a couple of questions from a Lanzarote newbie

[ChrisM]

First of all - a happy new year everyone

If you can answer one or more of the following newbie questions, I would appreciate it very much.

1) I know Lanzarote can be somewhat hot, but did you realize how hot prior to moving there?
2) Are there nice markets for fresh meat, seafood and vegetables/fruit somewhere on the island?
3) UK TV seems to be somewhat difficult to get. I remember someone said that if you have a really fast Internet connection, one can get UK TV using that. The question then is: Is it possible to get a really fast Internet connection on the island - eg. in PDC? But maybe not everywhere or?
4) I'm going to rent a place first, but later on I would like to buy a place somewhere. On the canary islands as a whole - is it about the same price-wise? And compared to mainland Spain?
Kind regards, Chris

[richt71]

Hi Chris,
Answered your questions underneath.

First of all - a happy new year everyone

If you can answer one or more of the following newbie questions, I would appreciate it very much.

1) I know Lanzarote can be somewhat hot, but did you realize how hot prior to moving there?
yes
2) Are there nice markets for fresh meat, seafood and vegetables/fruit somewhere on the island?
There are a number of weekly fruit and veg markets in various places on the island. Seafood can be bought at fresh fish shops or larger supermarkets. Meat can be bought at limited butchers or again at the fresh meat counter in larger supermarkets.
3) UK TV seems to be somewhat difficult to get. I remember someone said that if you have a really fast Internet connection, one can get UK TV using that. The question then is: Is it possible to get a really fast Internet connection on the island - eg. in PDC? But maybe not everywhere or?
Fast connection on the island is 10mb. Some rural places have no internet as they have no phone lines so the only way to get the internet is via a mobile dongle. Some places the local hub is full (I had to wait 3 months until someone left to get a line). It will also depend how far you are from the local exchange as to the speed you get. The further away the less maximum speed you'll get.
4) I'm going to rent a place first, but later on I would like to buy a place somewhere. On the canary islands as a whole - is it about the same price-wise? And compared to mainland Spain?
Not sure I understand? Do you mean are prices the same across every canarian island in every town or village? If so then of course not. You can buy 1 bed apartment in some places of lanzarote for £30k...other places £350k. Just like the UK market. The nicer or more convient places usually command a premium to live there! I've no idea how you compare the canary islands to mainland spain (as which canarian island and which town/village with which place on mainland spain?)
Kind regards, Chris

[ChrisM]

Thank you, Richt71. Very informative :-)) And very nice to hear that there are decent food markets etc.
Kind regards, Chris

[✈ Elle ☀]

Chris - it may feel hot to visitors... but you get acclimatised fairly quickly. For example... normal attire for me thjis time of year is jeans, boots, and a jumper or fleece... whereas visitors are bimbling about in shorts and t-shirts... with longer sleeves in the evenings.

Like Rich says - you really can't compare the areas. I guess the Canaries are similar for purchase price with like for like... but are dearer than the mainland (weather adds a premium for starters).

Elle xx

[ChrisM]

Chris - it may feel hot to visitors... but you get acclimatised fairly quickly. For example... normal attire for me thjis time of year is jeans, boots, and a jumper or fleece... whereas visitors are bimbling about in shorts and t-shirts... with longer sleeves in the evenings.

Like Rich says - you really can't compare the areas. I guess the Canaries are similar for purchase price with like for like... but are dearer than the mainland (weather adds a premium for starters).

Elle xx

Hello Elle, yes you are right of course. One gets used to warm (or cold) weather. What you said about the level of purchase price is interesting - I didn't realize the sun factor being that important. Everything (sunwise) is an improvement from where I come from ... ;-)
Kind regards, Chris

[✈ Elle ☀]

Then enjoy the wamth love... but don't bin those jumpers just yet ha ha. Am currently sat huddled in a big fluffy dressing gown (Alan's).
However I happen to know that there are at least two forum members (and their spouses) still out partying in Playa Blanca... with only vino to keep them warm

[John B]

Then enjoy the wamth love... but don't bin those jumpers just yet ha ha. Am currently sat huddled in a big fluffy dressing gown (Alan's).
However I vhappen to know that there are at least two forum members (and their spouses) still out partying in Playa Blanca... with only vino to keep them warm

Judging by the FB. pic, two of them were on water by then!  I was fast asleep in bed

[ChrisM]

Then enjoy the wamth love... but don't bin those jumpers just yet ha ha. Am currently sat huddled in a big fluffy dressing gown (Alan's).
However I happen to know that there are at least two forum members (and their spouses) still out partying in Playa Blanca... with only vino to keep them warm

Yes I will hold on to the jumpers :-) If you are a foodie, Elle - do you agree that there are excellent markets for fresh food on Lanzarote? I'm a keen cook and fresh meat, fresh fish, fresh vegetables and fruit are on the top of my list. Any outdoor or indoor markets you would recommend?
Kind regards, Chris

[✈ Elle ☀]

Then enjoy the wamth love... but don't bin those jumpers just yet ha ha. Am currently sat huddled in a big fluffy dressing gown (Alan's).
However I happen to know that there are at least two forum members (and their spouses) still out partying in Playa Blanca... with only vino to keep them warm

Yes I will hold on to the jumpers :-) If you are a foodie, Elle - do you agree that there are excellent markets for fresh food on Lanzarote? I'm a keen cook and fresh meat, fresh fish, fresh vegetables and fruit are on the top of my list. Any outdoor or indoor markets you would recommend?
Kind regards, Chris

Hi Chris - if you are looking for markets with variety where haggling and outbidding is the norm... then you'll be disappointed. However, if you love veggies that don't conform to Brussels' guidelines, but are full of flavour... and are happy to shop around various supermarkets for your produce, then you won't be disappointed.

I would recommend the market at Haria for produce... and people tell me Mancha Blanca is very good too, although I've not been. We're happy enough with Ropers supermarket for freah veg, cheeses, meat, fresh fish and frozen produce... and Hiperdino for other consumables. Throw in the odd visit to Lidl for our French cheeses... plus Gangas for soy sauce... and Maceys for the UK treats we can't do without - and you've got the bases covered. It's a small island when it comes to shopping, so looking about is a must.

Haven't seen that pic, John - so will go have a look!

Elle xx

[ChrisM]

Then enjoy the wamth love... but don't bin those jumpers just yet ha ha. Am currently sat huddled in a big fluffy dressing gown (Alan's).
However I happen to know that there are at least two forum members (and their spouses) still out partying in Playa Blanca... with only vino to keep them warm

Yes I will hold on to the jumpers :-) If you are a foodie, Elle - do you agree that there are excellent markets for fresh food on Lanzarote? I'm a keen cook and fresh meat, fresh fish, fresh vegetables and fruit are on the top of my list. Any outdoor or indoor markets you would recommend?
Kind regards, Chris

Hi Chris - if you are looking for markets with variety where haggling and outbidding is the norm... then you'll be disappointed. However, if you love veggies that don't conform to Brussels' guidelines, but are full of flavour... and are happy to shop around various supermarkets for your produce, then you won't be disappointed.

I would recommend the market at Haria for produce... and people tell me Mancha Blanca is very good too, although I've not been. We're happy enough with Ropers supermarket for freah veg, cheeses, meat, fresh fish and frozen produce... and Hiperdino for other consumables. Throw in the odd visit to Lidl for our French cheeses... plus Gangas for soy sauce... and Maceys for the UK treats we can't do without - and you've got the bases covered. It's a small island when it comes to shopping, so looking about is a must.

Haven't seen that pic, John - so will go have a look!

Elle xx

Hello Elle - thanks you for all the info. What about fresh meat and fish? - are there markets (and I don't include haggling) where you can get pretty much anything?
Kind regards, Chris

[✈ Elle ☀]

No... I'm afrraid not. Markets tend to be for touristy gifts, handicrafts or veggies. The meat and fish are usually in the supermarkets. Maybe it's a heat thing - I don't know. Elle x

[ChrisM]

No... I'm afrraid not. Markets tend to be for touristy gifts, handicrafts or veggies. The meat and fish are usually in the supermarkets. Maybe it's a heat thing - I don't know. Elle x

Well, I'll live (maybe). Sorry about all the questions, Elle. I'll put a muzzle on eventually... What about a real, bona fide butcher and one or more fish mongers? Any of those?  (Please say yes) 
Kind regards, Chris

[John B]

There are butchers around, mainly Spanish, but a good English one in PdC.  Ditto fishmongers, but you could always catch your own .  In general, the shopping is fine, and I wouldn't think it is a big factor in anyone's decision whether to live here .

[Bernie Bobcat]

On the subject of fresh meat, there's a great place in Tias called "Chacon"??  (not sure I have the spelling right on that, but it's not a million miles off!)

We got stuff there before for the BBQ and we were amazed at the stock they had.  Meat selection is also excellent in Ropers (one in Playa Honda, and one in Playa Blanca).  Particularly good pork & chicken too, compared to what we buy here in Ireland. 

I think you could continue to cook almost everything you enjoy back in the UK after a little while to source everything you need.  Gangas in Tias is also very good for odd stuff you need like Indian spices etc.  They do cheap flour tortillas too. 

To be honest the only thing I've not been able to find in Lanzarote that I miss from home is bagels! 

[ChrisM]

On the subject of fresh meat, there's a great place in Tias called "Chacon"??  (not sure I have the spelling right on that, but it's not a million miles off!)

We got stuff there before for the BBQ and we were amazed at the stock they had.  Meat selection is also excellent in Ropers (one in Playa Honda, and one in Playa Blanca).  Particularly good pork & chicken too, compared to what we buy here in Ireland. 

I think you could continue to cook almost everything you enjoy back in the UK after a little while to source everything you need.  Gangas in Tias is also very good for odd stuff you need like Indian spices etc.  They do cheap flour tortillas too. 

To be honest the only thing I've not been able to find in Lanzarote that I miss from home is bagels! 

Thanks to John B and Bernie - exactly what I wanted to hear. Spanish or British butchers - I don't mind as long as they have what I want. I'm a tad finicky about my meats 
Chris Cross