Puerto Calero

Deemed as the Beverley Hills of Lanzarote, Puerto Calero is a unique destination. Jose Calero’s visionary project of 1986 has developed and flourished and continues to wow it’s visitors both residential and holiday makers alike. Only 3km from the busy tourist machine of Puerto Del Carmen, it’s micro-climate and position protects from the wind offers higher temperatures of up to five degrees difference from inland, or further north, so a good bet for some of the less reliable climatic months of January and February.

Chosen by the Sony Ericsson.  Racing Team as their training playground before the Volvo Ocean Race. The recreational marina of Puerto Calero is an outstanding winner all by itself. High quality residential homes sit comfortably alongside holiday rental villas inspired by the beauty of the island and integrated in a harmonious way to create a peaceful family environment.

The Marina

Puerto Calero is primarily a working marina and welcomes all its travellers from around the globe. The services offered whether you arrive by water or by air is synonymous with the 4* and 5* Hotels that reside in the community. For techy nautical questions we advice you check out www.puertocalero.com, but we have supplied a brief summary. The completion of the Marina in 2006 now enables up to 420 crafts with sizes varying from 8 metres to 60 on finger pontoons, and the superberths for yachts from 25 – 50 metres.

Spa and Wellness

What is great about Puerto Calero is that there is a lot of good quality activities in such confined location. It’s not wieldy, it’s very safe. The Iberostar Calero and Hesperia Hotels are happy for you to use their facilities.  Both offer great spa days and wellness therapies as well as a vast choice of outside pools.

Beaches

Although there is not a sandy beach there is a pebble beach and a nice bay to swim in. There is also a little pier for fishing or if the kids want to dive off at high tide. (tide website). The snorkelling here is great, especially for younger ones as there is an abundance of fish coming right in with the tide. Great with a net and bucket for smaller kids.

Activities Puerto Calero Marina

Within the marina is a hole host of day out activites from a day trip on the Catlanza Catamaran.  For any budding Steve Irwin’s a trip on the Submarine to see the sting ray.. Sport Fishing or Private Charters.

Arts and Entertainment

The Whale and Shark Museum is great for the kids to check out.  The Galeria De Art hosts both local and international artists, and is most definitely worth poking your noise in as you never know there might be something to tickle your fancy, as the artists are so diverse in both discipline and style.

Sporting Activites

Aside from sailing, you can enjoy a couple of hours Ocean Kayaking or alternatively a day trip that encompasses kayaking down to Papagayo with a lovely stop for lunch on the way.  Enjoy the stillness of the water and closeness to the nature.  I personally recommend going when it’s very still.  We enjoyed shoals of fish jumping over the front of the kayak.  Not sure if that was to do with the slowness of the speed with which we were going but it was breathtaking.  Watching that and the birds swooping to make their own catches.

Island Watersports is a renowned diving school and shop based in Puerto Calero and offers everything you need from A-Z in diving.  So, if you are experienced and you’ve forgotten something then no sweat or if you are a beginner then you are in safe hands.  You can contact them directly for any queries, simply click on the link.

Walking

Alternatively, stroll the walkway that hugs the coastline to Puerto Calero’s neighbours the Old Town of Puerto Del Carmen. You can stroll it in one hour ( this is a leisurely paced timed by the golden grannies my mum and my mother in law. Who in their mid 60’s enjoy nothing better than a stroll to the old town, followed by a lushy lunch and possibly a walk back or a trip on the water taxi.

Restaurants and Bars

There is a great selection of good quality restaurants. A few favourites of mine are Pappardella for pastas and pizzas and very children friendly environment. (00 34 928 512911).  A good cooked brekki from Catlanza Cafe, or coffee and muffin, or handmade icecream in the last restaurant on the corner by the carpark.  They also have a great selection of daily specials and Tapas.  The mamma’s working in there will always do their utmost to get you exactly what you fancy.

The chinese is excellent and as a non-lover like me is a much fresher version of what you will find elsewhere and not swimming in grease or abundance of msg added to give it flavour. El Tomato for a great selection of the freshest tapas and also local wines bermejo or Stratvs.  For when you’re not sure what you fancy Cafe Milla offers a great mix of bistro style menu with something for everyone.

The Amura restaurant that sits at the far end of the marina with it’s colonial style facade was recommended in the Michelin 2008 guide. However, it’s not somewhere that has ever taken our fancy, but for a special occasion would not disappoint.

Shopping

Finally, the shopping. The Marina is home to a new mini high street of superior quality choice of brands including, Hugo Boss(www.hugoboss.com), Tommy Hilfiger (webadress), Francesco Biasi(webaddres), Custo Barcelona, Gant, Helly Hansen. A great gift shop, well stocked supermarket, and perfumeria.