Places Of Interest In Lanzarote

The North Tour Visiting the north of the island, head first for the village of Teguise, the old capital. Stopping there for a short while. Continuing to Haria and the Valley of the Thousand Palms also visiting Mirador del Rio with splendid views of the island of La Graciosa. Including the Cuevas de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua. Lunch included on route. Returning to your resort around 15:30.

Excursions If you drive for a living and want to escape the traffic, try an organized excursion. You will be collected at central pick up points along the main roads by a comfortable air conditioned coach. An experienced guide will be on board and will give you information of the small villages and towns with there culture and traditions typical of Lanzarote. As Lanzarote is relatively small and fortunate to have many attractions to see along the way, you are not on long boring journeys with nothing to see.

The South Tour Going south via the village of Uga to the National Park of Timanfaya including a camel ride. Then through the pretty village of Yaiza and enjoying the panoramic views of the salt mines and the dramatic volcanic coastline. On the way home visit La Geria, the wine growing zone and a typical wine cellar. Lunch included. Return around 15:30 to resort.

The Grand Tour Visit the whole island and its attractions in just one day. Visit the National Park of Timanfaya, the caves and views. Most of the South and North tour included to fit into one day. Lunch on route. Return around 18:30 to resort.

Fuerteventura If you have not yet visited the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura, now is your chance. Just a 45 minute boat crossing from Playa Blanca and you are in the bustling fishing village of Corralejo in Fuerteventura. With time to wonder around the shops you can then go off to one of the most beautiful, white sandy beaches on the island. Lunch included. Return around 18:30.

Catamaran sailing Based in the select marina of Puerto Calero, this 75 foot catamaran heads for the unspoilt beaches of Papagayo in the south. Mooring just off the coastline enough time to take advantage of the snorkelling equipment, jet ski ride and marine life. Lunch is served on board with free flowing drinks. Sail back towards the marina in search of dolphins where a cold drink and a warm welcome awaits you with a chance to buy your photograph.

Rancho Texas By day the ranch opens its doors to visitors in search of a fun family day out. With sea lions, pumas, bison, birds from all over the world, petting zoo, kiddies play area, parrot show, crocodiles and the not to be missed birds of prey demonstration. Snack restaurant and refreshments. Opens 10:00 to 18:00 in summer. Closes at 17:00 in Winter.

By night the Rancho Texas changes into a Cowboy and Indian frenzy of line dancing, disco, live music, kids games and pony rides, mechanical bull and a delicious all you can eat BBQ. Free flowing wine beer and sangria. Family entertainment for all ages.

Towns and places to visit Known as "sugar cube" villages due to the unique low rise building policy there are many to be discovered. Take a map and hire a car and simply drive! Try the typical Canarian bars and receive a warm welcome from the locals.

El Golfo On the way to Playa Blanca this tiny village is best known for the emerald green lagoon hidden between a black volcanic beach and the mountains. After the sight seeing go to the right and check out the pueblo. One of the best places to eat sea food and fish. Restaurants are right on the rocks with spectacular views of this black rugged coastline.

Tias Literally up the road from Puerto del Carmen Tias is a bustling community with bars, cafes, shops and restaurants. Try El Correos with a rustic feel, house wines and a typical tapas menu. Specialise in "pinchos" various toppings served on slices of crusty bread. Iguaden Restaurant has less formal tapas side and a restaurant. Consistantly good. Fresh bread and pastries baked on the premises try San Antonio Bakery.

Haria As tradition says, a palm tree was planted for every boy born in this village. With spectacular views of the valley, a town square ideal for lunch and ceramic shops. Also pick up the signs for Guinate Tropical Park and Mirador del Rio for breathtaking views.

Wine museum, La Geria With one of the most famous ancient wine bodegas in the Canaries this unique area is not to be missed. Enter the bodega and try the delicious wines of the island and take a bottle to drink with dinner later. Found on the way to Playa Blanca.

National Park of Timanfaya Probably the most famous place in Lanzarote. Take the journey through the luna route passing some of the largest craters and the valley of tranquillity to fully appreciate the natural energy that has shaped the island. Here you can see demonstrations of the tremendous heat that still lies below the surface.

Cesar Manrique Foundation A tribute to the late artist Cesar Manrique. Responsible for the unique building laws and several tourist attractions open today his house is constructed under ground in 5 volcanic bubbles. With some of the artists own work along with Picasso, Chillada and Miro. Open Monday to Saturday 10:00am to 18:00.

Jameos del Agua An interesting gallery of connecting caves found in the north at the base of Monte de la Corona volcano which erupted more than 3,000 years ago was artistically developed by Cesar Manrique for public viewing. Has an astonishing auditorium hosting musical events and shows having natural acoustics. The only place in the world that you will see the blind albino crab living in the lagoon. A place of sheer peace and tranquillity.

Mirador Del Rio Mirador del Rio translates as "view of the river" and this amazing view is 600 metres above sea level and located in the northern part of the island on the road to Ye and Haria with the unmistakable Manrique touch. Observe the Atlantic ocean and neighbouring island of La Graciosa. Don't forget the camera. Open Monday to Sunday 10:00 to 18:00.

Teguise The old capital of Lanzarote until 1852, considered a living museum, seeped with history of the battles between the Christians and the Moors. Its domestic architecture can still be seen in the restored stately home such as Spinola Palace and religious buildings like the Nuestra Senora Guadalupe Church. During the week it's a place to browse through the local craft shops and take lunch. On Sundays it opens it doors to the biggest island market where you can barter for jewellery, African goods, souvenirs, clothes, handbags and home made produce. Canarian music in the square. Starts at 10:00 am until 13:30.

Santa Barbara Castle Keeping a watchful eye over the village of Teguise this castle was restored various times and eventfully converted into a real fortress is now open to the public known as the Museum of the Canarian Public. Having advantageous views of the coastline was used as a look out point.

Jardin de Cactus The Cactus Gardens are found in the north of the island near Guatiza and Mala which is well known as the heart of the cochineal cultivation (a beetle whose lava is used to make dyes).

The last work of Cesar Manrique finished in 1991 is built on top of an old quarry and houses around 10,000 species of cactus from all around the world.

Has a bar with a terrace overlooking the gardens and a gift shop. Open 10:00 to 18:00.

Cuevas de Los Verdes The Green Caves are in Haria near the Monte de la Corona crater in the north. Having a spectacular system of underground grottos with one of the longest galleries being 6km long. Created by eruptions3 to 5 thousand years ago. In 1964 a 2km pathway was created for visitors. With a theatrical effect owed to the sophisticated lighting enhances this wonder of nature.

Open: 10:00 to 18:00.

Monumento Campesino Be transported back in time and visit another Cesar Manrique work of art. This monument dedicated to the lives of the peasants who farmed the arid lands is made form old fishing boat water tanks. Inside the restored farmhouse are workshops of ceramics, embroidery and weaving in the museum. Also a Canarian kitchen with domestic objects from a past life. The restaurant offers home made cooking with local dishes of fresh fish, stews, potatoes and traditional desserts.

Puerto Del Carmen The most popular resort on the island Puerto del Carmen boasts a fine sandy beach stretching 4 km along the pretty coastline with all the usual services. Having an attractive promenade you can browse at your leisure at the abundance of shops, duty free perfumes, clothes and handy crafts on sale. An ideal place to sit and watch the world go by in one of the many cafes and ice cream parlours.

Coming to life at night this resort offers a great variety of clubs, salsa bars, buzzing discos and live music venues in Centro Atlantico. Five minutes away the Tropical Bar and Route 66 disco bars can be found with the latest sounds and large dance floors. For the more traditional try the local bars for some Spanish guitar music

Los Mojones Set close to the thriving centre of Puerto del Carmen, this is a popular, well established location. The resort centre with its old port area surrounded by bars and restaurants is easy walking distance. The most popular resort on the island, Puerto del Carmen includes a fine sandy beach stretching 4km, an attractive promenade with a range of shops, duty free perfumes, clothes,handy crafts, cafes and ice cream parlours. At night Puerto del Carmen has a great variety of clubs, bars and discos.

Las Playas Located between the Playa Grande and Los Pocillos areas of the Puerto del Carmen resort, there is easy access to both main beaches and the wide selection of facilities. Puerto del Carmen is of course the most popular resort on the island, with a casino, shops, duty free perfumes, cafes, restuartants, bars and ice cream parlours.

Old Town and Harbour The picturesque harbour, which is surrounded by the old village of Puerto del Carmen, is lined with bars and restaurants to suit all tastes. As you would expect, the restaurants in this area serve fresh seafood and fish dishes.

Las Marinas Las Marinas is an area of Playa Blanca located around a ten minute walk to the commercial centre of 'El pueblo' where you will find a selection of bars, restaurants and shops close to the Papagayo Arena Hotel and its small pebbly beach in front. The unspoilt beaches of Papagayo are a 10 minute drive away by hire car.

Faro Park Faro Park is a residential area of low rise bungalows located near the lighthouse at the end of the popular Playa Blanca resort. There is a small row of shops and bars plus a restaurant. A coastal walk takes you to the centre of the resort in about half an hour and here you will find a pedestrianised seafront meandering its way past sandy coves, shops, bars and restaurants.

Parque del Rey Parque del Rey is a residential area located less than 1 mile from the old town of Playa Blanca and its coastal promenade littered with sea front terrace bars, restaurants and shops enjoying views of Fuertaventura. On the way to the old town you will find white sandy coves with clear shallow waters.

Rubicon Marina Rubicon is an area of Playa Blanca that consists of the exclusive Rubicon Marina, which is set in a tranquil atmosphere with an assortment of bars and restaurants on terraces overlooking the yachts and boats moored there. Amusements and a bowling alley are located just at the entrance in the commercial centre that also plays host to a weekly market.

Claveles Claveles is a residential zone mostly made up of low rise Lanzarote holiday rental villas and bungalows situated in the Montana Roja area of Playa Blanca. Playa Flamingo Beach around a one mile walk or a 5 minute drive by car.

Los Pocillos Los Pocillos is the wide beach of fine sand stretching from the eastern end of Puerto del Carmen with its fine sandy beach, popular promenade, a casino, shops, duty free perfumes, cafes, restuarants, bars and ice cream parlours.

Matagorda Located at the eastern end of Puerto Del Carmen, the area of Matagorda has almost developed into a resort in its own right. with convenient access to all amenities and a wide choice of shopping and restaurants.

Playa Blanca Once a sleepy fishing village, Playa Blanca has grown into a bustling, yet relaxed resort with a pedestrianised seafront meandering by sandy coves, shops, bars and restaurants offering Canarian and Multinational cuisine.

There are family friendly beaches with sunbeds, water sports, dive centres and refreshment stands plus spectacular views of Fuertaventura. In fact, Playa Blanca offers easy access by ferry with up to 12 crossings a day taking less than 30 minutes. Also, the famous Timanfaya Park and its dramatic rugged coastline is only 15 minutes drive

The select Rubicon Marina boasts a French patisserie, high quality restaurants, tapas bars, designer shops and the famous Café del Mar bar where you can enjoy a cocktail in comfort overlooking the marina with their hypnotic sounds wafting on the breeze.

Playa Grande Playa Grande is located in the beach area of central Puerto Del Carmen, the most popular resort on the island with a fine sandy beach. There is an attractive promenade with shops, duty free perfumes, clothes, handy crafts, cafes and ice cream parlours whilst the old port is certainly worth a visit.

Puerto Calero Puerto Calero is all about the Marina, a small number of luxury hotels, boutique shops, waterfront restaurants and some very special villas. If that all sounds a bit quiet for you, Puerto Calero is on the outskirts of the dynamic town of Puerto del Carmen with its interesting shops, three impressive Blue Flag beaches, harbour, restaurants and famous nightlife just a short cab ride away. You are a forty minute bus ride away from the island’s cosmopolitan capital, Arrecife, where half the population of Lanzarote live. The name of the town (meaning reef) refers to the remarkable coastline, studded with reefs, islets and little natural harbours. The town has an attractive central sandy beach, and a long, inviting promenade.

Puerto Calero Marina Puerto Calero Marina, on Lanzarote&rsquo,s warm and sheltered southern coast, welcomes visitors with a scenic waterfront and engaging variety of restaurants and shops.