Lanzarote Holidays

Something for every taste on lively Puerto del Carmen Beach

The golden sands of Puerto del Carmen’s Playa Grande stretch for five kilometres, backed by the town’s main road, with its full complement of restaurants and bars. Whether you simply feel like kicking back and taking in the sunshine, having a bite to eat and a few beers at a beachfront restaurant or bar, or getting active with one of the many watersports options on offer – you’ll be spoiled for choice at this beach.

Escape to unspoilt El Papagayo

The very opposite of lively, the beaches at El Papagayo are totally protected and almost undiscovered. Nestled between cliffs, and accessible only by a winding mountain road or via a water taxi from Playa Blanca’s harbour, these deserted strips of sand on the island’s southern tip are truly unspoilt.

Relax on pristine Playa Blanca

Sometimes there’s nothing better than just lying on the white sand of a long beach and staring out at the calm waters. If that’s what you’re in the mood for, then Playa Blanca might just be the perfect place for you.

Bargain Buys

For those in search of bargains, the markets at Lanzarote are legendary places of pilgrimage. Here you can find anything from hand-made jewellery and small Canarian guitars known as timples to knock-off designer watches and lace. Some of the best markets include: 'the largest one', which takes place every Sunday, a 10-minute-drive from Costa Teguise; 'the one in Arrecife', near the church of San Gines, which happens on Saturdays; and 'the one on Wednesdays', which is held at Marina Rubicon.

Mid-Range Buys

Lanzarote has its fair share of high-street shops and well-known cosmetic brands. For instance, tucked inside big malls, such as the Biosfera in Puerto del Carmen and Deiland in Playa Honda – close to both Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise – you’ll find shops like Mango, The Body Shop and Zara.

Designer Buys

If you’re in the market for designer labels, then Lanzarote offers plenty of options. One of the best collection of high-end shops – with a line-up that includes Armani, Ralph Lauren and DKNY – can be found in the sleepy harbour town of Puerto Calero, close to Puerto del Carmen. There’s also a pretty good selection of designer fashion stores at Marina Rubicon in Playa Blanca and Calle Real in Arrecife.

Laid-back evenings

Laid-back evenings

Although the locals tend to gear their partying to Spanish time – meaning evenings that start late and continue into the wee hours of the morning – there are plenty of options available for those who prefer a more chilled-out approach to their nighttime entertainment. The tapas bars in Puerto del Carmen are a lovely place to enjoy a glass of wine or an ice-cold beer, as you sample some of the small plates. If you’re in the mood for authentic, fresh Canarian fish, check out the famous restaurants of El Golfo, a quaint fishing village about 20 minutes from Playa Blanca. Or, you can head over to the stylish marina at Puerto Calero and sip champagne under the stars.

Lively evenings

Lively evenings

Without a doubt, on Lanzarote, the capital of the lively party scene can be found in Puerto del Carmen, where Avinda de las Playas is lined with clubs and bars offering everything from karaoke to R&B. Playa Blanca has some exciting areas of its own, when it comes to nightlife, including the Centro Commercial Punto Limones and the Centro Commercial Papagayo. Whilst Costa Teguise isn’t really known for its nightlife, you can head over to Playa de las Cucharas and Calle las Olas, where you’ll come across a few karaoke and cocktail bars.

Caldo de millo y garbanzos

One of Lanzarote’s most trusted hunger stoppers, this hearty soup is made from chickpeas, garlic, bacon, corn, water, paprika and parsley. This chunky soup – you could even compare it to a stew – is best eaten with thick slices of freshly baked bread for mopping up.

Tollos

This typical Lanzarotan dish will either be something you love or something you love to hate – just as in the case of Marmite, there’s no middle ground. Made from dogfish that’s been marinated overnight and then fried with crushed garlic, vinegar, cumin, saffron, red peppers and paprika – this taste sensation certainly mounts an assault on your senses.

Frangollo

This pudding is something that your mum might have made for you – if she was from Lanzarote. Created by combining and heating milk, sugar, eggs, maize flower, lemon, raisins and cinnamon, this dessert is traditionally served drenched in hot milk and sugar.

Malmsey wine

A favourite export to the rest of the world, throughout the centuries, this sweet, rich, after-dinner wine is a signature product of the Canaries. Cultivated in a unique way – in volcanic craters, rather than on trellises – this varietal is truly characteristic of these islands.