7 inspirational ideas to kick off your 2023 from Lanzarote
If you haven’t already done so, there’s still time to make your New Year’s resolutions from Lanzarote as you soak up its way of life and its slow philosophy. We propose seven places that only this island can offer, perfect for gathering your strength and deciding what you want your 2023 to be like.
1 Rising from the ashes. La Geria
The immense wealth that the Lanzarote farmers managed to extract from a barren land, devastated by the volcano, shows that rebirth is always possible, even after a volcanic episode such as the one that devastated the island. Over a glass of wine with Lanzarote designation of origin, the fruit of fortitude and making the most of the circumstances, you‘ll feel as if you‘re imbibing the energy that made the miracle of La Geria possible. Lose yourself as you wander the inland paths that lead to the wineries and vineyards in the municipalities of Teguise, San Bartolomé, Tinajo, Tías and Yaiza.
2 Socialise. Teleclub culture
Practically every village on the island has a social meeting place. This is known as the teleclub, one of the most authentic cultural expressions of Lanzarote, with a homemade culinary offer that comforts body and soul. In the inland areas you will find around fifty of these centres where you can chat with the locals of Tao, Mancha Blanca, Mozaga, Nazaret, Soo, Mácher… and order dishes such as carne fiesta (pork), octopus with mojo sauce and sweet potato, chickpeas, tuna with onions or fish croquettes. If this year you’ve decided to work on your social skills, you’ve come to the right place.
3 Cultivate mind and body. Paradise by bike
Although this is a world-class sports destination, you don’t need to be a professional to train on Lanzarote. Any excuse is a good excuse to rent a bike and cycle around the island in comfort, enjoying the many cycling routes, some of them along country roads, others along the seafront. In short, if you‘ve decided to dedicate more time to taking care to yourself, start doing it on the island, on a bike, along the route that runs along the east coast, joining it at any point from Costa Teguise to Puerto Calero. Let the wind ruffle your hair and let the sun and sea breeze give power to your more optimistic thoughts of the future.
4 Slow down the pace. La Graciosa
That’s right, controlling time instead of submitting to its tyranny may be easier than you think. The gracioseros have been doing this for two centuries, ever since several families settled this islet in the stunning Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park. Don the eighth island‘s traditional palm hat and check out its powers. You may feel the need to take your shoes off, to chat with one of the fishermen of the Marine Reserve about the day, to lie carefree on the virgin sand of its beaches. Take your hat back with you when you return to your everyday life and take a look at it every time you feel stressed.
5 Make time for culture. A walk through history
Today’s pace of life is almost always given as the reason why we fail to keep one of our favourite resolutions: to continue learning. Make the most of the beginning of the year in Lanzarote to recover your taste for cultural visits. The size of the island is perfect for spending a day getting to know its salt and seafaring tradition, very present in Arrecife; visiting the village of Teguise, whose centuries-old splendour is still intact in its cobbled streets; or museums such as the Tanit ethnographic museum in San Bartolomé; the El Grifo wine museum in La Geria; or the Castillo de San José contemporary art museum. These little gems are sure to whet your cultural appetite for the rest of the year.
6 Take part in an artistic activity. Creative environments
Those of you who are still struggling with the unfinished business of creativity are in luck in Lanzarote. Few places in the world offer such suitable enclaves for finding inspiration. The island exudes art on every side. The Nobel laureate José Saramago wrote from his house in Tías from 1993, Almodóvar filmed Broken Embraces on Famara beach and at Charco de los Clicos; Brian Eno himself was one of the creators of the Visual Music Festival which brings the sounds of new music to volcanic enclaves. Let the island seduce you and reconnect with that artistic side you‘re missing so much.
7 Take care of the environment. Tourist Centres
Every new year you probably set out, sometimes unsuccessfully, to contribute a little more to the planet. We‘ve got good news for you. This time, Lanzarote‘s going to help you strengthen your environmental awareness. César Manrique’s island holds the secret of centuries of experience living – and not fighting – with the elements. One of the phrases the artist repeated most refers to the reality of the island’s extremes: “being born here influences any moderately sensitive being”. This wisdom, which is reflected in his work in the Centres for Art, Culture and Tourism, will be the best inspiration to help you achieve such a noble resolution. Have a coffee in Los Jameos del Agua or El Mirador del Río and understand at a glance why the philosophy of the Lanzarote genius is universal.