Lauren ViolaIf you’re looking for lush scenery, charming architecture and a rich cultural experience, Lanzarote may not fit the stereotypical bill as a holiday destination. However, this unassuming island in the Canaries will give you one thing that makes a getaway truly great: relaxation.
The easternmost Canary island lies 130km from the African coast in the Atlantic ocean. Lanzarote is roughly a four hour flight from London, and well worth the slightly longer journey than to other European hotspots. The overwhelming advantage of the Canary Islands is the relentlessly consistent good weather and sunny skies almost all year round – their tourism board doesn’t call it ‘the best climate in the world’ for nothing! Although the islands belong to Spain, they have their own unique flavour and culture. Even better, the unhurried vibe and total lack of ‘things you simply must do’ on Lanzarote forces you into a state of chill that leaves you feeling as if you’ve had a proper break from the world.
The most immediately striking feature on arrival? The volcanic moonscape and black sands that make up the majority of Lanzarote. I was somewhat taken aback on first arrival, as it was unlike anything I’d seen before on my travels. While dry, barren hills may sound unappealing at first, but there is something beautifully calming about the strong clear lines of this unique island – it truly doesn’t resemble any other average European summer holiday spot.
While many may still refer to it by the old nickname ‘Lanzagrotty’, it’s clear to see the effort that has been put into the infrastructure for tourists over the past few years. We are lucky enough to have a family member who owns a holiday apartment right near the beach in Puerto del Carmen, which is a really popular area for tourists to stay, and very conveniently located about a 15 minute drive from the airport by taxi. The beaches are lovely and clean, there are plenty of restaurants and bars to suit every taste, and the beautiful turquoise seas provide a soothing background to your cocktails, or a refreshing dip when the sun is high.
If long lazy days on the beach sound like something you can only endure for so long, here are a couple of activities worth looking into, to keep you entertained:
Take a tour through Timanfaya National Park to see the volcanic landscape
We took a coach trip across the middle of the island which included plenty of stops at viewing points, interesting commentary about the island’s volcanic history, and an opportunity to take a camel ride up the dunes. Included in a tour was a visit to Jameos del Agua, the first tourist attraction designed by the Lanzarote artist César Manrique. The site includes beautiful natural lakes, a cactus garden, stunning ornamental swimming pool, cave restaurant and a natural auditorium in the volcanic tube of rock.
Hire a bike or scooter and take the coastal path to the airport to watch the planes come in to land over the beach.
I have a little bit of a fascination with planes, and being able to see them come in right above your head is truly unique… and a bit of a scary thrill! There is a lovely bike path all the way along the coast from Puerto del Carmen to the airport, and beyond to the town of Arrecife. A good stop-off point for drinks and snacks is Playa Matagorda, where there are plenty of restaurants and bars with a good view of the beach.
Take the ferry to La Graciosa for a Catamaran ride around the 8th official Canary Island.
The ferry leaves from the north of Lanzarote at Orzola, and you can book tours that include a coach up to the port, the ferry ride across to the island, and a sailing trip, complete with swimming stops, on a catamaran all as one package. Although we found the half hour ferry trip a little bit rough in the windy Atlantic, once we got to La Graciosa the sea was beautiful and calm, and made the trip well worth it!
Try one of my top picks for food and drinks in the Puerto del Carmen area.
- Mardeleva seafood restaurant
Located in the Old Town area just above the harbour, this unassuming terrace restaurant serves up amazing freshly caught seafood and a range of other delicious dishes. Book to avoid disappointment! - Erizo Macronesian restaurant at Hotel Fariones
This one’s for a special occasion or final night of holiday treat! Note that you don’t have to be a hotel guest to book a table. If you’re lucky, you’ll be treated to some local musical performances set to the backdrop of the hotel’s breathtaking infinity pool and palm tree garden. - O’Horreo tapas
Grab a bike or scooter (or walk!) along the coastal path to Los Jameos and you’ll find this tapas bar located in amongst a range of seaside restaurants. Here you’ll find some mainland Spanish favourites and Canarian specialty tapas. - LaLanterna Italian
Not necessarily what you’d expect on a Spanish Island, but this simple restaurant – run by exclusively Italian staff – boasts some of the best authentic pizza and pasta I’ve had outside of Italy, accompanied by a perfect Aperol spritz. - Serenity restaurant and jacuzzi bar
A relatively new addition to Puerto del Carmen, the rooftop area provides lovely sea views and upmarket cocktails. Ideal location for a sundowner! - Café La Ola for Jazz and cocktails right on the beachfront
Perfect for a drink pre-swim, post-swim, or both! Cafe La Ola is situated right next to my favourite little beach – La Peñita. Arrive early to secure a table with the view and to enjoy the live music while watching the sunset.
And if you’re committed to the big unwind, sit back on your beach chair with a good book and a cold drink, and let Lanzarote give you a chance to genuinely disconnect, and recharge. If I could teleport to that sunny spot on the beach as I write this on a cold December evening, I’d be there in a flash! Just Leave Me There!