World of tennis comes to Lanzarote

There’s a chance to see some top tennis action in Puerto del Carmen this weekend, when the 7th annual Fariones Group Trophy takes place at the tennis centre. It’s a pretty cosmopolitan affair with players from 20 countries taking part, all chasing 50,000 dollars of prize money.

Last years winner, Jo Willfred Tsonga, from France, will be back to defend his title and the action should be edge of the seat stuff. The tournament runs from Saturday April 26 to the following Saturday May 3.

All players have to start with games against their friends at a young age, and when you are on holiday on a sun drenched island, it’s the perfect setting. Sands Beach Resort hotel in Costa Teguise, likes to encourage sporting excercise, and has a tennis court for guests to get their lobs and swings to perfection. Of that all gets a bit hot, there is always the choice of 6 pools or the beachfront lagoon to cool down in. Tennis is a great game for all the family to share, and after all, families are what Sands Beach Resort is all about.

Rugby bonds expats in Lanzarote

The lure of Lanzarote’s warm climate attracts people from across the World, and many holiday makers stay and settle, adding their contribution to the islands culture. Sport of all kind flourishes here and Lanzarote rugby club is a great example of this.

In 2005 a keen group of British, Argentinian and Spanish players formed the club and it has gone from strength to strength, with a large youth section giving it a real family appeal. Home for the red and blacks is Argana Alta, inland from the capital Arrecife and away from the beachfront that attracts the majority of visitors. 

Under Irish coach, Leroy Heatley, they have become an important part of the sporting scene and play in a league with sides from the other Canary Islands from December to April. If you fancy taking in a game, try their website or ask at Sands Beach Resort hotel reception.

Ironman, as rugged as the Lanzarote landscape

 

Relax and enjoy your family holiday at Sands Beach Resort hotel, and if you want something more energetic, you can always leave it to the experts. Ironman is the ultimate triathlon challenge and the annual Lanzarote event is seen as one of the most testing on the international circuit. The 2008 challenge has already got it’s full line up of 1,200 competitors, ready to swim, cycle and run from the Puerto del Carmen base on Saturday May 24.

So what’s involved?

Take a deep breath and just imagine this tough schedule. First there is a 3.8 km swim around the beaches of Puerto del Carmen, then a 180 km cycle ride around the island, through the mountains and lava fields, and finally, a 44.2 km run of 4 looped circuits along the beachfront of Puerto del Carmen.

The main event is the climax of several weeks of excitement and social activity in Lanzarote organised by Club La Santa, the centre of sporting excellence in the northern district of Tinajo. Many of the competitors are professionals on the international Ironman stage and despite the name - it does include many women. There is a warm up event on Saturday May 3, the Volcanic triathlon with 6,000 euros of prize money and a reduced course of a 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike ride and a 10 km run. For the main event the prize money rises to 50,000 dollars, split between the first 10 professional finishers.

If you are lucky enough to be in Lanzarote in May, you are bound to get caught up in the excitement of a true international sporting event - and you don’t even have to break into a trot.

Lanzarote, where football is still a family sport

You don’t have to miss your football fix whilst enjoying your holiday at Sands Beach Resort hotel. The Soleil Bar has satellite tv and shows all major sports, but how about taking in a live football game.

UD Lanzarote are in the third tier of the Spanish league and play a decent standard of football. Their ground is in central Arrecife, just 5 kms from Costa Tequise, and just along from the main bus station. The Rojillos (Reds) play most of their games at 11am on a Sunday morning, and entrance is 12 euros for adults, including a programme. Crowds are in the high hundreds rather than thousands but they are a friendly bunch and you and your family will be made to feel welcome.

The official club website is in Spanish but a local based Brit, Ian, supplies the clubs merchandise and helps to promote the team via his website. You will find details of the next few games at hotel reception in Sands Beach Resort, the season runs from September to May, or slightly longer if they make the promotion play offs.

Arrecife is the capital city of Lanzarote, and with the early kick off, taking in a game could be the perfect start to a day of exploring, so go along and enjoy.

Lanzarote, the perfect setting for golf

Sands Beach Resort is perfectly placed for golf fans to enjoy the only 18 hole course in Lanzarote, it’s just at the back of Costa Tequise, in a setting that will make even a losing round enjoyable.

How many people can say they played golf next to a volcano and with views out over the Atlantic ocean. Designed in 1978 by British landscape architect, John Harris, the course will challenge you with it’s range of doglegs, you will need to concentrate on your game as the scenery provides a very pleasing distraction and features 3,000 palm trees.

Can’t wait to play - how much? 

Green fees vary from high season, October to April inclusive, to low season but 18 holes will cost 68 euros high season and 55 euros low season. Juniors get a 50% discount and the course has the full range of buggy and club hire and a driving range to get some practice in. Lessons start from 23 euros for half an hour and the course has 2 professionals to pass on their skills. To complete your day, there is a fully stocked shop and a restaurant with a relaxing terrace.

Is there anywhere else to play?

At the southern tip of Lanzarote, some 43 kms or an hours drive away, Playa Blanca has a 9 hole pitch and putt golf course near the beachfront at the Hespera Playa Dorada hotel. This will cost you 20 euros for 9 holes or you can double up and pay 25 euros for 18 holes.