May 2017
Map key
Black Lines - Roads travelled on Green Lines - Walked routes Red markers - Restaurants visited Blue markers - Places and parking Yellow markers - Attractions |
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Driving
As we had visited Lanzarote back in 2011, we knew driving here was very straight forward and as before prebooked a hire car from Auto Reisen to collect at the airport.
As we had visited Lanzarote back in 2011, we knew driving here was very straight forward and as before prebooked a hire car from Auto Reisen to collect at the airport.
We’d taken our sat nav with us last time, but having used a maps app on my mobile whilst we were in Corfu, this time I decided to also look online for an app to use in Lanzarote. After some research, I quickly found the easiest solution was using google maps offline and all I had to do was select a place, click on the bar that appeared at the bottom, which then brought up a download option. Once you click on download, a box appears, which allows you to zoom out and expand the area, to cover the whole of Lanzarote, then when your mobile data is turned off, as long as you have location/gps on, you can navigate the island using google maps for free, however you will probably need either a back up battery or in car charger to keep your phone charged. You could also use maps to navigate, the roads and signage are very good and easy to follow, but google maps makes it easier, especially at night, as most roads are not lit.
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I had also already dropped pins and labelled them for attractions, parking and restaurants under a separate saved list, making it quicker to navigate to and from places (places we visited, parking etc are marked on the map above), they only seemed to disappear when I closed the maps app completely, which I the needed WiFi for them to reload (couldn’t find a way to make them offline), but if I left it running, they stayed.
Without mobile data you can’t get traffic info on route like you would in the UK, however the roads are much quieter. You will get locals driving close to you, itching to get past, there are roads that either have a slow lane you can move into or as soon as it’s clear they will go past and on most roads you have an extra couple of feet to move safely closed to the edge of the road to give them a little more space if you feel necessary.
Without mobile data you can’t get traffic info on route like you would in the UK, however the roads are much quieter. You will get locals driving close to you, itching to get past, there are roads that either have a slow lane you can move into or as soon as it’s clear they will go past and on most roads you have an extra couple of feet to move safely closed to the edge of the road to give them a little more space if you feel necessary.
Playa Blanca
Our first full day we decided to walk from Casa Hermosa into Playa Blanca, villa owner Roy, had told us about a shortcut, (you can see the routes walked (green) on our map at the top of the page), which thankfully (as there quite a hill out of the street), meant we didn’t have to follow the road around.
The wonderful thing about Playa Blanca is the promenade, which stretches in both directions, has some very impressive hotels like Timanfaya Palace accessible from it and unlike some where the road runs next to it, the road is out of sight.
We ended up walking along, into the main area of Playa Blanca, where there are shops along the street behind and bars/restaurants along the front, from here Marina Rubicon is about a further 10-minute walk.
We did continue to Marina Rubicon, then back to Playa Blanca, but as my wife insisted we walked to the lighthouse, we carried on. It’s a long walk and although the promenade is nice, it is up and down, with not as many opportunities for a refreshment stop between Playa Blanca and the lighthouse section. Disappointingly, the promenade comes to an abrupt stop, away from the lighthouse, so if you want to get to the foot of the lighthouse, there’s a further walk over rough unpaved ground.
Our first full day we decided to walk from Casa Hermosa into Playa Blanca, villa owner Roy, had told us about a shortcut, (you can see the routes walked (green) on our map at the top of the page), which thankfully (as there quite a hill out of the street), meant we didn’t have to follow the road around.
The wonderful thing about Playa Blanca is the promenade, which stretches in both directions, has some very impressive hotels like Timanfaya Palace accessible from it and unlike some where the road runs next to it, the road is out of sight.
We ended up walking along, into the main area of Playa Blanca, where there are shops along the street behind and bars/restaurants along the front, from here Marina Rubicon is about a further 10-minute walk.
We did continue to Marina Rubicon, then back to Playa Blanca, but as my wife insisted we walked to the lighthouse, we carried on. It’s a long walk and although the promenade is nice, it is up and down, with not as many opportunities for a refreshment stop between Playa Blanca and the lighthouse section. Disappointingly, the promenade comes to an abrupt stop, away from the lighthouse, so if you want to get to the foot of the lighthouse, there’s a further walk over rough unpaved ground.
Restaurants we went to in Playa Blanca
Chacho’s Fresh Burgers - On our first night we went here for quickness, it’s a friendly place, more casual and the tables aren’t on top of each other. The burgers are great, all named after movies, such as Gladiator, Star Wars, Terminator, E.T and so on, would recommend you try here if a burger is what you want.
Brisa Marina – Stopped for drinks, no drinks menu, impersonal service, bill brought assuming we wanted no more drinks, €8.29 for large 7up & a fresh orange was a bit steep.
Brisa Marina – Stopped for drinks, no drinks menu, impersonal service, bill brought assuming we wanted no more drinks, €8.29 for large 7up & a fresh orange was a bit steep.
Casale Franco – Another restaurant my wife had selected from reading reviews on trip advisor, it’s located in the Centro Comercial Papagayo, on the eastern side of Playa Blanca seafront, you can’t see the restaurant from the front, but head up the stairs in the middle and it’s up to your right.
It’s a nice-looking restaurant, with plenty of seating inside and out, the view from sitting at an outside table is just low enough to be able to see the sea. It was quiet when we went, there was only a few other tables taken, which meant it lacked a bit of atmosphere.
We both got pizza, I got the calzone, can’t remember exactly what pizza my wife got, but we both commented on how lovely the base was. At the end, offering we were offered a shot of honey rum, which I couldn’t turn down.
It’s a nice-looking restaurant, with plenty of seating inside and out, the view from sitting at an outside table is just low enough to be able to see the sea. It was quiet when we went, there was only a few other tables taken, which meant it lacked a bit of atmosphere.
We both got pizza, I got the calzone, can’t remember exactly what pizza my wife got, but we both commented on how lovely the base was. At the end, offering we were offered a shot of honey rum, which I couldn’t turn down.
La Katedral – We went here for tapas, that’s what it does, however whilst I was at the loo, my wife was looking at what dishes we’d like and the waiter told my wife they had specials on and recommended the shoulder of lamb, I, as my wife did, thought this would be a special “tapas dish”, bearing in mind we’d also asked the waiter what number of dishes is about right for the two of us and he said about 5/6 and at no point after did he suggest we drop one when we asked for “his” recommendation.
After we’d eaten all but two of the tapas dishes, they cleared the empty plates away and brought our meatballs, fine standard tapas dish we expected and then a full shoulder of lamb meal, with a spinach stack and a potato stack on the side!!! To top it off, the tapas dishes were around €5-6 each, the lamb was €22!!! I feel we were mislead, had I known the portion size of the lamb I wouldn’t have ordered it and especially knowing the price, so I’m going to remember this place for the wrong reason and I wouldn’t go back. As a tapas restaurant, there specials should be tapas sized portions.
Sebastyan’s – It was about a ten-minute walk from the villa, so we decided to go here one night, as it meant we could leave the car and both have a drink.
As soon as we entered, we could tell it was different to anywhere else we’d been, beautifully presented, with tables laid out like a fine dining restaurant, the waiter was dressed very smart and addressed us as madam and sir. We ordered drinks as well as a bottle of water, which came in the blue bottles and my wife always comments its nice water (she’s not a fan of drinking plain, boring water normally), but what I noticed was not only did the waiter pour out water for us, he ensured when he put the bottle back down he turned it so the label was facing us.
At this point we knew the food was going to be well presented and top quality, when it came I was slightly disappointed with portion size, however compared to my wife’s, lamb kleftico, my fried cod wasn’t going to look as good.
Aside from the beautiful presentation the food was gorgeous and the Greek pastry dessert (which had a texture like shredded wheat), with Greek yoghurt and honey was even better than the main.
My wife commented she would come again and after we’d paid, they offered us a honey rum shot and as we were leaving, the waiter who’d be serving us made the effort to catch us and offer us a sweet.
Absolutely the best service we’ve had (safe to say it’s not the sort of service we are used to), at very reasonable prices, highly recommend!
After we’d eaten all but two of the tapas dishes, they cleared the empty plates away and brought our meatballs, fine standard tapas dish we expected and then a full shoulder of lamb meal, with a spinach stack and a potato stack on the side!!! To top it off, the tapas dishes were around €5-6 each, the lamb was €22!!! I feel we were mislead, had I known the portion size of the lamb I wouldn’t have ordered it and especially knowing the price, so I’m going to remember this place for the wrong reason and I wouldn’t go back. As a tapas restaurant, there specials should be tapas sized portions.
Sebastyan’s – It was about a ten-minute walk from the villa, so we decided to go here one night, as it meant we could leave the car and both have a drink.
As soon as we entered, we could tell it was different to anywhere else we’d been, beautifully presented, with tables laid out like a fine dining restaurant, the waiter was dressed very smart and addressed us as madam and sir. We ordered drinks as well as a bottle of water, which came in the blue bottles and my wife always comments its nice water (she’s not a fan of drinking plain, boring water normally), but what I noticed was not only did the waiter pour out water for us, he ensured when he put the bottle back down he turned it so the label was facing us.
At this point we knew the food was going to be well presented and top quality, when it came I was slightly disappointed with portion size, however compared to my wife’s, lamb kleftico, my fried cod wasn’t going to look as good.
Aside from the beautiful presentation the food was gorgeous and the Greek pastry dessert (which had a texture like shredded wheat), with Greek yoghurt and honey was even better than the main.
My wife commented she would come again and after we’d paid, they offered us a honey rum shot and as we were leaving, the waiter who’d be serving us made the effort to catch us and offer us a sweet.
Absolutely the best service we’ve had (safe to say it’s not the sort of service we are used to), at very reasonable prices, highly recommend!
Faro de Pechiguera
The lighthouse at Playa Blanca is on the south westerly tip of Lanzarote and as mentioned above, you can walk along the promenade from Playa Blanca, however it is a long walk and upon arrival at the lighthouse the promenade path stops and you must walk over some rough ground to get to the foot of it.
The lighthouse at Playa Blanca is on the south westerly tip of Lanzarote and as mentioned above, you can walk along the promenade from Playa Blanca, however it is a long walk and upon arrival at the lighthouse the promenade path stops and you must walk over some rough ground to get to the foot of it.
Sea Front Promenade
As mentioned before, the Playa Blanca promenade is a nice wide pushchair and wheelchair friendly path, that runs along about 75% of the southern coast of Lanzarote, here are some general photos taken from several points along this path.
As mentioned before, the Playa Blanca promenade is a nice wide pushchair and wheelchair friendly path, that runs along about 75% of the southern coast of Lanzarote, here are some general photos taken from several points along this path.
Puerto Calero
I have never forgotten our visit to Puerto Calero in 2011, it was my favourite place we visited and didn’t get as much time there as I’d have liked, so it was a must visit this time around.
The look and atmosphere was what attracted me, with the large marina full of boats/yachts and restaurants with their relaxing views out over the marina, it just has a relaxed feel, in a great setting.
I persuaded my wife in to going to Puerto Calero for breakfast before visiting Rancho Texas Park, as I thought it would be a lovely place to have breakfast and nice to someone make it for us.
I have never forgotten our visit to Puerto Calero in 2011, it was my favourite place we visited and didn’t get as much time there as I’d have liked, so it was a must visit this time around.
The look and atmosphere was what attracted me, with the large marina full of boats/yachts and restaurants with their relaxing views out over the marina, it just has a relaxed feel, in a great setting.
I persuaded my wife in to going to Puerto Calero for breakfast before visiting Rancho Texas Park, as I thought it would be a lovely place to have breakfast and nice to someone make it for us.
Restaurants we went to in Puerto Calero
Azure – We chose here for breakfast based on looking at the breakfast options available of the places that were open at that time and sitting there with such a beautiful outlook to start the day was a pleasant change.
I chose Eggs Royale, but requested scrambled egg, presentation was very good and it was lovely, accompanied with a mango smoothie.
I chose Eggs Royale, but requested scrambled egg, presentation was very good and it was lovely, accompanied with a mango smoothie.
Cafe Milla – After leaving Rancho Texas Park (check out our Lanzarote Attractions page here), we decided to go back to Puerto Calero to get lunch and stopped here.
I don’t get salad very often, but in the heat and the fact there was a fish option, I decided to get Millas House Salad, which had smoked salmon, prawns, tuna, tomato and sweetcorn, it was extremely well presented and I really enjoyed it.
I don’t get salad very often, but in the heat and the fact there was a fish option, I decided to get Millas House Salad, which had smoked salmon, prawns, tuna, tomato and sweetcorn, it was extremely well presented and I really enjoyed it.
Harbour Club – As Puerto Calero is my favourite place, we had to come here for an evening meal one night, to see what it’s like on an evening. Once again, I was trusting my wife’s research and the fact that she’d told me when we’d passed on a previous occasion they had Baileys Cheesecake for dessert, I was sold.
For main I had catch of the day, which was sea bream, I not keen on getting a full fish on my plate and having to fillet it myself, so I asked them to fillet it for me and they did. When it came, it was well presented and a nice meal and glad I chose to try it. It might sound a strange thing to comment on, but the seating had a perfectly positioned back rest, although not so comfortable on the bum after a while.
Sadly, when it got to dessert, the baileys cheesecake had been a special on another day, so not on anymore and the other options I wasn’t keen on, so we skipped dessert.
As with many of the restaurants we visited they offered us either a caramel vodka or honey rum shot, I’d already picked up a bottle of honey rum to take home I was loving it that much, so wasn’t going to turn the offer down.
For main I had catch of the day, which was sea bream, I not keen on getting a full fish on my plate and having to fillet it myself, so I asked them to fillet it for me and they did. When it came, it was well presented and a nice meal and glad I chose to try it. It might sound a strange thing to comment on, but the seating had a perfectly positioned back rest, although not so comfortable on the bum after a while.
Sadly, when it got to dessert, the baileys cheesecake had been a special on another day, so not on anymore and the other options I wasn’t keen on, so we skipped dessert.
As with many of the restaurants we visited they offered us either a caramel vodka or honey rum shot, I’d already picked up a bottle of honey rum to take home I was loving it that much, so wasn’t going to turn the offer down.
Marina Rubicon
In 2011, we were just up the road from Marina Rubicon and visited more often, for me it’s another calm, beautiful setting, with many restaurants and in some respect like Puerto Calero, but as my wife said, the layout us much more natural and interesting.
The market is on Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9am-2pm, there’s quite a few stalls, a lot of which are jewellery and the stalls are spread around the marina front and square.
On another day, we parked up in a small car park outside of Marina Rubicon to the east next to Hotel Gran Castillo Tagoro (marked on our map at top of the page) and walked in from there.
From here the seafront promenade is a lot quieter, as there’s no cafes/shops, it’s a hill start and about 15-minute walk. The beauty of arriving into Marina Rubicon from this direction is the view, looking down at the quaint, well looked after buildings and across the marina is wonderful.
As the market wasn’t on, it was quiet and you get a better view of what’s there, wandering through all the buildings and along the wooden walkway over the water and there’s several waterfront restaurants.
In 2011, we were just up the road from Marina Rubicon and visited more often, for me it’s another calm, beautiful setting, with many restaurants and in some respect like Puerto Calero, but as my wife said, the layout us much more natural and interesting.
The market is on Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9am-2pm, there’s quite a few stalls, a lot of which are jewellery and the stalls are spread around the marina front and square.
On another day, we parked up in a small car park outside of Marina Rubicon to the east next to Hotel Gran Castillo Tagoro (marked on our map at top of the page) and walked in from there.
From here the seafront promenade is a lot quieter, as there’s no cafes/shops, it’s a hill start and about 15-minute walk. The beauty of arriving into Marina Rubicon from this direction is the view, looking down at the quaint, well looked after buildings and across the marina is wonderful.
As the market wasn’t on, it was quiet and you get a better view of what’s there, wandering through all the buildings and along the wooden walkway over the water and there’s several waterfront restaurants.
Lana’s – Stopped here for lunch, nice look & feel, quite a large restaurant, with many tables having sea views. We got salad & a pizza to share and the food was really nice.
La Taberna – We chose to go here on our last night, one of the waiters was quite friendly, but one seemed a bit off and when we asked if they had a drinks menu other than wine, which they didn’t, he started reeling off some soft drinks, but looked at us as if we’d asked to see the menu from the restaurant next door.
We selected 5 tapas dishes, as my wife said she read the dishes are quite large and it was that quick it felt like they knew exactly what we going to order. Apart from the garlic chicken, which was dry, I thought the food was nice, however my wife wasn’t as impressed. We didn’t get dessert, although we would have liked to, as the choice was strange and poor. Sadly, not the experience we wanted for our last night and probably wouldn’t return in the future when we come back to Lanzarote.
We selected 5 tapas dishes, as my wife said she read the dishes are quite large and it was that quick it felt like they knew exactly what we going to order. Apart from the garlic chicken, which was dry, I thought the food was nice, however my wife wasn’t as impressed. We didn’t get dessert, although we would have liked to, as the choice was strange and poor. Sadly, not the experience we wanted for our last night and probably wouldn’t return in the future when we come back to Lanzarote.
Playa Quemada
We went here, having read online it was one of the best places to see the black sands of Lanzarote, we’d heard about before and it’s only the next village south from Puerto Calero. It’s only a small coastal village, with literally two restaurants and nothing else, however it’s very peaceful and the sea view is beautiful. There’s a hint of a possible black sand beach in the distance, but where we were, it was like most rocky shorelines on Lanzarote. Probably not worth the drive down for most people and now we’ve been, we wouldn’t visit again.
We went here, having read online it was one of the best places to see the black sands of Lanzarote, we’d heard about before and it’s only the next village south from Puerto Calero. It’s only a small coastal village, with literally two restaurants and nothing else, however it’s very peaceful and the sea view is beautiful. There’s a hint of a possible black sand beach in the distance, but where we were, it was like most rocky shorelines on Lanzarote. Probably not worth the drive down for most people and now we’ve been, we wouldn’t visit again.
Puerto del Carmen
I’d looked online and found parking down on the harbour front, however my wife initially felt we were at the wrong end, but as we walked up away from the car park, my wife started to remember parts of it from our visit in 2011.
It’s obviously a popular place for divers, as there were loads either getting ready or just come back, some clearly experienced and others about to take their first dive, supervised of course.
The Lanzarote Ironman was coming up in the coming weeks and it appeared they’d made a start on preparations with barriers etc., but there was also the Sailfish Lanzarote Open Water event already on, so marquees and lots of people on the beach and swimmers in the sea.We continued walking along the front, at this point I still had one picture in my head of an expanse of quiet beach from a bench we sat in 2011, but that was nowhere in sight, however there’s plenty of beach to go around, with rows of loungers and there was even one smaller beach with palm trees dotted all over it.
As we walked along, we came across the mini golf aquarium, I had found this looking online, but hadn’t pinned it on my map, as I questioned the name and it wasn’t clearly visible on google maps when I looked, however it was a mini golf course, on the roof top of presumably an aquarium.
It was a simple, but challenging enough course, 14 hole and in a location with a nice sea view.
My wife insisted we continue along the road, not quite the same as the sea front promenade in Playa Blanca and in my opinion a little too typical of what you’d expect on a high tourist sea front hot spot, with its repetitive small gift shops and cafes all squished together, but continue walking a little further and it gets quieter and nicer.
After some distance, we arrived at the very northern end of Puerto del Carmen, almost in Matagorda and a hint that the beach view picture I had in my head was further along, however at this point we’d walked far enough and talked my wife into heading back to go get some lunch.
The best part for me was on our way back to the car, across from the car park had at the harbour, there was a wooden walkway. We walked along it, going past some very nicely decorated little houses, (that would have once been on the waterfront until they put the wooden walkway in front of them), we sat on a bench at the end, where it was nice and quiet.
Personally, Puerto del Carmen is not a place I’d be in a rush to visit again, but it is a big resort, with large beaches and plenty of restaurants and shops.
After some distance, we arrived at the very northern end of Puerto del Carmen, almost in Matagorda and a hint that the beach view picture I had in my head was further along, however at this point we’d walked far enough and talked my wife into heading back to go get some lunch.
The best part for me was on our way back to the car, across from the car park had at the harbour, there was a wooden walkway. We walked along it, going past some very nicely decorated little houses, (that would have once been on the waterfront until they put the wooden walkway in front of them), we sat on a bench at the end, where it was nice and quiet.
Personally, Puerto del Carmen is not a place I’d be in a rush to visit again, but it is a big resort, with large beaches and plenty of restaurants and shops.
Dolce Vita – In all honesty, this was a quick decision, looking for somewhere that did snacks for lunch after our long walk in Puerto del Carmen. It was in what I felt was the nicer section, near the harbour, the food was nice, but nothing impressive.
El Golfo
After Los Hervideros, you might as well continue the extra 10-minute drive to the little coastal village of El Golfo. As you arrive there is a patch of rough land on the left at the bend where you can park or as we do, you can continue along the sea front road and at the end there’s another small rough ground car park.
From this car park, we walked up the rough ground at the far corner next to the information board, there’s no man-made path here, more like trodden ground. We find a nice rock to sit on and watch the waves crash in, with a sprinkle of water every know and again when the wind blows. If you look to the right, you can see the rocky landscape continues, with the waves also crashing against the cliff face in the distance.
We’ve only taken a short walk along the front before and haven’t walked around the village properly, it appears to be a quieter village and there are a few sea front restaurants, that look like nice places to enjoy a quiet evening meal.
After Los Hervideros, you might as well continue the extra 10-minute drive to the little coastal village of El Golfo. As you arrive there is a patch of rough land on the left at the bend where you can park or as we do, you can continue along the sea front road and at the end there’s another small rough ground car park.
From this car park, we walked up the rough ground at the far corner next to the information board, there’s no man-made path here, more like trodden ground. We find a nice rock to sit on and watch the waves crash in, with a sprinkle of water every know and again when the wind blows. If you look to the right, you can see the rocky landscape continues, with the waves also crashing against the cliff face in the distance.
We’ve only taken a short walk along the front before and haven’t walked around the village properly, it appears to be a quieter village and there are a few sea front restaurants, that look like nice places to enjoy a quiet evening meal.
La Geria
The popular wine region of Lanzarote, La Geria has a unique picturesque look about it, with semi circular walls protecting the vines from the wind as far as the eye can see and some in places you think are inaccessible and wonder just how people get to the vines, which are not in typical rows you’d find in a typical vineyard.
The popular wine region of Lanzarote, La Geria has a unique picturesque look about it, with semi circular walls protecting the vines from the wind as far as the eye can see and some in places you think are inaccessible and wonder just how people get to the vines, which are not in typical rows you’d find in a typical vineyard.
Los Hervideros
Having visited back in 2011, we knew what it was and where it was, so on the drive back from Puerto del Carmen, we turned off the LZ-2 towards El Golfo, to stop off at Los Hervideros.
Along the road to El Golfo, you will find Los Hervideros car park (it’s clearly signed), park up and you can go for a walk along the cliff top paths, looking down to some natural caves, where the force of the sea can be clearly seen, as it crashes into the rocky cliff face and caves.
There are a few paths through the landscape, giving you different view points to see this wild natural place and there is something quite calming about just watching the waves come crashing in.
Having visited back in 2011, we knew what it was and where it was, so on the drive back from Puerto del Carmen, we turned off the LZ-2 towards El Golfo, to stop off at Los Hervideros.
Along the road to El Golfo, you will find Los Hervideros car park (it’s clearly signed), park up and you can go for a walk along the cliff top paths, looking down to some natural caves, where the force of the sea can be clearly seen, as it crashes into the rocky cliff face and caves.
There are a few paths through the landscape, giving you different view points to see this wild natural place and there is something quite calming about just watching the waves come crashing in.
Caleton Beach
We found this very picturesque beach on our last visit to Lanzarote in 2011 on the way back from a visit to Orzola, on returning it’s not exactly as I remember, as I don’t remember it being so open, I thought it was more enclosed by the surrounding rock landscape. The uniqueness is the ability to go into the crystal-clear water of the sea, whilst remaining shallow for some time, making not only a beautiful beach to visit, but safer for families and less confident swimmers.
We found this very picturesque beach on our last visit to Lanzarote in 2011 on the way back from a visit to Orzola, on returning it’s not exactly as I remember, as I don’t remember it being so open, I thought it was more enclosed by the surrounding rock landscape. The uniqueness is the ability to go into the crystal-clear water of the sea, whilst remaining shallow for some time, making not only a beautiful beach to visit, but safer for families and less confident swimmers.
Arrieta
My wife wanted to visit Arrieta having seen it whilst watching a TV programme at home in the UK, so when we saw the sign on our way to Jameos Del Agua. There’s a car park at the bottom close to the sea front, it’s another typical open patch of rough ground, so parking is free. As soon as we got out of the car we could tell it was a peaceful little place and we headed straight for the sea front. The first thing we saw, was a mini beach, with a lovely villa on the short headland in the background, continuing we followed the harbour wall along the pier and literally just sat listening to the sea, it was so quiet and relaxing, well worth the visit.
My wife wanted to visit Arrieta having seen it whilst watching a TV programme at home in the UK, so when we saw the sign on our way to Jameos Del Agua. There’s a car park at the bottom close to the sea front, it’s another typical open patch of rough ground, so parking is free. As soon as we got out of the car we could tell it was a peaceful little place and we headed straight for the sea front. The first thing we saw, was a mini beach, with a lovely villa on the short headland in the background, continuing we followed the harbour wall along the pier and literally just sat listening to the sea, it was so quiet and relaxing, well worth the visit.
Salinas de Janubio
Just off the LZ-2 is the Salinas de Janubio, the only salt works on the island, with a green lagoon and a very different, but still beautiful views.
Just off the LZ-2 is the Salinas de Janubio, the only salt works on the island, with a green lagoon and a very different, but still beautiful views.
February 2011
Rancho Texas Park
This is a nice zoo, a little smaller than some and there are no rides, worth a visit, but it did seem a little quiet, however this may be down to the time of year we visited. There is room for improvement and maybe even extending the park and it would be nice to see more animals. We are considering including this on our plan for 2017 and hope it's improved since 2011.
This is a nice zoo, a little smaller than some and there are no rides, worth a visit, but it did seem a little quiet, however this may be down to the time of year we visited. There is room for improvement and maybe even extending the park and it would be nice to see more animals. We are considering including this on our plan for 2017 and hope it's improved since 2011.
Timanfaya National Park
This is a great place to see, the car park is quite steep, you need to walk up to the top of the car park, where there is a restaurant, toilets and the coaches park. They show you the natural volcanic heat from under the earth with Geysers shooting buckets of water out as steam, a massive barbecue heated purely from the earths volcanic heat and there is a coach trip around the volcano mountains, but I didn't fancy the high narrow roads, so we didn't do the coach trip.
This is a great place to see, the car park is quite steep, you need to walk up to the top of the car park, where there is a restaurant, toilets and the coaches park. They show you the natural volcanic heat from under the earth with Geysers shooting buckets of water out as steam, a massive barbecue heated purely from the earths volcanic heat and there is a coach trip around the volcano mountains, but I didn't fancy the high narrow roads, so we didn't do the coach trip.
Mirador Del Rio
This attraction is at the northern most tip of the island and had a Fantastic balcony viewing point of Graciosa Island and was definitely worth the drive north to see.
This attraction is at the northern most tip of the island and had a Fantastic balcony viewing point of Graciosa Island and was definitely worth the drive north to see.
Orzola
This little place has a ferry crossing to Garciosa Island.
This little place has a ferry crossing to Garciosa Island.
Jameos del Agua
Fantastic Beautiful cave, goes down (via windy steep steps) to a cafe below and then there is a cave with a large pool containing, blind white crabs, which are really small. You can then continue to walk through at the side of the pool and at the other side, there is another cafe and as you walk up some more steps, there is a nice decorative pool. You can then walk back up to head out and look down from above over the decorative pool. We enjoyed it here, definitely worth seeing and a great place to have a stop for a coffee etc.
Fantastic Beautiful cave, goes down (via windy steep steps) to a cafe below and then there is a cave with a large pool containing, blind white crabs, which are really small. You can then continue to walk through at the side of the pool and at the other side, there is another cafe and as you walk up some more steps, there is a nice decorative pool. You can then walk back up to head out and look down from above over the decorative pool. We enjoyed it here, definitely worth seeing and a great place to have a stop for a coffee etc.
Jardín de Cactus
This is simply a large cactus garden and probably not of interest to everyone, it was included in the attraction pass we bought and I did enjoy the tranquility and looking at all the different varieties of cactus.
This is simply a large cactus garden and probably not of interest to everyone, it was included in the attraction pass we bought and I did enjoy the tranquility and looking at all the different varieties of cactus.
Arrecife
We only drove through, but it looked quite nice, especially along the front. Parking might be tight, but was advised to park under the tall building restaurant, you will have to pay, but by the time you have driven around looking for a free place to park, it have would been easier and quicker to park there.
We only drove through, but it looked quite nice, especially along the front. Parking might be tight, but was advised to park under the tall building restaurant, you will have to pay, but by the time you have driven around looking for a free place to park, it have would been easier and quicker to park there.