This pretty resort town set around a golden beach northeast of Arrecife, Spain, offers family-friendly swimming, ample dining options and bustling shopping centres.
For a holiday focused on sun, sand, surf and shopping, visit Costa Teguise on the island of Lanzarote in the Canary archipelago. The purpose-built resort town offers a front-row seat to Playa de las Cucharas and a fishing village-esque plaza. While not purely Canarian in personality, Costa Teguise is an excellent place for those simply seeking to relax in the glorious weather.
Feel the town’s multicultural vibe, in part thanks to the laid-back island lifestyle that has attracted residents and visitors from all over the world. Visitors return time and time again for the town’s friendly, welcoming vibe and for dreamy days on the water away from the bustle of larger cities.
Things to do in Costa Teguise
Las Cucharas Beach is the busiest beach on the island, thanks to its privileged location in Costa Teguise. Come here for the golden sands and clear waters, dotted with volcanic-rock breakwaters. A promenade extends the length of the island, with access to hotels, restaurants and entertainment.
The beach is the real star in Costa Teguise, but there are nods here and there to the area’s Spanish colonial heritage. Join holiday makers at Pueblo Marinero, designed in part by César Manrique to emulate a quaint fishing village with its white-washed buildings, quiet courtyards and cobbled alleyways. The central square is the social hub, with its array of restaurants, cafes and shops.
For a quieter experience, head to the Cactus Garden, also the brainchild of renowned artist and architect Manrique, and find solace among more than 1,000 species of cacti from around the world. The garden showcases the harmony between art and nature that is prevalent throughout the island.
In the evening, make your way to the Costa Teguise Night Market to browse stalls filled with artisanal goods and souvenirs.
Discover the island’s lunar-like landscape and volcanic wonders of Lanzarote Island at Timanfaya National Park. The captivating Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua, unique lava tube formations, will entrance those interested in the island’s natural history.
Costa Teguise’s history and culture
Get to know Costa Teguise’s thriving art and culture scene at the Lagomar Museum, once the home of actor Omar Sharif. Today, the architecturally stunning building, which is carved into volcanic rock, showcases contemporary art exhibitions.
At San Gabriel Castle, history enthusiasts can learn about the town’s defensive past. Built in the 16th century to guard against pirate attacks, the castle is now home to an archeological museum that illuminates the area’s prehistoric and colonial history.
Dining and nightlife in Costa Teguise
Fuel up after days in the waves on local dishes such as fresh seafood, puchero, a hearty stew with meat and vegetables, followed by bienmesabe, a sweet almond dessert. The lively Avenida de las Islas Canarias and Calle Las Olas are the town’s best streets for choice of dining experience. Pick up snacks for the beach, as well as handmade pottery, aloe vera products and traditional crafts at Teguise Market, the island’s largest open-air market.
After dinner, Costa Teguise comes to life along the Avenida de las Playas and in the Pueblo Marinero area, where visitors can unwind in bars and savour cocktails. For those who prefer entertainment with a cultural bent, head to the César Martinque Foundation for traditional Canarian music and dance performances, or the Teatro Municipal de Tías and Cine Atlántida for a variety of theatrical and cinematic experiences.
Costa Teguise hosts several vibrant cultural events throughout the year, including the Carnival of Arrecife and the Fiesta de Nuestra Señora del Carmen, full of music, dancing and traditional festivities.
Getting around Costa Teguise
Fly into Lanzarote Airport and take a 20-minute taxi ride or one-hour bus ride to Costa Teguise. Once in town, the best ways to get around are on foot, shared scooter, bus or rental car. Use Costa Teguise as a jumping-off point for visiting La Graciosa, a 30-minute boat ride away and a paradise of virgin golden-sand beaches, volcanic landscapes and traditional, white-washed houses in a quiet fishing village.
