Lanzarote

[GarryD39b]

Going abroad for the first time anyone know of any good things to do sightseeing,bars, beaches

thanks in advance

[AllYourBase]

There are some very nice seafood restaurants in the OLD town harbour area of peurto del carmen, though the new town is better for bars/clubs/bargin fags,electricals and counterfiet designer gear etc.

The camel trail is very interesting, as are the green caves and the timanfaya park. The market at teguise is also interesting but mostly the same stuff at every stall - leather goods and very cheap electrical goods. Playa blance has a nice selection of bars, including a very lively Irish bar on two floors, right by the harbour.

If you rent a car and go yourself you'll get to all the things the reps offer to take you to on their trips, but at a cheaper price. You'll also be able to visit Arrecefe, which is an interesting city in itself and where you will find much better prices and restuarants then in the toursit spots.

[corganiser]

Previous answer sums it up comprehensively. The volcanic area of Timanfaya being the one truly must see.

[alan47]

One thing not to do, is to be lured into one of the many electrical shops and buy the first MP3 Player, camera or whatever, unless your really knowledgeble or have previously done your homework on a particular item and its costs. Similar items can be bought in the UK just as cheaply and if it doesnt work, you can take it back to the shop in the UK.

[AllYourBase]

I echo Alan47 entirely. There are hundreds of shops selling electricals at "best prices". all over the island. I found the best buys were dodgy game boy cartridges (you can test on site) selling for about a quid. Also CD players and anything you can test before leaving the shop.

Big price camcorders, digital cameras, MP3 players, laptops etc - get real, would you buy from a market stall at home? Didn't think so!

For the obligatory purchase of fags, shop around and haggle. Perumes and cosmetics are very reasonable and, from the nicer looking stores almost all genuine.

Forgot to mention before, el Golfo (or is it Gordo?) was not really worth seeing. A long trip followed by looking at a lake that is, admitedly, bright green, is not worth a day out.

Best bars and eating out in our opinion are the seafood places on PDC old town harbour. Lovely setting, atmos and food. Try any of the busyl places and go for the non specific catch of the day - be brave, it's worth it!

[GarryD39b]

Thanks very much, brilliant information very much appreciated I'll send you  all a postcard

[ianess]

If a group of you get together and don't want to drive it's cheaper and much more enjoyable to hire a taxi for the full day.  The driver will know the island like the back of his hand and it would be an enjoyable break for him too.  A lot better than paying rip-off tour prices.  Great place for a week but not much longer unless you enjoy lying in the sun, partying and drinking beer in the company of near-naked women!!

[Solarjunkie]

Got to disagree about El Golfo! (The Gulf) It is where the sea has broken into a volcanic crater, the green water is not very amazing, but walking inside a crater certainly is. Also the wet sand is jet black and you can pick up pieces of peridot.

The artist Manrique created some amazing buildings inside a volcanic bubble, among others, which is certainly something you don't see every day. The cactus garden was worth a visit even to someone who grows nothing other than grass & daisies like me.