pizzeria, Tapas or you could choose from the many Irish bars of which there are many. I enjoy the popular starter of prawns in sizzling garlic oil and a huge steak. Desserts usually come out with a sparkler which often causes havoc amongst any children in the restaurant
I will give a basic guide to the price of meals that we have had on holiday
This is just a selection but as you can see much of the food is very well priced and the portions are very generous.
I would suggest the Slow boat for Chinese, La ponderosa for Tapas and Pizzas, Chiquitto for Tex Mex and a good steak these are chain companies so are situated in the main tourist areas. I would also suggest a lovely meal in Puerto Calero slightly pricier than the tourist spots but very nice and in a very nice venue. I would advise you to go self-catering as there is something special about eating a meal on the sea front.
PLACES TO GO FOR FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT You will often get many people standing along the road giving out leaflets dragging you into bars we have found that by going up to these places you can often get the cheapest drinks as they are hidden away from the sight of passers by so rely on good advertising. In Puerto del Carmen Linekers is a great place for live sport and live entertainment, Palms is another great place for live bands, hypnotists and cheap drinks offers.
PLACES TO GO FOR ADULT ENTERTAINMENT My favorite place is Flanagan’s a drag show in an Irish bar. I always enjoy the nights here although the humour is a rather acquired taste! Ceasars is another great place to go for a good night out with great drinks offers and live entertainment.
CAR HIRE I would suggest using a hire car to see the many places that cannot be seen from an excursion coach. Car Hire is very cheap in Lanzarote. Here are a few point though to keep you safe on he roads. Driving is on the right hand side of the road, most petrol stations only use cash the Spanish police are very strict so adhere to all rules, as fines are ‘on the spot’. You must always carry your Driving License, passport and rental agreement.
Before signing any agreement with a car hire company check that they include insurance, taxes and petrol etc. do not sign until you are sure of the agreement. You will need your Driving License and passport to hire a car and will need to be over 21 years old, usually with a clean license. I have found that Cabrera Medina, Direct cars, Roccio and Hertz are the reputable companies. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT LANZAROTE Weather Many people like the canaries as the weather is almost guaranteed all year round during the months of January-May the temperature can range from anything between 21-26 degrees with 7-11 hours of sunshine. The hottest time of the year is August-Septmber where the temperature range from 29-32 degrees. The sea temperature is at its hottest in October at 24 degrees and coldest in April at 18 degrees. Which is still a reasonable temperature. It can get very windy at times due to its location in the sea. Sand can sometimes get blown in the eyes and the locals advise bathing with camomile tea which works very well at cleansing the eye.
Language The language spoken in Lanzarote is Spanish however most people speak English in the restaurants, you may be sensible though to go prepared with a phrase book as in some places the only language is Spanish.
Prices Food is well priced. I brought back a lot of alcohol which I managed to get at a great price saving myself lots more than if I had bought it in England. Be careful though as you can no longer take liquid back in your hand luggage though so it has to be packed carefully in your suitcase.
Clothes are very well priced especially the designer brands Zara, Bershka and Pimkie where you can pick up shoes, trousers and tops at a fraction of the UK price.
Additional Information It is best not to drink the tap water so buy and use bottled water. Bottled Water is fairly cheap and reasonable.
Plugs in Lanzarote are round two pin plugs and they use 220volts and are 50Hz so you will need an adapter plug to use your own appliances. These can be picked up rather cheap from any supermarket this time of year.
The predominant religion is Roman Catholic and it is a pleasure to join in with the local celebrations. If you are fortunate to go at the time of year when they are celebrating a religious or patriotic festival you can see fireworks, taste free Canarian food and watch the many processions through the towns.
I would be more than happy to answer any questions, send any information, pictures or leaflets to anyone. Just send a message and I will get back to you. Lanzarote is a lovely place and one which CAN be visited often and regularly.
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