05.03.07
Lanzarote tourist overview
Lanzarote has four main towns / tourism and business centres. In each of these you will find a large range of property including studios, apartments, villas, land, bars and other businesses from the islands best estate agents
The island government or Cabildo of Lanzarote with the influence of Lanzarote’s most famous artist, Cesar Manrique, actively aims to preserve the natural beauty of the Island.
All residential building cannot be higher than two storeys and should be painted white.
There are many protected areas or national parks where building is not allowed.
Coastline:-
Starting from the north of the island
The island has a beautiful rugged northeastern coastline that has white beaches from sand blown over from Sahara desert.
Moving down east coast to Arrieta/Punta Mujeres, a local fishing community, nice beach with bar.
Then Costa Teguise, Arrecife, Airpot, Puerto del Carmen, Puerto Calero a nice marina with restarants and bars, not a lot then until Playa Blanca in the south.
Coming up around the west coast much less population mainly due to harsher weather and high seas. Some places of interest and scenic beauty.
Firstly el golfo salt lake and los herbidores blow holes.
Then el golfo town and green lake tourist attraction.
Timanfaya National park, most recent volcanic eruptions (mid 1800’s) moon like landscape, you can still cook from heat just below the surface.
La Santa sports complex, athletes from all over europe come to train. European surf destination in winter.
Famara beach, dramatic long sand beach with ship wreck and high cliff backdrop.
Cesar Manrique house at top of cliffs, very impressive.
Then back to top with Orzola fishing village in very north, small harbour and ferry to island of La GraciosaMain Areas:-
Main areas in detail
1 - Arrecife: the capital and commercial centre. The islands main shipping port. Where you go for residencias d things legal i.e. Notaries, law courts etc. Little tourist accomodation, some historical tourist attractions and good shopping. Very late spanish style nightlife at weekends.
2 - Puerto del Carmen: The islands oldest and most established tourist centre. Comprising one main road along the beach (the strip) along which there are many bars, restaurants, shops etc etc. A few beaches along the strip, accomodation behind. Plenty of nightlife.
3 - Costa Teguise: 20 mins drive north from Puerto del Carmen and the second most established area for tourism. Was planned from the start as a tourist area so well laid out with good access and parking. Aprox 5 beaches. European destination for windsurfers. Plenty of English bars and restaruants. Not so much nightlife and more spread out than Puerto del Carmen. Islands only current golf course.
4 - Playa Blanca: Situated at the very south of the island. The newest and fastest developing area of the island. Loads of new building going on. New golf course and marina soon to be completed. Few nice local beaches in town and the beautiful beaches of papagayo just outside.