Lanzarote (Canary Islands, Spain)
Lanzarote Overview
Lanzarote is the most north-easterly of the seven major Canary Islands. It is located 140 km off the West African coast, and approximately 1000 kms from Spain. It’s the fourth largest island and is 58 km long from north to south, and 20 km wide.
In comparison to the other islands, Lanzarote is “The volcanic island”. Its stark volcanic landscape was created by a series of volcanic eruptions that took place in the south west of the island over a period of 6 years from 1730 to 1736, and consists of about 300 extinct volcanoes, craters and lava fields. This unique area of natural beauty occupies a quarter of the island’s land mass and has been declared a national park (Timanfaya National Park). Lanzarote has two mountain ranges, the Famara Massif in the north, and the Peñas del Chache and Los Ajaches in the south, which are separated by the Timanfaya National Park. The rest of the island offers a diverse range of landscapes, with everything from luna style landscapes, barren desert areas, spectacular cliff ranges, and lush mountainous valleys to picturesque fishing villages with beautiful white or black sandy beaches and coves. In 1993 Lanzarote was recognised and declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, due mainly to its unique & diverse volcanic landscape, and the conservation and protection of its natural environments and ecosystems.
The sub-tropical climate is best described as being dry and arid, with annual temperatures averaging 22º C. Due to Lanzarote’s geographic position and low lying landscape, there’s virtually no rainfall during the summer months, and hardly any rainfall in spring, autumn and winter. Although the surface area of the island doesn’t exceed 800 square kms, there are many micro-climates in existence that have a noticeable impact on the local fauna and flora.
Lanzarote has been developed as a tourist destination, but much effort has been made to preserve the character of the island. It therefore has no high rise buildings or giant advertising billboards, and the low rise tourist resorts blend in well with the fishing villages and farming communities.
The close proximity of the resorts to both water and non-water based activities makes the island ideal for families that want to do different things at the same time.
Lanzarote is easily accessible from the major European cities with flight times of about four hours in duration. It has one international airport located on the east coast only 5 kms from the island’s capital Arrecife. Being an island that is popular with northern European package holiday makers, there are many flights, and hence plenty of competition amongst the airlines to provide cheap flights. Car hire is also cheap compared to other locations.
Highlights
- Year round sunshine and warmth
- Volcanic scenery to explore
- Wide range of outdoor activities
- Crystal clear water
- Reliable winds between February and October
- Great windsurfing at Costa Teguise
- Plenty of windsurfing rental equipment
- Wide range of accommodation
- Many sporting options
- Spanish Culture
- Vibrant holiday environment and nightlife in the resorts
- Warm Beach culture
- Suitable also for those looking for quieter areas
- Easy to get to from overseas
- Easy to get around
Sailing Locations in Lanzarote
The main windsurfing location in Lanzarote is Costa Teguise which is located on the eastern side of Lanzarote, 7 kms north west of the capital Arrecife, and only 10 to 15 minutes by car from the airport.
Costa Teguise
Costa Teguise is one of the most attractive tourist areas on Lanzarote thanks to its range of accommodation, its beaches, and plenty of activities which range from a large variety of water activities to a golf course and water park. This is definitely one of the preferred destinations for families visiting the island.
The resort is located on Cucharas Beach, a fairly small horseshoe shaped bay surrounded with plenty of hotels and a number of windsurfing centres.
Different to other windsurfing beaches in the Canary Islands like Tenerife or Fuerteventura, it is quite well protected from the wind so non-windsurfers can enjoy their holidays too. It is a large sandy bay that is 600 m long, and perfect for beginners on the protected inside, up to advanced sailors and experts further out where there is clean cross-shore wind and a reef break providing excellent wave to jump. The predominant wind is the North-East trade wind. There are a number of well stocked windsurfing centres providing windsurf tuition and rental.
There are other beaches in costa Teguise such as Bastian Beach which is ideal for families with small children since it is easily accessible and protected from the winds. There is also the fine white sandy beach of Jablillo.
The accommodation ranges from budget to luxury self-catering apartments, resorts and luxury 5* hotels. There is a large choice of restaurants and a nightlife that is vibrant but not 'rowdy'.
- Attributes:
- Family Friendly
- Kids Facilities
- Some Nightlife
- Easy Access
- Accommodation Nearby
- Non-Sailor Activities
- Cheap Accommodation
- Luxury Hotel Resorts
Suitable for:- Solo Male Traveler
- Solo Female Traveler
- Couple
- Romantic Couple
- Family With Infant(s)
- Family With Young Children
- Family With Teenager(s)
- Male Group
- Female Group
- Mixed Group
Suited to:- First-Timer
- Novice
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Expert
Sailing Attributes:- Flat Water
- Chop
- Waves
- Warm Water
- Sandy Beach
Sailing Facilities:- Sailing Centre(s)
- Gear Storage
- Equipment Rentals
- Tuition
- Rescue Craft
Other Activities:- Beach Swimming
- Surfing
- SUPping
Costa Teguise Costa Teguise is located on the eastern side of Lanzarote, 7 kms north west of the capital Arrecife, and only 10 to 15 minutes by car from the airport. It is one of the most attractive tourist areas on Lanzarote thanks to its range of accommodation, its beaches, and plenty of activities. It is a fully developed but Read more...
Famara
To the North of Costa Teguise on the North-West coast you will find Famara which is the kiteboarding mecca of Lanzarote. The wind is predominantly side on-shore from the NE to N and as this is the windward side of the island wave sailing is the main discipline. Base is the small farming town of Caleta de Famara where you can find a very limited number of accommodation options and restaurants/bars. Cost Teguise is only about half an hour's drive away so that may be a better base if you are looking for a bit of nightlife and more options for accommodation.
- Attributes:
- Accommodation Nearby
- Non-Sailor Activities
- Cheap Accommodation
Suitable for:- Solo Male Traveler
- Male Group
- Female Group
- Mixed Group
Suited to:- Novice
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Expert
Sailing Attributes:- Waves
- Warm Water
Sailing Facilities:- Sailing Centre(s)
- Equipment Rentals
- Tuition
Other Activities:- Beach Swimming
- Surfing
- SUPping
Windsurfing & Kitesurfing – Famara Famara is located in the North-Western side of Lanzarote (due north of Costa Teguise) and the kitesurfing sailing area is located at the base of the spectacular Famara cliffs. The area is predominantly frequented by kitesurfers & surfers and the small nearby fishing village of Caleta de Famara has several kite & surf shops offering Read more...
Best Sailing Season
As with the rest of the island of Lanzarote, the Costa Teguise weather is normally very good all year round. Cucharas Beach is generally windier than other spots in Lanzarote, which is one of the reasons it attracts windsurfers.
The dominant wind that blows 90% of the time is the north-east trade wind. The wind is the most consistent from April to September, with the wind blowing over 15 knots (force 4) over 80% of the time. The strongest wind is to be found in July and August.
The winds are less reliable between November and January, with February, March and October being in between. The sea temperatures range from 17° – 21 ° throughout the year, with the warmest temperatures between June and august. The sea temperatures are a little cooler than the other Canary Islands. Bring a wetsuit with long legs at least for the winter (2/3 mm) and a shorty for the summer. During the coldest days some may prefer a 3 mm long sleeve suit.
The windspeed statistics below show the percentage of days with wind above 15 knots (force 4 Bft) and average sea and air temperatures at Costa Teguise:
Month Jan Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Wind 50 75 73 87 87 83 87 87 83 71 40 68 Air 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 26 24 22 20 Water 17 18 18 18 20 21 21 21 19 18 17 18 Types of Windsurfing
- Entry level windsurfing on the sheltered inside of the bay
- Small to medium chop freeride and slalom a little further out
- Bump and jump near the reef when windy
- Wave riding entry level on the outside over the reef
- Wave riding advanced when it's windy
Abilities
- Beginners
- Intermediates
- Advanced
- World Class
Getting to Lanzarote
Lanzarote has one international airport located on the east coast only 5kms from the island's capital Arrecife.
Some of the airlines that fly to Lanzarote:
aerlingus.com britishairways.com easyjet.com jet2.com
norwegian.com/uk primeraair.com ryanair.com
thomascook.com/flights tui.co.uk/flight tuiholidays.ie/flight
Airlines that operate between the other Canary Islands and Lanzarote:
aireuropa.com bintercanarias.com canaryfly.es
See all international flight options here>>
Getting to Lanzarote by sea ferry from Spain:
- Transmediterranea operates 1 route, Cadiz to Arrecife which runs 1 crossing per week.
- FRS VI operates 1 route, Huelva to Arrecife which runs 1 crossing per week.
Ferries that operate between the other Canary Islands and Lanzarote:
Ferry routes operating between Lanzarote and Gran Canaria:
- Transmediterranea operates 1 route, Arrecife to Las Palmas which runs 1 crossing weekly.
- Naviera Armas operates 1 route, Arrecife to Las Palmas which runs 7 crossings weekly.
- Fred Olsen Express operates 1 route, Arrecife to Las Palmas which runs 13 crossings weekly.
Ferry routes operating between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura:
- Naviera Armas operates 1 route from Playa Blanca to Corralejo which runs 6 sailings daily.
- Fred Olsen Express operates 1 route from Playa Blanca to Corralejo which runs 7 sailings daily
- Lineas Maritimas Romero operates 1 route from Playa Blanca to Corralejo which runs 4 sailings daily..
Ferry routes operating between Lanzarote and Tenerife:
- Transmediterranea operates 1 route, Arrecife to Santa Cruz de Tenerife which runs 1 crossing per week.
- Naviera Armas operates 1 route, Arrecife to Santa Cruz de Tenerife which runs 2 times per week.
Ferry routes operating between Lanzarote and La Palma:
- Transmediterranea operates 1 route, Arrecife to Santa Cruz de La Palma which runs 1 crossing per week.
Ferry companies:
www. navieraarmas.com
www. trasmediterranea.es
Lanzarote Activities & Culture
Lanzarote has a great range of things to do and experience for down days or for non-sailing family members. It provides all the usual activities associated with holiday resorts, as well as the outdoor sports and activities. The island's volcanic origin in particular provides some remarkable sights best accessed by hiring a car.
The island's restaurants are open till late and there is a good variety of bars in the tourist areas. Nightlife can be very lively depending on which resort you visit.
Some of Lanzarote's key attractions:
- Timanfaya National Park - The largest of the national parks is Timanfaya National Park, which has 50 square kms of volcanic landscapes, tubes and craters, and occupies a quarter of the island's land mass.
- Jameos del Agua lava caves in the north - Lava tube with a natural concert hall, subterranean lagoon, restaurant and museum.
- Cueva de los Verdes lava cave near Arrieta - At the north of the island 4 kms north of Arrieta is the lava cave Cueva de los Verdes, which is the longest volcanic tunnel system in the world where two of its six kilometres can be walked.
- The Lago Verde - Just south of the fishing village of El Golfo is the Lago Verde, which means "green lake" in German. Its bright green colour is due to the influence of the algae Ruppia Maritima.
- The Jardín de Cactus (cactus garden) at Guatiza - On the northern outskirts of Guatiza in the direction of Mala is the last major work of the Lanzarote artist César Manrique. The Jardin de Cactus, a huge cactus garden, was built into an open quarry.
- The Valley of the Thousand Palms at Haría - In the northwest of Lanzarote above the village of Haria is the Mirador de Haria where there is a magnificent view over the valley of 1000 palm trees.
- The small pilgrimage chapel Ermita de las Nieves with its magnificent views.
- In Costa Teguise there is the Pueblo Marinero (fishing village) which is a cluster of typical Canary buildings as conceived by Cesar Manrique. Restaurants, pubs and shops, as well as a market held every Friday from 19:00 hours, can be found there. Cesar Manrique was an influencing artist and architect, and his work can be seen all over the island with whitewashed houses with green shutters.
- The Wine Museum El Grifo near the village of Masdache.
- Famara Beach - Probably the most impressive sandy beach on Lanzarote that has beautiful sunsets.
- Mirador Del Rio viewpoint overlooking La Graciosa Island in the north.
- The spectacular drive along the Los Hervideros coast between the fishing village of El Golfo and Salinas de Janubio.
Other Activities - water
- Swimming
- Diving
- Snorkelling
- Parasailing
- Kitesurfing at Famara Beach
- Aquarium – dive with sharks
- Stand Up Paddle boarding
- Kayaking
- Surfing
- Boogie Boarding
- Water Park
- Catamaran sailing
- Sailing yacht cruises
- Whale and Dolphin watching
- Submarine trips
Other Activities - non water
- Relaxing on the beach
- Shopping
- Eating
- Spa, wellness and health centres
- Yoga and Pilates
- Hiking
- Road Cycling
- Electric E-bike cycling
- Mountain biking
- Paragliding
- Tennis
- Horse riding
- Volleyball
- Gym
- Pool
- Golf courses at Costa Teguise and Puerto del Carmen
- Big game fishing
- Go-karting
- Quad biking
- 4wd Buggies
- Bowling
- Paintballing in Costa Teguise and Puerto del Carmen
- Dancing
- Nightclubbing
- Aquarium
- Go Karting
- Iron Man Triathlon training and competition
- Camel rides
Culture
- Annual carnivals in February/March
- Folk festivals
- Crafts and markets
- Art exhibitions
- Live music and entertaining jam sessions
- Cinema
- Open air cinema
- Wild West Show and Dinner
- Vine growing in the La Geria nature reserve
- The small pilgrimage chapel Ermita de las Nieves and its views high up in the Risco de Famara
- Wine Museum El Grifo near the village of Masdache
- Visit the César Manrique Foundation, located in Tahiche, home of Lanzarote's most famous artist.
- Pueblo Marinero (fishing village) in Costa Teguise which is a cluster of typical Canary buildings designed by Cesar Manrique
Environment
- Day trip to the island of La Graciosa
- Day trip to the island of Fuerteventura
- Mirador Del Rio viewpoint overlooking La Graciosa Island in the north
- Timanfaya National Park Hiking
- Jameos del Agua lava caves in the north
- Cueva de los Verdes lava cave near Arrieta
- The Lago Verde - The Green Lake in Yaiza
- The Jardín de Cactus (cactus garden) at Guatiza
- The Valley of the Thousand Palms at Haría
- Famara Beach
- Drive the Los Hervideros coast between the fishing village of El Golfo and Salinas de Janubio
Featured Activities
Lanzarote Travel Tips
Entry requirements/visas
You won’t need a visa if you’re staying for less than three months on a six-months interval, and you have nationality from any EU country or one of the following:
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Slovakia, Slovenia, United States, Estonia, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Lithonia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, Norway, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Czech Republic, Korea, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Switzerland, Uruguay, Venezuela, Hong Kong, Macao.
Passport validity:
Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay; you don’t need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this. This applies to the whole of Spain, including the Canary Islands. .
Staying for longer than 3 months:
If you’re planning to stay in the Canary Islands for longer than 3 months you must register in person at the nearest Office for Foreigners (Oficina de Extranjeros) which is normally part of the Town Hall (Ayuntamiento), or at designated Police stations.
Public Transport
If you decide to travel around Lanzarote on public transport, you can catch the buses supplied by the company Intercity Bus, which operate all over the island.
https://www.arrecifebus.com/index.php?lang=en
Health/immunizations
European Health Card
This document replaces the old E-111 form. With this document you have the right to receive free medical assistance in every country within the European Union. This is valid for one year counting on the date you obtain it. To request this document you should present you medical card at your local Social Services
You can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in the Canary Islands, so talk to your doctor to see if the hepatitis A vaccine is right for you. Rabies is present in bats in the Canary Islands. However, it is not a major risk to most travellers.
Internet access
Mobile Internet:
Lanzarote has 3G and 4G mobile coverage which can be accessed from most phones.
As Lanzarote is part of Spain, it therefore counts as part of the EU for allowing UK and other European allowances for roaming in the EU.
You could also get a local phone number and the option of taking out a mobile Internet package.
WiFi:
Hotels provide WiFi which is accessible from the rooms. There is usually no extra charge. Many bars and restaurants now also provide guest Wi-Fi services good enough for you to check messages and emails or download/upload documents.
Electrical device compatibility
In Lanzarote, the power sockets are of the two pin type C. A power plug converter will be required to plug in your device if it has a different socket. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Appliances that have voltages ranging from 220V to 240V will be compatible.
Car rentals
There is car rental available from Lanzarote Airport and the ferry ports.
Language
Spanish is the language of Lanzarote. However, English is widely spoken in the tourist areas, as well as German in the windsurf centres.
Best season
Lanzarote has year round warm weather. The wind blows all year, but is at its strongest in July and August for those who are particularly looking for high wind reliability. Otherwise, the island is very much a winter destination for Europeans who want to escape the cold of Northern Europe and enjoy the outdoor activities on offer, or just laze around on the beach in the sun.
Transporting gear to/and domestically
Windsurfing gear can be taken on a number of airlines. However, airlines are getting ever stricter on the carrying of equipment, so check carefully the latest sports equipment carrying options with each airline
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Lanzarote
Canarias
35558
Spain
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