John Hein aka Scotsbear who is editor and publisher of ScotsGay Magazine contacted us recently about his trip to Lanzarote for the Lanzarote Pride 2010 event. You can download a copy of the magazine with coverage from the Lanzarote Pride here ScotsGay Magazine Issue 104.

John took some great photos during his visit, there’s a gallery of 253 images which you can view here ScotsGay Photo Gallery - Lanzarote Pride 2010

John’s busy on his next assignment but is planning to write an article for us about his first visit to Lanzarote soon.

Having lived in Lanzarote for over 7 years, I currently have a fantastic job at Active Adventures.

Active Adventures specialise in scuba diving and water sports activity holidays, for beginners to experts. Our holidays are designed to leave you sun-kissed and motivated. Focusing on centres that are SOCIAL and INSPIRING.

 
With handpicked teams to get the best of each location, and a service we would recommend to our own families, I thought it was definitely something I should bring to the attention of members of Gay Lanza. Whether it would be something you are looking to do in Lanzarote, or you’re a resident looking to go somewhere different, we can tailor the perfect package for you.

Lanzarote has a relaxed, tranquil ambience and is the perfect place to recharge those batteries. A great place to do a mix of adventure activities and water sports, travelling solo, with friends or family.

Feel free to contact us for more information:-

paul@activeadventures.co.uk

Paul has lived in Costa Teguise for several years and offered his insight on where to go in that Lanzarote resort.

Where’s good for entertainment?

Lively Lady’s Showbar in C.C. Nautical opposite Pueblo Marinero for a drag show and a great night out.

Which bar would you suggest?

Jesters Bar just off Pueblo Marinero, they have a mixture of English and Spanish clients attracting both locals and tourists and very gay friendly.

Which is your favourite local beach?

There aren’t any designated gay or nudist beaches in this resort, I would head to Playa Jablillo for the best snorkelling or Playa Las Cucharas for the best beach.

Where do you like to eat out?

Kerman and Repikada situated on either side of Avda Islas Canarias offer a fantastic selection of tapas from the Basque country or try the new La Fuente in C.C. Los Charcos.

David lives in Playa Blanca and offered to share his local knowledge of Lanzarote’s newest and up market holiday resort in the South of the island.

Where’s good to eat?

These are all excellent restaurants and in different locations within the resort of Playa Blanca.

Casa Brigida, Marina Rubicón

Aromas of Yaiza near the Correos in the centre

El Argentino, C.C. La Mulata near Natura Beach

If you fancy something a bit further out just head for the hills!

Casa Emiliano, Femés

Casa Marcos, Las Breñas

What’s the transport like in Playa Blanca?

There is a fantastic circular bus service, the number 30 bus is air conditioned and runs on the dot every 30 minutes around the resort from 06:30 right through to 22:00.

Where should you go for gay friendly bars?

Chillout Bar Manea, C.C. La Mulata

Galeria, Avenida Maritimo

Wax Sports & Lounge Bar, C.C. Papagayo

The Lighthouse Restaurant

The Snug, Faro de Pechiguera

What else can you recommend in Playa Blanca?

The walk along the promenade is fantastic, it takes around an hour from the Lighthouse to the centre if walking leisurely and 30 minutes if exercising.

Carlos for fabulous massage, reflexology and Indian head massage. Carlos works in one of the top resort hotels but also offers a mobile massage service to villas – the best massage I’ve ever had!

Andrew Leatham moved to Lanzarote 6 years ago. Andrew is a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist with a practise in Lanzarote called Reaching Out, offering confidential help and advice.

When we asked Andy how he ended up living in Lanzarote, the answer was - he’s not really sure! Andy first came to Lanzarote on holiday with partner John some years ago, they revisited the island six years ago and six months later they were living here.

Which beaches in Lanzarote are their favourite?

Papagayo beaches, all of them are great for sun, swimming and snorkelling

Playa de Quiquere great for sunbathing, snorkelling and it's quite a cruising spot

Which Lanzarote restaurants would they recommend? 

Puerto del Carmen: Sapporo Teppanyaki, C.C. Matagorda

Costa Teguise: RepiKada, Avenida Islas Canarias

Haría: La Puerta Verde, Calle Fajardo

Any tips or advice for gay & lesbian visitors?

If you’ve gone off Gran Canaria or simply grown up / graduated or in a relationship, why not try Lanzarote. It is definitely for the discerning.

Ramón Bermúdez recently published his report “Evolución de la temperatura en Lanzarote (1950-2008)” which found that the coldest annual average temperature was recorded in 1959 as 19.1ºC and the hottest annual average temperature was in 1997 with 22ºC .

Looking at the seasons these were the annual average highs and lows over the years:

Spring 16.8ºC (1960 & 1968) - 20.9ºC (1997)

Summer 21.1ºC (1959) - 25.4ºC (2004)

Autumn 20ºC (1959) - 23.9ºC (2006)

Winter 16.2ºC (1954) - 19ºC (1997)

The average annual temperature has risen by 1.4ºC over the last 58 years, the forecast for the next century is a rise of  2ºC – 3.5ºC depending upon the effect of the greenhouse gas emissions.

The Canary Islands have a current promotion in Europe called No Winter Blues,100 young ambassadors from around the islands have just been over to Reykjavik to promote the great winter climate in Iceland and 100 Icelanders have been selected to fly over here in return. This is a great video for the campaign featuring a polar bear enjoying his holidays in the sunshine!

The Lanzarote Gay Guide to Beaches in the Centre of the island……..

Costa Teguise

The resort of Costa Teguise has a selection of golden sandy beaches, Playa Las Cucharas is the biggest and popular with windsurfers, Playa del Jablillo is sheltered and Playa Bastian has zocos and palm trees. if you want to get away from the orange and blue umbrellas and rows of sunbeds head for the quieter beaches at either end of the resort - Playa Los Charcos or Playa del Ancla.

No gay or nudist beaches.

Famara

The beach at Famara is impressive, it stretches for miles so you’re always guaranteed to find a quiet spot no matter the amount of surfing schools holding training camps there. This isn’t a swimmers beach, you can go into the water but its advised to stay within your depth due to the rip tide that can occur and sweep you out to sea.

Although not listed as a gay or nudist beach, Famara is known for nudist accommodation particularly in the bungalows set into the bottom of the risco.

La Santa

The sea on this side of the island is rough, perfect for experienced surfers, but not for dipping in, however there are some lovely coves around the lagoon area on the island off La Santa. The lagoon is sheltered and perfect for learning to windsurf or kayak, the area is also great for group barbecues or crashing for the weekend in a tent although not an official campsite.

Not gay or nudist.

Arrecife

The capital of Lanzarote has a fantastic beach, right in the centre providing a perfect day out with shopping in the morning, light tapas lunch at one of the pavement cafés and then a siesta and swim on the beach! The main beach is Playa el Reducto with the palm trees and next to the Gran Hotel, not gay or nudist.

The smaller beach at the Castillo San Gabriel is recognised as gay.

Playa Honda

Playa Honda has a promenade and sandy beach that runs the length of this popular residential area, very Spanish with a great selection of tapas bars and restaurants to overlooking the waterfront.

The beach Playa Guacimeta to the side and end of the runway is known for being both nudist and gay.

Puerto del Carmen

The original resort of Lanzarote has 6km of beaches along the coast from Matagorda next to the airport through to the old harbour area. Playa Matagorda is long and thin and then widens out into Playa Los Pocillos, the main beach in the centre of the resort is Playa Grande and a small but popular beach for watersports is Playa Chica near the old town.

Not gay or nudist.

Please click here for our guide to the beaches in the North of Lanzarote.

Plus Car are the obvious choice for car hire in Lanzarote, you can be assured that your hire car will be new, as all of their fleet are under six months old. They have a fabulous range of cars available from a basic 3 door Corsa for those who just want to get out and about at low cost and for the more extravagant who would like to enjoy a bit of luxury for the week there’s even a choice of Mercedes SLK.

Why should you use Plus Car? Well, other than their choice of fleet, they have 15 offices around the island of Lanzarote, their rentals automatically include a second driver, unlimited mileage, all taxes, all risks insurance without excess (apart from ESP group), minimum driving age of 23, free kiddies seats and even better than all that…….we have negotiated a special rate for Gay Lanzarote clients who book online in advance of arrival, simply fill out the quick enquiry form and we will reply confirming availability and the total price, or if you're ready to book, the reservation form is here.

Group B – Basic 3 door (Corsa / Fox) From €105 per week

Group C – Basic 5 door (Polo) From €115 per week

Group D – Air-conditioned 5 door (3 levels) From €128 per week

Level 1: Polo / Clio / Micra / Ibiza / Peugeot 207

Level 2: Fabia / Modus / VW Cross

Level 3: Nissan note / Seat Cordoba)

Group F – Full (6 levels) Fraom €165 per week

Level 1: Seat Leon / Peugeot 307

Level 2: VW Golf / Auris

Level 3: Scenic / Golf Plus

Level 4: Mercedes A Class

Level 5: Mercedes B Class

Level 6: BMW Series 1

Group G – Convertible (4 levels) From €190 per week

Level 1: Micra CC / Peugeot 207 CC

Level 2: VW Beetle Convertible

Level 3: Mini Convertible

Level 4: VW Eos Convertible / Peugeot 307 CC

Group I – People Carriers (3 levels) From €195 per week

Level 1: VW Caddy (7 pax)

Level 2: VW Touran (7 pax)

Level 3: VW Transporter (9 pax) / Primastar (9 pax)

Group J – People Carrier Full (Pathfiinder 7 pax) From €360 per week

Group K – Automatic (2 levels) From €160 per week

Level 1: Mercedes A Class Automatic

Level 2: Mercedes C Class Automatic

Group ESP – Special (3 levels) From €400 per week

Level 1: Audi A3

Level 2: Audi A4 Cabriolet / BMW 3 Cabriolet

Level 3: Mercedes SLK

Please note that the above photos are representative of the model.

Car hire - quick enquiry form
Car hire - reservation form

A very different short video from Lanzarote, with sounds created using the natural lava rock, pícon, water and including the voice of César Manrique.