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Lanzarote
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Punta del Papagayo
LANZAROTE
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© TUI 2005
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Lanzarote
With a landscape unlike anything you've seen before and some of the best beaches in the Canaries, Lanzarote is far from being a run-of-the-mill place in the sun.
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If you fancy a week spent horizontal on the beach, Lanzarote comes up trumps. With a sunshine record that would make most other places turn positively green with envy, this Atlantic gem offers up sun, sea and sand by the bucket and spade load. But there's more to Lanzarote than just sun worship. A whole lot more. There's the bonkers scenery for starters. Cue a landscape that's pockmarked by gaping craters, solidified lava streams and over 300 volcanoes. Step off the plane and it's like setting foot on an alien planet. Unlike some of its brothers and sisters, Lanzarote managed to escape the ravages of mass tourism - there are no concrete jungles or Sixties' hangovers here. Instead all the buildings are low-level numbers, trimmed with blue and green window shutters. Even the three big holiday resorts - Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca - echo the traditional architecture. And there's plenty going on in the culture stakes, too, thanks to a certain artist called Cesar Manrique whose wacky art installations can be seen across the island. So, if you fancy somewhere that offers up more than just a suntan, Lanzarote most definitely fits the bill.
Costa Teguise Location 5km northeast from Arrecife Transfer Time 15 to 30 minutes
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Costa Teguise may be a purpose-built holiday resort. But far from being a concrete jungle, it's a palm-filled oasis, tastefully re-creating the look and feel of a traditional Canaries town, complete with white-washed, shuttered buildings. The number one attraction is the big, crescent-shaped bay, which splits into two large and two smaller sandy beaches. Windsurfers breeze in and out, attracted by the almost perfect boarding conditions - not to mention the many bars and cosmopolitan restaurants that line the promenade. Assuming you need more than sand, sea and a sunbed to keep you occupied - watersports and scuba diving top the activity list, with horse riding a close second. There's also an 18-hole golf course just down the road, and next door to that Lanzarote's only water park, Aqua Lanza, with floods of fun for all ages. Let loose on the kamikaze. Spin down the spiral. A go for a high-speed float along the fast river slide. After dark, Costa Teguise doesn't exactly sizzle with nightlife. But there's a disco or two, plus plenty of lively bars in and around the Pueblo Marinero. If you're looking for more life, it's just a short bus ride to the island's capital, Arrecife.
Playa Blanca Location 33km southwest from the capital Arrecife
Transfer Time 30 to 40 minutes Playa Blanca was once a small fishing port, and you can still get a feel for its former life in and around the picturesque harbour area. Just take a stroll along the marina packed with colourful working boats and the pretty waterfront laced with olde-worlde shuttered buildings. Yet, despite its traditional feel, the resort still has plenty of life, not to mention everything you need to enjoy a relaxing beach holiday. And talking of beaches, there are three to choose from - the main beach in town and Playa Dorada or Playa Flamingo either side of the port. And if you're looking for that away-from-it-all' atmosphere, there's Papagayo, reached by a fairly rugged, pot-holed road, but well worth the effort. Apart from swimming and watersports, boat trips are Playa Blanca's forte on the activities front.
Highlights
Southern Sights
The Timanfaya National Park is Lanzarote's number one attraction - find out why on this trip through the volcanic wilderness. Drive through the eerie lunar-like landscape and watch guides demonstrate the awesome power of the volcanoes - subterranean heat turns a cup of water into a shooting geyser in seconds. Round off the day with a trip to the bodega at La Geria and enjoy a tipple or two of the locally produced wine, before arriving in Playa Blanca for relaxation and shopping.
Catalanza
Sail out of Puerto Calero and relax aboard the largest catamaran in Lanzarote. You can even have a go at the helm! You'll be served drink by the attentive crew, so lie back and enjoy a glass of wine or take a dip in the refreshing waters before lunch, with the picturesque coastline in the distance.
Puerto del Carmen Location About 5km from Arrecife
Transfer Time 15 to 45 minutes Unchallenged holder of the title Lanzarote's liveliest resort', Puerto del Carmen has a great beach and is jam-packed with shops, restaurants and nightlife. At the same time, it's far from lacking in charm. The old harbour is lined with fish restaurants and tapas bars, not to mention a cultural vibrancy that explodes each summer in colourful fiestas. Beach-wise, the fine sands, calm sea and friendly atmosphere make it a great place for young kids. Plus there are plenty of attractions for teenagers and grown ups, too. Cue a two-mile shopping strip. A huge selection of eateries, ranging from traditional Spanish bodegas to fast food outlets. And enough bars to sink a battleship, let alone a few beers. For a day out, there's the island's capital, Arrecife, just a short bus ride away.
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