Beautiful Sunny Lanzarote
We departed from Cork for Arrecife in early December and stayed for one week. We had left really cold weather behind in Ireland, and the first thing I remember was the lovely warm, balmy air that hit my face when the door of the plane opened. It felt like being in a different world. We were transferred to our apartment by coach, which took around 20 to 25 minutes.
During our stay, we went on the Grand Tour by coach. The tour first took us to beautiful El Golfo, where olivine stone was discovered. From there, we could see the rugged coastline of Los Hervideros and the salt flats of Janubio, where we learned about the importance of salt extraction in the island’s history.
At Timanfaya National Park, home of the Fire Mountains, we saw geothermal experiments demonstrating the power of the heat just below the surface. We also had the opportunity to see the natural oven where food is cooked. We then went on a camel ride around the base of the volcano, which I must say was quite an experience. Afterwards, we went on a magnificent crater tour, where we enjoyed some of the best views of the lava fields, followed by a tasty three-course meal.
We journeyed through the Canarian village of La Geria, home to some of the most unusual vineyards in the world. We learned about the history and process of winemaking, with the opportunity to taste the wines and purchase them on site.
We ended our trip with a visit to Jameos del Agua, with its magnificent subterranean gardens and impressive auditorium. The Jameo Grande has been transformed into a beautiful garden filled with tropical plant species, centred around a vibrant turquoise pool. At the end of the Jameo, a 600-seat auditorium has been built, which has excellent acoustics and hosts many concerts.
Teguise is a beautiful, picturesque village with buildings dating back to the 17th century, featuring detailed wood carvings around the doors and windows. At the weekly market, many different stalls line the cobbled streets, selling everything from clothes, shoes, ceramics and handbags to paintings, toys and other crafts. Don’t forget to haggle when buying something.
Although it is not as boisterous as neighbouring Tenerife, Puerto del Carmen is a great holiday destination for young couples and families, as it caters for both. It has beautiful beaches stretching for six kilometres, culture, fantastic scenery and lively nightlife. There are also plenty of activities to keep everyone occupied, including windsurfing, boat trips, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving and recreational centres.
Other activities include shopping, dining in the wide range of restaurants that cater for every palate, and visiting the pubs and nightclubs along Avenida de las Playas, the town’s main street.
I can’t recommend this resort highly enough and look forward to visiting again
