George the guide who seemed to have a sense of humour at first went on to treat us like children. Lagomar is beautiful and worth a visit as it teguise, however I would get a taxi and do it on your own time. He would not tell us the time of the return coach so that we HAD NO CHOICE but to follow him and listen to him go on and on………. He said everything in German to be awkward before telling us the time of the return journey. He felt like a strict teacher on a school trip!
Two very different Lanzarote experiences share equal billing in this Sunday morning tour. You'll get to spend time mixing with locals in Teguise's market – the biggest outdoor bazaar in the Canaries – and lapping up the Hollywood stardust of the legendary LagOmar. Ramona, one of our local guides, says, ‘LagOmar is one of my favourite places – a spectacular artwork-museum-house, where you can admire the genius of Manrique and Soto.'
More than 360 stalls cram into Teguise's pretty plaza and adjacent cobbled streets, so you'll be spoilt for choice. Cue tables creaking with intricate Canarian lacework, foodstuffs and all sorts of jewellery, paintings and handicrafts. And it's all given a carnival atmosphere by local folk dancers, hair braiders and panpipe bands. What's more, any purchases help the local economy and community. Ramona says, ‘Teguise Sunday market isn't just about shopping – you can feel the real Canarian way of living, with bars, cafés and the history of this beautiful former capital of Lanzarote.'
If the market is a feast of the senses, the LagOmar is a feast for your eyes. It was conceived by local architect Cesar Manrique and designed by local artist Jesus Soto. Set in a volcanic quarry, it looks like the sort of place where Bond arch-villain Ernst Blofeld plots world domination. The labyrinthine complex has a cave-bar, a restaurant, apartments and a museum. Local lore says it was briefly owned by Hollywood legend Omar Sharif, but he lost it in a game of cards.