A guide to things to do in Costa Teguise

Unspoilt beaches

Take a stroll along the seafront promenade and you’ll pass all five of Costa Teguise’s fine sandy-white beaches. The long Playa Cucharas whose gentle waters are set on a reef is the most popular. Also a water sports hub, it plays host to the PWA World Windsurfing Championships every year. Just beyond, choose from the quieter Playa Los Charcos or the more sheltered Playa Bastian, ideal for small children. A local favourite is Playa Ancla which lies just off the beaten track. For a carefree swim, head to the horseshoe-shaped Playa Jablillo which is sheltered from sea currents and wind.

Volcanic landscape

Eruptions in the 18th-century have left an impressive and haunting volcanic landscape across the island that has often been the setting for sci-fi movies as well as the training ground for NASA’s Apollo 17 crew. Catch superb views of dramatic lava formations and many volcanoes in the Timanfaya National Park, set in the Fuego Mountains. Despite the last eruption being more than 190 years ago, the heat coming from the Monte Corona Volcano remains impressive. So much so, that the nearby restaurant still uses volcanic geothermal energy to cook its local dishes!

Get active

It doesn’t matter if you’ve never donned a wetsuit before, you’ll be spoilt for choice with ways to enjoy the water. Discover a fantastical undersea world by scuba diving, experience the thrill of wind and kite surfing or take to the water Hawaii Five-0 style with stand up paddle-boarding. If you can tear yourself away from the beach, head to the Aquapark packed with adrenaline-boosting waterslides, go-kart obstacle courses and paintball games. Take an evening jog along the sunny promenade or go golfing at one of the best courses in the Canary Islands.

Unique art and architecture

See some of the prized works of César Manrique, Lanzarote’s famous visionary artist, architect and environmentalist in his quirky former home just outside Costa Teguise. This incredible place has five underground rooms formed from the space left from natural volcanic bubbles about 4,000 years ago. Corridors drilled through the hard volcanic lava tubes connect these spaces and in the middle of one is a large open-air cave, Jameos del Agua. Decorated with Manrique’s work, a dance floor surrounds a pool of crystal-clear water that reputedly only the King of Spain is allowed to swim in.

Close to nature

Marvel at the tropical fish as they swim over your head in the underwater tunnel at Lanzarote Aquarium. Based in Costa Teguise, you’ll get close to many colourful marine species with its touch pools and shark tank. Squeeze in a visit to the Jardí­n de Cactus for one of the best collections of cacti in the world. Designed under the guidance of César Manrique, it showcases over 10,000 different plants and is a true celebration of these prickly green sculptures.

Discover Canarian culture

Visit Lanzarote’s cosmopolitan capital, Arrecife and see the impressive 18th-century San José Castle then head to the Castillo de San Gabriel to learn more about Lanzarote’s history. The charming Church of San Ginés near the harbour is certainly worth a look, as is Temple Hall, a former British cargo ship that sank off Lanzarote’s coast in 1981. Then take a break on the sea front at El Charco, a lagoon with fishermen’s cottages and seafood restaurants.

Lively shops and restaurants

Round off your day exploring the many boutiques and cafés lining the lively Pueblo Marinero square, partly designed by local artist César Manrique. Enjoy live music at Jazz Mi Madre for a true taste of Lanzarote’s culture. Just ten minutes away is the old capital, Teguise where you can enjoy roaming its quiet streets and historic buildings. Its famous Sunday market is the biggest in the Canaries and perfect for holiday momentos such as jewellery made from olivine, a green gemstone found on the island. You can also pick up a timple – a small Canarian guitar – while being entertained by folk dancers.