The village of Tias is one of the oldest on the island of Lanzarote and in spite of the influx of foreign residents has maintained its local character. As well as the long term residents from mainly northern Europe there is a growing number of holidaymakers finding their way to Tias, some attracted by its golf course.
The village’s history can be traced back to the time of the native Guanches people before the Spanish took control of the land. Volcanic eruptions in the early eighteenth century forced farmers from nearby villages off their land and some resettled in Tias which promoted agricultural development in its environs. Together with the prosperous fishing industry the local economy of Tias became relatively wealthy. The growing importance of Arrecife denied Tias the opportunity to enjoy further economic growth and the village experienced significant decline as many workers were attracted to the capital.
Tourism proved the saving grace for the village as the first package holiday tourists arrived at the nearby airport to stay in the new resort of Puerto del Carmen in the late 1970s. Today you’ll find a pleasant mix of the old and the new as this attractive village comes to terms with its new role as a permanent home to many foreigners and a popular place to visit for the masses of sunseekers arriving all year round to enjoy the idyllic climate of Lanzarote.
If you’re in Lanzarote during the month of June you’re in luck as Tias celebrates two great festivals, the Festival of San Antonio (1st-13th) and San Juan (20th-24th) when no expense is spared on fireworks and bonfires. Numerous cultural events take place during the year including musical performances in the local theatre and in the village bars. The village holds quite an appeal for writers and artists including the Portuguese writer Jose Saramago who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1998.