Villa Las Palmeras

Lanzarote the Paradise Island

The 'Jewel in the Crown' of the archipelago of the Canary Islands. Palms trees, miles of golden sandy beaches set in a moonscape landscape, picturesque villages, historic monuments, luxury developments, vineyards and volcanoes. Lanzarote has it all.

Lanzarote is a hauntingly beautiful island, unspoilt by rampant commercialism or insensitive development. It is very different to the other Canary Islands, and this is mainly due to two influences. Firstly the surface is covered in 900 square kilometres of solidified lava that has hardened over the years, but still seemingly fluid in appearance, threading its way through the barren earth. Secondly, the works of the great Canarian architect and artist, Cesar Manrique, whose influence created the island we see today. Both of these are some of the reasons that UNESCO has declared Lanzarote a World Biosphere Reservation for its protection and conservation.

The people of Lanzarote are unassuming, hospitable, if slightly reserved and environmentally aware. The architecture of the island has been adapted to the landscape, with the only tower block in the capital Arrecife acting as a warning against high rise concrete jungles which would mar Lanzarote's natural beauty.

Together with its almost perfect year round climate and amazing volcanic craters Lanzarote ensures a unique holiday experience.

Costa Teguise

Costa Teguise is one of the main tourist resorts on the island and ideal for families. Here the arechitecture and landscape have been harmoniously integrated with the large hotels and apartment complexes, against the backdrop of the barren earth and sandy beaches. The onshore breeze takes the intense heat out of the sun and provides the perfect conditions for sailing, windsurfing and surfboarding.

Beaches

El Ancla is a small, secluded beach with sand and rocks, favoured by the locals. It is situated within a 5 minute walk from Las Palmeras, at the front of the Occidental Oasis Hotel and to the right of King Juan Carlos of Spain's residence, La Mareta.

Playa Bastian is a pleasant 15 minute walk along the Paseo Maritimo to the left of La Mareta. This has darker sand and some rocks. It has toilet facilities and also sheltered seating areas made from volcanic rock. At weekends the local Spanish meet with their families and friends and use the volcanic rock BBQ areas to cook paella.

El Jablillo Beach is a further 5 minutes along the Paseo, around the headland from Playa Bastian. This small, sandy lagoon is perfect for bathing safely. A stroll up the steps from the beach will bring you to the main area of the Costa Teguise resort.

Las Cucharas, is the largest of the sandy beaches and usually the busiest. This is within 5 minutes along the walkway from El Jablillo. This beach is famous for windsurfing and other watersports.

There are more than 80 other beaches on the island, which extend over 54kms. These contrast between the white sands of Papagayo to the striking black sand at El Golfo.

Restaurants, cafes and bars

Restaurants - Too many to mention all, however:

Barcelo Hotel - non-residents of the hotel are always very welcome and the staff are very helpful and friendly. The downstairs restaurant serves an excellent hot and cold buffet, which is very reasonably priced. There is also a comfortable bar and lounge area, in the main body of the hotel, where you can sit and relax or visit the Timanfaya Bar for the variety of evening entertainment which is always on offer.

Casa Juan on the Avenida del Mar, opposite Los Molinos and close to the Playa Bastian complex. Superb 'Menu del Dia' for under 10 euros. Wonderful staff, not to be missed.

Bonjour Café, situated in the square opposite the Nazaret Apartments, is open Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm. Ideal for a lunchtime snack or to sample some of the best cakes in Costa Teguise

Casa Luis is on the Avenida del Mar and approximately 10-15 minute stroll away, serving traditional tapas or delicious bocadillos. Open during the day only.

Not to be missed is a visit to the Café Bar on the top floor of the Gran Hotel in Arrecife. Have a very reasonably priced café con leche, cerveza or vino and admire the bird's eye views across part of the island.

El Diablo Restaurante is on top of Timanfaya. Here the food is cooked over the volcano. A truly memorable meal and experience!

El Portifino Restaurante in the Las Cucharas Commercial Centre is a very friendly Italian restaurant, with a very good Menu del Dia.

Prado Verde, also in the Las Cucharas Commercial Centre, excellent for all day snacks or a pleasant evening meal, with a sea view.

Steptoe's is close to Casa Luis on the Avenida del Mar. It is a British Bar with good home cooked food, quizzes, etc.

Villa Toledo Restaurante is on the Paseo Maritimo facing Playa Bastian. Excellent coffee and snacks during the day and a varied evening menu.

Bars - Apart from the Barcelo and Occidental Oasis Hotel, these can all be reached within a 10 minute stroll along the Avenida del Mar towards the centre of Costa Teguise. Too numerous to mention so take your pick depending upon how far you want to 'stagger back' However, in the Centre of Costa Teguise, pay a visit to The Paradise Bar which is owned and run by our next door neighbours, Lesley and Ken.

Shopping and Markets

As with everything else, there are too many to mention all, however:

Arrecife - Capital of the Island. Easily reached by bus or taxi. Fashion shops such as Zara, Mango and Jack Jones, without the VAT added. (Don't forget siesta time between 1pm an 5pm, when most of the shops will be closed)

Puerto Calero - for some upmarket gifts and excellent perfumeria

Puerto del Carmen - Biosfera. This is a large, modern commercial centre and also has Zara, Jack Jones, etc. Open all day and until late in the evening. It is situated in the old town of Puerto del Carmen

Souveniers and perfumes can be found in Costa Teguise and all of the other resorts on the island.

IKEA - recently opened and at the start of the Avenida de las Palmeras, near to Arrecife. Worth a visit if only to sample a 'magdalena (muffin) and café con leche'

Markets:
Teguise - the old capital of the island, is host to a mammoth market every Sunday from approx. 10am to 2pm This is well worth a visit if you are looking for bargains, local crafts and also to hear and see some traditional Canarian music and dancing. The buses for the market stop outside the Barcelo Hotel. There are also organised coach trips, bookable from Reception at the Occidental Hotel.

Costa Teguise has a small market on Friday evenings from 6pm till late, in the 'Pueblo Marinero Square. Again local crafts are for sale.

Arrecife Market is held on Wednesdays from 9am to 3pm at the Parque Ramirez Cerda, near to the bandstand.

Supermarkets:

There are numerous small to medium sized supermarkets, all within walking distance of the villa. The nearest being immediately infront of the complex along with a delicatessan which serves freshly baked bread, tapas, cooked chicken, etc. The larger hypermarkets are on the outskirts of or, in the centre of Arrecife.

What to do?

This depends on what you enjoy. There is something for everyone on Lanzarote, be it walking, watersports, culture or just sitting back and relaxing. The following are a few ideas:

Aqua Park - Great fun for all the family. Situated within 15 minutes walk at the rear of the complex or 5 minutes by car.

Beaches - see above

Excursions - Visit one of the agents within the resort and view the excursions on offer, as there are so many. However, to get a feel of the culture and history of the island and the influences that Cesar Manrique has had, then the South and North Tours are excellent. Equally, a trip to Fuerteventura will show the differences in the two islands.

Fishing - excursions can be booked at the harbour in Puerto del Carmen or from one of the agents within Costa Teguise.

Golf - Currently, the only golf course on the island is situated to the rear of the El Palmeral Complex. This well maintained course had magnificent views, provides a fair challenge for the advanced player and yet is very accommodating to all skill levels. It is a 15 minute walk away or 5 minutes by car. Green fees and golf equipment can be hired, both at very competitive rates. The 19th hole is also well worth a visit!

Horse riding - Visit one of the agents who provide excursions, for more details.

Walking - this is the best way to see the natural flora and fauna of the island. However, if you prefer more sedate walks, along the sea front, you can stroll along the level Paseo Maritimo into Costa Teguise. Alternatively, try a longer sea front walk along the Paseo Maritimo at the Avenida Fred Olsen in Arrecife, through Playa Honda, pass the aeropuerto and carry on into Matagorda then finally finish your walk in Puerto del Carmen where you can enjoy some well deserved refreshments.

Windsurfing - Lessons and equipment hire are available at the Las Cucharas Beach.

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