Arrecife |
Arrecife is the capital of Lanzarote and counts approximately
55.000 inhabitants, most of them native Lanzaroteños.
Its appearance is dominated by a jumble of small streets
and alley ways where still some of the oldest buildings
of Lanzarote can be found. Meanwhile the former ugly cygnet
moulted into a beautiful swan in big parts of town. The
very heart of Arrecife, the main street ` Leon y Castillo´
nowadays is a very popular and clean shopping promenade
with a quality selection of shops and stores. The beach
promenade was embellished and broadened and is now inviting
for miles and miles of strolling. Keen walkers should
try the recently finished `Camino Maritimo´, which
connects Arrecife with the resort of Puerto del Carmen
and is one of the longest beach promenades of the world.
Furthermore it´s recommended to visit the `Castillo
de San Gabriel ´ and the `Castillo de San José
´ , that hosts the museum of contemporary Art. Northwardly
of the castles you´ll reach the old fishing port
and the harbour `Los Marmoles´ , where, if lucky,
you can see some of the worlds biggest cruisers moored.
Especially pretty : the sheltered natural
harbour ` El Charco de San Ginés ´ framed
by many blue and white painted lodges. Nearby, situated
on a small plaza, the church ` San Ginés´
is well worth a visit with its wooden ceilings, lava columns
and round arches made of natural stone. The only real
eyesore is produced by the high-rised Gran Hotel, that
had burned down in 1994 and was recently reopened against
public opinion who would rather had it seen demolished.
There is, however, a lavish park projected to be construct
around that stain.
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ARRIETA
The, not really small anymore, township of Arrieta is
situated in the north - eastern part of the island. In recent
years it has seen quite an actvity of building new housing
areas there, partially touristic, but mainly weekend houses
and flats for the locals. One of the reasons certainly is
the beautiful small beach that is ideal for swimming, but
the main charm is the originality of the location, where
traditionaly music´s in the air on the weekend and
some old established bars and restaurants allure with local
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CHARCO DEL PALO
Eastern of Mala, Lanzarotes heart of naturism is beating
with the nudist centre `Charco del Palo ´. The resort
is run by a specialized tour operator and beautifully
located within surrounding sanddunes and the black cliffs
of the Atlantik with some impressive natural pools.
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COSTA
TEGUISE
Costa Teguise |
Besides Puerto del Carmen
the second biggest touristical development of Lanzarote,
the Costa Teguise, hasn´t grown naturally around
a historical nucleus but was constructed only to accomodate
the demand of mass tourism. Within a short period of time
a quite astonishing number of hotels and apartment - resorts
have been raised and still today there is no slow - down
in sight. The `older parts ´ meanwhile are relatively
respectable with nicely shaped gardens and planted promenades.
The Costa Teguise offers a wide range of watersport -
activities as diving, surfing, sailing and game fishing,
as well there is a very green 18 - hole golf course, an
aquapark and various sportcenters. If the Costa Teguise
might be an acceptable destination for the sportive folks,
friends of nightlife and clubbing will be disappointed.
The choice of bars and discotheques is inadequate.
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EL GOLFO
A real
small and unspoiled Canarian village beside the eponymous
crater hosting the unique emerald green lake. The right
location to watch unforgettable sunsets. A few old - established
restaurants offer fresh fish, daintiest seafood and other
rich and recommendable local dishes.
Photos
of El Golfo
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FEMÈS
On top of the mountains
of `Los Ajaches´ you´ll find the small village
of Femés. As it is situated at the recently finished
shortcut that connects Uga and Playa Blanca, the formerly
sleepy place nowadays has to face with a lot of traffic.
Many travellers stop off here for having a cup and some
delicate Tapas while enjoying the superb views the valley
offers all the way to Playa Blanca. In the fertile valley
between Las Casitas de Femés and Femés still
vegetables as tomatoe, onion, potato and maize are troublesome
grown.
Photos
of Femès
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GÜIME
A rather insignificant village,
at least, if you are on a sightseeing tour. It is mainly
inhabited by locals and ex-pats. The development looks
a little bemusing, old and new houses in a confused mix
of ages and styles. The parts of Guime are mostly connected
by winding gravel tracks. The great panoramic views to
Puerto del Carmen, Arrecife and, if you like that, the
airport, are well worth mentioning though.
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HARÌA
Haria |
At the bottom of the Famara
mountains, the valley of Haria with its hundreds of old
palmtrees surely is one of the most pleaseant places on
the whole island of Lanzarote. It is mostly inhabited
by very friendly locals that are pleased having visitors.
The story goes that for every born girl one, and for every
boychild two palmtrees had to be planted and for that
reason Haria today is a real oasis with small, white and
very neat houses. Until his untimely death the great artist
César Manrique was the most illustrious habitant
of that beautifull village. At the plaza or town center
regular fiestas take place and there is a small handicraft
market every Saturday until 2 pm. Afterwoods you are warmly
wellcome at one of the small restaurants and cafés
to enjoy the typical dishes.
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LA
ASOMADA
La Asomada |
Our hometown .
The small village of La Asomada is located 300 meters
above sea level at the south - eastern slopes of the mountain
of Gaida. La Asomada is a rural place unspoiled by tourism
and well known at the local markets for its onions and
tomatoes. Every year the inhabitants celebrate a huge
fiesta to honour San José Obrero, patron saint
of farmers. Individual, small and very neat country homes,
a small chapel, mini-market, a tiny school and a community
centre shape the appearance of that quiet, adorable village.
From here, there are gorgeous views across the entire
eastern coastline of Lanzarote and to the islands Los
Lobos and Fuerteventura. La Asomada is an ideal point
to start long and short hikes and tours with a mountain
bike. Pursuing the trail between the nearby mountains
`Montana Cupaderos´ and `Montana Guardilama´,
the famous wine growing region of La Geria is reached.
From the hilltops magnificent panoramic views across the
whole island, the fire mountains and even to the our northern
neighbour, the island of La Graciosa are possible. Not
to be missed is to enjoy one of the spectacular sunsets
here. The trails are easy to walk and we are happy to
help with further information. The bigger towns Puerto
del Carmen and Tias with a variety of shopping facilities
are within easy reach using a car. A five minutes drive
away, the village of Macher offers the first good restaurants.
Travelling time from the airport is just about 15 minutes.
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LA
CALETA DE FAMARA
Caleta de Famara |
Situated southern of the popular beaches of Famara, the
small fishig village of La Caleta de Famara with its unpaved
roads and old houses is still undiscovered by the mass
tourism, but a handful of bars and restaurants invite
to stop off for a refreshment or some delicious Tapas.
La Caleta by now is the main surf spot of Lanzarote, so
people from all over the world fill the bars at sunsets
and share their day´s adventures.
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LA
SANTA
This tiny village, consisting
of a few houses only, wouldn´t be worth to mention
really, if it wouldn´t host the biggest sport- and
club hotel existing on Lanzarote. Top athletes from all
over the world meet here to practise and exercise their
skills or to prepare for their next contests. The Club
Hotel La Santa disposes of facilities for all kinds of
sportive activities and offers regular ´ sports
weeks´ , that are joined by locals and visitors.
The participants of the world famous Lanzarote Ironman,
taking place annually in May, were accommodated here as
well, for the Club is arranging this spectacular meeting.
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LAS
BRENAS
On the road from Femés
to Playa Blanca the traveller passes by the village of
`Las Brenas´. The place is not especially big, but
has a small and neat church and beautifully restaurated
Canarian houses. Local and resident inhabitants enjoy
the relaxing atmosphere of that very quiet location.
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MACHER
Macher is situated at the
main road connecting Yaiza and Tias. Besides a modern
filling station there is a communal centre and a nicely
restaurated church. Old and new buildings stand together
in harmony and who likes, can taste some products of the
recently established salmon smokehouse for free.
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Mala |
MALA
Small village in the northern
part of the island, surrounded by large fields of cacti.
Still nowadays the main source of income is the breeding
of cochenille - lice, that produce a very precious pigment.
Mala possesses its own, very modern hospital, but is a
very quiet place. Some of the fondly trimmed front gardens
are real eye catchers.
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ORZOLA
The northernmost
village of Lanzarote disposes of a tiny, romantic fishing
port with the ferry station to the neighbouring island
La Graciosa. Local restaurants invite for a stay to try
some of the freshest fish and other local specialities.
Photos
of Orzola
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PLAYA
BLANCA
Playa Blanca |
In Playa Blanca, once a
small and humble village and fishing port with a promenade,
a handful of restaurants, hotels and apartments at the
southern tip of Lanzarote, insanity strikes. For years
building cranes, heavy machinery and trucks dominate the
impression while raising complex after complex after complex.
Hotels and bungalows are growing like weed into the landscape.
Meanwhile even the natural reserve adjacent the Papagayo
Beaches was profaned to construct yet another senseless
hotel and a luxury marina.
César Manrique would turn in his grave beeing exposed
to that sight. However, the old and original part of Playa
Blanca is nevertheless worth a visit. Some very nice beaches
with crystal water entice having a swim and a big choice
of bars and restaurants with views across the Atlantic
to Fuerteventura is waiting for thirsty and hungry guests.
From the harbour scheduled car ferries connect Lanzarote
and Fuertventura. The brand-new fast ferry ´Bocayna
Express´ does the passage in astonishing 20 minutes.
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PLAYA
HONDA
Between the airport and
Arrecife, the town Playa Honda grew fast paced from a
handful of houses near the capital to a real residential
housing area with plenty of lodgings, apartments and pretty
town houses. Everything was nicely planted and the whole
place has a harmonic atmosphere. Playa Honda is rarely
visited by tourists, although it has a very nice beach
with a long promenade and fine restaurants and bars alongside.
More common is the big and very modern `Deiland´
shopping centre, located directly at the mainroad towards
Arrecife, with its mulitude of shops and recreational
- facilities like cinema, bowling etc. The nearby situated,
2 mile- long beach `Playa Guacimeta´ is known for
its nude swimming and is rarely frequented because of
the noisy airport.
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PLAYA
QUEMADA
Still a quiet, typical Canary
village. Easy to reach from the road that connects Tias
and Yaiza. Some small houses directly at the beach, in
between a few restaurants and a small black beach, mostly
visited by locals. There is a nice trail along the coast
between Playa Quemada and Puerto Calero to take a beautiful
stroll or explore the bizarre cliffs with its many small
and hidden stony bays.
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PUERTO
CALERO
Originally Puerto Calero
was projected only as residential marina situated between
the resort Puerto del Carmen and Playa Quemada. There
result certainly was one of the most beautiful ports in
the whole Canary Islands with a quite upscale quality
of living. Therefore it was thought to be kept small and
a `better adress´ with limited permissions to build.
Until two years ago ... since, even Puerto Calero is `blessed´
with two giantic hotels.
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PUERTO
DEL CARMEN
Puerto del Carmen |
Without doubt, Puerto del
Carmen at the sheltered souther coast is the oldest and,
stretched out about 5 miles along the beaches, biggest
holiday resort. The hotels `San Antonio´ and ´Los
Fariones´ are the first established ones and still
the biggest. The many apartments altogether don´t
exceed two storeys and fit harmonically into the big picture.
The long promenade offers really everything, your heart
might desire ; From supermarkets, boutiques, souveniers,
bars, banks, to electronic shops, hairdressers, restaurants,
casino etc. etc... At night some bars will stay opened
untill very late, for example the 20 - year established
`Waikiki-Beach Club´. A great selection of discotheques
with all kinds of rhythms and bars with life music keep
the aficionados dancing until sunrise. The old harbour
was fondly restaurated the recent years and is a very
nice view with the surrounding `Pueblo´, the old
town, with its nest-like looking architecture sticking
at the hills. Here are numerous bars, restaurants and
the big `Plaza de Fiestas´ , the fairground, where
on whatever occasion life music is staged and cheerful
dancing goes on all night. From the harbour different
minicruises and trips to Fuerteventura can be undertaken
or a boat can be chartered for a day of game fishing.
Those who aren´t good sailors can enjoy the rich
diversity of life in the harbour´s water and, if
lucky, even meet the resident family of huge stingrays.
Puerto del Carmen is an ideal place for holidays, to relax
in the sun on a golden beach as well as to welcome the
day at an early mornings´ stroll at sunrise. Experienced
friends of the nightlife will always prefer Puerto del
Carmen to the newer focal points of touristic developements,
Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca.
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Punta
Mujeres
Photos
of Punta Mujeres
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SAN
BARTOLOMÉ
Located in the heart of
the island, San Bartolomé has kept relatively untouched
in his original appearance. It´s surrounded by fields
where mainly potatoes and onions are grown. The small
and pretty `plaza´ with the church is regularly
crowded at folkloric events and the communities local
theater stages many performances and concerts. San Bartolomé
is inhabitated mainly by locals and the atmoshere at the
local tapas bars is rather rustical.
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TAHICHE
Tahiche is situated between
Arrecife and the former capital Teguise and mostly known
for beeing domicil to the artist César Manrique,
who fitted his famouse house into the lava bubbles here.
Today this building hosts the influential César
Manrique Foundation and a museum with permanent exhibition
dedicated to this great artist and popular politician.
Funny: Tahiche has been choosen the place for the only
prison on the island ...
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VILLA
DE TEGUISE
Until 1852 Villa de Teguise
was the islands capital and is under preservation-order
today. It is a very picturesque village and hosts the
probably most beautiful little Bodegas, integrated in
old Canarian houses. The small white houses of the residents
and the impressive mansions of the upper class have been
mainly renovated, as well as the local church `Nuestra
Senora de Guadelupe´ and the monastry `Santo Domingo´,
where sometimes concerts are performend. Every Sunday
between 9 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon, the normally
sleepy town changes into a multi cultural spectacle, when
the biggest market of the island takes place and the town
gets flushed with people and cars. At 4 o´clock
Teguise is falling back into its part as sleeping beauty
... for another week. Meanwhile the village tells its
history of centuries ruled by battles and pirates. It´s
worth considering a visit of the old `Castillo de Santa
Barbara´ with the museum of the Canarian emigrants.
In Villa Teguise you can find a variety of interesting
handicraft shops, for example you can buy a `Timple´,
a typical Canarian, guitar-like instrument with 5 strings.
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TÍAS
Tias |
The hills above Puerto del
Carmen set the location for Tias, seat of the local administration.
Tias was well modernized in recent years with many new
streets, shops, restaurants and tenements. Locals and
residents from all over Europe live door at door in nice
accordance. The small, restaurated church is the towns
centre, at the local theatre and the `Arena de Lucha de
Canaria´ , the wrestling coliseum, regularly interesting
performances like concerts, ballets and puppet theatre
take place.
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TINAJO
Beside the only main road
leading throught the small village of Tinajo, palm trees
row up and between them some typical small houses with
neatly trimmed front gardens. Adjoint to local church
a big wrestling arena, where contests of `Luche de Canaria´
are held. From Tinajo the wine growing valleys of `La
Geria´ are just a couple of miles southern.
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UGA
Uga |
An enchanting suburb of
Yaiza to be reached either from the valleys of La Geria
or from the mainroad between Tias and Yaiza. Like litte
white spots the scattered houses are visible between lots
of palm trees at the hills. Uga is the home of the famous
Dromedars ( not Camels ! ), that where brought home after
a days work carrying people around the park of Timanfaya,
throught a especially dug tunnel. Further there is a church,
well worth seeing with its open bellfry, a handful of
restaurants and an old- established smokehouse with excellent
salmon.
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YAIZA
On the road to the south
and Playa Blanca the picturesque village of Yaiza is traversed.
Yaiza archieved many times the award of the most beautiful
and clean village in whole Spain and it deserves. All
buildings are shiny white with green shutters and doors.
Rich plantings of palms, geraniums and other tropical
species complete the unique flair of this beautiful place.
Directly at the boundary of Yaiza starts the giantic though
sensitive area of the fire mountains. The parish church
of `Nuestra Senora de Los Remidos´ is worth a visit,
as well the Yaiza Cultural Centre, with frequent exhibitions
of Canarian artists. A lovely laid - out retaurant named
`La Era´ with a patio made from natural stones in
the middle of an old, Canarian ruin is especially recommended.
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