"Life in Lanzarote" lomi's Profile

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Lanzarote is one of 7 Canary Islands and is the most north-easterly 60km off the coast of the African Sahara.

In 1987 Lanzarote was declared one of the 'six universal models of sustainable development' by the World Tourism Organization and in 1993 it was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. The world health organisation call it one of the healthiest place to live on the planet!

It is the year-round sun which draws visitors to Lanzarote. But do you know about the islands fiestas and carnivals? Or the low-rise white washed houses and hotels (only 1 high rise) in the unique lava and volcanic landscape? I love the relative peace and quite of the interior. In fact, I love everything about this island. Please enjoy my tips, and rate them if you find them useful.

Carnivals and Fiestas

Carnival in Lanzarote

Carnival is the big event on the island in February and March and nearly everyone who lives here gets involved. Dress up and join in the fun wherever you are staying, even if you just wear a funny mask.

In summer, Fiesta takes place all over the island, and the bigger ones are 2 weeks of public revelling, music and dancing, and all the family join in. Puerto Del Carmen and Arrecife are the best and are held in July and August. They both end with a wonderful firework display and dancing in the town square until after midnight. See you there!

If you are in Lanzarote in August, don't miss visiting La Geria vineyard for its one day fiesta, watch the camels bring in the grapes in huge panniers in the old fashioned way and join in the crushing of the grapes with your bare feet; free wine tastings of local wines.

The islander's love the hot hot summer, with bbq's, village fiestas and beach life. Try wind surfing, diving, cycling or the organised beach activities, or even the free summer libraries on the main beaches. There are over 170 km of coast to soak up the sun and get a good tan.

Even in January it can be hot enough for the beach, but have you ever seen the three 'Kings' ride into town on their camels and distribute gifts to the islands children on 6th? Not to be missed.

Food and Drink

Sardines enjoyed at El Golfo

The tapas bars in some of the smaller villages still have a 'menu del dia' with two courses and either wine, beer or water and a basket of fresh bread rolls for 6 euros.

At the other end of the culinary spectrum, a cocktail at the Grand Hotel in Arrecife is a pleasant way to enjoy the view from the top of the only high rise building on the island. Their restaurant/bar is on 17th floor and overlooks the ocean to one side and the rooftops of Arrecife on the other.

For eating out and watching the sunset, there are many good fish restaurants, I love eating in El Golfo, where you can eat al fresco, with your table in the sand on the beach, or drive to Arrieta, with its restaurant overlooking the waves, a little known favourite of mine.

During your stay, try the local wines like El Grifo, La Geria or Reymar. Or buy the Canarian Ron Miel (honey rum) which is often given to you free at the end of a meal when you eat out.

See more of my eating out tips, and please rate them if you think they were useful.

Hasta la vista!

Beaches

Puerto del Carmen beach xmas day

Of course most visitors want to spend time on the beaches.

Playa Grande (photo below) in Puerto del Carmen is the largest beach on the island and has golden sand, unlike some of the Canary Islands that have black sandy beaches. On the biggest beaches, sunbeds and sun umbrellas can be rented, and there are lots of facilities on hand, but there are also many small private coves around the island that are completely private and secluded.

See my tips on all the beaches of Lanzarote under 'Travelouges'.

Enjoy your stay!

Intro Updated Oct 11, 2010
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Comments (58)

RickinDutch Feb 10, 2012 at 9:21 AM Report Abuse

Happy Birthday!!
MalenaN Feb 10, 2012 at 12:04 AM Report Abuse

Happy Birthday! Have a great day!
kingip Feb 8, 2011 at 8:21 PM Report Abuse

Happy B/D!
Balam Aug 17, 2010 at 12:50 AM Report Abuse

lol, thats a fantastic moto!!
Myfanwe Jul 6, 2010 at 9:56 AM Report Abuse

Hi Lomi, Thanks for visiting my Chester page, I visited for the first time this year and loved it. Great motto by the way :-)
Ekaterinburg Apr 5, 2010 at 9:17 AM Report Abuse

I'm delighted you like the photo Lori. Tarragona is to die for. Majke sure to post a pic of your painting when you finish it. Happy Easter :))
sayedaburas Mar 31, 2010 at 9:23 AM Report Abuse

Sweet Sweet Lomi! Thank you so much indeed. It is so sweet and kind of you (~_~)
windcity Feb 22, 2010 at 3:09 PM Report Abuse

Thank you for visiting my Morocco pages, I hope you get to Essaouira, If you do...get in touch..
SOLODANCER Feb 22, 2010 at 9:54 AM Report Abuse

Thanks Iomi for the comment and rating. Yes, I think you need to give the Algarve another visit and a thorough one at that I hope. The hill towns are spectacular. Go for it.
vtveen Feb 13, 2010 at 7:23 AM Report Abuse

Thank you for visiting my New Zealand page.