Lanzarote

Shopping in Lanzarote

There’s no shortage of places to splash the cash in Lanzarote, with most places boasting an array of shops, boutiques and markets. A good place to start is the Calle Leon Y Castillo in Arrecife, known as the Calle Real to locals. Along with high-street chains such as Vero Moda and Zara, there are cigar emporia galore and a small street market. For an earthier experience, head to the weekly market in sleepy Teguise, where you’ll find everything from handmade lace to African figurines, fake Rolexes and fresh local food.

Food & Drink in Lanzarote

Lanzarote Carnival

February-March

Expect weeks of dancing, parades and one-off exhibitions and events during the island’s annual party month. Festivities commence in Arrecife, followed by San Bartolomé, Puerto del Carmen, Haría, Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise, Tinajo, Famara and La Graciosa.

Ironman Lanzarote

May

One of the toughest physical challenges on the planet, Ironman Lanzarote kicks off with a 3.8km swim off the coast of Playa Grande followed a 180km bike ride round the island before finishing with a marathon along the promenade in Puerto del Carmen. Exhausting but fun.

Corpus Christi

June

Head to the church of San Ginés in Arrecife for the highlight: a colourful procession around the church over an elaborate carpet made from coloured salt.

International Jazz Festival

July

It’s not exclusive to Lanzarote but with some of the world’s top jazz acts making a beeline for the island, it’s well worth a visit. Teguise hosts the main event – a free concert staged in a vast carpa (marquee).

Fiesta of the Virgen de los Dolores

September

An annual excuse for the islanders to dust off their glad rags and party, the fiesta celebrates Lanzarote’s patron saint, the Virgen de los Dolores. Although there is a religious element, most of the action is focused on eating and drinking as much as possible.

Events in Lanzarote

Shigmotsav

February

Held to celebrate the end of winter, Shigmotsav is the Goan version of India's Holi Festival. Locals gather together for massive coloured water fights across the state. If you're here when it happens, prepare to get wet and don't wear anything you expect to be able to wear again.

Goa Carnival

February/March

This three-day party is held before Goa's large Catholic community begin Lent. Panaji is the centre of all the action with a large and colourful float procession making its way through town.

All Saints Procession

March/April

In Velha Goa (Old Goa), a massive procession of 30 saints takes over the roads on the fifth Monday of Lent. Very popular locally, it's a great opportunity to soak up some Goan culture.

Igitun Chalne

May

This one-night festival celebrates the Hindu goddess Lairaya, and her devotees at this festival prove their love by fire-walking across hot coals. It occurs at Sirigao Temple in Bicholim Taluka.

Feast of Saint Francis Xavier

December

Velha Goa (Old Goa) commemorates the patron saint of Goa with pilgrims both local and foreign attending massive processions in the days leading up to the actual feast on 3 December.