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January 2024, Lanzarote – Canary Islands

Hello January. Here we are again, carefully selecting a new island to save us from the Dutch winter. 🙂

And because it went so well last year, it didn’t take long to decide on the Canary Islands. The only question was which one, and shortly Lanzarote emerged.

Highlights

Lanzarote welcomed us with exotic volcanic land, hidden caves, secluded beaches, quiet villages and spectacular sunsets. But it was also about gastronomy, culture and relaxation! In a few words, the perfect getaway for January.

What is Lanzarote famous for?

After visiting Tenerife and Gran Canaria, you would ask: what can possibly be different in any other Canarian island?

Well, everything.

The island of Lanzarote was formed 15 million years ago as a result of volcanic eruptions. In fact, the last major eruption occurred between 1730-1736 and literally wiped out several villages and the most fertile parts of the island.

Fast forward to the 20th century, the island came to life thanks to its port, commercial activity and under the architectural touch of the great artist César Manrique.

Here are some things Lanzarote is famous for, that made our stay memorable.

The spectacular Cactus Garden

• Jardin de Cactus

Located into a volcanic crater, with spiraling terraces and a well-preserved windmill standing high on a dark blue backdrop, the wonderland of Jardin de Cactus is every photographer’s dream.

Checking every spiny specimen out of the 4500 drawn from 500 different species over 5 continents can easily take hours.

So plan your trip wisely, as it can get pretty hot in there. Take plenty of water if you don’t wanna end up as a cactus yourself. 🙂

Caves

• Museo Lagomar
• Cueva de los Verdes
• Jameos del Agua + The House of Volcanoes

Not far away from the cactus garden, we find another one of the hidden treasures of the island: an incredible villa built within the mounds of volcanic lava.

And that’s not all, a peculiar story comes with it as well. Actor Omar Sharif fell in love with the place while filming The Mysterious Island and bought it on impulse, only to lose it shortly at a game of cards.

Turned into Lagomar museum nowadays, this house continues to amaze with its fascinating history and breathtaking design.

Little did we know that the caves stories had only begun. Lanzarote is crossed by a 7 kilometers long lava tunnel, originated 5000 years ago after the eruption of La Corona volcano. Galleries of the underground tunnel were used by inhabitants to hide from slave hunters and pirates.

Part of this tunnel is called Cueva de los Verdes and can be visited with a guide. A final touch of César Manrique to the walking route gives the impression that you’re stepping into another dimension. It gave us the chills!

The route continues with Jameos del Agua, beautifully designed by the same architect. Several sections where the roof of the volcanic tube collapsed are intertwined with lush gardens, hidden corridors, swimming pools, restaurants and a natural auditorium, all in perfect symbiosis.

Conveniently enough, after a full day walking in and out of lava caves, the small but innovative Casa de los Volcanes on-site museum helped us put all pieces together.

Volcanoes

• Timanfaya National Park

As always, we left the best for last. The jewel of the crown for Lanzarote is Timanfaya National Park, a vast area of desolate, otherworldly beauty.

Even though volcanic eruptions of the last 300 years have wiped everything out leaving only strange rock formations behind, you can spot lichens thriving in this hostile land.

Only bus tours are allowed, making it a very efficient yet strict kind of exploration.

We won’t forget about this day for sure, for more than one reason. A speeding ticket was patiently waiting in the mailbox when we got home.

Beaches

• North: Playa de Famara
• South: Playa de Papagayo, Playa Blanca, Playa Flamingo
• South-East: Playa Chica, Playa del Jablillo, Playa de las Cucharas, Playa de los Charcos

The beach scenery is pretty scattered, Lanzarote being a volcanic island. You’ll get strong winds perfect for surfing in the north, calm and clear waters in the south.

But regardless of where you stay, you’ll be able to enjoy a clear sky and sunshine all year round.

Restaurants

Our favorites on Costa Teguise:

• Restaurante El Navarro
• La Gaviota Restaurante
• Restaurante Isla Bonita
• Costa Mar Restaurante de Pescado

The sea gives up her bounty in abundance here in Lanzarote. We found mouth-watering seafood dishes all over Costa Teguise, some even with a traditional twist. The catch of the day could not get fresher than this!

Don’t forget to make a reservation if you really fancy a particular restaurant. Turns out everything is fully booked especially before and during the weekend.

Nonetheless, even if you didn’t catch a spot for dinner at your favorite restaurant, you’ll be delighted with spectacular sunsets as you walk back to the hotel in the evening.

Accommodation

• Costa Teguise Radisson Blu Resort

The island has options for every budget, from camping, apartments, villas, all inclusive or adults-only resorts with massages and spa facilities. So choose wisely what you want from your holiday.

All i remember is that after a week in Lanzarote i completely lost track of time. Three books finished later, the only decision in the morning was to which pool i’m heading and what’s gonna be the fourth book to start. 🙂