An Irish couples suggestions and recommendations for an 11 nights break in Lanzarote, Spain in August 2021.
Youtube link to the JustRetired50Plus Lanzarote-Fariones_Hotel Video:-
To view the video select:- https://youtu.be/YGT3CawAAxs
Lanzarote has something for everyone….and never fails to deliver. Within a four hour flight from Ireland you are brought to a whole different world, one of great weather, amazing beaches with clear water, a wide variety of attractions and activities and an endless variety of restaurants…….all available within a reasonable budget.
There are three possible holiday types that a visitor can have in Lanzarote.
An activity holiday, visiting all of the tourist destinations that the island has to offer;
The laid-back, inactive holiday type of Sleep, Food, Sun & Entertainment;
A holiday that is a mixture of both holiday options (1) and (2), above.
The advent of COVID-19 has changed the way any of the options above can now be experienced. Many of Lanzarote’s hotels, restaurants and shops are only now starting to return to pre-COVID-19 levels of occupancy and business levels. As a consequence, we took the opportunity, when Irish travel restrictions were finally lifted, to visit the recently re-opened Fariones Hotel in Puerto Del Carmen, Tias, Lanzarote.
Lanzarote is one of the very few all year around sun destinations still open for travel, for EU citizens.
One has to ask oneself firstly, whether you are willing and able to travel and accept the changed requirements and circumstances that any holiday now entails as a consequence of COVID-19 ( refer to our website article on this very question:- https://www.justretired50plus.com/travel-in-the-covid-world )
As is the case in all of Spain, you are now required to wear a face mask indoors at all times in Lanzarote.
Another question one has to ask oneself, if you do decide to travel, is whether to stay in a hotel or to rent a property for the duration of your holiday. ( refer to our website article on this very question:-
Fariones Hotel re-opened Sept 2020 after 5 star upgrade
All the bedrooms and public areas have been given a five star uplift. The hotel bedrooms are really comfortable, with air conditioning and nice toiletries, a little fridge, kettle and coffee maker with supplies- no need to bring shampoo/ conditioner etc. You can request the beds to be prepared as a double, rather than two singles. Two lovely arm chairs out on the balcony;
There are 5 star aromatic toiletries available in all bathrooms both public and private, throughout the property;
If open during your stay, try the new asian Kaori restaurant, you will not be disappointed.
On the property the hotel gardens are now fabulous. The gardens have been upgraded, with lots of nooks and crannies with seating etc. Lovely new beach beds and chairs around the place. The pool has been extended as an infinity pool, and heated. A new walkway links Playa Chica to the hotel’s little beach and on to the big beach - so good for walking. A glass partition surrounds the hotel beach-side, so you need your hotel pass to get out/in. Meals on the terrace until very late into the evening, a small a la carte restaurant, and the usual self service. A new Thai restaurant opening mid-August;
There is now only security gate access, via your room card, to and from the beach;
A roof sun terrace with a pool is now available for all suite occupants;
Hotel guests continue to have free access to the Fariones sports centre, only a 50m walk from the front of the hotel;
COVID-19 dictates that masks are compulsory at all times within the hotel. The only exception is when you are seated at your table for meals;
Under COVID rules, at time of writing, all pubs and restaurants must stop service at 11pm. Pubs and restaurants without outdoor service may not open. Only one family group allowed in lifts at any one time;
The square which is directly across the road from the Fariones Hotel entrance has come to life with a new Tea Room - La Golosa (Sweet Tooth); a wonderful new tapas restaurant - Taberna de Nino Varadero, an Italian and a new bar - the Lava Bar, with great music and cocktails. The hairdressers (on the far RHS) is being taken over by an Irish duo arriving soon;
The hotel is within 200m walking distance of one of the island’s primary diving locations, Playa Chica Pier.
If your holiday is during the winter months, allow extra duration for your stay to allow for unforeseen inclement winter weather. You can be unlucky to experience a Calima during your holiday break. Rest assured it will subside and calm will be restored.
Lanzarote, Spain 2021
This is a blog from the perspective of a type (2) holiday above.
Lanzarote is one of the Canary Island group belonging to Spain, off the coast of north west Africa. The Canary Islands are the most well known, popular sun destination for Irish people. Because of their geographic location, closer to the equator, they have up to 330 days of sunshine per year. The seven main islands are (from largest to smallest in area) Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro.
The Canary Islands have a subtropical climate. Temperatures are warm and show little seasonal variation. More recently, Irish people regard a trip to the Canaries like they used to regard a trip to the Lakes of Killarney, except with better weather and only a four hour flight away.
A sense of Lanzarote, prior to the advent of COVID-19
The dark volcanic sandy beach of Puerto del Carmen’s Playa Grande stretches for a few kilometres, backed by the town’s main promenade, with its full complement of restaurants and bars. Whether you simply feel like kicking back and taking in the sunshine, having a bite to eat and a few beers at a beachfront restaurant or bar, or getting active with one of the many water sports options on offer - all is within easy access. Timanfaya National Park lunar volcanic landscape feels a million miles from the hotel-brushed beaches around the island’s fringe. For shoppers in search of bargains, the markets in Lanzarote are legendary places of pilgrimage. Here you can find anything from hand-made jewellery to knock-off designer watches and bags to hand-made lace products. Without a doubt, on Lanzarote, the centre of the lively party scene is found in Puerto del Carmen, where Avinda de las Playas is lined with clubs and bars offering everything from karaoke to R&B. If you are looking for something more quite, then Costa Teguise is a better option, as it isn’t really known for its nightlife.
Famous artist Cesar Manrique left his imprint all over the island of Lanzarote, in the form of his off-the-wall installations. Checking out one of his creations is a must for every visitor to Lanzarote. For instance, head over to the north coast and stop in at Jameos del Agua, where Manrique converted underground lava caves into a concert hall and sophisticated bar. He built his own house into a lava field, which is quite extraordinary. The creation of the Cactus Garden was Cesar’s final project before his death.
A sense of Lanzarote, during the presence of COVID-19
As of July 2021 Ireland has adopted the new EU Covid Digital Certificate programme which greatly enhances international travel. We had a choice to make whether to book a stay in a hotel or alternately to get a rental property. On this occasion we chose the former. On choosing our Hotel, we made the decision to stay in the recently upgraded 4 star to 5 star Fariones Hotel, Puerto Del Carmen..
We were blessed with the weather for the whole twelve days, blue sky and temperatures in the 24 - 27 degree range.
Most of the tourist venues on the island are now re-opening to the public because of Covid-19, or at best, have very reduced access.
Masks no longer have to be worn on the beach, however, people continue to sit in socially distanced pods of their own contacts.
Public transport is very much making an effort to return to pre-Covid-19 efficiency.
Restaurants that are open, employ the mask at all times rule except when eating.
A holiday such as this during COVID times is not conducive to spontaneity or off the cuff meetings and getting together.
A holiday during these COVID times necessitates that you more than ever have to get along with your travelling companions, stay within your pod, and don’t take any unnecessary risks.
Spanish is the language of the Canary Islands, however, the vast majority of people speak excellent English.
Our recommendations for a trip to Lanzarote, prior to the advent of COVID-19:-
We suggest you stay in Puerto Del Carmen, as close to the old town as possible. We like to stay in the Fariones Playa or the Hotel Fariones which has now reopened, and has a wonderful location on the beach.
Do the guided island tour, there is loads to see.
Have a drink (or two) in the Harbour Bar (When it re-opens) it is like a flashback to Ireland in the ’50’s.
It is now possible to walk unobstructed from Calero via Puerto Del Carmen and Playa Honda all the way to Matagorda and onto the airport. There are ample opportunities for refreshment along the way.
The average cost per person / per week is €700 excluding flight, but this is August high season, this price would obvious be a lot cheaper at any other time of the year.
“You should travel away from home, to really appreciate the value of what you have at home, on your return.”
