Tag: costa teguise

  • Is your next holiday destination one of the hidden gems of Europe?

    Is your next holiday destination one of the hidden gems of Europe?

    Why Lanzarote is so great

    Lanzarote is often described as one of the best year-round diving spots in Europe, as well as being a great holiday destination for families. The volcanic seabed creates unusual rock formations, tunnels and drop-offs. Combined with regular flights from the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe, as well as warm weather for most of the year, it is easy to see why Lanzarote is such a popular destination. 

    Best areas

    The top diving area is Puerto del Carmen, with easy shore dives and diverse marine life. Puerto del Carmen is located just a few miles from Lanzarote’s airport, making it easy to get to. You can take a taxi transfer in as little as 10 minutes.

     

    What you will find

    You’ll regularly see angel sharks (seasonally), rays, barracuda and large shoals of fish. Visibility is consistently strong, which is why many divers return year after year. The absolute best and undisputed hub for scuba diving in Puerto del Carmen is Playa Chica (also known as Playa de la Barrilla). It is a sheltered, golden-sand cove located in the old town area. Because of its calm, protected waters and immediate access to a dramatic volcanic drop-off, it serves as the premier shore-diving location on Lanzarote.

    Looking for something more structured or guided? Here are my suggestions

  • Explore a different side of Lanzarote this summer

    Explore a different side of Lanzarote this summer

    School holidays often mean busy beaches and packed promenades, but there are plenty of opportunities for families to explore a different side of Lanzarote while enjoying the island’s spectacular scenery. For many families spending the summer in Lanzarote, the daily routine can become monotonous fairly quickly. While beaches and restaurants are popular, many visitors also look for activities that allow them to see more of the island together especially if you have older or more active children. It also enables you to see more of the island than the tourist resorts of Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca. 

    Get on your bike

    Cycling has become an increasingly popular option, offering a chance to slow the pace and experience quieter roads, traditional villages and striking volcanic landscapes that are often missed by those staying within the main resorts. BikesBooking offers a range of traditional bikes and e-bikes or mopeds you can hire on the island. 

    Families looking for flexibility can create their own itinerary. Puerto del Carmen provides easy access to coastal routes, while more adventurous cyclists can head towards Playa Quemada or venture inland through Lanzarote’s rural landscapes. Want to explore but don’t want to carry bags with you? Find a spot to store bags with Bounce. 

    Tips

    As always, check the weather and follow local laws and advice when travelling. Be mindful that the weather on the Canary Islands can change vey quickly. Temperatures at altitude will be lower than at sea level. Be sure to take plenty of water with you. 

  • Should you visit the Canary Islands this year?

    Should you visit the Canary Islands this year?

    The Canaries have been a popular destination for British tourism since the 1990s. What used to be islands with remote Canarian villages have continued to welcome tourists from the UK, Ireland, Germany, Scandinavia and other European countries with a cooler climate, particularly during the winter months. 

    However, local action group “Canarias tiene un limite,” translated to “The Canary Islands have a limit,” want more controls to ensure that tourism is more sustainable. Each day, hotels on the islands consume massive amounts of water. Tourists can overwhelm the islands during the peak summer months. Land becomes taken to build hotels and short or medium-term holiday lets, pushing locals out of the market. 

    This article is based on an article by Edinburgh Live

    Whilst EU citizens are free to purchase property on the islands, some locals call for more restrictions on non-EU nationals purchasing property, including UK nationals. Although tourism does boost the economy of the islands, it is understandable that some locals are frustrated. Prices of hotel accommodation have increased over the past few years, yet staff rarely see the rewards of this. The minimum wage on the islands is currently 1,221€ per month, or just under 8€ per hour. 

    How can you help?

    • Buy from locally-owned businesses or small enterprises. Choose a local tour guide rather than purchasing via your tour operator. 
    • Eat at local restaurants, and if the service is good, consider adding a tip.
    • Consider the feelings of locals, remain respectful and try to learn some of the local language. 
  • What is Canary Day and when is it?

    What is Canary Day and when is it?

    On May 30, 1983, the Canarian government sat for the first time. This marked an important date – before then, the Canary Islands had been ruled directly by Spain.

    You may notice locals wearing traditional Canarian clothing, designed to protect the wearer from the sun. Many dishes are also enjoyed on this day – fish stew, meat stew and of course, wine.

    Every major town on the islands will hold a celebration to mark the day. Do note that some businesses will be closed. Banks, offices and post offices will almost certainly be closed. Hotels and restaurants in tourist areas will continue to operate as normal. Buses operate a Sunday service.

    See the other “fiestas” or public holidays observed in the Canary Islands here.

    canary island specialist
  • Could the Canaries’ airports follow Greece, Portugal and Italy?

    Could the Canaries’ airports follow Greece, Portugal and Italy?

    Since the introduction of the new EES system at all Schengen airports, massive queues at airports have formed for both those arriving into Lanzarote and those with departing flights to the UK and Ireland.

    EU law does permit the system to be paused when waiting times become unfeasibly long. However, Lanzarote would need to appeal to Madrid to allow the exception over the summer months.

    Read more here

  • Things to do in Costa Teguise, Lanzarote

    Things to do in Costa Teguise, Lanzarote

    Top Things to Do in Costa Teguise

    • Beaches & Water Sports: Relax on Playa de las Cucharas (known for windsurfing) or the quieter Playa del Jablillo. Or simply take a stroll along the beach and stop for a coffee on the way.
    • Family Activities: Visit the Aquapark Costa Teguise (largest on the island) or take kids to Rancho Texas Park & Zoo nearby. Be aware that not all attractions are open year-round.
    • Shopping & Culture: Explore the Pueblo Marinero, which hosts local markets on Wednesdays and Fridays featuring local crafts. There are also many local stores selling alcohol, tobacco and fragrance at much lower prices than in the UK or mainland Spain.
    • Adventure Tours: Book off-road buggy tours into the volcanic hills or take a catamaran cruise to the Papagayo beaches.
    • Dining & Nightlife: Enjoy seafood and cocktails in the relaxed, family-friendly bars and restaurants around the Pueblo Marinero and along the 5km promenade. See all the restaurants I recommend here.
    • Nearby Attractions: Visit the nearby Timanfaya National Park to see volcanic landscapes, or explore Jameos del Agua and the Green Cave (Cueva de los Verdes).
  • Want a website for your Lanzarote business?

    Want a website for your Lanzarote business?

    Get a free trial of domain and hosting with FastHosts

    They have:

    • Easy to create WordPress pages
    • Great customer care
    • Low prices after the trial ends
    Lanzarote landscape

    and best of all, you don’t need a lot of tech knowledge to get started.

    Not ready for a website yet? Let your customers or followers reward you with Buy Me a Coffee

  • Lanzarote Airport update

    Lanzarote Airport update

    Thanks to Canarian Weekly

    As of Jan 2026

    Long queues and extended waiting times at passport controls in Canary Islands airports, including Lanzarote, are being described as a serious threat to the islands’ tourist image, according to the hotel industry.

    When did the requirements change?

    The new EES requirements began being rolled out on October 12, 2025, and have been causing issues at some EU airports.

    What should I do if I am British, or have another non-EU passport?

    If you are a UK passport holder, check the entry requirements for Spain including the Canary islands here.

    Read the full article here.

    Had an experience you want to share? Let me know in the comments below.

  • Jet2 discounts and promo codes – updated 9 July 2026

    Jet2 discounts and promo codes – updated 9 July 2026

    Save £75pp on all Summer 2026 holidays – limited time only, no promo code needed:

    Click here to book now

    Families save up to £700 on July & August 2026 holidays

    Check out the deals of the week

    Free child place finder

    All-inclusive bargain breaks

    All “until” dates are booking deadlines, regardless of dates of travel.

    All packages include: return direct flights, 22kg luggage, transfer & ATOL protection. Most hotels include breakfast or there are some great all-inclusive options.

    Plus, Jet2 fly from convenient UK airports such as Nottingham, Leeds, Luton, Stansted, Edinburgh and from April 2026, Gatwick. As well as having ATOL protection, you will have a rep who visits your hotel during most stays, a UK-based call centre to handle any questions you may have and a handy app where you can view your flight, check-in, add extra services and more.

    Can’t decide where to stay? See my hotel reviews here.

  • Lanzarote Holidays 2026

    Lanzarote Holidays 2026

    Please note that when a holiday falls on a Sunday, it is often “moved” to the following Monday. Here are all the Lanzarote holidays for 2026:

    DateHolidayType
    January 1 (Thu)New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo)National
    January 6 (Tue)Epiphany / Three Kings Day (Día de Reyes)National
    February 17 (Tue)Carnival Tuesday (Martes de Carnaval)Local/Regional
    April 2 (Thu)Maundy Thursday (Jueves Santo)Regional
    April 3 (Fri)Good Friday (Viernes Santo)National
    May 1 (Fri)Labour Day (Fiesta del Trabajo)National
    May 30 (Sat)Canary Islands Day (Día de Canarias)Regional
    August 15 (Sat)Assumption of Mary (Asunción de la Virgen)National
    September 15 (Tue)Our Lady of the Volcanoes (Patrona de Lanzarote)Island Holiday
    October 12 (Mon)Spanish National Day (Fiesta Nacional)National
    November 2 (Mon)All Saints’ Day (Observed)National (Moved)
    December 7 (Mon)Constitution Day (Observed)National (Moved)
    December 8 (Tue)Immaculate ConceptionNational
    December 25 (Fri)Christmas Day (Natividad del Señor)National

    Local Municipal Holidays

    Each municipality in Lanzarote also selects two local holidays. These are usually centered around the town’s patron saint.

    • Arrecife: August 25 (San Ginés).
    • Teguise: July 16 (Virgen del Carmen) and August 5 (Nuestra Señora de las Nieves).
    • Haría: June 24 (San Juan Bautista).
    • San Bartolomé: August 24 (San Bartolomé).
    • Tías including Matagorda and Puerto del Carmen: February 2 (Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria).
    • Tinajo: June 24 (San Juan Bautista) and August 16 (San Roque).
    • Yaiza: July 7 (San Marcial del Rubicón) and September 8 (Nuestra Señora de los Remedios).
    • Other Canary Islands – see here

    Key Travel Tips for 2026:

    • Long Weekends (Puentes): Because many holidays fall on Tuesdays or Thursdays (like Epiphany and the December holidays), many locals will take a “bridge” day off to create a 3 or 4-day weekend.
    • Closures: On these dates, most banks, government offices, post offices and some local shops will be closed, though tourist-heavy areas like Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca will often keep shops and restaurants open. Hotels will operate as normal.