Lanzarote, Shortlisted

Hi all,

I hope you’re having a lovely February so far. This month, we’re heading to Lanzarote and I am beyond excited to share this one with you (so much so that I had another Shortlisted destination slated for this month then moved Lanzarote up in the editorial calendar). It’s that special / you should start planning a trip asap.

The driest + windiest of the major Canary Islands, Lanzarote is packed with endlessly stunning / truly otherworldly volcanic landscapes, great hiking, biking, gorgeous beaches + natural pools (also the surf is excellent if that’s your thing), mineral-rich wine (very much *my* thing) plus incredible architecture and so much more. There’s also the lovely fact that the weather is consistently warm and sunny year-round making it an ideal escape from winter just as much as it an excellent summer holiday destination. All to say, I can’t wait for you to report back from your own trips (there’s a few more hotels I really want to stay at including a new property opening later this year that I’m already excited about — see below — so maybe I’ll see you back there?)

Thank you, as ever, for your trust and support and I’ll see you next month!

xR

Restaurante El Barquillo (El Sótano) | go early and get the puntillas (tiny, crunchy fried squid / they’re insane and I would fly back right now just for another order). Also order gambas de la santa, boquerones fritos and papas arrugadas (small, wrinkled, salty Canarian potatoes served with red and green mojo that you’ll find across the island. I would also order a side of aioli as well). They also have paella that you can order in a tapas size which is very fun and a great way to get your paella fix if you’re not in a bigger group. To drink, ask for a bottle of the blond ale by Jable (a local brewer). If there’s a wait, head over to the bar and drink your first beer there

Bodega Uga | definitely make a lunch reservation in advance (if you’re staying at a hotel, I recommend you ask them to do it for you). There’s no written menu but you’ll definitely want to order the smoked salmon, the tomato salad, the garlic prawns / whatever the daily seafood option sounds best + a bottle of Jable de Tao Blanco Seco. If you’re so inclined you can also pop by Ahumaderia de Uga right up the street and pick up more smoked salmon to eat at home / your hotel room

Restaurante El Risco | beachfront with v. high quality local seafood / ingredients in Famara. Make a reservation and get the fried moray eel and, again, the gambas de la santa. Definitely make sure to plan to go to Playa de Famara before or after for a walk / swim / surf