Tenerife to Lanzarote

I’m British, my inborn queuing instinct is still strong, so I wasn’t prepared for the fast track check in at Tenerife South airport on my way to Lanzarote. As a long term resident of Tenerife, I felt an urge to explore the much smaller eastern island of Lanzarote, to see what it has to offer, and with flights taking under an hour and starting from 35 euros return, with Islas Airways and Binter Airlines , I didn’t need much encouragement.

Beachfront luxury in Lanzarote

First impressions were good, Arrecife airport was small and efficient, and my research led me straight to the bus stop opposite for a short trip into the capital city a quick change and on to Costa Teguise where I had taken up a friend’s recommendation to stay at Sands Beach Resort hotel. I couldn’t fault the advice, the bus dropped me a few yards from the hotel, just near the main taxi rank and my journey through reception was only slowed by my admiration of the chandeliers, central stairwell and bright décor. Threading my way past families enjoying the pools in the six palm shaded plazas, I soon found the private sandy beach crescent and beachfront lagoon. My villa was perfect, roomy, fully equipped and with a terrace looking out across the lagoon to the Atlantic.
Look at those unspoilt views!

I soon settled into a daily routine of a buffet breakfast at La Hacienda, just along from my villa and off on the bus to explore. Arrecife rewarded my extended wander with the craggy battlements of the Castillo de San Gabriel fortress supplying the old while the plush marina glorified the new. The 17 storey, Arrecife Gran Hotel gave me a great view of the playa Reducto beach from the top floor bar that welcomes visitors. Lanzarote has strict height restrictions on buildings, this hotel is a rare exception, a fact confirmed by the uninterrupted panoramic view for miles around.

Earth, air, fire and water.

Timanfaya camel in Lanzarote With so much to see, I took an all day coach excursion and took in a ride on a camel, a visit to a vineyard, and best of all a tour of Timanfaya National Park. Even on a string of volcanic islands, Lanzarote stands out as a six year eruption in 1730 gave a complete new lave landscape to the island. Watching bushes dipped into holes, bursting into flames, geysers shooting newly added water into the air and feeling the heat of the soil are all pretty graphic reminders of the power that slumbers beneath the island.

Traveling along the coast to Playa Blanca on the southern tip, little more than an hour away, I could hardly keep count of the large sandy beaches and smaller intimate coves. Puerto del Carmen , the nightlife centre for the beach crowd combined plenty to please shoppers, a casino for gamblers and still managed to retain a sedate pace. Cruise ships were noticeable at several ports but smaller sailing boats and pleasure craft found plenty of room to enjoy the waves.

I must confess to sampling plenty of the local food, it would be rude not too with so many fine locally caught fish dishes and sauces to tease any taste bud. Tradition is still very prominent in Lanzarote, especially inland at the smaller villages and towns. Teguise inland from Sands Beach Resort, is the old capital of the island and home to the weekly Sunday market that also boasts music and dance to please the many visitors.

Home from home in Costa Teguise

Costa Teguise was easy to grow fond off. A beachfront walk from behind the Mai Tai pool bar and restaurant in Sands Beach Resort led past the rocky beaches that widened out into sandy swimming areas and then beyond to the hub of nightlife wrapped around the sparkling lights of the coastal points. Taking the main road led past a selection of commercial centres and small bars and restaurants that helped contribute to the community feel of the area.

Noticing that the only golf club in Lanzarote is based in Costa Teguise, I made a mental note to bring my clubs next time. There would have to be a next time, I had only scratched the surface of this fascinating island and with a good base to stay and such an easy and quick journey from Tenerife to Lanzarote, it’s such an easy option.

For more information about visiting Lanzarote visit these web sites:

Bintercanarias
Sands Beach Resort
Lanzarote Holiday
Book a hire car for your Lanzarote trip through Car3000

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Beachfront luxury in Lanzarote

Earth, air, fire and water.

Home from home in Costa Teguise