A short port day in Lanzarote- Playa Teguise?

[happy_travellers]

We have a short port day 1pm -7pm.

Plan was maybe to go to Playa Teguise. I see that there is Fundacion Cesar Manrique Museum nearby. Can I take a bus to the museum from the port area?

 

Any other suggestions for the day in Lanzarote. Karen

[roothy123]

We just got back from Lanzarote, and it was a real treat. We were lucky in that we had a full day (8 to 6), so we rented a car from CICar (great company - recommended, although they may not have an office right at the cruise dock, depending upon when you visit). We drove to Timanfaya Park which was awesome. There, you need to go early (9-11) or later in the afternoon, which might work for you. It gets really crowded and cars line up waiting to get in. You may want to consider a ship's excursion there; don't think there's a bus there. Car rental, however, isn't bad - reasonable, great company, great roads. We went to Al Campesino, which is a Manrique place not far from Arrecife. It was a good introduction to Manrique. There's also his former home not far from Arrecife. Lanzarote is fabulous. Whatever you do, do NOT just go into Arrecife and think that's all there is!

 

Here's some info from my notes: Timanfaya (Montanas del Fuego) (9€): Some roads one way so if want picture, be ready – & shoot through glass! (Take small bottle of windex). Camel rides are south of park on LZ 67; 12€ & 20m. Camels move with right legs together, then left legs together, creating rolling motion that earned them title of Ships of the Desert. After paying fee will travel along one-way road. Park car & board bus. Drivers stop at numerous points along route (14km & 40m with commentary in English, Spanish & German). Then, or before, see demonstrations of fire. First eruptions were in 1730 when 30 craters exploded for 19 days. 11 villages & third of island were covered. Then had new ones for 6 years. There are 300 volcanos; “mostly extinct” & eruptions mostly ended in 1824.

 

Might possibly see camels between Yaiza & where offer rides or in Uga, where bred.

El Golfo is half-submerged cone of volcano, which over time has been eroded by sea, leaving behind only striated wall of crater displaying red & russet colors. At foot of crater wall is Lago Verde, half-moon-shaped green lagoon filled with volcanic minerals & micro-organisms believed to be unique to lake. A beach of black volcanic pebbles, where can look for semi-precious olivine, superficially separates lagoon from blue water of Atlantic, but really connected through underground passageways. Whole area known as El Golfo, but want Charco de los Clicos as El Golfo is village on "other side" of crater. A number of sheltered bays with black beaches link lagoon with tranquil El Golfo village, which attracts geologists & jewelry makers because of olivine. Has several excellent seafood restaurants (e.g. La Lapa (especially) up north, Casa Rafa & El Bogavante, all on Av Maritima). See pic & map of how to get to viewpoint above Clicos, except looks like just take LZ4 all way to El Golfo & place to park (with restaurant/bar/little shop) for viewpoint. Park & walk (left, main trail) about 0.15 mi. to viewpoint. Other little path (shorter) overlooks some boats. Stay on road going north from there to get to other El Golfo restaurants.

El Grifo Wine Museum: guided tours €3 or 4 with one tasting. Open 10.30 to 6. Close to El Grifo is Bodega Baretto, also good place (4€). Wine routes are between San Bartolome & Tinajo & route 230 NE from Uga to Masdache (14km). La Geria Bodgea gets lots of coaches. Bodega El Chupadero is winery 4km north of Uga just off main road with fewer people & coaches. Walls for vines are called “zocos.” Local says “One of prettiest wineries is Stratvs, on right if have taken right road & one after that is lovely too. (Costs 10€ for tour, like most.)“ Museum is 3km from landmark of Monumento al Campesino (pics) at LZ-20 &30. People like restaurant there, plus there’s free museum, crafts, etc. Restaurant opens at 12 or 1. Look for path from outdoor restaurant with green tables (near handicraft center) leading up to monument – looks like striking picture. There’s manor house with “lovely interior courtyard.” Complex has museum (pic), handcrafts & artist shops plus shoe maker, basketmaker, etc. Statue is farmer & camel.

 

Town of Teguise (http://www.teguise.com/) is original capital of island. Quaint. Some shops will be closed during siesta. Near “Fertility Garden” (near Mozaga) & isolated upon horizon stands sculpture “Campesino“ (pic) dedicated to peasants. Complex has free workshops to visit & restaurant. Road to Sta Barbara castle (Guanapay) looks to be marked, paved & can see castle ahead when need to turn. There are houses around there.

For windmills (at least 8), go north on LZ-10 after Los Valles & look for Eolico park on east side (can drive there but must make very sharp right turn at sign).

If time: Cueva de los Verdes (see bookmarked site by “Centros de Arte, Cultura” below) - series of volcanic caves with stunning underground pools & stalactites (opens 10, costs €9). Tour is 45m but have to wait until 50 people – “usually not long.” 50 meters of caves (0.03 mile). Reddish tones due to oxidation of iron in basalt rock. Ochre caused by reflected light shining on salt produced by water filtration from surface.

Jameos del Agua - lovely theatre built inside volcanic cave with world’s only albino crabs (opens at 10, costs 9€ or part of 4 pack). Jameos was conceived by Cesar Manrique during 1960's. You enter Jameos by climbing down stone-staircase into first cave known as 'Jameo Chico', which has been turned into unusual bar/restaurant, with views over small lake. This natural lake has extremely clear water - regulated by Atlantic Ocean - & home to species of blind albino crabs known as 'Jameitos' which are only found on Lanzarote. These crabs have been adopted as symbol of Jameos del Agua. Manrique created identity for each attraction & symbols of crabs & lobsters are echoed throughout site – from big statue welcoming visitors in car park to giant lobster pots used as hanging planters for giant ferns to minute details such as lobster shaped door handles into main concert auditorium. Crossing lake by narrow footpath, we find ourselves in 'Jameo Grande.' Nothing is like walking out of dark tunnel to be faced suddenly with huge open-air cave lined with tropical plants & swimming pool. Reputedly, only King of Spain is allowed to swim here. From far end of 'Jameo Grande' you access auditorium constructed in part of volcanic tube running down to Ocean.

 

Jardin de Cactus (€5.50): Has nice windmill photo opp. Cesar Manrique Foundation near Tahiche (not sure of price) is stunning home built inside volcanic bubble.

In Arrecife, church (Iglisia de San Gines) looks pretty per GE, & area around Calle Otilla Diaz & Calle San Juan looks scenic – white houses with green doors, though cars in way! This is tiny bit south of Charco de San Gines (lagoon). If want drink before heading back to ship, get back across bridge over Charco & check offerings of restaurants on eastern side of inlet. Castillo de San Jose looks somewhat photogenic if can isolate it with sea in background. Just south of port on Ctra de los Castillos. Probably can see from ship. The drop-off point of shuttle, Charco de San Gines, is not exactly attractive, but only a few hundred yards to the west lies Charco, an inlet of water with bars, restaurants & clean, tidy white buildings. Cross bridge & walk ¾ mile to Calle Leon y Castilia for shopping.

Distances: Per Michelin: Arrecife to Manrique Foundation 15m & 6km from port. From generic address in Arrecife to Teguise is 21m 14km. Teguise to Mancha Blanca, which isn’t too far from Timanfaya, is only 25m & 18km & Mancha Blanca to Orzola (very top of island, near Del Rio) is 1 hr. & 48km. Orzola to Arrecife is 46m. Arrecife to Timanfaya Vis. Ctr is 54m & 34km. Arrecife to Jameos del Agua 36m, Uga/Yaiza 26, Montana del Fuego 42, Mancha Blanca 33, El Golfo (town or attraction – not sure) 38. Timanfaya to Jameos del Agua is 1 hr. 11 mins. & 50km. Goes close to Uga, Yaiza, castle at Santa Barbara & Tequise; most of route (after Park area) is on 50mph roads. Is about same from El Golfo (town). Timanfaya to Mirador del Rio is 1 hr. 23mins. & 53km.

 

Tours: Tours by Locals offers “Fire Mtns” volcano tour for $57 (4.5 hrs.) if get 8. Another Nat’l Park one is 5 hrs. & a little more; take 7. Admission additional. Recommended “Lanzarote Experience Tours” offered today. See this for other tours: http://www.lanzarote.com/excursions/

 

Tourist Info is on Avenida de Coll street on seafront. Has bus schedules.

Internet & Web sites: http://www.turismodecanarias.com & also see 2 threads I started on CC – one under Ports; other Oceania. Check http://www.turismolanzarote.com also. http://www.spain-lanzarote.com/uk/places/uga.html also looks good. Also look more at http://www.*****.org/10738462-free-guidebook-for-tourists-visiting-lanzarote.html & islalanzarote.com & http://www.centrosturisticos.com/centros/CENTROS/published_en/DEFAULT/timanfaya_2215.html (probably best, very specific).

---------------------

I've almost finished my public photo site on our cruise. Will have that done in a few days if you want to check into it: http://www.pbase.com/roothy123 It will include pictures from Timanfaya, Teguise, Tias, Al Campesino, etc. Email me on howardruthalliejoey@gmail.com if you want more info. I brought some stuff back. Loved Lanzarote.

 

I don't know if there are buses, and don't remember what the taxi situation was like. We traveled through Costa Teguise (not same as Teguise) and while it was nice, it was basically just a nice, upscale resort area. There's lots more to see, if you can figure out a way to see it in the time you have. Good luck!

Edited September 5, 2014 by roothy123

[happy_travellers]

We just got back from Lanzarote, and it was a real treat. We were lucky in that we had a full day (8 to 6), so we rented a car from CICar (great company - recommended, although they may not have an office right at the cruise dock, depending upon when you visit). We drove to Timanfaya Park which was awesome. There, you need to go early (9-11) or later in the afternoon, which might work for you. It gets really crowded and cars line up waiting to get in. You may want to consider a ship's excursion there; don't think there's a bus there. Car rental, however, isn't bad - reasonable, great company, great roads. We went to Al Campesino, which is a Manrique place not far from Arrecife. It was a good introduction to Manrique. There's also his former home not far from Arrecife. Lanzarote is fabulous. Whatever you do, do NOT just go into Arrecife and think that's all there is!

 

Here's some info from my notes: Timanfaya (Montanas del Fuego) (9€): Some roads one way so if want picture, be ready – & shoot through glass! (Take small bottle of windex). Camel rides are south of park on LZ 67; 12€ & 20m. Camels move with right legs together, then left legs together, creating rolling motion that earned them title of Ships of the Desert. After paying fee will travel along one-way road. Park car & board bus. Drivers stop at numerous points along route (14km & 40m with commentary in English, Spanish & German). Then, or before, see demonstrations of fire. First eruptions were in 1730 when 30 craters exploded for 19 days. 11 villages & third of island were covered. Then had new ones for 6 years. There are 300 volcanos; “mostly extinct” & eruptions mostly ended in 1824.

 

Might possibly see camels between Yaiza & where offer rides or in Uga, where bred.

El Golfo is half-submerged cone of volcano, which over time has been eroded by sea, leaving behind only striated wall of crater displaying red & russet colors. At foot of crater wall is Lago Verde, half-moon-shaped green lagoon filled with volcanic minerals & micro-organisms believed to be unique to lake. A beach of black volcanic pebbles, where can look for semi-precious olivine, superficially separates lagoon from blue water of Atlantic, but really connected through underground passageways. Whole area known as El Golfo, but want Charco de los Clicos as El Golfo is village on "other side" of crater. A number of sheltered bays with black beaches link lagoon with tranquil El Golfo village, which attracts geologists & jewelry makers because of olivine. Has several excellent seafood restaurants (e.g. La Lapa (especially) up north, Casa Rafa & El Bogavante, all on Av Maritima). See pic & map of how to get to viewpoint above Clicos, except looks like just take LZ4 all way to El Golfo & place to park (with restaurant/bar/little shop) for viewpoint. Park & walk (left, main trail) about 0.15 mi. to viewpoint. Other little path (shorter) overlooks some boats. Stay on road going north from there to get to other El Golfo restaurants.

El Grifo Wine Museum: guided tours €3 or 4 with one tasting. Open 10.30 to 6. Close to El Grifo is Bodega Baretto, also good place (4€). Wine routes are between San Bartolome & Tinajo & route 230 NE from Uga to Masdache (14km). La Geria Bodgea gets lots of coaches. Bodega El Chupadero is winery 4km north of Uga just off main road with fewer people & coaches. Walls for vines are called “zocos.” Local says “One of prettiest wineries is Stratvs, on right if have taken right road & one after that is lovely too. (Costs 10€ for tour, like most.)“ Museum is 3km from landmark of Monumento al Campesino (pics) at LZ-20 &30. People like restaurant there, plus there’s free museum, crafts, etc. Restaurant opens at 12 or 1. Look for path from outdoor restaurant with green tables (near handicraft center) leading up to monument – looks like striking picture. There’s manor house with “lovely interior courtyard.” Complex has museum (pic), handcrafts & artist shops plus shoe maker, basketmaker, etc. Statue is farmer & camel.

 

Town of Teguise (http://www.teguise.com/) is original capital of island. Quaint. Some shops will be closed during siesta. Near “Fertility Garden” (near Mozaga) & isolated upon horizon stands sculpture “Campesino“ (pic) dedicated to peasants. Complex has free workshops to visit & restaurant. Road to Sta Barbara castle (Guanapay) looks to be marked, paved & can see castle ahead when need to turn. There are houses around there.

For windmills (at least 8), go north on LZ-10 after Los Valles & look for Eolico park on east side (can drive there but must make very sharp right turn at sign).

If time: Cueva de los Verdes (see bookmarked site by “Centros de Arte, Cultura” below) - series of volcanic caves with stunning underground pools & stalactites (opens 10, costs €9). Tour is 45m but have to wait until 50 people – “usually not long.” 50 meters of caves (0.03 mile). Reddish tones due to oxidation of iron in basalt rock. Ochre caused by reflected light shining on salt produced by water filtration from surface.

Jameos del Agua - lovely theatre built inside volcanic cave with world’s only albino crabs (opens at 10, costs 9€ or part of 4 pack). Jameos was conceived by Cesar Manrique during 1960's. You enter Jameos by climbing down stone-staircase into first cave known as 'Jameo Chico', which has been turned into unusual bar/restaurant, with views over small lake. This natural lake has extremely clear water - regulated by Atlantic Ocean - & home to species of blind albino crabs known as 'Jameitos' which are only found on Lanzarote. These crabs have been adopted as symbol of Jameos del Agua. Manrique created identity for each attraction & symbols of crabs & lobsters are echoed throughout site – from big statue welcoming visitors in car park to giant lobster pots used as hanging planters for giant ferns to minute details such as lobster shaped door handles into main concert auditorium. Crossing lake by narrow footpath, we find ourselves in 'Jameo Grande.' Nothing is like walking out of dark tunnel to be faced suddenly with huge open-air cave lined with tropical plants & swimming pool. Reputedly, only King of Spain is allowed to swim here. From far end of 'Jameo Grande' you access auditorium constructed in part of volcanic tube running down to Ocean.

 

Jardin de Cactus (€5.50): Has nice windmill photo opp. Cesar Manrique Foundation near Tahiche (not sure of price) is stunning home built inside volcanic bubble.

In Arrecife, church (Iglisia de San Gines) looks pretty per GE, & area around Calle Otilla Diaz & Calle San Juan looks scenic – white houses with green doors, though cars in way! This is tiny bit south of Charco de San Gines (lagoon). If want drink before heading back to ship, get back across bridge over Charco & check offerings of restaurants on eastern side of inlet. Castillo de San Jose looks somewhat photogenic if can isolate it with sea in background. Just south of port on Ctra de los Castillos. Probably can see from ship. The drop-off point of shuttle, Charco de San Gines, is not exactly attractive, but only a few hundred yards to the west lies Charco, an inlet of water with bars, restaurants & clean, tidy white buildings. Cross bridge & walk ¾ mile to Calle Leon y Castilia for shopping.

Distances: Per Michelin: Arrecife to Manrique Foundation 15m & 6km from port. From generic address in Arrecife to Teguise is 21m 14km. Teguise to Mancha Blanca, which isn’t too far from Timanfaya, is only 25m & 18km & Mancha Blanca to Orzola (very top of island, near Del Rio) is 1 hr. & 48km. Orzola to Arrecife is 46m. Arrecife to Timanfaya Vis. Ctr is 54m & 34km. Arrecife to Jameos del Agua 36m, Uga/Yaiza 26, Montana del Fuego 42, Mancha Blanca 33, El Golfo (town or attraction – not sure) 38. Timanfaya to Jameos del Agua is 1 hr. 11 mins. & 50km. Goes close to Uga, Yaiza, castle at Santa Barbara & Tequise; most of route (after Park area) is on 50mph roads. Is about same from El Golfo (town). Timanfaya to Mirador del Rio is 1 hr. 23mins. & 53km.

 

Tours: Tours by Locals offers “Fire Mtns” volcano tour for $57 (4.5 hrs.) if get 8. Another Nat’l Park one is 5 hrs. & a little more; take 7. Admission additional. Recommended “Lanzarote Experience Tours” offered today. See this for other tours: http://www.lanzarote.com/excursions/

 

Tourist Info is on Avenida de Coll street on seafront. Has bus schedules.

Internet & Web sites: http://www.turismodecanarias.com & also see 2 threads I started on CC – one under Ports; other Oceania. Check http://www.turismolanzarote.com also. http://www.spain-lanzarote.com/uk/places/uga.html also looks good. Also look more at http://www.*****.org/10738462-free-guidebook-for-tourists-visiting-lanzarote.html & islalanzarote.com & http://www.centrosturisticos.com/centros/CENTROS/published_en/DEFAULT/timanfaya_2215.html (probably best, very specific).

---------------------

I've almost finished my public photo site on our cruise. Will have that done in a few days if you want to check into it: http://www.pbase.com/roothy123 It will include pictures from Timanfaya, Teguise, Tias, Al Campesino, etc. Email me on howardruthalliejoey@gmail.com if you want more info. I brought some stuff back. Loved Lanzarote.

 

I don't know if there are buses, and don't remember what the taxi situation was like. We traveled through Costa Teguise (not same as Teguise) and while it was nice, it was basically just a nice, upscale resort area. There's lots more to see, if you can figure out a way to see it in the time you have. Good luck!

 

Thank you! Looking forward to checking out your photos. Karen

[t60]

very helpful, thank you Roothy123

 

Sandy in Spain