On a visit to La Graciosa

- The connection to this island is made from Órzola (Lanzarote).
- Stay in La Graciosa. The Lanzarote Tourist Board can tell the hosting option in La Graciosa. Through e-mail or by calling 928 811 762.
- Playas. Las Conchas. Barranco de los Conejos. La Cocina (Montaña Amarilla). Playa Francesa.
- Where to Eat? All Restaurants in Caleta del Sebo have a top quality raw material. The Mariner, Casa Chano or sunflower are good choices.
- A cup. Disco Triangle. Terrace The Veril.
- Sports. Cycling (there are bike rental shops) and scuba diving.

Chinijo Archipelago, just over one nautical mile northwest of Lanzarote, is a protected natural area, rich in marine biodiversity, comprising the islands of La Graciosa (the only inhabited), Montaña Clara, Alegranza and Roque del Este and West.

The roughly 30 square miles of La Graciosa is a haven of tranquility. On the island, pure jable not find a ball of tar. His two population centers, the capital, Caleta del Sebo, and Peter Beard, south of the island, overlooking the river that separates them from Lanzarote. The imposing figure of Famara cliff will give you good morning while watching the peaceful river. La Graciosa has 700 registered inhabitants. Lives by the sea, fishing, and tourism thanks to a growing fleet apartment style accommodation. It has excellent beaches, outstanding Yellow Mountain and Las Conchas (see photo below). It is worthwhile to explore on foot or by bike, getting lost in any cove with a book in tow and forget the world.

Caleta del Sebo is a charming fishing village. Very quiet. The traditional fishing as an economic commitment makes it one of the best places to enjoy a glass of fresh fish. Simple dishes that are made in the growing cuisine of La Graciosa. The stillness of the people does not prevent us from enjoying its magical nights, starry sky where they exist. There are a few terraces and disco Triangle by if you fancy a drink or a dance.

The rich marine biodiversity invites his knowledge. In 2009, the shipping company responsible for communicating Lanzarote (Órzola port) with La Graciosa (Caleta del Sebo) has launched a powerful diving activity. The sea routes available are real gems: The Wow of Trabuco, The Eyes of God, The Locust, The Jameo of Alegranza o Roncadera. See for yourself, travel under the sea .

Montaña Clara, Alegranza and Iroquois of the East and West are uninhabited. They are prominent geomorphological elements of great beauty. A geological importance is to unite biological, with several endangered species and protected, some unique to this archipelago, and a good nature conservation. The islands form a habitat for birds by their unique features is highly representative.

The presence at several points for deposits of prehistoric birds’ eggs that inhabited the islands, gives additional scientific value. Its possible visit is subject to usage rules rather restrictive. Romero lines offer boat trips to this area.

The geological landscape of the lava is not the only shock of this municipality. The strong trade winds that prevail on the island have created a steady stream of jable from Africa. In its course, the charming village of Tiagua is a transit point. Although it may seem paradoxical, continues to exploit the desert sand for fruit and vegetables and high quality watermelons, melons, sweet potatoes and pumpkins. Another place worth visiting jable route . The farm keeps roots in this county. Every Sunday, from 09:00 to 14:00 hours, the goat’s milk cheeses and local produce on display at the Farm Trail White Spot Square .

White Spot also underlying the Timanfaya Visitors Centre. A cultural space that houses a permanent exhibition on the phenomenon volcanology of the Canary Islands and Timanfaya, in addition to its flora, fauna and coastline. His educational knowledge extends to spot the lava flows of the Fire Mountains. A free hiking route high quality: Tremesana .

Tinajo highlights in sports. Much blame for this rests with the Club La Santa . A high-performance sports center which has trained winners of the Tour de France as Bjarne Rijs and Jan Ullrich. Nestled in the village of La Santa, the sports grounds is one of the most comprehensive in the Canaries. The Santa is internationally renowned for its waves. Thousands of surfers are fighting every day for the excellence of this wave .

What to do in Yaiza?

- A must. Timanfaya. The Geria. Las Salinas de Janubio.
- Where to eat? La Bodega de Santiago (Yaiza), Casa Pedro (Playa Blanca), Colacho cuisine (Playa Blanca), El Museo de la Sal (Playa Blanca) Casa tonare (The Gulf).
- Cultural Spaces. Stratvs Wineries, Art Gallery Puerto Calero and Canary Cetacean Museum.
- For children. Kikoland the Princess Yaiza (Playa Blanca). Submarine Voyage (Puerto Calero).

The municipality of Yaiza was the path chosen by Norman sailors first arrived in the Canaries in 1402, which eventually led to the beginning of the conquest of the archipelago . In particular, the conquerors entered through San Marcial del Rubicon, one of the coastal fringes of islands, southeast of the island, with better conditions. Currently, much of the southern territory is protected natural for excellence: the Natural Monument of Los Ajaches and Timanfaya National Park.

The capital of the municipality is the town of Yaiza. A pleasant corner of Lanzarote, carefully and tastefully embellished with fabulous views of the nearby Mountain of Fire (the route of the volcanoes is a must). A stroll through this village invites contemplation. The town itself retains the traditional architectural signs of the island, where stands the figure of uniform low-rise white house and the doorways of soft green.

It must pass by the church of Los Remedios (XVII century) and the Casa Benito Pérez Armas, now a cultural center of the municipality. To be the site of passage of one of the most visited national parks in Spain, Timanfaya, Yaiza welcomes and pampers its visitors. Good kitchen are at La Bodega de Santiago or The Age. About three miles north of Yaiza Uga the figure emerges. Another charming town with similar characteristics. In Uga locate one of the best ahumaderías the world, Ahumadería of Uga, whose delicacy, smoked salmon, is sought from all latitudes.

La Geria and Las Salinas Janubio

Yaiza live in its main economic driver, tourism, with the rest of the once insular subsistence sector, agriculture. Coexistence is due to the maintenance of human endeavor majestic landscaping of the Geria. The stage of the vine planted in this territory, in the ashes of volcanic eruptions in 1730-1736, up one of the most unique pictures of the island.

The Geria is synonymous with wine. From good stock Malvasia. Most Lanzarote wine production is concentrated in its territory. The whole valley wineries surrounding natural. Ideal for a wine route, including a visit to Stratvs, which offer an excellent didactic approach in explaining the wine production process . To lose the eye enthralled with the landscape of this area we recommend the wine and tapas tasca The Chupadero .

Las Salinas de Janubio up another beautiful picture of the many that are stacked in the retina after visiting Lanzarote. 440,000 square meters of land produce salt due to its central lake that comes from the waters of Janubio (southwest of the island). Today, the family that owns this unique space projects the creation of a cultural item . Clinging to the salt, the black sand beach Janubio complements the spectacular scenery.

From a snapshot Femés perfect Janubio Las Salinas and the coast south. Femés sleep nestled between accidents terrain of the Natural Monument of Los Ajaches. Since your payments are covered veranda neighbors like Maciot and Las Breñas and Playa Blanca, Isla de Lobos and Fuerteventura. Along with viewing two houses are open daily food with traditional dishes. From here depart interesting hiking around the countryside. We recommend two paths with the barren scene of Los Ajaches calará them deeply: Femés-Playa Quemada and Femés-Papagayo .

El Golfo, Los Hervideros and Charco de los Clicos

The proximity of the coast offers visitors the municipality of Yaiza many points where you can taste good fresh fish. But if I had to choose the piece seems to know better taking it to the sea in the Gulf. Timanfaya Nestled in the southwest coast of Lanzarote, is the perfect Mountain Trail Fire, Los Hervideros-Charco de los Clicos. Curious sailor town, El Golfo is a hive of restaurants and terraces overlooking the rugged southwestern fringe of the island. A walk through this village we can see the enigmatic figure of the Clicos Charco. The whimsical shapes surrounding volcanic impart a mystical air, capable of inspiring the same Pedro Almodóvar .

Also near the Gulf can not fail to witness the movement of the fickle waters Hervideros. This stretch of coastline is awash with magma that reached the sea and became solidified rock. In itself, the resulting landscape is majestic.

The waters, to hit with force on shore, emerges from these holes as if it were boiling water. There is an itinerary that allows a tour to see about this phenomenon. Should comply with the limits for care, can get wet.

Land of beaches

Pacific Coast village of Playa Quemada and Papagayo hosting the two best stretches of beaches and coves of the southern district. Playa Quemada is a fishing village, very quiet, residential homes and summer weekend for the most part. To the south of this town happen coves and beaches of black sand. Excel El Pozo. For its part, the beaches of Papagayo are, along with the de Famara, the best in Lanzarote. Top the majesty of the Natural Monument of Los Ajaches. A few miles from Playa Blanca, with access by car, its waters are crystal clear and calm overlooking the sea, Isla de Lobos and Fuerteventura. With designated areas for nudity, weather conditions throughout the year ensure a safe and relaxing bath.

At the west end of Playa Blanca, about two miles north of the lighthouse Pechiguera are located The Charcones. A series of natural pools are one of the most attractive beaches on the island. More details.

Contact with the sea has resulted in the construction of two marinas. Puerto Calero and Marina Rubicon up the two main centers of practice nautical sports and around it develops a wide range of cuisine and shopping. Puerto Calero is a residential-tourist area with two major cultural venues, the Canary Cetacean Museum and Art Gallery Puerto Calero. Marina Rubicon is embedded in Playa Blanca, a former fishing village and now one of the three tourist resorts of Lanzarote. Its fleet accommodation is the most modern and luxurious of the Canary Islands.

What to do in San Bartolomé?

- Cultural Spaces. Tanit. Aeronautical Museum in Lanzarote.
- Where to eat? Monumento al Campesino (San Bartolomé). Emmax. Sidrería Las Viñas.
- Beaches. Guacimeta.

San Bartolome is the center of the island. The rural settlement of the islet, located in the vicinity of the Timanfaya lava flows, is one of the most attractive areas in the vicinity of the work of Cesar Manrique, Monumento al Campesino . In their domains are based some of the best houses on the island . It is thus an alternative supply of tourist accommodation, much more relaxed and naturalistic. In addition, its geographic location places it at any point of interest less than an hour.

A few miles from The islet is located in the municipal capital, San Bartolomé. Noted for its wealth of historic buildings and cultural centers. The Ethnographic Museum Tanit , Casa Casa Mayor Guerra and Ajei up a window into the history of the island, its customs and ways of life.

St Bartholomew’s and the beautiful scenery Güime residential overlooking the sea. In particular the inlet to the island, Guacimeta airport on the coast of Playa Honda. This last resort, five miles from the island capital, Arrecife, is a dormitory town enjoying one of the stretches of coastline with more vidilla of Lanzarote. His extensive promenade, which communicates with Reef to the north and south of Puerto del Carmen, hosts a wide variety of cuisine (we recommend Emmax and Cider The Vines) and terraces with a panoramic nearby beaches. Your ride is very pleasant because of their sports. The waters of Playa Honda are flooded, due to strong wind, wind and kite surfers. On the avenue people walking, skating, bike runs, while planes land on the island.

Playa Honda is also a city of shopping. Deiland Mall and industrial zone are two main commercial areas of Lanzarote. The Deiland also counts among its varied range of leisure with one of the two cinemas on the island.

What to do in Teguise?

- Where to eat? Lagomar, Ikarus, Biorestaurante Hesperides, La Cantina, La Gallery. Sol (Famara). The snack (Costa Teguise), Don Tango (Costa Teguise) La Jordana (Costa Teguise), Kerman (Costa Teguise).
- Cultural Spaces. Jardín de Cactus (Guatiza), Museo del Emigrante, Spinola Palace, Santo Domingo convent, Café Jaleo.
- Coffee. Cejas and Café Jaleo.
- Night. Pueblo Marinero, Costa Teguise.
- Market. The best sign of Lanzarote. Every Sunday from 09:00 to 14:00.

The ancient capital of the island (it was until 1798), La Villa de Teguise, is one of the few urban fabric of the island which kept its architectural structure. Its old cobbled pedestrian gives a rustic look that matches your leisurely day. Since its birth in 1418, Teguise was noble and stately villa Dynasty Bethencourt and Herrera, periods in which a rich architectural constructs. His most impressive monuments and palaces make explicit the centrality it occupies in the world of culture and religion on the island.

During his visit potential it must walk through the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Spinola Palace and the Convent of Santo Domingo. It is not the exclusive patrimony of Teguise contemplation. Most of its buildings have been put into use. There is a cute commercial offer, a multitude of sites and very good tapas restaurants. At the top of the mountain Guanapay, which is home to La Villa, is the oldest fort in Lanzarote, Santa Barbara Castle, built by Sancho Herrera in the first half of the sixteenth century. Refuge of frequent attacks by pirates of the period since 1991 was established at the headquarters of the interesting Museum of the Emigrant , with an important collection of documents on the Canary emigration from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

The municipality of Teguise manages scattered multitude of payments. They agree, however, in its architectural traditionalism and quietness. The beautiful scenery of the Valleys, or Teseguite Guatiza. Special attention is the shape of cactus that make Guatiza and neighboring village of Mala, which resulted in the latest artistic creation of César Manrique on the island, Cactus Garden .

A few kilometers from La Villa, to the northwest coast of Lanzarote, is one of the best beaches on the island, Famara. Flanked by his spectacular cliff overlooking the archipelago Chinijo its nearly three kilometers long are a natural enclave of powerful possibilities. Corner of relaxation and sporting activities (ideal for adventure sports like surfing and kite surfing ) for the whole family. It should be noted that without being dangerous, the formation of eddies by the union of sea currents must force us to take bath with caution and great respect. The town of Caleta de Famara, jable pedestrian, is a charming town with its small port sailor and countless proposals for leisure and gastronomy.

Teguise also houses the tourist resort of Costa Teguise. The climatic conditions make it particularly suitable for sports tourism, especially windsurfing. The area of the three existenes in Lanzarote, is the most peaceful tourist level.

What do do?

- A must. Mirador del Rio (Ye), Jameos del Agua and Cueva de los Verdes (Punta Mujeres).
- Where to eat? In Arrieta, Dawn. In Punta Mujeres, Lago Azul. In Órzola, Pearl of the Atlantic.
- Beaches and coves. La Garita. Charco del Palo.
- For children. Guinate Tropical Park. Parque Natural Las Pardelas.

From the valley of the thousand palms overlooking an extraordinary example of Canarian architecture. The village of Haria is the capital of the municipality most hidden and least populated of the island north of Lanzarote. Therefore, the urban structure, together with that of Teguise, is one of the most conserved. His most important corner is the Plaza León y Castillo. A beautifully wooded square which hosts social and economic life of the place. It can plan a stop order to a hypothetical tourist route to the north. Not surprisingly, in the domains of the northern region sits most of the resorts designed by Cesar Manrique: Mirador del Rio (Ye), Jameos Water and Cueva de los Verdes (Punta Mujeres). The peace Saharan transferred to other rural communities. A few miles Máguez Would appears. In Yé, under the protection of Corona Volcano, we can take locally produced wines in taking advantage of the step barsMirador del Río.

The Guinate viewpoint offers a different profile Chinijo Archipelago. It breathes serenity and stillness that comes to trouble, but at the same time catch. Another attractive point is found in the valley of Themis, in the stretch of road linking the coastal strip would do with people through Tabayesco.

If we visit with the family, the route would make it one of the most complete of the island. Guinate has a tropical park filled with exotic birds and animals that live in an area of about 45,000 square meters. For its part, the natural park of Las Pardelas Órzola is one of the sites most comprehensive children’s play Lanzarote. The child maintains contact and kind to animals (donkeys, rabbits, goats, horses), learn to enjoy and take responsibility for them, while having fun in a spectacular natural setting. For the child to be expected that He would look to the sea. The coves of Arrieta, Punta Mujeres, Charco del Palo Órzola and offer numerous swimming areas: the beach of La Garita, Arrieta, the Charco del Palo coves, beaches and quarrying of Órzola White Caletón corners of a few kilometers of Órzola.

Around the coast emerges Charco del Palo (Mala), a German resident nudist people mainly enviable bathing areas. Another attractive point of contemplation is the shape of cactus that make up Bad and the neighboring town of Guatiza, which led to the latest artistic creation of César Manrique on the island, Cactus Garden .

The proximity of the coast enriches the culinary universe. Fresh fish, prepared simply, is the star dish pastry campus is scattered all over the northeast coast of Lanzarote. Órzola is a quiet fishing village. It is the single point of access to the island archipelago Chinijo (whole natural islands: La Graciosa (the only town), Montaña Clara, Alegranza and Iroquois of the East and West). Some tourists came to La Graciosa still there….

Area: 326.62 square miles.
Population: 165,000 inhabitants.
Tourists: 1,587,237.
Economic activity: Tourism.
Administrative breakdown: Seven municipalities: Arrecife (the capital), San Bartolomé, Tías, Tinajo, Yaiza, Haría y Teguise.

Lanzarote was formed by the effect of geological events consequent to the opening of the Atlantic Ocean. It has been calculated that some 11 million years ago, lava emissions began to reach the surface. This Atlantic Ocean island is located some 86 miles [140 km] off the northwest coast of the African continent. Lanzarote is one of the seven islands that make up the Spanish autonomous region of Canarias. The first people to populate the island came from northern Africa. Known as the majos, their arrival on the island has been thought to have happened in 500 AD. The Castilian monarch began their conquest of the Archipelago in 1402. Lanzarote was the first island to be occupied by the Spanish. More info.

The island’s climate is defined as subtropical and dry or semi-desertic. Thanks to the moderating effect of the Atlantic, temperatures are quite moderate. There is no major shift in temperature between seasons. The average annual temperature hovers around 68º F. The coolest day in 2008 was in December (63º) and the warmest was in August (77º). Last year the average temperature was 71º. Annual precipitation generally doesn’t go over 26 gallons per square foot. In 2008, it rained 48 days out of the whole year. More info.

Biosphere Reserve

Lanzarote was named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993. Some 43% of the island is protected territory. Standing out among these protected lands are the 25,100 acres of Volcanos Natural Park [Parque Natural de los Volcanes], and the more than 75,000 acres that make up Los Ajaches Natural Monument. The Chinijo Archipelago receives scientific accolades as a true natural wonder. This archipelago is made up of the politically-independent islets of Alegranza, La Graciosa, Montaña Clara, Roque del Este and Roque del Oeste; located one mile off the northeast coast of Lanzarote, these islets are rich in biodiversity, especially in their marine environs. More info.

The rich and lush landscape of the island is matched with a meticulous level of conservation. The variety of natural features enhances and enriches a moment of contemplative curiosity. The powerful combination of colours of the lava scattered about Timanfaya, the vineyards masterfully cultivated from a layer of ash blanketing La Geria, the majestic silhouette of the Famara cliff with its miles-long beach emerging from the valley, the colony of cacti populating Guatiza and Mala, and the violence of the sea crashing against the small and sporadic coastal cliffs, all make an appearance in the photo album of the millions of Lanzarote visitors.

Tourism

Art Centres, Culture and Tourism.
Cesar Manrique.
Beaches and Coves.
Gastronomy.
Adventure Sports.
Golf.

Tourism has come to be a vital part of the island. The huge transformation which started during the late 1960’s, leaving behind a history of emigration, poverty and scarcity, resulting from a dependence on subsistence agriculture and fishing, is owed to Lanzarote’s progressive inclusion in the Western tourism market. Today, more than one and a half million travellers visit Lanzarote each year. All residents, be it directly or indirectly, depend on this sector of the economy.

The tourist areas are organized into three clearly differentiated zones, situated on the eastern coast of the island, forming an axis with the capital city, Arrecife, and the Airport: Playa Blanca (to the south), Puerto del Carmen (central-south) y Costa Teguise (central-north). Despite the energy typical of a mass tourist destination, these developments have managed to maintain the relaxed Lanzarote atmosphere. All in all, Lanzarote is a tranquil island, where the days are peaceful and time seems to move just a bit slower.

Lodging options include hotels and apartment complexes. The most modern of tourist enclaves is Playa Blanca, while Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise are older developments, which are in the beginning phases of an infrastructural refurbishment. In total, according to data from the Cabildo, Lanzarote’s highest administrative authority, there is a total of 63,000 beds among Lanzarote’s hotel offerings.

The rest of the island complements nicely the leisure options for tourists, with an itinerary clearly identifiable in the Centres for Art, Culture and Tourism conceived by the island’s best-known artist, Cesar Manrique, offering a series of architectural features that really allow the observer to take in the natural and environmental beauty of the island. The Timanfaya visitor will learn quite a lot about local volcanic features, all resulting from eruptions in 1730; Jameos del Agua or Cueva de los Verdes offer spectacular underground caves, ripe for exploration.

For the lover of sun and sand, the Lanzarote coast offers some exquisite spots for bathing. Famara and Papagayo really stand out for their beaches, and for catching some rays, Los Charcones and Barranco del Quiquere are great spots.

Transportation and Services

The abysmal public transport system requires tourists to depend on a car to move around the island. It would be basically impossible to get to know the main routes of Lanzarote without a car. The network of island highways is quite small. The main artery spans the distance from Arrecife to Playa Blanca. Secondary roads branch out from the main highway towards the north, south and west of the island. The longest distance, from Playa Blanca (southernmost point) to Orzola (northern extreme), can be covered in about one hour. Traffic can be quite heavy, because of the lack of public transportation.

Lanzarote is connected to the other islands and mainland through four ports. The Airport, located in Playa Honda, very close to Arrecife and the three tourist areas, and the Arrecife ports, Playa Blanca (whose main destination is Corralejo on the neighbouring island Fuerteventura) and Orzola (that’s the only place where visits to the breathtaking Chinijo Archipelago start from).

Arrecife and the three tourist areas are supplied with services of every kind, including banks, sanitary facilities, Spanish and Canary Island governmental offices, athletic grounds and large shopping centres.

Culture and Customs

Cultural manifestations in Lanzarote are shaped by the island’s history of agriculture and fishing, as well as the presence of many different cultures on the island through the years. Local folklore has its own particular musical tradition encapsulating a variety of rhythms and sounds based on isas, folias, polcas and malagueñas. The culinary world is sustained by the sea’s bounty, with plenty of fish and seafood on offer.

Local dishes include the sancocho fish soup, the ropa vieja shredded beef stew, fish stew, octopus cocktail and, among others, dried cod strips called tollos, and a potato dish called papas arrugadas with mojo sauce. Mojo is a traditional sauce with cilantro or red pepper used to flavour potatoes and fish. Furthermore, island-grown products abound, especially non-irrigated crops. Especially well-known are onions, sweet potatoes, potatoes, lentils and squash, as well as millet and corn. As far as meats are concerned, goat meat consumption on the island is considerable. The meat of the kid, called cabrito or baifo is consumed in many different ways during important celebrations, including Christmas. Goat’s milk and cheese are also traditional delicacies. The local gastronomy cannot be fully understood without special mention of the wines produced with the grapes cultivated on these dry lands. The island’s wines have their own label: DOL, or Lanzarote Denomination of Origin .

The largest festival on the island is celebrated in the municipality of Tinajo on September 15th, in honour of the patroness of Lanzarote, la Virgen de los Dolores [Our Lady of Sorrows] or de los Volcanes [Our Lady of the Volcanoes]. Locals from all over the island, dressed in traditional Lanzarote costumes participate in this annual pilgrimage. Countless devotees come from other islands of the Archipelago directed to the chapel of Mancha Blanca, in Tinajo, which becomes a centre for traditional Canary Island culture for several days. The traditional Island Handicraft Festival and the Nanino Diaz Cutillas Folk Festival, attended by artisans and organizations from across the seven islands, highlight the importance of the Virgen de los Dolores festivities for all the Canary Islands. More info.

More info.

Other important festivals on the island’s calendar include: patron saint festivals for the island’s Capital, Arrecife, in honour of Saint Gines the Bishop (first three weeks of August); Saint John’s festivities (the night of June 23rd and 24th), which the islanders celebrate with spontaneous bonfires and night time dips in the ocean; festivities in honour of the Virgin of Carmen (mid July), patroness of seafarers, celebrated in various costal spots around the island with impressive marine processions; other celebrations are los Remedios in Yaiza or the pilgrimage and procession to the chapel of Las Nieves, in the highlands of Famara (beginning of September).

What to do in Puerto Calero

— Where to stay. Hesperia de Puerto Calero (5 stars); Iberostar Costa Calero (4 stars); Villas de Puerto Calero.
— Ocean activities. Catamaran excursion (Puerto Calero-Papagayo); trip under the sea.
— Where to eat. Amura; La Papardella.
— Sports. Scuba Diving.
— Culture. Museo de Cetáceos de Canarias [Canary Islands’ Whale Museum]. Puerto Calero Art Gallery.
— Weather Forecasts.

— Layout.

Puerto Calero is a smaller tourist area in Lanzarote. Among the island’s four tourist areas, together with Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca, Puerto Calero stands out as the latest and most modern. Its smaller area occupies one of the most ideal spots weather-wise: clear skies, protected from the winds and with Los Ajaches Natural Monument as a backdrop in the southeastern part of the island, its marina brings together the best conditions for your enjoyment. Surrounding these facilities you’ll find the diverse options of this recreational port. Excursions and chartered trips are available for sea lovers to enjoy. These excursions can be designed according to the customers’ demands, though there are a few classic routes, such as the stunning excursion from the port to the majestic Papagayo coast aboard the attractive Catlanza catamaran. The possibilities for ocean recreation are literally endless. The underwater world is open to exploration through trips under the sea, especially directed at a younger audience, or diving expeditions organized by local scuba diving schools.

A Peaceful Enclave

Puerto Calero is not a mass tourist destination, nor is it a sun and sand vacation spot. Its atmosphere is in perfect harmony with the calm waters of the coast it borders. A truly relaxing environment envelops the every day in Puerto Calero. Its natural environs (you’ll recall it’s situated within the Ajaches Natural Monument), allow for a different type of activities. Here, hiking and biking paths crisscross the stunning terrain. To this effect, it’s worth mentioning the custom tourist bike routes organized at the Costa Calero hotel.

Puerto Calero plays the part of the relaxation hub for tourists, one that guarantees peace and comfort. Add to this its proximity to other island spots with a bit more action, such as the nightlife at Puerto del Carmen, the proximity to the main tourist attraction of the island, Timanfaya, or to some of Lanzarote’s best beaches, at Playa Quemada, Puerto del Carmen and Papagayo. All these destination are located less than 20 minutes away by car. However, you’ll need not leave Puerto Calero to enjoy excellent options for shopping and dining. Puerto Calero has distinguished itself for its varied and delightful culinary selection. Rice dishes, pasta, and first-class international cuisine. Amura is a standout, but along the coast, nestled among the docks and yachts, you’ll find several dining options. Spend an evening at the port and you’ll find yourself enjoying a most inspired and picturesque moment. A perfect moment to recall the day’s events or let yourself get swept up in the romantic energy of this singular spot.

The port also offers a range of cultural activities and events. One of the most renowned scientists studying whales, Vidal Martin, has erected a modest but very fine cultural space, the Museo de Cetáceos de Canarias [Canary Islands’ Museum of Whales]. Puerto Calero’s art gallery has managed to bring together the artistic works of some of the Canary Islands’ more current and creative minds. Each year this enclave serves as host to one of the most important nautical sporting events. The Cesar Manrique-Puerto Calero regatta, soon to enter its 8th year, brings together the best sailing teams; in fact, during the second half of October this port celebrates the yachters who come from all over the world to compete.

What to do in Puerto del Carmen

— Where to stay. The website of the Tourism Office provides all the information regarding accommodations. Click here.

— Beaches and Coves. Barranco del Quíquere. Playa Blanca. Cueva de Doña Juana. Los Pocillos. Matagorda.

— Where to eat. Bodega. O´Botafumeiro.

— Sports. Centro Deportivo Fariones. Tennis. Paddle tennis. Scuba Diving. Golf.

— Cafes and terraces. Los clásicos del café. Café del Carmen.

— Nightlife. El Varadero, Heineken and San Miguel outdoor terraces. Centro Comercial Atlántico [Atlantico Shopping Centre]. Live Music, Charlie’s.

— For kids. Rancho Texas.

— The weather in Puerto del Carmen.

Puerto del Carmen, traditionally known as La Tiñosa, is a tourist city which arose from scratch in the late 1960’s. These five miles of calm seaside offer an extensive selection of hotels and apartments (approximately 30,000 beds). La Tiñosa, an old seafaring town, is the only remaining vestige of the past. The city’s port, El Varadero, is connected to the coast’s main beaches and public docks. The bustle of the commercial zone of the city makes for a pleasant stroll among the locals and visitors dressed in summery attire.

Puerto del Carmen enjoys excellent weather, owed in large part to the fact that it is sheltered from the constant winds that sweep Lanzarote. The almost always clear skies make Playa del Carmen one of the best beach destinations in all of the Canary Islands. In fact, beaches abound in this tourist area. Just outside La Tiñosa you’ll find many beaches, such as La Barilla, Cueva de Doña Juana (belonging to the Fariones Hotel) and Playa Blanca (known as Playa Grande on the island, thanks to its wide stretch of sand). All the beaches offer inviting waters, though we consider Barranco del Quíquere to be the best of the bunch.

Towards the northern end, you’ll find Puerto del Carmen’s most touristy section. The busy avenue along the beach is a pleasant mosaic of businesses, restaurants and recreation. Nightlife in Puerto del Carmen is not to be missed. Overlooking the sea you’ll come across, bars, clubs, live-music venues and spectacular terraces. The avenue connects Las Naciones park withLos Pocillos and Matagorda beaches. These miles of walkway are ideal for recreation, jogging, cycling or skating. From right on the beach you can watch the planes land on the island. Many of their passengers are just hours away from enjoying the pristine waters of these very beaches.

Perhaps due to the fact that many British and German tourists prefer this area, sports activities seem to focus around racquet sports. Many tourist complexes offer facilities for tennis and paddle tennis. The Fariones Sports Centre and the Match Point tennis club with their clay courts are two excellent spots for tennis and paddle tennis enthusiasts. Golf lovers have 18 holes to enjoy just a few miles away at Lanzarote Golf. The stunning underwater world of this stretch of coastline can be explored during the many diving sessions organized regularly by local scuba diving schools.

Puerto del Carmen is also an excellent tourist destination for families. El Varadero has a solid selection of ocean and underwater excursions. Likewise, the Biosfera Plaza Shopping Centre has several attractions for kids. Rancho Texas, a nearby theme park, has an impressive range of exotic species: Birds, reptiles and sea animals.