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The Lanzarote landscape offers some great hiking opportunities with various walks available.
For the less experienced walker there are some treks that are only a few kilometres long to catering for the ardent walker of longer treks
around 20kms or so. Beautiful panoramic coastal walks or more challenging steep mountain climbs, there is bound to be something to suit all
abilities. Guided hiking tours are available which involve clambering through volcanic caves, or trekking over the volcanic area along the
coast of the Timanfaya National Park.
Lanzarote has miles of long, straight roads and more demanding hills and is very popular with cyclists. The
‘Lanzarote Iron man’ is hosted by Lanzarote every year. This European triathlon event attracts many competitors who can often be seen training
for this event on the Island. The regional government set up the ‘Plan de Rutas Cicloturísticas (plan of cycle tourism
routes), which comprises of a set of clear routes and trails for keen cyclists to enhance their enjoyment. There are numerous places
available to rent bicycles from on the Island.
For keen Golfers, Lanzarote offers a pleasant climate to play a round of golf all year round.
However, there isn’t a great choice of courses on the Island at present; there are a couple in the planning or construction stages - Puerto del Carmen,
Playa Blanca and Puerto Calero. The only course available (at time of publishing) is the Costa Teguise which has an 18-hole, par-72 course,
with a driving range, practice putting green, pro-shop and a golf equipment rental service and a restaurant and bar. It is situated at the
base of an inactive volcano, providing panoramic views of the ocean.
A relaxing way to explore the terrain of Lanzarote is by horse back. There are riding centres
on the Island that offers horseback trips, riding classes for beginners, as well as ponies for children.
Local authorities have developed defined riding routes to protect the rider and the environment.
Why not take an exciting jeep safari and discover the secluded, deserted spots of this
beautiful Island. There is nothing more exciting than travelling to remote areas and absorbing the
fascinating unique Lanzarote landscape.
Go Karting is fun for all ages and Lanzarote has two tracks, the Gran Karting Club which is
located in the Arrecife area on the road to Tías which comprises of a Senior track, a junior track and a children’s track. The Go-Karting
is located south of San Bartolome on the road to Arrecife; here there are karts to suit all abilities and ages.
Cuisine on Lanzarote consists of the typical Canarian fare with fish being one of the main
staples accompanied by one of a large selection of 'Mojo' sauces. Potatoes are another regular feature and are cooked in a variety of ways with a
favourite being -'papas Arrugadas' (wrinkled potatoes). The people of Lanzarote enjoy a
range of different meat, but pork is the number one favourite. Shellfish and a variety of tropical fruits are widely available.
Cheese fans really ought to sample the locally produced goat’s cheese; the yellow coloured is
the hardest whilst the whiter coloured has a more crumbly texture.
Restaurants all over the Island range from local traditional dishes with the majority of its food being freshly caught to
International cuisine. For example, if you are a sushi fan - in Puerto del Carmen's Old town, you will find an authentic Japanese
restaurant. For pizza lovers, sited in the port of Puerto del Carmen the pizzeria can be located. There is an extensive menu with a variety of different dishes in
addition to Pizzas.
The three main categories of accommodation presented in Lanzarote are Hotels that range from
budget to luxury, Villas with swimming pools and private gardens and Apartment complexes with their own restaurants and facilities.
Whatever your requirements are, there is something to suit all tastes and budget.
Nightlife in Tenerife is livelier in the main resorts and in Arrecife – the Capital. Puerto del Carmen - the
well-known promenade is crammed with live music bars, pubs, nightclubs and discos. There is a good variety of restaurants, bars and pubs
along Avenida Islas Canarias - close to the Toca Shopping centre In Costa Teguise. Jose Antonio St in Arrecife is the place to go if you’d like to sample the local nightlife.
Arrecife
Arrecife is the Capital of Lanzarote and has been since the end of the
18th Century, Teguise was the former Capital. Around half of the population of Lanzarote live in Arrecife. Its name derives from
the many reefs and islets located along the coast that form a wonderful sea front promenade. It is the main commercial area of the Island its main street Castillo y Leon hosts an extensive array of shops and
cafes in close proximity.
El Charco de San Gines
is a small lake created by the incoming tides in the middle of the city (behind the main Street)
and fishermen’s cottages surround it. This village has transformed gradually, but has retained its fishing Village charm.
Above Arrecife’s port, there are two great fortresses San Gabriel and San José which in the past defended the Town against the regular attacks from pirates.
El Castillo
de San José
built in 1779 is located overlooking the harbour where the cruise ships dock. This
former Castle is now an International
museum of contemporary art and features a restaurant that was designed by
the artist, Cesar Manrique. The 15th Century El Castillo de San Gabriel is home to the Archaeological Museum, is located at a small Island in front of the port and connects with Arrecife by a
draw-bridge.
La Casa de Los Arroyo built in1793, is a patriarchal residence symbolic of Arrecife and a declared
Historical Monument which today houses the "Blas Cabrera" Scientific centre.
There is a permanent exhibition regarding the scientist, Blas
Cabrera Felipe.
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