Lanzarote tourism is dominated by the two largest resorts of Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen. But there is a quieter and some would say more stylish alternative located in the north of the island. In the shape of the resort of Costa Teguise.
Costa Teguise´s development was in fact guided by the well known local artist César Manrique. Who first came up with the concept of creating a coastal resort to the former island capital of Teguise. Which is located around 10km away inland. Manrique worked with the Sol Melia group to develop their flagship establishment on the island, the Gran Melia Salinas, during the early 1970´s. And this remains one of the most impressive hotels in Costa Teguise and Lanzarote to this day.
The Gran Melia anchored the whole development of the resort along with the Pueblo Marinero. Which was built by Manrique in the style of a Canarian fishing village. Today this is the Costa Teguise´s main focal point and the spot to head for if you want to enjoy a meal out under the stars. The Pueblo Marinero also plays host to a weekly market and is the main venue for concerts and live events in Costa Teguise too.
What about the beaches? Like all of the resorts on Lanzarote Costa Teguise boasts a number of high quality beaches. The largest and most popular is called Playa Cucharas. Where tourists will find facilities like sun loungers and umbrellas. And where wind surfers will find the ideal conditions to practice their sport. Further along the coastal walkway tourists will also find the smaller bay of Playa Jablillo. Which is ideal for swimming and snorkelling as it is protected by large stone breakwaters. And just around he corner from this is Playa Bastian. Which is also very well appointed.
The majority of tourists visiting Costa Teguise stay in either apartment accommodation or hotels. But there are also plenty of good quality villas in Costa Teguise available for rent too. Most of which enjoy enviable beach front locations in and around Cucharas and Bastian. Most also boast their own private swimming pools too.
Costa Teguise can make an excellent base for anyone interested in exploring some of César Manrique´s other creations on the island. As his best known works, such as the Cactus Garden is around a fifteen minute drive away. A visit to historic Teguise is also advisable as this is the oldest Spanish settlement in the whole of the Canary Islands.
