Lanzarote seems to have been designed for outdoor living, with a perfect climate, beautiful views and everything you need to make the most of life on a terrace, patio or balcony.
With summer coming, and a sudden, new awareness of the risks of confined spaces, theres never been a better time to make the most of your outdoor area – all day long.
It begins first thing in the morning, as you wake to the welcome sight of sunlight spilling through your windows – all year round. It’s a simple thing that’s guaranteed to put you in a good mood, and it’s one of the reasons thousands of people have moved here from colder, darker northern climates.
On Lanzarote, plenty of night owls have turned themselves into early birds, just so they can make the most of those magnificent early hours. You’ll see them jogging, walking dogs, or simply taking coffee or a light breakfast on an outdoor terrace.
Yes, it’s already time to get outdoors. In the cooler morning you’ll want to make the most of every drop of sunshine, so remember that that sunshine is coming from the east and make the necessary arrangements. Even in summer, you may need a cardigan or a shawl first thing, but the heat will soon increase.
Midday Sun
Lanzarotes fierce summer heat begins around 11 and lasts until at least 3pm. For many locals, going out is simply a no-no during these hours, and they usually retire to interiors rooms or shady protected inner courtyards.
For sun worshippers, though, these are the times when you can really practice your faith. Invest in a decent sunbed and always make sure that shade is close at hand, whether it’s a parasol, an awning or a sailshade.
If you have the time and patience, try developing the natural, dappled shade of trees and overhanging climbers, whose greenery will bring their own cool colour scheme to your outdoor area.
Late afternoon and evening
This is a time for winding down after a day out at work or play, sipping a cold drink while the shadows grow longer and the warmth grows more mellow. If you have a garden, flowers will open their petals, releasing heady scents, and this is the best time of day to water them.
It’s also the time for socialising, and in these post-lockdown times, that’s more likely to happen outdoors than ever. Why not set up a barbecue, allowing you to enjoy delicious home-grilled food whenever you want?
And in summertime, there’s no reason why the party shouldn’t continue after dark. Just install some LED lights to make the most of your outdoor space and enjoy yourself.
Sizzle and smoke
Barbecues are the smell of summer, and if you like a grill in the open air, you’re in the right place.
On Lanzarote, outdoor grills are a way of life, and even though this years fiestas have been cancelled, that won’t stop people marinating and grilling fresh fish, pulpo (octopus) or lapas (limpets) and sharing with good friends and family.
The parrilla (iron grid) is a tradition in Spain, but especially so in Argentina and Uruguay. These countries have brought grilling to a fine art and can give you plenty of great ideas when it comes to your own barbie.
