Map of Yaiza and La Era, Lanzarote Lanzarote, Canary Islands:

Yaiza and La Era, Lanzarote
On your first drive through Yaiza, you may, like us, be singularly unimpressed by it. What is all the fuss about? However, stop the car and have a look around, Relax in the village square, or visit La Era and you may well start to appreciate this lovely little spot, often described as one of the Canary Island's prettiest villages.

It is tasteful, but unpretentious. The clean, simple lines of the well cared for whitewashed houses and deep green palm trees contrast starkly with the black malpais of the lava fields.

In the centre of the village is La Era. This is a restored 300 year old farm, transformed by Cesar Manrique into a beautiful restaurant, specialising in Canary Island dishes and locally made wine. The surroundings are quite delightful: a series of separate rooms and buildings around a central courtyard. Flowering plants climb the walls and the atmosphere is quiet and peaceful. The thick, whitewashed walls mean that the restaurant is deliciously cool, even on a hot summer evening and the furnishings are simple and tasteful.

We called in one afternoon, mid August and were able to book a table for that evening. It was a very special experience.