Costa Teguise is one of Lanzarote's three main resorts, on the east coast a few kilometres from the capital Arrecife. It belongs to the municipality of Teguise, which stretches from the centre of the island to the north and also includes the island of La Graciosa. All of Lanzarote has been a UNESCO biosphere reserve since 1993, famous for its black volcanic landscapes and the low, white, harmonious architecture championed by the artist César Manrique.
Costa Teguise
Developed in the 1970s, Costa Teguise is modern but human-scale, with the Pueblo Marinero, a small square designed by Manrique, and several beaches:
- Playa de las Cucharas, the main one, with a promenade and a renowned windsurfing and kitesurfing base, thanks to steady trade winds;
- Playa de los Charcos and Playa Bastián, smaller and sheltered;
- Playa del Jablillo, a protected natural pool, ideal for children.
There is also a golf course, a water park, diving centres and a good seafront for walking and cycling.
Villa de Teguise
Lanzarote's former capital, until the mid-19th century, is an elegant town of white houses, churches and mansions, among the finest in the Canaries: the church of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, the Palacio Spínola and the convents. On Sunday mornings it hosts the island's biggest market, with crafts, local produce and music. On Guanapay volcano above the town, Santa Bárbara castle houses the Piracy Museum, recalling centuries of raids.
Around Costa Teguise
- The Jardín de Cactus, at Guatiza, Manrique's last great work, with thousands of cacti in an old quarry.
- The César Manrique Foundation, the artist's house built into lava bubbles, at Tahíche.
- La Graciosa, the small island with no paved roads, reached by ferry from Órzola.
- The Jameos del Agua and Cueva de los Verdes, in the north.
- Timanfaya National Park, with the Fire Mountains, in the south-west.
Getting there
Lanzarote airport is about 15 km away. Buses link Costa Teguise with Arrecife and Villa de Teguise. Hiring a car is best for touring the island. See also the Canary Islands.