Excursion spotlight – a visit to Tias

Real Lanzarote life on your doorstep

Not widely known by holidaymakers, even though they pass through on the island’s main road, Tias is an important town and municipality on Lanzarote – and incorporates the island’s largest tourist resort, Puerto del Carmen.

Today, more than 5,800 people live in Tias town and surrounding municipality located about 12 kilometres from Arrecife. While it may not feature in guidebooks, it is growing into a destination in its own right.

Background

The origins of the town are unknown. However, it’s understood Tias was created in the 18th century to house those who had lost their homes during the Timanfaya explosion.

Others believe it was already a town by the late 15th century when land was given by the governor of Gran Canaria, Alonso Farjado, to his aunts, Francisca and Herman. It was known as Las Tias de Fajardo, and shortened to Tias, which means aunts in Spanish. Lanzarote is still governed by Gran Canaria today.

The latest studies, however, show the name Tias comes from local aboriginal language and means village. So there is a good chance there has been a settlement there for hundreds of years.

Tourism arrives

Over the centuries, Tias grew in strength dependent on agriculture and fishing. The importance of these can be seen in the flag of the municipality which is is half green (farming) and half blue (fishing). However, with the growth and influence of Arrecife, Tias became one of the poorest areas on the island. But everything changed in the 1960s and 1970s when tourism arrived.

The municipality of Tias oversees many inland areas but also miles of golden coastline. It was these golden beaches that turned the fortunes of Tias around. With the growth of package holidays, tourists flocked to the golden sands and year-round sunshine of the coastline.  Known then as La Tinosa, this once quiet area is now called Prednisone for sale online

Today, Puerto del Carmen accounts for 70 per cent of all Lanzarote’s tourism. This makes Tias one of the most important and affluent municipalities and towns on the whole island.

It has managed to maintain an authentic Canarian feel with the many bars and restaurants serving traditional Lanzarote cooking. But it has easy access to the airport and local facilities such as supermarkets, restaurants, bars and shops.

As well as a commercial area, there are small farms dotted around the municipality growing vegetables and fruits in the volcanic soil. The municipality cultivates over 3,000 fruit trees, over 400 hectares of Malvasia grapes and 130 hectares of tubers and vegetables.

If you want to taste locally made wine, then head to the centre of Tias village to one of Lanzarote’s newest wineries, Bodego Vulcano. Built in 2009, the winery produces muscat and Malvasia wines.

Some of the best places to visit in Tias include:

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria

The town’s main church was built in 1796 and has a beautiful belfry facade, coffered ceiling, baroque details and white wooden altarpiece.

Ermita de San Antonio

Originally used by the church authorities to collect the tithe, it was converted into a church and then into a space for the town to use. Today, it houses contemporary art and is one of the most popular galleries on the island.

Teatro Municipal de Tias

Tias has always been committed to culture and this theatre was one of the first built on the island. Tdhere are performances and concerts throughout the year and was decorated by the famed artist, Santiago Aleman. Guests at Club Las Calas can contact client liaison for further information.

Casa Seno Justo

Located in the area around the church, and dating back to the 18th century, this house hosts an agricultural and wine museum.

Case Museo Jose Saramago “A Casa”

This is the former home of Portuguese writer and Nobel Prize of Literature winner Jose Saramago during the last 18 years of his life.

Cementerio antiguo

Dating back to 1799, this is the oldest cemetery on the island and retains its original shape. Look closely, and under the white paint you can see the original coloured borders. There are also some great views of Puerto del Carmen and coast.

Ulpiano Rodriguez Municipal Arena

Enjoy a traditional wrestling match (Lucha Canaria) where two rivals face on in a circle of sand with the sole purpose of breaking down the other through skill and ingenuity.

The town’s longest celebration, a festival in honor of Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria and San Blas, is held in February. It is dedicated to the virgin people prayed to for light and guidance. As well as the religious procession there is a parade, food tasting and music events.

June is also a great time to visit Tias as there are plenty of fiestas including the festival of St Anthony (June 1-13) and the Festival of San Juan.

Club Las Calas, located a few minutes away from central Tias and Puerto del Carmen, has a great rental offer for those who would like to visit in June 2018. Unisom sleep tablets uk

Finally, if you get the chance, enjoy one of the many folk groups in Tias. The group Gaida is named after an old mountain located near the village of La Asomada. It is a Rondalla founded in the late 60s. In 2001, it was revived as a school of folklore.