April 27th, 2011
The Cactus Gardens is another of Cesar Manrique’s creations. Situated just a few moments by car outside of the busy Lanzarote Resort of Costa Teguise. Jardin de Cactus, The Cactus Gardens is situated in Guatiza. Simply head north on the road coming out of Costa Teguise towards Orzola. Turn off at the first junction and follow the road into Guatiza. You can’t miss the massive metal Cactus over the entrance. The significance of the positioning of the Gardens just outside of the Lanzarote Resort of Costa Teguise by Cesar Manrique stems from the fact that this was the largest acreage of Cactus growing area in Lanzarote.
It’s a great place to wander around and get a feel for over 1000 Species of flor and fauna from the Canary Islands. Possibly the largest collection of Cacti in the world. Developed by the famous botanist Estanislao Gonzales Ferrer chose species from all over the Canary Islands, Madagascar and South America.
The garden’s have been landscaped from an old quarry with an steep terraces in an amphi-theatre style representation. The large cactus logo is emblazoned cleverly throughout the gardens. There’s an edgy and stylish bar situated at the rear of the gardens in the resorted El Gofio Mill.
Can you believe that the Tunera Cacti attract Cochineal beetles. It was once the larvae that is harvested from these beetles that was once a thriving industry on the Island of Lanzarote. When you visit the Jardin de Cactus, it’s still possible to see how the larvae is harvested by one of the locals in the carpark. So, if you’re wondering what the crowd is doing gathred in the car-park. That’s what there up to!
There’s lots of steps, and steep bits, so be a bit warned with a push-chair and also with small children who might not make it the whole way around. Flowering starts a little later, so it’s a great time to visit right now as all the colours and flowers will be in full bloom.
If you’re feeling peckish after your ramble around the gardens then don’t hesitate to take a drink and some Tapas at the Guatiza Sociedad. It’s in Guatiza, great prices and includes a great play area for kids. It’s great value for money. Something for everyone.
Opening Times and Prices:
Paid Entry at the car-park – ticket allows you a free Tea or Coffee in the gardens.
10.00 – 18.00
Last Entry Permission: 17.45
Need any advice on Lanzarote villas to rent or on which Lanzarote Hotel to stay in, then contact us at Pure Lanzarote now.
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April 26th, 2011
I know that everyone has been claiming to struggle with Gallery posts over the last two weeks, with the themes being really tough. However, for me, I find these really big, wide open themes like green even harder! Okay, whining over…
We spend a month in Norway over Easter every year. We get to see a bit of the changing from Winter to Spring. No seasons in the lovely stable climate of Lanzarote. (boo-hoo). Our house is in the mountains, known as the Scandinavian Alps. Hemsedal’s Spring comes later towards the end of May where you can enjoy more green and blossom.
The ground here now is still very wet, despite it being the warmest Easter in sixty years. The grass is brown and will take a few weeks to dry out and turn green. Spring here is therefore more about the snow melting. The sound of water running everywhere. The green is in the evergreen trees in the backdrop. So, my picture is from the Rjukanfoss (Foss means waterfall). I have added an image from winter when it’s all frozen so you can see the difference!
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April 24th, 2011
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April 22nd, 2011
One of the things about living in Lanzarote, any part of Lanzarote, either in a resort or in the natural rural beauty is the fact that we don’t enjoy Spring, blossom, the flowers in the same way that it is experienced in the colder norther countries in Europe such as Germany, Scandinavia and England. The all year round stable climate and temperatures that we enjoy in Lanzarote are the very reason we don’t enjoy the change in seasons.
As a child I remember Easter, not just being about Easter Eggs, but the delightful flowers, and especially the daffodils which we would see almost everywhere in the gardens, by the hedgerows, and inside the house. We always spend Easter in Norway, and so we get to have a little bit of spring flavour in our lives. Daffodils are called Påskeliljer, Easter Flowers – how appropriate. This year, we’ve made some daffodils Easter cards for our family. Here’s how we did it. We will stick pictures of the children on the back afterwards and then send them to our family in the UK as keepsakes.
What you need?
Sellotape
Yellow Paper
Green Paper
Egg Boxes – cardboard no polystyrene
Poster Paint – we used from ikea.
Universal Glue
Instructions
1. Cut out the egg boxes and paint them yellow. (4 and under can do this)
2. Print out the template from the link for the Daffodil template.
3. Cut out the templates with the yellow paper and green for the leaves.
4. Roll the green paper, flatten and stick with sellotape. Stick on the leaves as well.
5. When dry, glue egg cartons to the daffodil flower head.
6. Let them write their names on the stalk, and stick a photo on the back.
7. We made one for everyone in the family and displayed them on the fireplace.
Need any information on taking a holiday in Lanzarote?
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April 21st, 2011
Jameos Del Agua is another fabulous adaption of natural beauty by Cesar Manrique at the foot of the Volcano Monte de la Corona which last erupted 3000 years ago. It is situated in the North of Lanzarote, away from the main Lanzarote Resorts such as Playa Blanca, an hours car drive away.
A jameo occurs when a ceiling of a volcanic tunnel collapses. Normally, this is when the tunnel exceeds 20 metres wide, or due to gases which cause an explosion. The winding staircase leads into a cave that opens out into beautiful gardens. The garden has a wonderful open air swimming pool, dance floor and bar. Towards the far end is a concert cave where you can enjoy fabulous natural acoustics and a great selection of artists performing.
You can easily enjoy visiting both Jameos Del Agua and La Cueva de Los Verdes in the same trip.
Opening Times:
10.00 – 18.30 Daytime
19.00 – 02.00 Tuesday and Saturday
19.00 – 23.30 – Restaurant
Telephone : +34 928 848020
€8 Adult
€4 Children aged 7-12
Although, it is situated right up in the North of Lanzarote, it is not far by car from the main Lanzarote Resorts of Playa Blanca, Puerto Del Carmen, Puerto Calero, where you can find a large selection of villas for rent, or Lanzarote hotels to stay in .
The Images are thanks to Lanzarote photography and pictures by Dani Stein.
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April 20th, 2011
So, I haven’t had a chance to do a Gallery Post on Sticky Fingers for a while, and so I am really glad that I dropped by this week and not last! Tomorrow is rather a toughie. So, basically, what I have chosen to do is take a selection of images from the last few postings on my blogroll. The reason for this it shows exactly what my blog is about.
Primarily, I started my blog to write about the things I like about Lanzarote, good advice and the such for families coming on holiday. Now I still blog about this but also about all the things we do as a family Lanzarote related or not. Also, sometimes I get a chance to be part of this great community of parent bloggers as well, which is simply great:) So there’s variety to say the least!
A little About Lanzarote -
Nixon Surf Challenge 2011 – Surfing North of the Artic Circle – A trip we made beginning of April with Hubby’s work.
Something for the Weekend Post for Thinly Spread
Three Generations in the Mountains – Mother In Law, Hubby and our kids.
Our local Beach in Puerto Calero – Sofia on the rocks!
Lanzarote Wine – it features a lot in our house!
Sometimes it feels strange to participate in some of these things because my blog isn’t strictly just about families and being a mum, so thank you Sticky Fingers for letting me explain to you:-)
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April 17th, 2011
Haria, Valley of 1000 Palms is situated in the North of the Island of Lanzarote. Far from a classic Lanzarote Resort. Haria is a traditional Lanzarote village. Steeped in heritage it’s thousands of miles away from the main Lanzarote Tourist Resorts of Playa Blanca or Puerto Del Carmen.
It’s a great place to drive through and take a mid-morning coffee, amble around the old streets taking in some of the lovely old buildings. There’s a lovely market on a saturday morning selling crafts and local handmade gifts to take home. Not the same rat-ta-tat-tat that you find in some of the tourist markets nowadays.
The pace is slow, the coffee is great, and so are the selection of restaurants and traditional Tapas bars that you find here. So, enjoy the slow pace, and take a while to step back in time while your on your holiday.
If you have spent the day in La Graciosa for example, Haria is a great place to head to on your way back for a quick bit to eat. They are very child friendly and it’s only about 15 minutes from Orzola where the ferry comes in. Alternatively, go there on route to any of the following tourist attractions in the North. Jameos Del Agua, La Cueva de los Verdes, Mirador del Rio.
For some restaurant recommendations…La Frontera Haria. Alternatively, Los Dos Hermanos a great coffee and tortilla. It’s always a good sign when the locals are eating there as we all know. Last time I was here the head of the Police for the Haria district was having his coffee here, so, it’s a sure bet that you’re gonna enjoy a drink or snack.
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April 17th, 2011
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April 13th, 2011
La Cueva de los Verdes, “The Green Caves” are just one of the many natural wonders of Lanzarote. They’re not situated near any of the Lanzarote Resorts, but up in the most northern part of the Island. It’s one of the longest volcanic tunnels in the world running for 6km. In 1964 Jesus Soto, created a 2km gateway so that the tunnel could be visited. What is amazing is that the only evidence of human intervention appears to be the amazing lighting in the walls.
The caves were once used the the Guanches who were Aboriginal people inhabiting the island. They used to caves to hide from Pirates. Two of the key features of the caves are the optical illusions that you can see by taking a guided tour, which I recommend highly. Secondly, the caves acoustics’ are phenomenal. So, if you are thinking of taking in this sight while staying in one of the many fabulous Lanzarote Villas, or Lanzarote Hotels, then it’s well worth checking to see if there’s any concerts scheduled to be on.
The caves are situated in close proximity to Jameos Del Agua which is part of the same volcanic tunnel system and can be visited at the same time. The Caves are underground, so if you suffer from claustrophobia bare this in mind when visiting the Caves.
Opening Times: From 10.00am – 18.00 (Last Entry 17h)
Telephone : +34 928 848.484
Entrance Price: €8
Children: €4
Need any more information on summer holidays,or want to know more, check out our pure-lanzarote blog or contact us directly for any advice.
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April 10th, 2011
This is our first weekend in Norway, after travelling from Lanzarote for the Easter holidays. This may come across as a bit of a confusing post, but it was originally prompted by the lovely Christine Moseler over at Thinly Spread. Mr and Mrs Thinly Spread have been Tree climbing.
We used to live near a Tree Climbing Activity Centre in Labenne south west France. The first time my two step sons went was 9 years ago, Scott was 7 and Jake was 4. The place had a great selection of levels, so it was perfect because they could all do something that was suitable for their level. When you have a big family like we do with big age ranges. It’s difficult to sometimes get an activity that works for everyone. This one most definitely does.
We’re not tree climbing this weekend, because we are in the mountains for Easter. We are a half English, half Norwegian family. We’ll be lucky enough to be skiing. The children get to play around in the snow, build dens, and climb trees. Something that they cannot do in Lanzarote. It’s one of the things that children miss out on living in Lanzarote is the fact that there isn’t any trees to climb. We are lucky enough to be here long enough that we don’t have to go out on the slopes everyday. In Hemsedal, children can ski for free until they are seven years old. I think sometimes the simpler the activity the better. Like walking the forest, or climbing in the snow, building dens. The best things in life are generally for free!
Five Free Activities in Lanzarote
1) Catching fish in the rock pools in Punta Mujeres. (okay you need a bucket..)
2) Building really big features in the sand all together as a family – I remember my Grandad building me a car on the beach in Cornwall. Famara beach is a great option, the sand is really wet perfect for construction.
3) Feeding the fish in Puerto Calero Marina.
4) A running race! We do this at the airport, and do timed sprints on the small stretches outside, when we are waiting for a flight. (before going through to Lanzarote Airport Departures!)
5) Finding shells, pretty stones on many of the beaches.
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