Lanzarote

xzanti

Thinking of going there this year, OH is trying to persuade me to go.. Neither of us have been before.. I'd been dead against it so far cause I've been to all the other Canarie Islands numerous times but never Lanzarote.. But I've been checking it out on Google Earth etc and it looks quite nice... Has anyone here been before and what were your experiences...

How does it compair to the other Canarie Islands and is it expensive etc??

Also what's the nightlife like, I've heard it's a bit quiet in that department??

Cheers..

Keano

I went a few years back with my girlfriend and I was a bit sceptical going but I really enjoyed it.

Has not got the huge niteclubs and streets of bars - which I am not a fan of - so it is indeed quiet compared to other islands.

There are plenty of places to eat, all reasonably priced and lots of excursions to go on during the day to keep you occupied.

SalthillGuy

Keano A Legend wrote: »

I went a few years back with my girlfriend and I was a bit sceptical going but I really enjoyed it. Has not got the huge niteclubs and streets of bars - which I am not a fan of - has plenty of places to eat and lots of excursions to go on during the day.

I think this is the nicest of the Islands.
Lovely beaches and better food.
The old village of Puerto del Carmen is the place to eat.

Keano

SalthillGuy wrote: »

I think this is the nicest of the Islands.
Lovely beaches and better food.
The old village of Puerto del Carmen is the place to eat.

Agree. I had a pizza one night in the old town and it is to this day on of the nicest I have ever had

SalthillGuy

Keano A Legend wrote: »

Agree. I had a pizza one night in the old town and it is to this day on of the nicest I have ever had

The ones along the seafront are ok, but they could be anywhere.
The old town is quaint.

xzanti

Thanks for that guys.. Is Puerto Del Carmen the main resort or are there others??

Gran Hermano

xzanti wrote: »

Thanks for that guys.. Is Puerto Del Carmen the main resort or are there others??

PdC is the main resort, only a short drive from the airport.
Been a few years since I was there but the one thing I noticed was
it was much less developed than the other islands (apart from Fuerte)
and most developments are not high rise eyesores.

Thoie

There are others, for example Costa Teguisa, but as that's always referred to as Costa Breezy you might want to avoid. I keep recommending Matagorda to people who want quiet. It's really close (a cheap taxi/really cheap local bus ride) to Puerto Del Carmen, but without any of the bars/clubs that might disturb you at night. There's a kind of shopping plaza place there with a big Spar, a Chinese, one or two other restaurants and a couple of pubs and a few knick-knack shops if you just want to pick up a few bits and bobs without heading into town.

The local bus that brings you into Puerto Del Carmen also goes to the capital, Arecife as well if you fancy wandering around there. Buses for tours of the island stop in Matagorda as well. You'll generally find there are two types of tours - north island and south island. The north is greener, with caves and the king's residence and things like that. The south has the volcano and the places where they practised for the moon landing

There's a marina to the west of the old town, and from there you can take submarine trips, all day catamaran trips, scuba diving/snorkelling nearby, etc.

bruzz

Hi,
Can you recommend anywhere to stay in Matagorda? How far is it from the airport?ie, how much for taxi bus fare? I was looking at booking through travel agent but prices are ridiculous!!

Thanks in advance

ntlbell

Went last year but it was in sept and it was verrry quiet.

we were in Puerto Del Carmen and spent most of our time around the old town.

some really nice restaurant's and if you go I can highly recommend Quintin's really top quality food it's ran by an Irish guy Finan o sullivan.

The beaches are very nice and some good pubs with decent entertainment.

bruzz

test

bruzz

ntlbell wrote: »

Went last year but it was in sept and it was verrry quiet.

we were in Puerto Del Carmen and spent most of our time around the old town.

some really nice restaurant's and if you go I can highly recommend Quintin's really top quality food it's ran by an Irish guy Finan o sullivan.

The beaches are very nice and some good pubs with decent entertainment.

Hi ntlbell,
I just posted about something similar. Looking at Lanzarote in Aug/Sept. Was it hot in Sept? Do you mind me asking who did you book with? Thanks. bruzz

p.s really appreciate opinions from anyone though if got time. Thanks.

Gazza22

I think Lanzarote is the nicest of the Canary Islands tbh. I've been there twice now and i don't think it's expensive.

Lanzarote isn't a party island but i think it has a nice mix of relaxation and good night life. Obviously Puerto del Carmen would be the place to go if you want lively night life. Matagorda just a few minutes from PDC (basically an extension) gives a good mix in the sense it is a pretty tranquil yet a €3 taxi ride to the centre of PDC, as Thoie mentioned.

1966

yeah we holidayed there too and found it lovely.
PDC is the busiest part of the island but we hired a car and took in the volcano trip ourselves and toured most of the island in a day.
it really was lovely - cheap - food fine etc.

yermandan

We bought an apartment in the Old Town of PDC and we've never looked back. Great food, great entertainment, nice locals......Love it!!!

ntlbell

bruzz wrote: »

Hi ntlbell,
I just posted about something similar. Looking at Lanzarote in Aug/Sept. Was it hot in Sept? Do you mind me asking who did you book with? Thanks. bruzz

p.s really appreciate opinions from anyone though if got time. Thanks.

Yup it was what i conisder hot 25-28+ most days

We got a last minute deal with budget travel I normally don't use travel agents but we were in a bit of a rush and it was very cheap.

Salome

It's a great spot - it's my favourite of the Canary Islands.

Puerto del Carmen is the liveliest resort - the old town is the quainter end of the resort - head to La Bodega for tapas.

If you want a quieter resort but want to be close to nightlife if the mood takes you, head to Los Pocillos or Matagorda - a few minutes in a taxi from Puerto del Carmen.

Playa Blanca is on the other side of the island - it's quiet and attracts more families and couples rather than young singles. The accommodation is generally of a very high standard.

If you feel adventurous, hire a car - it's worth it, there's some spectacular scenery in the north of the island - Famara Beach where the surfers go and Mirador del Rio - it's amazing.

shiibata

Have stayed in Matagorda twice, had the 2 kids with us and their 2 grannies(babysitters:D) Its a nice safe place to me for families, nice and queit and then as someone has mentioned, if you want a lively bit of nightlife, its only a short taxi ride away to centre of Puerto del Carmen.

bruzz

Thanks for all the replies. have decided on either Matagorda or Playa los Pocillos, just need to get a good deal now:)

bruzz

have found an apartment for August in Matagorda. Have been trawling to different air sites and all seem to be coming in a over €800 for a flight from the 13th August onwards. Anyone recommend any other sites to use,have tried alpha rooms, cheapflights.co.uk and loads more.

joes girls

Keano A Legend wrote: »

Agree. I had a pizza one night in the old town and it is to this day on of the nicest I have ever had

yeah me too...was the nicest ever!!!
go to the american indian it was brill when i was there fell in love with one of the guys on the band,pitty my ex was with me then!!!:Pbut i would say its the more friendly and alot cleaner than other ones....

magicianz

Been to lanzarote about 7 times in the past few years and i love it! The beaches and sea is beautiful, can be packed sometimes. The old town is definatly the place to go for food, there is a lovely restaurant there that has a lot of brass and ship stuff that does brilliant food and the most of the waiters are very friendly! Theres a bar called buddys that has live music every night and there is an irish drummer there who will make your night complete!

bruzz

magicianz wrote: »

Been to lanzarote about 7 times in the past few years and i love it! The beaches and sea is beautiful, can be packed sometimes. The old town is definatly the place to go for food, there is a lovely restaurant there that has a lot of brass and ship stuff that does brilliant food and the most of the waiters are very friendly! Theres a bar called buddys that has live music every night and there is an irish drummer there who will make your night complete!

Hi magicianz,
Who do you fly with normally? Thanks. looking at going there at the end of Aug.

Gazza22

@bruzz

The only Irish airline flying to Lanzarote is Aer Lingus from Dub, Cork and Belfast. You could get a cheaper flight if you connect via the uk e.g Monarch. You could also try getting a seat on a charter flight with travel agencies cuch as Budget, but most of the time this option is too expensive.

What complex did you decide to book with in Matagorda?

magicianz

The new town (strip) has more for the younger people, with loud bars (route 66 and club tropicana) and a good few night clubs. The last time i was there they were redoing the strip and it should be great when finished! Taxis were very cheap, about a fiver from the far end of the strip to the old town. There is a bar, the golden corner bout half way up the strip that has the friendliest waiters around. The strip is very long and has a dark park that ppl mistake as the end. The San antonio hotel is the end.

magicianz

bruzz wrote: »

Hi magicianz,
Who do you fly with normally? Thanks. looking at going there at the end of Aug.

We did go there around mid August and i think we went with sunworld and stayed in Los Fariones.

bruzz

Gazza22 wrote: »

@bruzz

The only Irish airline flying to Lanzarote is Aer Lingus from Dub, Cork and Belfast. You could get a cheaper flight if you connect via the uk e.g Monarch. You could also try getting a seat on a charter flight with travel agencies cuch as Budget, but most of the time this option is too expensive.

What complex did you decide to book with in Matagorda?

Thanks, it makes no difference to me what airline it is. I have been looking
at one on holiday rentals.co.uk. William Griffin is the owner. Don't know name off hand. Will have a look again during the week. Thanks

Gazza22

bruzz wrote: »

Thanks, it makes no difference to me what airline it is. I have been looking
at one on holiday rentals.co.uk. William Griffin is the owner. Don't know name off hand. Will have a look again during the week. Thanks

That's Matagorda Bay, excellent complex you will love it. A family member has a place there. If you have any questions about the place or anything about the area feel free to PM.