The resort of Costa Teguise on Lanzarote’s east coast is located just 15km away from Cesar Manrique Airport Arrecife. And boasts beautiful beaches, a wide range of accommodation options, loads to see and do and much more besides…

Costa Teguise – History and Development

It can be difficult to imagine just how undeveloped Lanzarote was prior to tourism taking off in the 1970’s.  At this point Puerto del Carmen (or La Tinosa as it was then known) was the sole resort on the island, roads were largely just dirt tracks and most of Cesar Manrique’s visionary visitor attractions didn’t extend beyond basic plans and blueprints.

The first building to be constructed in Costa Teguise was Villa Toledo in 1963 – which sits right on the beach at Playa Bastian. Back in the early 60’s Playa Bastian was a salt works (once a common coastal cottage industry on the island) – owned by the Toledo family.  Who decided to build a beautiful sea front property complete with private pool. After lying vacant for some years this was then transformed at the start of this century into a restaurant – first opening its doors to the public in 2003.

The rest of the land in this area, some 12 million square metres – which was known as Urbanization Costa Teguise – was owned by the once huge Spanish conglomerate Rio Tinto. 

During the 70’s Rio Tinto sought to diversify its business, evolving from a mining and metals group into areas such as real estate and tourism.  And this provided the economic impetus for the birth of the modern-day resort of Costa Teguise in the 1970’s, aided by the fact that their then director, Leopoldo Calvo Sotelo, went on to serve as President of the island government. 

Costa Teguise – Lanzarote’s Upmarket Resort

Prior to the advent of package tourism, Lanzarote was viewed as a relatively upmarket and aspirational destination - an impression aided in no small part by the influence of Cesar Manrique.  Whose unique house in Tahiche and amazing development of the Jameos del Agua served as a magnet for visiting VIP’s and dignitaries such as Peter Sellers, Omar Sharif and Rita Heyworth (who dubbed the Jameos the eighth wonder of the world).

This spirit of idealistic optimism extended into plans to transform Rio Tinto’s land in Costa Teguise into an upmarket holiday resort.  Which would be anchored by three key developments – the Gran Melia Salinas Hotel, the Pueblo Marinero and the Los Molinos apartment complex – all of which bear the unique imprint of Manrique at work.

Costa Teguise’s First Hotel – The Melia Salinas

A chance meeting in a Madrid art shop in the 1950’s led to a lifelong friendship between Lanzarote’s favourite son, Cesar Manrique (who was studying in the city at that time) and Fernando de Higueras Diaz – who was to become one of the most famous architects in the world.

Together, these two visionaries came together again to oversee the creation of the Melia Salinas, Lanzarote’s first five star hotel – which opened its doors to the public in 1977 and which went on to win the International Prize for Architecture in 1979. With Higueras flying into Lanzarote every couple of weeks to keep tabs on the development whilst spending quality time with his good friend Manrique in Tahiche.

The result of their collaboration was a unique, low rise brutalist concrete structure with more than a passing design reference to the terrace patterns prevalent in the farmers’ fields in Lanzarote’s countryside.  This building, kept to the height of a palm tree at Manrique’s insistence, encircles a stunning atrium botanical garden which was designed by Cesar, and which pays homage to traditional Canarian patios.  A feature which has since been copied and has become commonplace in many other hotels around the world.

As well as the atrium Manrique’s trademark design flourishes are evident throughout the hotel – particularly in and around the stunning pool area.  Where natural rustic stone contrasts with sleek whitewashed pathways.  All of which was designed to make a stay in the Melia Salinas akin to holidaying in a living artwork.

The Melia Salinas has recently been rebranded as The Paradisus and is currently operating as an adults only all-inclusive resort.

Costa Teguise – 80’s Evolution

Whilst the splendour of the Melia Salinas and the aesthetic beauty of other areas in the resort – such as the tree filled squares of the Pueblo Marinero – certainly created a desirable destination the demographics and economics governing overseas holidays and tourism in general had changed in the meantime.

Cheaper flights and package tourism chipped away at Costa’s upmarket customer base – and during the 80’s British visitors increasingly replaced the wealthier Scandinavians and Germans who had been the resort’s original target market.

As a result, Costa Teguise pivoted and repositioned itself as more of a direct competitor to Puerto del Carmen and the emerging resort of Playa Blanca in the south.  Resulting in the construction of more middle market accommodation such as three- and four-star hotels, apartment complexes and all-inclusive resorts.  Along with a diversification into sports and wellness tourism which in part also reflects the changing demographic make-up of the local population, a trend which has accelerated since the year 2000.

Costa Teguise Today

At the turn of the 21^st century another stage of evolution emerged – as residential developments were constructed in and around Costa Teguise.  This resulted in rapid population growth – with the number of full-time residents climbing sharply from just a couple of thousand in the year 2000 to five times that amount by 2020.

As a result, Costa Teguise today has really become a conurbation hybrid – a mix of residential and resort which gives the town a unique identity, along with a much wider range of amenities than Puerto del Carmen or Playa Blanca. It also retains more of a local, Canarian feel and identity.

One of the most evident examples of this evolution is the emergence of Costa Teguise as a wellness resort and sports hub.  With the resort home to amenities such as publicly accessible swimming pools, sports centres and gyms.

Costa Teguise is now on the verge of further expansion.  A new civic centre and sports centre have recently been opened, a new bus terminal is planned, and more retail units and shopping centres are also in the pipeline, including (sadly) a large new retail unit being built right in the centre on the promenade of Playa Cucharas.

Beaches In Costa Teguise

Regardless of the type of tourist Costa Teguise is seeking to attract the central key to its appeal remains its beautiful, natural beaches.

The resort is blessed with four superb stretches of sand; Playa Bastian, Playa Cucharas, Playa de los Charcos and Playa de Jablillo (or five if you include the smaller, slightly out of town beach of Playa el Ancla).  As well as a palm fringed promenade which extends throughout the resort and beyond along the coastline into Arrecife and Puerto del Carmen.

All, except for Playa de los Charcos and el Ancla, are served by amenities such as showers, WC’s and sun loungers.  And each has its own unique identity.

Playa Cucharas

This is the largest beach in the resort and is ideal for families and swimming.  As there are no rocks on the shoreline here and the beach shelves gently into the Atlantic.  It’s also the most exposed – and it can get windy in Costa at times.  Which explains why Cucharas is also the main base for wind surfing on the island, playing host to the annual PWA Championhsip. And why you will also see wind breaks here surrounding the sun loungers and brollies on the beach.

Playa de Jablillo

If you were going to invent the ideal beach for snorkelling, then you would come up with Playa Jablillo. The sea here is enclosed by volcanic rocks which creates a natural pool – making it ideal for a spot of underwater exploration.  And as a result local dive schools use the beach as a base for learners.

Playa Bastian

Playa Bastian is an ideal choice on a windy day, as stone built semi-circular walls here provide some protection from the breeze.  It’s also a very picturesque playa – with palms dotted around the sands.

How Much Do Sun Loungers Cost in Costa Teguise?

At the time of writing (November 2024), two sun loungers and a brolly cost €12 for the day.

The Pueblo Marinero – Costa Teguise

The Pueblo Marinero is the main organic heart of the resort and its design incorporates many traditional Canarian touches – such as plant filled squares and patios. As the name suggests, the Pueblo Marinero is designed to invoke the feel of a seaside fishing village.

There are plenty of bars and restaurants to explore here and often there is entertainment in the small central bandstand during the evenings.  As well as a small fruit and veg market every Tuesday morning. The resort tourist office is located just outside the main entrance to the Pueblo Marinero.

Things To Do In Costa Teguise

Lanzarote Aquarium

Visit Lanzarote’s only aquarium!  This is one of the largest in the Canaries and is home to a wide array of local and tropical species as well as sharks.  Intrepid visitors can also experience a real adventure and dive with the sharks – under strict supervision of course!

Visit the Aquarium Lanzarote website for more information. 

Aquapark

Lanzarote’s largest water park is located on the outksirts of the resort in the direction of the Golf Course. With plenty of rides and slides on offer to appeal to all members of the family.

Visit the AquaPark Lanzarote website for more information. 

Bike hire Costa Teguise

There are tons of bike hire shops in Costa Teguise, encompassing everything from road bikes to ebikes and all models in between. 

Evolution Bikes offer a wide range of makes and models and are located right on the seafront in Playa Cucharas.

Diving Costa Teguise

Native Diving are located right next to Playa del Jablillo and are the ideal option for anyone looking to learn as they offer courses in the easily accessible natural pool located here. Snorkelling and Sea Trekking equipment is also available for hire here.

Visit the Native Diving website for more information. 

Costa Teguise Golf

One of only two 18 hole courses on the island, Costa Teguise Golf is located on the outskirts of the resort. Playable 365 days a year the course here offers great views of the sea and surrounding volcanoes as well as an attractive club house and restaurant.

Visit the Lanzarote Golf website for more information.

Gyms in Costa Teguise

There are plenty of gyms that are open to the public and which offer day passes for anyone seeking a workout during their stay. Prices start from as little as €10 per visit.

Corest Fitness

Visit the Corest Fitness website for more information. 

WonderGym

Visit the Wonder Gym website for more information.

AquaSport

Visit the AquaSport website for more information. 

VitalSport

Visit the VitalSport website for more infomation. 

Padel in Costa Teguise

Padel is a sport that is very popular in Spain and has a presence here on Lanzarote too.

There are courts at AquaSport, Santa Rosa and VitalSport, as well as a local group that you can visit https://www.facebook.com/padelinmensaminoria for more information.

Tennis in Costa Teguise

There are tennis courts located next door to the Gran Melia Salinas Hotel (recently renamed as the Paradisus).

Visit Tennis Club Lanzarote for more information.

Swimming Pools in Costa Teguise

There are two 25 metre pools and one Olympic size 50 metre pool open to the public in Costa Teguise.  Sessions start from €6 per person.  We have provided links below to facilitate checking opening hours, prices and advance booking where applicable.

Barcelo Active

The 50-metre pool here is part of the Barcelo Active resort hotel and is open to the public.  Swimming sessions can be booked in advance online.  Visit the Barcelo Active website for more information.

AquaSport

AquaSport is home to a 25-metre pool which is open to the public at selected times and is part of a larger complex that also houses a gym and padel courts.

Visit the AquaSport website for more information.

VitalSport

The 25-metre pool here is part of a larger complex that also houses a small thallaso spa, including jacuzzi and sauna, a gym and padel courts. 

Visit the VitalSports website for more information and timetables.

Walking Football in Costa Teguise

Costa Teguise is home to Lanzarote’s growing Walking Football community, who meet every Thursday evening at 18.00.  Guest players are welcome, subject to space availability.

Visit Walking Football Lanzarote for more information.

Windsurfing/Wingfoil in Costa Teguise

There are two main windsurfing centres in Costa Teguise, both of whom utilise Playa Cucharas as their main base.

Visit Windsurfing Club Lanzarote and ProCenter Lanzarote for more information.

Wellness Costa Teguise

Costa Teguise is emerging as the pre-eminent wellness resort on Lanzarote.  As well as facilities such as gyms and swimming pools outlined above visitors can also access numerous other wellness options, such as yoga and pilates.

Experiencas Carpe Diem

Located close to the Pueblo Marinero Carpe Diem offer a range of classes including yoga, pilates and stretching throughout the week.  Classes are open to non-residents.

Visit the Experiencas Carpe Diem website for more information.

Corest Fitness

Corest currently run twice weekly yoga sessions and these are open to non-residents.

Visit the Corest Fitness website for more information.

Centro Holistico Alborada

Centro Holistico Alborada offers a wide range of services and treatments.  Spanning mindfulness and meditation to reiki and yoga – and pretty much everything else in between.

Visit the Centro Holistico Alborada website for more information.

Ministry Of Fitness

Enjoy exercising outdoors in the sun under the expert guidance of Stacey Lee.  Stacey’s fun philosophy is based on group exercise and encompasses different disciplines and routines throughout the week.  Popular with both residents and tourists alike.

Visit the Ministry of Fitness Facebook page for more information.

Global Massage

Should you need to attend to tired muscles after all that working out then head to Global Massage located close to the Pueblo Marinero.

For more information and appointments visit the Global Massage website. 

Doctors in Costa Teguise

There are a number of private doctors’ clinics in Costa Teguise where you can access medical services and attention.  These clinics do charge fees and they are not cheap – especially if you are used to free health care provision.  But in the event of an emergency and in the absence of having relevant insurance they represent the best options for immediate treatment.

You can walk in or make contact via the links below to arrange an appointment.

Costa Medical Services

https://www.costamedicalservices.com/

Emergency Doctor Lanzarote

https://emergencydoctorlanzarote.com/

Clinicas Dr Mager

https://lanzamedic.com/en/

EuroKlinik

https://www.eklinik.es/

There are also five pharmacies in Costa Teguise located around the resort – ensuring seven day a week access.

When Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Costa Teguise?

September to April are the best months to visit Costa Teguise.  This is the time of year when the Trade Winds, which normally blow from April to August, drop. Costa Teguise is the most exposed of the three main resorts on Lanzarote to these winds.

Costa Teguise – Useful Facebook Groups

There are a number of useful public Facebook groups covering Costa Teguise, which provide visitors with information about events, restaurants local news etc…..

Costa Teguise Lanzarote https://www.facebook.com/groups/462016444314837/

Entertainment Costa Teguise https://www.facebook.com/groups/418122568733386/

Friends of Costa Teguise https://www.facebook.com/groups/980766408619583/

Costa Teguise 2024 2025 https://www.facebook.com/groups/314674494319460/

Getting Around Costa Teguise

Regular Intercity public bus services connect Costa Teguise with the island capital Arrecife, Puerto del Carmen, historic Teguise and various other points on the island.

Visit Arrecife Bus for lines and timetables.

There are also numerous taxi ranks located around the resort.  You can hail a taxi in the street if they display a green light. You can also book a taxi in Costa Teguise direct online https://www.taxilanzarote.net/en/costa-teguise-taxi.html