Monday 19 May 2014
Lanzarote Day 8 - Home
The flight was at 7:25 am so we had a very early start. It all went smoothly though and the flight was early, so we were home by 12:30.
Sunday 18 May 2014
Lanzarote Day 7 - Teguise Market and Haria
We decided for once to go out for breakfast, and went to one recommended on Tripadvisor - The British Cafe. Shirley had a Full English, and Scott had the Buster Breakfast - basically two of everything.
Then we went to Teguise market, which turned out to be rather touristy.
We only bought some pastries and cakes to have for dinner later.
Later we passed a herd of goats, our first real sight of domesticated animals on Lanzarote.
We drove on to Haria, which is supposed to be the prettiest and greenest village on the island. This was probably true, but still not particularly green!
We did a circular walk to the clifftops with views down the steep cliffs to the beaches below.
The walk then took us back to Haria, where we had a drink outside Bar Ney-Ha.
After going back to Costa Teguise we had a last walk round town, and a last drink in square, before going back to the apartment to pack/eat/tidy-up etc.
Then we went to Teguise market, which turned out to be rather touristy.
We only bought some pastries and cakes to have for dinner later.
Later we passed a herd of goats, our first real sight of domesticated animals on Lanzarote.
We drove on to Haria, which is supposed to be the prettiest and greenest village on the island. This was probably true, but still not particularly green!
We did a circular walk to the clifftops with views down the steep cliffs to the beaches below.
The walk then took us back to Haria, where we had a drink outside Bar Ney-Ha.
After going back to Costa Teguise we had a last walk round town, and a last drink in square, before going back to the apartment to pack/eat/tidy-up etc.
Saturday 17 May 2014
Lanzarote Day 6 - Montaña Blanca
Today we drove to Mancha Blanca to start a walk there. However the Lanazarote Ironman Triathlon was taking place across the island, and various road closures meant we had to park about a mile away from the proper start of the walk. Never mind.
We walked on a marked path across the lava fields towards the three volcanoes we intended to climb up.
The first one was Montaña Calderata where we peered into the crater, then carried on to ascend Montaña Blanca.
This has a perfect circular cater 1200m across and is 461m high.
As we descended we went across to the third volcano of the day, Risco Quegrado.
Later we drove to the capital of Lanzarote, Arrecife. This was nicer than we expected, and we walked through the old town and along the sea front. Being very hot and mid-afternoon it was (sensibly) deserted though.We went for a welcome drink in a local bar.
After going back to the apartment to get ready, we went for a drink to Bodega Marcelo. We weren't tempted to eat there though, so went to the Bejing Chinese again - another excellent meal.
We walked on a marked path across the lava fields towards the three volcanoes we intended to climb up.
The first one was Montaña Calderata where we peered into the crater, then carried on to ascend Montaña Blanca.
This has a perfect circular cater 1200m across and is 461m high.
As we descended we went across to the third volcano of the day, Risco Quegrado.
Later we drove to the capital of Lanzarote, Arrecife. This was nicer than we expected, and we walked through the old town and along the sea front. Being very hot and mid-afternoon it was (sensibly) deserted though.We went for a welcome drink in a local bar.
After going back to the apartment to get ready, we went for a drink to Bodega Marcelo. We weren't tempted to eat there though, so went to the Bejing Chinese again - another excellent meal.
Friday 16 May 2014
Lanzarote Day 5 - Timanfaya again
Prior to the holiday we had pre-booked a (free) guided walk in the part of the National Park which has restricted access. We assembled at the Mancha Blanca visitor's centre, and eight of us set off in a minibus to the start of the walk.
Our driver and guide was Nino, who was very knowledgeable and gave us lots of information about the volcanoes and the Lanzarote cultural and social history in general.
The walk was on a marked trail through the lava fields, with Nino identifying out various points of interest.
We saw some peregrine falcons and lizards.
The walk took about 3 hours, then we were taken back to the visitor's centre.
We then went to the coastal village of El Golfo, where we walked to the spectacular green lagoon called Charco de Los Clicos.
After having a drink in a bar overlooking the sea we went back to the apartment for a rest, then out for dinner to La Bohemia where we shared a mixed grill. This had more meat than we could eat - sirloin steak, fillet steak, sausages, ribs, two type of pork - very good.
Our driver and guide was Nino, who was very knowledgeable and gave us lots of information about the volcanoes and the Lanzarote cultural and social history in general.
The walk was on a marked trail through the lava fields, with Nino identifying out various points of interest.
We saw some peregrine falcons and lizards.
The walk took about 3 hours, then we were taken back to the visitor's centre.
We then went to the coastal village of El Golfo, where we walked to the spectacular green lagoon called Charco de Los Clicos.
After having a drink in a bar overlooking the sea we went back to the apartment for a rest, then out for dinner to La Bohemia where we shared a mixed grill. This had more meat than we could eat - sirloin steak, fillet steak, sausages, ribs, two type of pork - very good.
Thursday 15 May 2014
Lanzarote Day 4 - César Manrique and Caves
Today we visited the César Manrique Foundation in Tahiche. Manrique was the artist and architect who influenced much of today's Lanzarote - white, low buildings, blue/green paint, many sculptures.
The Foundation is his house which is built in a lava field over volcanic bubbles which have been incorporated into the building.
Next we visited the Cuevos de Los Verdes, some caves which are part of a 6km volcanic tube which extends under the sea. The guided tour showed us many large rooms, including an auditorium where concerts are held.
From there we went to Los Jameos del Agua, which is a restaurant and underground lake in a different part of the same volcanic tube.
Later we went to the northern tip of the island, to the viewpoint called Mirador del Rio. From there you can look across to the island of Graciosa. However it was very cloudy so we didn't get the best view.
Rather than do a high level walk in the clouds we drove south east to the village of Tabayesco, where we walked up a ridge past an empty reservoir, then down over abandoned cultivated terraces.
Later we didn't go out for dinner, but ate in - pasta and tomato and bacon sauce.
The Foundation is his house which is built in a lava field over volcanic bubbles which have been incorporated into the building.
Next we visited the Cuevos de Los Verdes, some caves which are part of a 6km volcanic tube which extends under the sea. The guided tour showed us many large rooms, including an auditorium where concerts are held.
From there we went to Los Jameos del Agua, which is a restaurant and underground lake in a different part of the same volcanic tube.
Later we went to the northern tip of the island, to the viewpoint called Mirador del Rio. From there you can look across to the island of Graciosa. However it was very cloudy so we didn't get the best view.
Rather than do a high level walk in the clouds we drove south east to the village of Tabayesco, where we walked up a ridge past an empty reservoir, then down over abandoned cultivated terraces.
Later we didn't go out for dinner, but ate in - pasta and tomato and bacon sauce.
Wednesday 14 May 2014
Lanzarote Day 3 - Playa Blanca and Papagayo beach
After breakfast we drove to Playa Blanca at the southernmost tip of the island. We went for a coastal walk to the east, towards Papagayo beach. It was sunny and windy as usual.
At Papagayo we stopped to sunbathe and paddle - we managed to stop for about 1 hour.
Then we walked to the end of the peninsula, before retracing our steps back to the car and driving into the main part of Playa Blanca for a drink and a stroll.
After driving back to the apartment and getting ready, we went out for a drink in Chispas bar in Pueblo Marinero. This actually had Old Speckled Hen on draft - makes a change from Spanish lager. We had intended going to La Bohemia for dinner but it was closed, so went to El Maestro instead, Shirley had steak and Scott had slow roasted pork - both pretty good.
At Papagayo we stopped to sunbathe and paddle - we managed to stop for about 1 hour.
Then we walked to the end of the peninsula, before retracing our steps back to the car and driving into the main part of Playa Blanca for a drink and a stroll.
After driving back to the apartment and getting ready, we went out for a drink in Chispas bar in Pueblo Marinero. This actually had Old Speckled Hen on draft - makes a change from Spanish lager. We had intended going to La Bohemia for dinner but it was closed, so went to El Maestro instead, Shirley had steak and Scott had slow roasted pork - both pretty good.
Tuesday 13 May 2014
Lanzarote Day 2 - Timanfaya and La Geria
We had breakfast in the apartment then set out. It was cloudy but warm when we left.
We drove to Timanfaya National Park. This is where the latest volcanic activity on the island took place, in the 18th century. It was very sunny and hot by the time we got there.
The only way to see the protected area is on buses which tour on a private road through the lava fields.
The heat from the underground volcanic activity still reaches near the surface in places - it's hot enough to barbecue meat over an open hole in the ground, and can set fire to dry material which is shown as a demonstration.
After leaving the park we drove to the village of Uga for a walk. This is in the La Geria area of the island, which is where grape vines are cultivated in the unique Lanzarote way. Each vine is grown in a depression in the volcanic ash, with a semi-circular wall built round to protect it from the wind. These are called zocos.
It was very hot for this walk, and quite windy at the top of the volcano we went round, Montana Tinasorla.
After the walk we had a drink at a bar in Uga then drove back via Puerto Del Carmen, which is the biggest tourist resort on the island.
After showering and changing in the apartment, we went out about 7 for a walk around town.
For dinner we went to the Beijing Chinese restaurant. This turned out to be an excellent choice - all you can eat for 6.50 euros. It wasn't a buffet like most, but à la carte from the menu, freshly cooked. Just keep ordering until you feel like stopping! And good quality too.
We drove to Timanfaya National Park. This is where the latest volcanic activity on the island took place, in the 18th century. It was very sunny and hot by the time we got there.
The only way to see the protected area is on buses which tour on a private road through the lava fields.
The heat from the underground volcanic activity still reaches near the surface in places - it's hot enough to barbecue meat over an open hole in the ground, and can set fire to dry material which is shown as a demonstration.
After leaving the park we drove to the village of Uga for a walk. This is in the La Geria area of the island, which is where grape vines are cultivated in the unique Lanzarote way. Each vine is grown in a depression in the volcanic ash, with a semi-circular wall built round to protect it from the wind. These are called zocos.
It was very hot for this walk, and quite windy at the top of the volcano we went round, Montana Tinasorla.
After the walk we had a drink at a bar in Uga then drove back via Puerto Del Carmen, which is the biggest tourist resort on the island.
After showering and changing in the apartment, we went out about 7 for a walk around town.
For dinner we went to the Beijing Chinese restaurant. This turned out to be an excellent choice - all you can eat for 6.50 euros. It wasn't a buffet like most, but à la carte from the menu, freshly cooked. Just keep ordering until you feel like stopping! And good quality too.
Monday 12 May 2014
Lanzarote Day 1 - Costa Teguise
We took a taxi from home to the airport to catch the Ryanair flight at 12:25. It was a bit late taking off and had headwinds, so landed at about 5:20pm.
Weather was good - breezy, as is always the case in Lanzarote, but sunny and warm.
We had no problems at the airport, and picked up our rental car from Budget, a Silver VW Polo.
We drove to Costa Teguise which was only about 15 minutes from Arrecife airport. Checked in to the apartment at Galeon Playa - it seemed to have everything we needed after we sorted out a safe key, TV remote control, wifi access and a coffee maker.
The bedroom looks out onto the swimming pool, although the balcony is on the other side overlooking the street.
After picking up a few essentials from the nearby supermarket, we headed out to explore the town. It's all built for the tourism market, with nothing authentic Spanish, so most places cater for tourist tastes.
The centre is the Pueblo Marinero, a square with many bars and restaurants and a bandstand in the middle.
We had drinks at the Snug on the Square and Ireland's Eye. Prices for drinks are very cheap, some places advertising a large local beer for as low as 1.70 euros, or up to 3.50 euros for other drinks.
We had dinner at the Pueblo Tapas bar - prawns, rabbit and meatballs. It was pretty average stuff, not our best meal of the week.
Then early to bed.
Weather was good - breezy, as is always the case in Lanzarote, but sunny and warm.
We had no problems at the airport, and picked up our rental car from Budget, a Silver VW Polo.
We drove to Costa Teguise which was only about 15 minutes from Arrecife airport. Checked in to the apartment at Galeon Playa - it seemed to have everything we needed after we sorted out a safe key, TV remote control, wifi access and a coffee maker.
The bedroom looks out onto the swimming pool, although the balcony is on the other side overlooking the street.
After picking up a few essentials from the nearby supermarket, we headed out to explore the town. It's all built for the tourism market, with nothing authentic Spanish, so most places cater for tourist tastes.
The centre is the Pueblo Marinero, a square with many bars and restaurants and a bandstand in the middle.
We had drinks at the Snug on the Square and Ireland's Eye. Prices for drinks are very cheap, some places advertising a large local beer for as low as 1.70 euros, or up to 3.50 euros for other drinks.
We had dinner at the Pueblo Tapas bar - prawns, rabbit and meatballs. It was pretty average stuff, not our best meal of the week.
Then early to bed.
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