Sunshine and more in Costa Teguise; Lanzarote, Spain
Lanzarote is one of Spain’s Canary Islands; although it is actually, much closer to the sun-baked coast of North Africa. The island’s year- round resorts attract tourists eagerly searching that elusive sunshine, even during those horrid winter months! Costa Teguise is a perfect example of a number of new resorts that have been created to cater for their needs. The town came to prominence in the 1980s and its compact nature, glorious beaches and accessibility to the international airport, quickly made it a popular year-round favourite. It’s also the perfect base from which to explore this uniquely fascinating island.
Life’s a breeze in Costa Teguise
Although December is the wettest month, any rainfall at all is a rare source of local celebration! Here on Lanzarote, August is the hottest time but even in the coldest month of January, temperatures are in excess of 16 degrees Celsius. Imagine! As a sunshine destination, Lanzarote and the Canaries are recognised as being among the world’s finest. Costa Teguise itself is a perfect example of the resorts that have been created on the island to satisfy the demands of tourism. Consequently, there are a number of hotels here, many of which cater for those very convenient and hugely popular all inclusive holidays. There’s much to attract holiday makers to Costa Teguise, but the prime feature will always be the weather. The climate’s constant sunny disposition ensures that increasing numbers of tourists are drawn to Costa Teguise. Locals love it too. They affectionately nickname the resort as Breezy Teguise because of the effects of the summer Sirocco wind (Calima).
Food fans are in a fishy stew
Even Costa Teguise visitors on an all inclusive holiday should take time out to sample some of Lanzarote’s local dishes. Fresh fish favourites include Pescado a la sal which is a delicious, salt-baked fish dish. Canarians also really love their stews and hotels in Costa Teguise serve their own versions. You can’t beat the real thing though and you won’t need to look far to find a restaurant that has Sancocho Canario on its menu. This wonderfully flavoured stew includes dried fish and potatoes. Potatoes are also the staple ingredient in Papas Arrugadas where they are cooked in sea water and served with Mojo, a traditional garlic and herb sauce. Gofio is a wholegrain additive to a number of dishes and often accompanies a soup course.
Festivals, fiestas, feasting, fun and Fundacion Cesar Manrique
Lanzarote is an enthusiastic participant in February’s Carnaval; a Canary Island spectacle which is reckoned to be second only to that staged in Rio! Everyone joins in as it’s a major tourist boost and if every Costa Teguise hotel isn’t full to capacity, then something is wrong. There’s a déjà vu, Guy Fawkes feel to June’s Fiesta of San Juan and the following month, Nuestra Señora del Carmen is an annual highlight in Costa Teguise and all towns and villages throughout the island. Dia de Canarias falls on 30th May. This is when, in 1983, the Canaries gained autonomy from Spain. There’s more to Costa Teguise than festivals though. The town’s Sunday market is the largest in the Canaries and Pueblo Marinero is the town’s main square; buzzing with shops restaurants and bars. It’s also well worth a visit to Fundacion Cesar Manrique where the works of this local artist are celebrated.
Hot beds of heated moments; and even a secret island
You’ll kick yourself if you don’t drag yourself away from the beach and the comparative luxury of your Costa Teguise hotel to witness life on the island of La Graciosa. Separated from Lanzarote by a stretch of water known as El Rio, there are only a few hundred inhabitants. They survive on fishing and tourism and it’s said that some have never even been to Lanzarote! The ferry crossing is from Orzola which is easily reached from hotels in the Costa Teguise area. The crossing takes just over half an hour. Another essential trip is to Timanfaya National Park where many minds are boggled in heated excitement when faced with the still steaming volcano. Then, with guided assistance, explore the lava fields and see how fig trees and ferns are, even now, just beginning to show signs of life following the volcanic activity of the 18th century.
Lanzarote is unique to Spain and the Canary Islands. Its many features are a source of ongoing visitor fascination.