Nine reasons to visit Lanzarote in 2021
Nine reasons to visit Lanzarote in 2021
Lanzarote remains one of the most desirable holiday destinations for European visitors and with the number of cases of COVID-19 staying relatively low and visitors required to produce a negative test, is also one of the safer spots for year-round sunshine.
There are a whole host of other reasons to jet off to the much-loved volcanic isle: Here are our suggestions of where to go and what to do in Lanzarote in 2021.
Discover Lanzarote’s delicious wines
Taking their vineyard tours online and launching a next-day UK-wide delivery service, Wine Tours Lanzarote has created a new way for lovers of Canarian wine to enjoy the experience without even leaving the comfort of their home or holiday home.
“A Journey Through Lanzarote Wine” is a virtual tour of Lanzarote’s wine region offered via an online Zoom video call with one of the qualified guides. The session costs from €100 for up to three devices and lasts around an hour, offering the perfect introduction to the island’s fabulous wines.
Meanwhile, the launch of a next-day delivery service within the UK and Ireland means that anyone unable to travel abroad any time soon can still enjoy their favourite holiday tipples and take part in the virtual tours. Initial varieties available include Bermejo, Vega de Yuco, El Grifo and Vulcano, with plans to expand the product range in the coming weeks and months.
Join the Wine Run Lanzarote
Seven years of volcanic eruptions decimated Lanzarote’s once fertile land in the mid-eighteenth century but fast-forward to today, and the La Geria wine region covers some 13,000 acres with the resulting wines celebrated the world over. The perfect terrain for an alcohol-fuelled sprint.
Lanzarote’s annual boozy race, Wine Run Lanzarote is set to make a return in June 2021. Runners and walkers are invited to explore the wine region on foot (there’s a 12km and 23km option), stopping for wine and tapas along the way. From serious athletes who enjoy tackling the gruelling course while appreciating the staggering landscape to wine connoisseurs who wish to experience every bodega and simply stagger home after, this is one of the most popular events on the island. With a children’s race and food festival at the start/ finish line, there’s something for the whole family.
Dine at the newest off-shoot from Cantina Teguise
A new venture by Benn Atkinson (the man behind Cantina Teguise restaurant) is set to open its doors in 2021. Described as a “plant-based cafe and creative space”, Esquina Teguise will house a vegetarian café alongside an arts, culture and wellness studio, located opposite the Cantina.
The cafe will showcase healthy, sustainable fare, with a menu celebrating the island’s fruit and veg – championed by some of Spain’s top Michelin-starred chefs as the world’s finest thanks to the nutrient-rich volcanic soil in which it’s grown.
Meanwhile, the studio will host regular yoga and Pilates sessions for locals and tourists. There will also be painting, pottery and craft workshops plus food events and language exchanges. A small shop selling works by local artists and artisans will complete the line-up.
Stock up on artisanal food and wares in Haría
The popular weekly market in the pretty village of Haría is back in full swing. The traditional market, held in the main square every Saturday from 10am to 2pm, specialises in local handicrafts and organic farm produce. It’s a great place to stock up on cheese, fruit and veg as well as pastries, honey and wine. And of course, some of the local mojo sauce. The Haría Valley is known as an artisanal centre, and it’s no surprise that visitors come here in search of gifts and nick-nacks to take home too.
Scuba dive Europe’s first underwater museum
For something truly different, take a scuba diving trip down to the amazing Museo Atlántico, Europe’s first underwater museum. Set within Lanzarote’s UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, the incredible artificial reef features over 300 life-size human figures created by artist Jason deCaires Taylor.
Dive College Lanzarote offers excursions to Museo Atlántico from Playa Blanca, for everyone from beginners up. From €50 per person.
Take a seat at the starlight cinema
One positive to emerge from the past year is that many of us have discovered (or re-discovered) the delights of outdoor cinema. Lanzarote’s Starlight Open Air Cinema embraces this most magical movie phenomenon, showing films nightly in English and Spanish from the rooftop of the Biosfera Shopping Centre in Puerto del Carmen. Better yet, cinema-goers can order from a full menu of snacks, sides and mains, delivered straight to your seat.
Tickets cost from €20 per adult and €17 per child (up to 14yrs) including reserved seating, wireless headphones and cosy blankets.
Become a rock-climbing pro
Lanzarote’s first, state of the art, indoor climbing centre, Hang On Lanzarote opened in 2019, providing 200 meters of Walltopia climbing walls and a variety of routes from easy to hard. The dream of husband-and-wife team Thomas and Gemma, the centre was created from the conversion of a closed-down nightclub in Arrecife, “a diamond in the rough”. The venue also offers courses and classes for anyone wanting to hone their skills. Sessions from €12 per adult.
Explore on an eco-discovery tour
One of the best ways to explore Lanzarote is on foot and Jose and the team at Blackstone Treks & Tours come top of our list for guided walks. Working to the ethos of “small groups, small impact, better experience”, the knowledgeable guides take no more than eight people at a time to hike some of the island’s most significant landscapes. They can also offer tailored tours to suit individual timetables and interests. From €40 per person.
Look out for dates and details of our annual Walk the Rock event in partnership with Blackstone Treks & Tours. This takes place around late November time as the temperature cools down and the trade winds drop, the exclusive opportunity for a small group to walk the length of Lanzarote in six days.
Set sail aboard a luxury catamaran
Normally only available for exclusive-hire private charters, Catlanza’s 56″ luxury catamaran ‘Cat 6’ is now open for individuals to book a VIP experience.
The luxury adventure starts with a welcome glass of cava with the captain, followed by a scenic sail along the south coast from Puerto Calero to the legendary Papagayo beaches, accompanied by tasty local tapas served by the crew.
Anchoring in a secluded cove, guests will have the opportunity to swim and snorkel, kayak and paddleboard (or simply relax) before a delicious lunch. The afternoon is rounded off with a lazy sail back to Puerto Calero. From €130 per person (maximum eight passengers).
