|
|
|
|
Time Zone
GMT (GMT + 1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).
Currency
Euro (€) = 100 cents.
Language
Spanish.Sightseeing
The most easterly of the Canaries, Lanzarote, is a dry and fairly flat island which owes its eerie landscape to the activity of volcanoes long since dormant. The volcanic ash and craters have now been turned to the islanders’ advantage in a novel method of vine cultivation. The capital, the port of Arrecife, is to be found on the southeast coast and in the area of flattest land on the island. Places of interest on the island include Teguise (the old capital), with the Guanapay Castle set on a volcanic cone; the oasis-like Haría; Malpaís de la Corona, where an immense volcanic cave called Los Verdes, 6km (3.5 miles) long, is located; and the nearby Jameo del Agua lagoon. The National Park of Timanfaya is a spectacular stretch of lava which covers nearly one-third of the island and is awe-inspiring in its majesty and barrenness. The most popular excursion is to the volcanoes on camels.
Shopping
Besides the excellent duty-free shopping, there are numerous local items to tempt the visitor. Craftsmanship is represented mainly by skilled open-work and embroidery. Pottery, basket-work based on palm leaves, cane and reed, and delicate woodcarvings are also popular. Tobacco produced here is excellent and world-famous. Cigars from the Canary Islands are outstanding in quality.
Eating Out
The cuisine of the Canaries offers many dishes based on fish, which are usually served with potatoes and a special sauce called mojo picón. The traditional dishes are watercress soup and the popular sancocho canario, a fish salad with a hot sauce. Locally grown bananas, tomatoes, avocados and papayas also play an important part in the Canaries’ cuisine. In the main resorts, restaurants offer the full range of international cuisine, as well as local delicacies. Spanish wines and spirits are particularly good value and spirits are slightly cheaper than in the UK. Drinks originating from the Canaries include rum, honey-rum and Malmsey wine.
Location
Europe and Spain
Region
Spain
