Courtesy of one of our now regular LVD guests

Gosh, where to begin.   Firstly I think it worthwhile mentioning that the island is very much the creation of one man, Cesar Manrique.   An architect, he influenced the development of the island as a tourist attraction, with the result that houses are mostly white and painted with brown, green or blue doors and windows, many with Spanish balconies.   He loathed the high-rise buildings on Tenerife, consequently there is only one building of any height on the island – a hotel in Arrecife. There is a Spanish charm about the island that is lacking in Tenerife.   There are a number of developments designed by him – the restaurant at Timanfaya where the heat of the volcano is used for cooking, the Mirador del Rio in the north overlooking the island of La Grasiosa, the Jameos  del Agua, the Cactus Garden and various sculptures on traffic islands.

Mirador Del Rio

I think I will start in the north of the island.   A visit to the Mirador del Rio is good for views, and this can be combined with a trip to the Jameos del Agua where unique white crabs can be seen.   Combine with a visit to Arrieta and maybe lunch in Amanecer, renowned for its fabulous fresh fish.

A boat trip from Orzola to La Grasiosa and a bicycle rideis a great way to explore the neighbouring island.

Haria is an interesting town.  Visit the house of Cezar Manrique, go to the Saturday market (smaller and more interesting than the Sunday mammoth one in Teguise).   A good restaurant in the town is Puerta Verde where we had Christmas lunch in Dec 2016.   You may remember the winding road up to the top of the cliffs overlooking Famara beach and with views to Arrieta.

Teguise, the old capital, is a pleasant place to visit with a museum dedicated to the timbel, a small stringed instrument.  On Sundays it is the host to the weekly artesanal market where great tapas can be tried and live music bring the village alive

A visit to La Caleta and the beach at Famara is a big attraction. Turn right off the metalled road on to a rough stoned road and go past other restaurants until you reach La Sol on the right. It doesn’t look much from the road, but good.  Our favourite dishes there are Gambas al Ajillo and puntillas (fried baby squid).  Surfing equipment and instruction is available in the village.

Finally, no trip to the island is complete without a visit to Timanfaya.   Go before 9.30am to avoid the coaches!   A trip around the lava fields is included in the entrance price and should be taken.   Easier and more accessible than Mount Teide on Tenerife.   This could be followed by a trip to El Golfo.