Activities
When we come out to Lanzarote, we generally want to spend time diving, snorkelling and swimming in the sea. However there are a great many other ways to spend your time.
Snorkelling & Beaches
Our favourite place for diving, snorkelling and swimming is Playa Chica, which lies at the southern end of Puerto del Carmen. There is a diving centre called Safari Diving right on the beach. (Read more about diving)
At Playa Chica there is a friendly Spanish restaurant which is good for lunch and hot chocolates after a swim. Adjacent to the north, there is a long stretch of sandy beach at Puerto del Carmen with numerous gift shops and cafes.
But there are many other beautiful beaches and rocky coves to discover, for example Playa Quemada, not far from the beautiful marina of Puerto Calero.
If you don't mind a slightly longer drive, (40 mins) the beaches of Playa Blanca are idyllic - be prepared some bathers go 'au naturale' on the quieter out of town beaches. (Read more about car hire)
Around the Island
To the north there are extensive beaches at Costa Teguisa and Arrieta; the latter has a more Spanish feel, with some good local restaurants.
The boat trip from Orzola in the north of the island, to La Grasiosa, is a lovely day out. The Isle of La Gaciosa is quite unspoilt and peaceful, most tourist don't venture this far. Occasionally the boat crossing can be rough, so choose a fine day.
Alternatively you can drive around the north of the island and have fabulous views of La Grasiosa from Risco de Famara or Mirador del Rio. There is a fairly strenuous but rewarding path that climbs down the cliff in view of La Grasiosa to a gorgeous beach that is often unoccupied.
Timanfaya National Park and the volcanic 'moonscape' surrounding it are a must-even if you just drive through it. Some of the older volcanos can be reached on footpaths from the main road, or you can venture into the National Park and have the guided bus tour.
For surfers there is the beach at Famara but it is not really suitable for swimming there.
There is a good network of walks, coastal paths and cycle routes throughout the island. There are some details of these at the Villa.
Cesar Manrique
You wont fail to notice the influence of the artist Cesar Manrique. His sculptures occupy many of the roundabouts and he was largely responsible for laws banning billboards, high rise blocks and maintaining traditional buildings. In addition he built a beautiful house within the volanic larval tubes, where several of his paintings and sculptures are on view.
He also designed the Cactus garden, the caves at Jamoes del Agua, the Mirador del Rio and the Castillo Restaurant. We have several prints of Manrique's at Casa Hoopoe and further information about him and the various sites associated with him.
Visitor Attractions
As for the visitor attractions we have really enjoyed Rancho Texas - a small animal park, and the Parrot Park in the north. (Read more about wildlife)
The Teguise Sunday market is good for gifts to take home. It's also good to visit Teguise when the market isn't on!
For those seeking night life there is plenty of it available in Arrecife and Puerto del Carmen and taxis back to Guime are very reasonably priced.
We have tried to leave lots of information, maps and guide books in the Villa to help inspire your explorations!
Or you might find it enough to simply sit in the sun by the pool or in the garden of Casa Hoopoe and just unwind...
