A 19th-century traditional house in the village of Tiagua in the centre of Lanzarote has been transformed into accommodation aimed at people who like to get active on holiday – whether that means surfing, kiteboarding, windsurfing, hiking, cycling, kayaking, swimming or sailing – or perhaps just a bit of gentle walking, exploring villages, vineyards and the many other things the island has to offer. Or maybe you fancy training for a triathlon? Just a thought.
Tiagua 81 is practical rather than fancy but it is all rather stylish – as you would expect from the people behind Lanzarote Retreats. There are two studios and two one-bedroom apartments in the main building and a separate cottage with two bedrooms on the other side of the solar-heated pool.
I stayed in Bermejo, a one-bedroom apartment on two floors. On the ground floor there is a well-equipped kitchen and a living room with simple, contemporary furniture. Upstairs, the bedroom has windows on two sides with views across the volcanic landscape and a balcony overlooking the pool. There is a comfortable double bed and a bathroom with a good shower and a hairdryer.
It had everything I needed I must say – including wifi of course. I was only there for one night, but I could see it would be an ideal base for a week or two on the island. The airport is about a 20-minute drive and the fabulous Famara beach – great for surfing – is only 10 minutes or so away. You could get anywhere in under an hour.
There is a supermarket just up the road and a good restaurant, El Tenique, just down the road. In the village, there is also an interesting museum, the Museo Agrícola El Patio, in former farm buildings where you can wander through the house and grounds learning about the lives of people in rural Lanzarote over the centuries. Goats, peacocks, ducks and chickens run about and there is even a camel. Oh, and a bar where you get a little glass of wine at the end of your visit.
Rates at Tiagua 81 start at €90 a night for a studio. The Bermejo apartment where I stayed costs from €100 and the two two-bedroom cottage starts at €125 a night. It works out a bit cheaper if you book a week. Help is at hand if you want to visit vineyards or sort out surfing and other sports – including bike and equipment hire. You can also book a walking holiday for €695 per person for a week’s accommodation, five hikes led by a really great local expert and two dinners. Just visit Tiagua 81 or Lanzarote Retreats for more information.
Mooching around Spain 