Lanzarote, Canary Islands
The easternmost Canary Island, Lanzarote has an incredible climate, rich natural beauty, and fun-loving culture, which has made it popular with Royal Holiday tourists from around the world. Lanzarote provides the ideal setting for adventure-loving travelers who want to surf, hike, and bike away their vacation. The unique flora and fauna of the island also make it popular among ecotourists. Whether one plans on waking up early to catch the waves or sleeping in after a late night taking in a concert at Los Jameos del Agua, Lanzarote is a must-visit for any Royal Holiday member searching for an island retreat.
Members stay at Club Tahiti, Royal Holiday’s luxurious condominium affiliate on the island. With rooms ranging in size from comfortable studios to six-person Presidential suites, Club Tahiti can accommodate any group, and all its rooms come complete with fully equipped kitchens, terraces overlooking the island’s many beautiful sights, and the usual array of comforts. The resort itself includes a generously sized pool, complete with a poolside bar, as well as tennis courts, an 18-hole golf course, and an on-site spa.
Likely first settled by Phoenicians in 1100 BC, Lanzarote featured frequently in the writings of Greek and Roman historians and philosophers, and while various empires rolled across Europe, control of the Canary Islands fell to numerous crowns. By the 1300s, the Castilians began settling the islands, which eventually led to their current designation as an autonomous region of Spain. Royal Holiday visitors today will find Lanzarote a unique and beautiful place with a reputation for understated glamour, ecotourism, and natural beauty.
Most Royal Holiday visitors will want to begin with a day at the beach, and while the popular tourist beaches will provide a great deal of fun, the best beach may be Playa Papagayo on the island’s south side, a peaceful retreat that requires a hike across the volcanic landscape. Surfers will want to check out Playa Famara, where novices will easily find a teacher, while Royal Holiday guests looking for a more relaxing way to ride the waves should seek out the luxury catamarans leaving from Puerto del Carmen. The astounding Playa El Golfo, with its majestic shoreline, may not be as appropriate for sunbathing, but it’s well worth the visit.
Of course, this sun-soaked island has more to offer than just beaches. Timanfaya National Park, shaped by the volcanic history of the island, is dominated by Islote de Hilario, which remains dormant. Royal Holiday visitors to the summit will find a restaurant that uses geothermal heat to cook the food. History buffs will want to visit the César Manrique Foundation, located in the artist’s former home, while Royal Holiday members looking to appreciate his work will want to visit the Cactus Garden and Los Jameos del Agua; the latter, a concert hall, bar, and restaurant built from the interior of volcanic caverns, often features scintillating performances, especially during the annual Festival of Visual Music of Lanzarote.