Canary Islands: Originally known as Las Islas Fortunas (The Lucky Isles). Situated seventy miles off the coast of Africa sitting in the unpolluted waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Being as far south as the Sahara desert its no wonder they have an all year round good climate. Pleasantly warm and sunny in the winter and not as baking hot in the summer as mainland Spain. The main four islands are Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura. Although there are smaller islands off of these. The islands are estimated to be about thirty million years old, as the legend tells that the mythical continent of Atlantis sank into the ocean nearby there is a lot of history attached to the Islands from the conquest in 1402 by Jean De Bethencourt to the establishment of the islands as a tourist destination by Franco in the late 1960’s. Lanzarote: A beautiful unspoilt island on the same latitude as the Bahamas and Florida. Remains very unspoilt due to the effort and influence of one Cesar Manrique, born 1920 becoming a world famous artist. His influence safeguarded the landscaping and possibility of high-rise buildings which to date don’t exist. There are various resorts, on the island, that we will be telling you about also the numerous attractions. Lanzarote is the most eastern and northern of the Canaries and only 836 kilometres square. Known as the least mountainous of all the Canary Islands. Providing all year round weather, laid back lifestyle, unspoilt conditions Lanzarote makes the ideal holiday destination. Overall the islands represent excellent holiday destinations for an all year holiday. Most flights from the U.K. take 3 hours 45 minutes. There is a great deal to see and explore. Our attraction site will provide you with lots of information. Puerto Del Carmen: Probably the main resort on Lanzarote and caters for all age groups, located approximately 15 minutes drive from Arrecife airport, makes your arrival very relaxing. Nearly all of our properties are within walking distance to amenities. Puerto Del Carmen offers the restaurant/bars of the main promenade with nightlife for the adventurous. Also the charm and sophistication of the Old Town, there are many attractions to be visited and because of the size of the island, are all within easy reach. There are many quality shops in the town for clothes, jewellery and gifts as well as a new shopping mall housing names such as Zara, Body Shop and many more The Old Town offers some of the best restaurants on the islands many with spectacular views to the ocean, mountains and neighbouring island of Fuerteventura. The quaint harbour in the Old Town offers excursion trips to the island of Fuerteventura and is well worth the visit. In Puerto Del Carmen there is also a Casino and a few quality hotels offering facilities. The Old Town of Puerto Del Carmen: Situated just past the shopping mall in Puerto del Carmen down from ‘Mojones’ The Old Town is overflowing with restaurants to chose from and some very orignal bars. One is called the Victoria Inn and is the first pub on the Island. It was originally used as a shed for camels when the sailors came to port (please click onto our restaurant guide for info on others) There is a very quaint harbour here offering boat excursions and trips to the neighbouring Island of Fuerteventura. Needless to say that the fish restaurants are plentiful here and of a first class quality. You will find a few late night places here but not many as it remains relatively unspoilt. The Old Town is walkable from many of our villas offered, but there is a large car park in the harbour. Puerto Calero: Just a few minutes drive from Puerto Del Carmen and well worth the visit. There is a beautiful Marina designed by the Calero Brothers. Although there are numerous fabulous restaurants overlooking the sea, Puerto Calero remains quite tranquil and relaxing. The area houses some very expensive properties and is very up and coming. There are good parking facilities for the Marina. Worth a look. The Beaches: There are many sandy beaches on the island. Tourism seems to be concentrated mainly between Playa Del Los Pocillos in Puerto Del Carmen and Punta Del Papagayo yet the beaches never appear to be overcrowded. Below are some of the few beautiful golden sandy beaches: In Puerto Del Carmen - There are a number of beaches to name a few: 1. Playa Grande - with a beautiful promenade with kilometres of golden sand its placid waters are ideal for windsurfing. 2. Playa De Matagorda – once a small fishing village hosts some beautiful beaches. In the town – small bay forty metres with a promenade of restaurants. In Playa Blanca: - Once a small fishing village hosts some beautiful beaches. 1. In the town – small bay forty metres with a promenade of restaurants. 2. Playa Del Las Coloradas – a quiet little beach 410 metres (no public services). 3. Playa Dorada – sheltered beach of 30 metres white sand next to Playa Blanca beach. 3. Playa Flamingo – 200 metres of white sand ideal for sports including scuba diving. 4. Playa Montana Roja – 260 metres of golden sands by the Pechiguera lighthouse In Punta De Papagayo – Beautiful beach. A little more difficult to reach. Bumpy car ride but worth it or you can catch the ferry from the harbour at Playa Blanca and enjoy the short crossing. Surrounded by volcanic rock the clear waters compliment the white sands. (Some visitors practice nudism). Other beaches: Barrilla – 90 metres long golden sands and are ideal for scuba diving. Janubia – south west of the island 820 metres of black sands formed by tiny pebbles. Very picturesque but not suitable for swimming. Playa Blanca: Southwest of the island approximately thirty minutes drive from Puerto Del Carmen and thirty-five minutes from Arrecife airport. Once a tiny fishing village with no shops or restaurants and certainly no hotels. Now Playa Blanca offers a great deal for tourists yet still remaining relatively unspoilt. The main beach along the promenade of the village has many sea facing restaurants and bars yet only a small sandy bay for beach lovers. The main beaches are, nearby Playa Flamingo with its amazing large sandy bay complimented by an abundance of beach sun loungers, restaurants and bars. A very short drive, or ferry from Playa Blanca harbour takes you to the amazing beach of Papagayo known for its romantic seclusion and sandy beach. (Not many bars there). The modern promenade allows you to walk the full length of Playa Blanca enjoying the beautiful scenery and stopping for refreshments. Timanfaya – National Park and Mountains of Fire: Fifty-one square kilometres of Volcanic and lava fields have been turned into a National Park. This unbelievable experience is unforgettable and is a must to see. The eruptions occurred over a six-year period from 1730-1736 destroying more than twenty villages. The lava found its way to the coast and settled therefore extending the land into the sea. There are continuous demonstrations taking place for the tourists and a very good guided coach trip around the volcanos with recorded commentary in several languages. After that trip you can relax in the bar or eat in the restaurant. You can enjoy B.B.Q. food cooked from the natural heat of the volcano. Don’t forget to bring your camera! Situated above Yaiza just follow the signs for Timanfaya. Costa Teguise: This town used to be the capital of Lanzarote, until 1852. Situated in the interior it has become one the most important tourist and cultural centres on the island. Not very green due to severe burning by the volcanic eruptions. Teguise is very near the little village of Nazareth, interesting to visit, very colourful with masses of flowers and whitewashed houses. Teguise, named after the daughter of Guadarfia (the last native to reign before the conquest) is one of the oldest towns in the Canary Islands. In 1586 the pirate called Morato Arraez attacked Teguise massacring many of the population. There is now a street named in commemoration to this, called "Callejuela De La Sangre" (Blood Alley). The town is well known for its music and folklore and has been linked to various musical instruments. Lots to see, in Teguise, including the towering Bell Tower, the San Francisco Convent, The 15th Century Santa Barbaras church and its fortress, The Emigration Musuem, Palacia Spinola Museum, and the famous Sunday market (starting at 09:00) a must for visitors. There is a lovely market square with beautiful quaint houses around it. There are some excellent restaurants in Teguise worth the journey for. Please see our Restaurant Guide. Yaiza: A few kilometres from Uga and on the road to Moutanas Del Fuego (Moutains of Fire). Typical white farming village, quiet but interesting to see. Founded by Spanish Colonials. Lots of views of the mountains and sea. Great for exploring, a few local bars. (Don’t expect "Pina Colada"), although Yaiza hosts the restaurant that won the 2003 Nationwide award by the Ministry of Food, as best restaurant in rural location (La Era)converted by the late cesar Manrique from a house to a restaurant, one of the only three buildings not affected by the 18th Century dramatic volcanic eruptions. Interesting to visit the 18th Century church and the Monument of The Old Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. If you have the time its worth the look. Maybe on the way to Fire Mountain! Arrecife: The capital of Lanzarote also the airport. For over two centuries Arrecife was a tiny humble fishing village, receiving constant threats by Pirates. The population nowadays is approximately thirty thousand. Main source of income is fishing. There is also a large industry for deep-freezing fish and importing to Europe and elsewhere. There is a lot of history to look at in Arrecife, and although there are a number of avenues, squares, parks, shops and restaurants, one day is probably sufficient to visit. Fuerteventura: Why not take the ferry from the harbour and enjoy the short trip to Fuerteventura. The coastline of Fuerteventura is well known for being ideal for windsurfing. The capital of the island is Puerto Del Rosario. Although Fuerteventura is the second biggest island it remains less populated than the others. The two main resorts here (at opposite ends of the island are Corralejo, in the north, and Morro Jable, in the south. Corralejo offers a bustling town with many shops, restaurants and bars. Morro Jable offers some of the best sandy beaches in the Canaries. Betancuria is worth a visit, very old village with many wonderful buildings. |