The locals' guide to...Lanzarote
Leave your preconceptions at the airport - Lanzagrotty it is not. Away from the large resorts you'll discover a quiet island of volcanic beauty... And for more information you can purchase a Lonely Planet Spain guide.
How do I get away from large tour groups wearing matching caps?
Puerto del Carmen is the island's largest resort and full of tourists on cheap Lanzarote holidays. If it's a full English breakfast you're after, you won't be disappointed there. But if you want to avoid clogging up your arteries, head instead to El Golfo with its rugged volcanic landscape and green lagoon. Or go north to Haria and marvel at the creations of Lanzarote's most famous son, architect and artist César Manrique.
Where do the locals party?
Having a good time Lanzarote style often involves fish - that's eating them rather than relying on them for witty banter. Locate your nearest fishing village such as Arrieta or El Golfo, and take a table closest to the water. If your night really isn't complete without some neon lighting and the sounds of Girls Aloud, make your way to one of the big hotels in Lanzarote or the capital Arrecife.
Restaurants without an 'all-you-can-eat tourist buffet'?
It's simple: find yourself a small village and locate the best seafood restaurant. El Charcón, on the quay in Arrieta, is a local favourite but there are plenty of other options around the island. Escape the British pubs of Puerto del Carmen by journeying a couple of miles south to Puerto Calero.
The locals' absolutely secret number one tip :
Sun yourself on the beach at Famara in the north. Backed by a mountain range it is a local surfing favourite. You can also go totally nude in some places, if you get the urge.
A quick guide to where the locals hang out
The beach: There are loads to choose from but the swimming and snorkelling are particularly good in the coves of Papagayo.
The bar: LagOmar is a bar in a cave. It's odd but interesting and attracts an eclectic crowd.
The gallery: César Manrique didn't exhibit in the conventional sense - his work is scattered all over the island. Visit his home, in Tahíche near Teguise, for a taste of the surreal.
The view: Gaze out to sea from Mirador del Río, built by, you've guessed it, Manrique, on the north-eastern tip of the island.
The shops : There's only one place to spend your money on Lanzarote and that's at the market in Teguise.
The trip: Wander at the eerie volcanic landscape of the Parque Nacional de Timanfaya.
The museum: The El Grifo Wine Museum shows you the methods used on some of the island's vineyards - then you get to taste the stuff.
The spa: The Iberostar Costa Calero Wellness and Spa offers plenty of ways to relax after a trip up a volcano.
Why not try? Grand tour of Lanzarote with wine tasting at La Geria
Details:
El Charcón, Muelle/ Wharf, Arrieta, +34 928 848110, www.elcharcon.com; LagOmar, Old Quarry, Oasis de Nazaret, +34 928 845665, www.lag-o-mar.com; Fundación César Manrique, Taro de Tahíche, Teguise, +34 928 843138, www.fcmanrique.org; Parque Nacional de Timanfaya, Visitor Centre, Carretera LZ-67, km 11.5, Mancha Blanca (Tinajo), +34 928 840839, reddeparquesnacionales.mma.es/parques/timanfaya/index.htm; El Grifo Wine Museum, Carretera Masdache 121, San Bartolome, +34 928 524951, www.elgrifo.com; Iberostar Costa Calero Wellness and Spa, Puerto Calero, Yaiza, +34 928 849595, www.iberostar.com/EN/Lanzarote-hotels/Iberostar-Costa-Calero_3_53.html; Princesa Yaiza Suitehotel Resort, Avenida Papagayo s/n, Playa Blanca;
Can I drink the water?
The eight essential questions you'll need answering
Which local animal is likely to hospitalise me?
None really. It's when the volcanoes start smoking you should start to worry.
Which native liquor will make me think I am attractive?
A bottle of the local vino, from the Malvasia grape perhaps, should give you the confidence to totter up to the best looking person in the bar.
How can I avoid a beating by the local hard nuts?
Stifle your giggles at the Entierro de la Sardina - the burial of the sardine. This is a sombre occasion that marks the end of Lanzarote's carnival in February.
Will I get lost?
Being a small island you'll never get truly lost. But the Montañas del Fuego may give you the impression you've been abducted by aliens and deposited on the moon.
Will I find myself?
Some people like to visit the volcanoes and be reminded of humanity's vulnerability in the face of nature's power. Others just get bladdered in their Lanzarote hotel.
Should I take an umbrella?
It's sunny all year round on Lanzarote with a desert-like climate. You may need a jumper in winter though, temperatures can dip to around 16c.
What should I order in a restaurant to impress the locals?
Papas Arrugadas with Mojo. That's not a highly sexed potato but basically boiled spuds with a fiery sauce, normally served alongside fresh fish.
Can I drink the water?
Yes, which is fortunate since it's thirsty work clambering over lava all day.
AU
BE
DE
DK
ES
FR
IE
IT
SE
NO
NZ
UK
US
calls may be recorded
Mon-Fri
08:00 - 21.00
Sat
08:00 - 19:00
Sun
09:00 - 18:00
Calls cost just 10p/minute
