Holidays to Matagorda

Overview

Located on the southern coast of the Spanish island of Lanzarote, British tourists on cheap Matagorda holidays will be able to while away the hours at one of its numerous beachside bars. Being located close to the airport makes travelling to Matagorda a breeze for Brit holidaymakers, with a number of flights to Lanzarote taking off from several UK cities.

Matagorda started out as a suburb of Puerto del Carmen but over the years has developed into a resort in its own right. Although a lot smaller and quieter than its neighbour, has its own unique character. The waterfront area has a long promenade and plenty of bars and restaurants, but Matagorda is really all about the beaches; the resort has three sandy beaches that are busy throughout the summer.

Things To Do

One of Lanzarote’s most well-known attractions is Rancho Texas, a Wild West-themed animal park near Matagorda housing tigers, pumas, buffalo and crocodiles. Visitors can try their hand at gold panning, and there are exhibitions featuring birds of prey and sea lions. Submarine trips are available from nearby Puerto Calero, and if you hire a bike there’s a lovely cycle route along the coast where you can take in the views and the fresh air.

Once you have arrived and settled in, there is plenty for you and your travelling companions to do, both in and nearby Matagorda. For example, the island’s capital, Arrecife, is a short journey down the road. In Arrecife, visitors can take advantage of the many retail options in the city, as well as its cultural offerings, such as the 18th-century fort that now houses a contemporary art museum.

Weather

As Lanzarote is closer to the African coast than most of the other Canary Islands, this means that it has its own microclimate. Semi-desert conditions provide lots of sun and relatively little rain, with temperatures staying in the double digits all year round. By staying close to the coastline, tourists can enjoy pleasant sea breezes, making the heat less stifling than further in land.

Beaches

There are also several Blue Flag beaches in the area, so Brits on cheap Matagorda holidays will be sure to find a spot to sunbathe and relax on the sand. A promenade runs between Playa de Matagorda and the large Playa de Los Pocillos, meaning that you can easily get around. The walkway is lined by bars, providing welcome refreshments during a leisurely stroll.

The main beach has the Blue Flag seal of approval and is equipped with sunbeds for hire, lifeguards and a choice of watersports. Nearby Los Pocillos is popular with windsurfers due to the breezy conditions, and Playa Grande at Puerto del Carmen is a third option if you want a change of scene. All three beaches are within 30 minutes’ walk of Matagorda.

Food And Drink

Matagorda has a very international dining scene, the Spanish and Mediterranean restaurants accompanied by French, Italian and Chinese to name but a few. The town square and waterfront are some of the best places to find bars and eateries, and the resort has a laidback feel that makes for a pleasant evening drinking atmosphere.

Restaurants such as La Tabernita del Charco and Restaurante Lilium serve traditional Spanish cuisine, while fussier eaters might be inclined to try one of the British-style gastropubs and cafés in the area, such as The Old Mill Bar and Restaurant. If you are in an adventurous mood, try cabrito, a meat dish made from goat.

Due to its position on the island, Brits staying in Matagorda can easily reach a number of nightclubs and bars once the sun goes down. Many of these cater to British holidaymakers, such as Bar Rock-Ola and Barties Irish Bar, so you won’t be in trouble of suffering from homesickness. You will also be able to find a number of places that serve wine, which would make for a pleasant evening with friends.

Although many of Matagorda’s bars offer evening entertainment, the real nightlife is down the road in Puerto del Carmen.

Good to know

Flight time

4.5 hrs

(from London)

Currency

Euro

Language

Spanish

Time difference

GMT +0

Cost of a beer

Around €2

3-course meal

Around €15

Top Destinations in Lanzarote

Costa Teguise

Costa Teguise is a modern purpose built resort with highlights including the stunning Las Cucharas beach, a crescent shaped bay ideal for sunbathing and paddling in the cool blue waters.

Playa Blanca

With an excellent array of seafront restaurants and bars around the old harbour, enjoy chilled out nightlife in the exclusive resort of Playa Blanca.

Puerto Calero

The low-key resort of Puerto Calero has an air of exclusivity.The town's main buzz centres around the marina, where expensive yachts dock and stylish eateries serve up lunch to outdoor diners.

Puerto del Carmen

The liveliest resort on Lanzarote, Puerto Del Carmen has a number of popular bars and restaurants on it's main strip, alongside the quieter old quarter where you will find cobbled streets and tapas bars.