Getting Started

Welcome to 3 Orchids. We are Emer & Eoin and we've recently bought the apartment as a second home. We're thoroughly enjoying spending part of our lives in the wonderful Canarian sunshine. When we're not in Lanzarote, we love to share our home with family, friends and guests. We really hope you enjoy your stay in our lovely apartment - it really is a home from home, but with sun, sea and sand!

The property is situated in a quiet development with just 24 units, some of which have permanent residents. We hugely appreciate our guests respecting this and our lovely neighbours.

Important First Steps

Keys - DO NOT Lock Yourselves Out!

Always ensure there is a spare key in the key lock box. If you exit the apartment without your key and pull the door closed, you are locked out!

Our habit: First thing in the morning, when we open the door, transfer the key from the inside to the outside of the door. The additional safety is to ALWAYS ensure that one key remains in the key lock box.

WiFi

The QR code for the Wi-Fi is on the wall beside the TV.

Safe

Located in the wardrobe of the main bedroom. While the complex is very safe and secure, it is always advisable to lock your valuables away.

No Smoking Indoors or at the Pool Area

Smoking is permitted on the terrace where you will find an ashtray.

The Bins

You are in a warm climate, the Sahara! It's advisable to remove rubbish daily.

• General bin: Exit the main gate, turn left & walk less than 2 minutes. Opposite the 'Haria' supermarket you'll find a general bin.
• Recycling: Exit the main gate, turn right and walk to the 1st junction on the right. You'll find a bank of bins for general waste and recycling - 3 minute walk.

Toilet & Bathroom

Drains in Lanzarote are ultra-sensitive. DO NOT place anything other than toilet paper in the toilet. NO wipes, regardless of if they say flushable, and NO sanitary products.

Housekeeping

For stays longer than 1 week, there will be a change of bed linen and towels. The management company, Sovereign Property Management will look after this. You can contact them by SMS or WhatsApp on +34 674 09 25 55. Be sure to include 'Three Orchids' in your message to identify our apartment. Pool towels are supplied too - please do not bring these to the beach.

TV Operation

Turn on and control the TV with the long, slim remote control, embossed with the logo 'Xiaomi'. Under 'Your Apps', you will see an app in the top-left called Moon TiviMate. There you will find hundreds of live TV stations, as well as a wide selection of box sets. If you add your own account details to Netflix or Prime Video apps, don't forget to remove them before you leave!

The Swimming Pool

As this is a private complex, there is no daily 'tidy up' of the pool area, so we request that sunbeds are returned to their original positions at the end of the day. Also please do not use the pool shower for washing off sand after a day at the beach - the sand clogs the pool filters, many thanks.

NO GLASS IN POOL AREA - You will find plastic glasses in the apartment.

Shops & Supermarkets

Haria

2 minutes walk away, perfect for picking up water & some other basics.

Lidl

7 minute walk on the flat, no hills - well stocked and modern. Open 7 days.

Mercadona

5 minutes walk down the steep hill & back up again. However, other routes back up are not as steep. Closed on Sundays and holidays (may be open on Sundays during August).

NOTE: Online ordering & delivery to your accommodation. Download the Mercadona App.

Spar

Many Spars dotted around - very comprehensive shops with all you need locally.

Pharmacy

Farmacia Lanzarote - Molina Pérez

6 minute walk, almost opposite Lidl.

Doctors or Medical Attention

If you need medical attention, or a prescription urgently filled, we advise you to go to the Medical Centre in Tias (10 mins in taxi) Centro Salud. It is a 24-hour, 7-day week service. You will need to bring your EHIC card and your passport with you. The treatment is excellent and free.

You will see Doctors Surgeries located in the resort of Puerto del Carmen. These are private clinics and charge accordingly!

Apartment Information

Address

Three Orchids (Las Orquideas) Number 1 Calle Cesto Puerto del Carmen 35510 Tias Lanzarote

Pool Information

As this is a private complex, there is no daily 'tidy up' of the pool area, so we request that sunbeds are returned to their original positions at the end of the day.

Pool Rules:

• No glass in pool area (plastic glasses provided in the apartment)
• Please do not use the pool shower for washing off sand after a day at the beach - the sand clogs the pool filters

What's Provided

Pool Towels

Pool towels are supplied - please do not bring these to the beach.

TV & Entertainment

Turn on and control the TV with the long, slim remote control, embossed with the logo 'Xiaomi'. Under 'Your Apps', you will see an app in the top-left called Moon TiviMate. There you will find hundreds of live TV stations, as well as a wide selection of box sets.

If you add your own account details to Netflix or Prime Video apps, don't forget to remove them before you leave!

Safety

Safe

Located in the wardrobe of the main bedroom. While the complex is very safe and secure, it is always advisable to lock your valuables away.

Important Notes

Keys

DO NOT lock yourselves out! Always ensure there is a spare key in the key lock box. If you exit the apartment without your key and pull the door closed, you are locked out!

Our habit: First thing in the morning, when we open the door, transfer the key from the inside to the outside of the door. The additional safety is to ALWAYS ensure that one key remains in the key lock box.

Smoking

No smoking indoors or at the pool area. Smoking is permitted on the terrace where you will find an ashtray.

Toilet & Bathroom

Drains in Lanzarote are ultra-sensitive. DO NOT place anything other than toilet paper in the toilet. NO wipes, regardless of if they say flushable, and NO sanitary products.

The Bins

You are in a warm climate, the Sahara! It's advisable to remove rubbish daily.

• General bin: Exit the main gate, turn left & walk less than 2 minutes. Opposite the 'Haria' supermarket you'll find a general bin.
• Recycling: Exit the main gate, turn right and walk to the 1st junction on the right. You'll find a bank of bins for general waste and recycling - 3 minute walk.

Housekeeping

For stays longer than 1 week, there will be a change of bed linen and towels. The management company, Sovereign Property Management will look after this. You can contact them by SMS or WhatsApp on +34 674 09 25 55. Be sure to include 'Three Orchids' in your message to identify our apartment.

Property Details

The property is situated in a quiet development with just 24 units, some of which have permanent residents. We hugely appreciate our guests respecting this and our lovely neighbours.

Beaches

We have three excellent beaches in close walking distance. All three face south, so they get the sun all day. The sand is golden, and the water is crystal clear.

Playa Grande

6-7 minute walk down the hill

Playa Grande is the long beach (well over a kilometre) that runs in front of Avenida de las Playas ("the Strip"). It has many sunbeds and parasols for rent. Current charges are €10.50 for two loungers and a parasol, or €7 for a single sunbed and parasol. These are managed by the local council, who also manage the well-maintained toilets and outdoor showers.

Playa Fariones

7-8 minute walk down the hill

To the right of Playa Grande and over a short walkway is Playa Fariones. You might think this tiny beach belongs to the Fariones Hotel, but in fact it's public, and even has a handful of the council's sunbeds. Current charges are €10.50 for two loungers and a parasol, or €7 for a single sunbed and parasol.

Playa Chica

8-10 minute walk down the hill - No beds here

Past that is the famous Playa Chica. Bigger than Playa Fariones but still only 90m long, it's very popular with the locals, especially on Sundays. There is a new cafe bar (Beach Club Playa Fariones) on one side, and a restaurant (Bar Playa) on the pier on the other. The pier is where many of the diving schools operate, so if you want to try snorkeling or scuba diving, this is a good place to go.

Restaurants & Dining

Breakfast & Brunch

Kalma

Breakfast/Brunch - the best around. They have 2 restaurants, the one local to us is on the Avenida (The Strip), a 15 min walk along the front. The coloured painted trees are a good landmark to find it.

Yum Yum Cafe

Tiny streetside cafe with probably the best Irish breakfast on the island, run by a really friendly Irish couple - You actually need to book most days.

Fine Dining & Special Occasions

Vino+ Lanzarote

Fancy tapas, more like a tasting menu. Attached to a wine shop in a somewhat weird little shopping centre. A real favourite.

Puerto Bahia

Great views of the sunset & their seabass baked in salt is divine.

Hotel Fariones

Lovely hotel. Lunch on the terrace is supposed to be really nice, and not hugely expensive - we haven't tried it yet. But have tried their cocktails and they are fab!

Seafood

Bar Playa at Playa Chica

Perfect for a long late lunch of fish and wine.

Restaurante Terraza Playa

On the seaside of the strip, a terrace overlooking a rocky shore and a little beach. Lovely for a seafood Sunday lunch.

La Terracita de Flores

Maybe the best octopus I've ever eaten, small place with good buzz. The coloured painted trees are a good landmark to find it.

International Cuisine

BFF

Dutch couple who ran a restaurant at home and just wintered here, now moved permanently. I don't think enough people yet know that it is very good.

Restaurante Casa Parmigiano

Reliable Italian, always busy - book ahead.

Tamasha

High-service Indian restaurant, good and quite good value.

Rice Paper

Daytime only, good and fresh Asian Salads etc. Friendly staff. On the strip, but at the corner of Calle Frankfurt.

MENEO Smash Burgers & Special Beers

New burger place, reviews have been very good.

Neighbourhood Restaurants

Bar La Caña

Neighbourhood restaurant/bar. Has been great but may have had a change of management this year.

Bars & Cocktails

Serenity Restaurant Chill Out & Jacuzzi Bar

Good for cocktails, the views and décor. Food and service a little hit & miss!

Long Beach Club

Great cocktails, and friendly good service. Have not eaten there yet but has had good reviews.

Cheap Eats (But Surprisingly Good!)

Cherry Moon

Palm Bay

Run by a friendly Chinese family - not Chinese food!

Beerstation

Omelette, chips & salad and a beer for ~€10!

Takeaway

Pizzería Angelica

4 min walk away. Menu may be in the apartment - grand pizza. We often stroll over, order, have a very generous pour of vino while we wait and stroll back home with our just cooked pizza.

Further Afield

Restaurante La Cubierta (Playa Blanca)

C. el Berrugo, 2, 35580 Playa Blanca, Las Palmas

Ropavieja Grill Bar (Puerto Calero)

A little different (Pan Asian light bites) to the usual along the front of the Marina & great cocktails.

Note: We are not big steak eaters, but I believe that there are some great steak restaurants - you will need to do your own research!

Activities & Things to Do

Fitness & Health

Pilates - Vision Pilates Lanzarote

Margaret is a wonderful Pilates instructor. 8:30am Tuesdays & Fridays on the beach at the Playa Chica de Fariones. Great way to start the day and a coffee, chat & cake after the workout. Very friendly and welcoming group.

Gym - Centro Deportivo Fariones

A gym attached to the hotel, but open to the public. Well equipped and they offer a number of plans, such as 7 days membership as well as monthly membership. The water aerobics is good and a social activity with many locals participating.

Walks

Cliff Walk to Puerto Calero

Approx. 1 hour (wear runners, not flip flops or sliders). Have a coffee/lunch and either walk back or catch the water bus back. Not suitable for young children or those with reduced mobility.

Walk to Matagorda

Approx. 1 hour all on the flat, the promenade. View the aircraft landing. If you're feeling more energetic, walk on to Playa Honda (another 45 mins) and have a well-deserved lunch break there. Even more energetic? Continue on to Arrecife and take the bus back!

Cycling

Lanzarote is a mecca for cyclists, with beautiful scenery, some challenging hills and excellent road paving. There are many places you can rent bikes and e-bikes for a day, a week or a month.

Bike Sensations

On the Avenida. For serious gear, whether road bikes or mountain bikes. They also organise half-day guided cycling tours.

Shopping

Biosfera Plaza

Small pretty shopping centre (12min walk). Zara and others. Couple of nice children's wear shops.

Open Mall Arrecife

Huge selection of shops and of course Primark (known as Penny's in Ireland!)

Outdoor Cinema - Rooftop Biosfera

12-15 mins walk. Order food and snacks to your seats.

Things to Do with Children

It's a long time since we had little ones travelling with us, so perhaps our recommendations are a little dated!

Water Taxi to Puerto Calero

Have lunch & water taxi back - good fun (we usually walk along the cliffs & water taxi back, but not with little ones).

Rancho Texas

Haven't been, but possibly a good day/evening out with the children. 5-7 min drive away from the apartment. Taxi less than €10.

Watch Aircraft at Matagorda

45-50 min walk (too long with little ones, but €5 in a taxi to Matagorda). It's thrilling to have the aircraft fly directly over your heads to land!

The Avenida (The Strip)

Endless tat shops to allow the little ones to browse in without emptying your bank account:

• Ale Hop & Playa - Nice quality tat and adults can be persuaded to buy here too

Wine Tours

Wine Tours Lanzarote

They grow vines on the island and it's really interesting how they navigate the challenges of the terroir. The local wines, white and rosé are really good, but expensive. With the challenges of growing the vines, it's easy to see why!

Day Trips & Further Afield

With a Hire Car

Driving is really easy; roads are great, and the landscape is marvellous. You can hire a car for a couple of days, book and pick up on the Avenida. We have used Payless and Jara - no hidden extras and a straightforward contract.

Playa Blanca

40 mins away (161 Bus will take you there). Market day is worth visiting.

Teguise (NOT Costa Teguise)

The original capital of the island and a beautiful old town with lovely craft shops and pretty restaurants, well worth a visit and a wander. However, word of warning: market day is Sunday - very busy!

La Graciosa

A day on La Graciosa - beautiful island experience.

El Golfo

Unique green lagoon and volcanic landscapes.

Famara

Lovely spot, great for lunch and sitting on the beach after. Lovely surfer/outdoor activities vibe.

We hope you have a wonderful stay in 3 Orchids and perhaps will visit again in future.

Many thanks, we really appreciate you choosing our apartment,

Emer & Eoin

Transportation

Taxis

You will find taxi ranks at various spots along the Avenida (the strip) and at the Biosphere Shopping Mall. They are inexpensive and usually plentiful.

Ordering a Taxi to the Apartment

Phone: +34 928 524 220

When you ring you will initially hear a recorded message in Spanish, it will then go to English.

Your address for pickup:

Number 1 Calle Cesto (The Complex is called Las Orquideas)
Puerto del Carmen
35510 Tias

Buses

We use the buses frequently. If you download the Moovit App or use your Google Maps to locate your route, bus number and nearest stop. Certain times of the day they can be busy and will have standing room only or will just pass you by! They now accept cards for fares and no cash larger than 10 euro note.