Anzalanza Lanzarote Page

Lanzarote is said to be the most exclusive of the Spanish Islands. The Lanzarote climate is dominated by the North Eastern Trade Winds and the warm Canary Stream, producing glorious summer temperatures all year round. Attractions include the fabulous beaches, restaurants and bars, old fishing villages and the beautiful scenery of the Timanfaya National Park, to name just a few.
*Puerto Del Carmen* Puerto del Carmen is the main tourist resort on the island and a town of extremes - with the quaint and peaceful Old Town area with its harbour-side restaurants on one hand and the purpose-built holiday area with its numerous restaurants, shops, bright lights and superb night-life on the other. It really does have something for everyone! You can be close to the bright lights but away from the bustle. Puerto del Carmen boasts over 3km of golden sand so those wanting a beach holiday will not be disappointed.

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	*Shopping in Lanzarote* In Lanzarote you will find several shopping and leisure centres as well as an array of stores and boutiques selling all kinds of goods: from perfumes, cloths, jewellery and electrical equipments that can be purchased at very reasonable prices to local produce and handmade crafts. The shopping districts are located in the main resorts (Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca), in Arrecife, capital of the island and in Playa Honda that hosts one of the largest shopping centre of Lanzarote. The most colourful shopping opportunities are provided by Teguise Sunday Market where you can buy many interesting craft items, souvenirs and local produce (wine, cheese and mojo sauces) which make tasty reminders of your stay.
*Beaches of Lanzarote* Strikingly beautiful, unspoilt and uncountable… that is what can be said in general about Lanzarote’s beaches. Lanzarote and its islets boast 250 km (155 miles) coastline, of which only about 30 km (19 miles) are beaches and over 30% of these are man-built. The majority of Lanzarote’s shoreline consists of spectacular cliffs, which can rise up to 600 m (1,970 ft), many impressive headlands (puntas), formed by lava running into the sea, eye-catching salinas (salt pans) or other stunning ‘nature artworks’, created by volcanic eruptions and erosion, such as El Golfo with its bright green lagoon, located on the west coast. In contrast to most of the other Canary Islands, many of Lanzarote’s beaches are small or medium-sized and feature yellow or white sand; a few have black volcanic sand or pebbles. A lot of the natural beaches are very secluded, devoid of any infrastructures and getting there can be tricky. Some can only be reached by long walks or – more comfortably – by boat. Some are even protected areas, where bathing is not allowed and on others swimming is not recommended because of dangerous sea currents. But don’t worry… Lanzarote is blessed with so many spectacular beaches that there are still more than enough left for you to visit and you probably won’t be able to experience them all – unless you come back to the island over and over again!
	*Timanfaya National Park* The Montañas del Fuego (Fire Mountains) were created between 1730 and 1736 when more than 100 volcanoes, covering more than 50 km², rose up and devastated this part of the island (including several villages). The last eruptions were in 1824, however due to the low rainfall (and therefore lack of erosion) this area appears much the same as it did just after the eruptions. In 1968 the area was declared a national park, Parque Nacional de Timanfaya. This part of the island is a must for any visitor to the island because of its unique 'Martian' landscape and rare plant species. After you arrive at the visitors Car Park you will witness several demonstrations of 'how hot' the area is (temperatures just a few metres below the surface reach between 400°C and 600°C). Dry brush thrown into a hole in the ground catches fire immediately, while water poured into a bore hole erupts seconds later in the form of steam - like a mini-geyser. The 'El Diablo' restaurant provides an impressive backdrop to all of this and serves Canarian food which is cooked using geothermal heat (A cast-iron grill placed over a large hole in the ground). It is advised to arrive here early if you would like to sample the food, since the Kitchen closes at 3.00pm. While it is not possible to just wander freely around the Volcanoes, a Coach Trip around the National Park (La Ruta de los Volcanos) is included in the entry fee. The Tour features an Audio Commentary that includes excerpts from the diary of a local Priest who was an eyewitness to the devastating Eruptions. It is also possible to take a Camel ride across the Volcanic landscape.
*Golf* Costa Teguise is the older of the two Lanzarote 18-hole golf courses - was designed by the British landscape architect, John Harris, and built in 1978. A marvel not only for its challenging design but also for its excellent year-round conditions. Golf Costa Teguise is located at the foot of a spent volcano surrounded by thousands of palm trees, cactuses and, of course, black lava and breath taking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Here, you can appreciate how man has moulded nature while respecting its delicate balance. Lanzarote's warm temperatures combined with this matchless setting offer you a true golfing paradise. Puerto del Carmen is the newer of the two courses and is located just outside the town of the same name. The eighteen hole, 72 par course is 6,133 metres long and was designed by the well-known American golf course designer, Ron Kirby. Its location on the hills overlooking Puerto del Carmen gives it the incredible backdrop of the Atlantic ocean and the course itself is planted with numerous mature palm trees and other indigenous plants. Mindful of the environmental impact, the course has been sympathetically laid out to minimize its impact upon the surrounding countryside and incorporates an irrigation system that uses recycled water. The friendly bi-lingual staff at the Golf Resort will be happy to assist anyone who wants to play a round of golf, from the absolute beginner to advanced golfers who want to improve their game. Buggies, electronic trolleys and clubs are all available to hire, whilst an experienced instructor is also on hand for those who wish to take lessons, including lessons for children. The superb climate of Lanzarote means that golfing is possible all year round.
	*Water Sports* The Atlantic is – next to the climate – one of the biggest attractions the Canary Islands have to offer, and Lanzarote’s waters are often pointed out for their excellent conditions. The average water temperatures (rarely below 19ºC - 66ºF) allow for the practice of a wide range of water sports all year round. The south coast is especially inviting for swimming, diving, snorkelling or boat excursions including game fishing, whereas the north coast, with its rougher conditions, provides an ideal playground for windsurfing, surfing, sailing, etc… Do not underestimate the strength of prevailing winds that are usually at their strongest on summer afternoons.