Essential information for Lanzarote

When to go

Sunshine is almost guaranteed on holidays to Lanzarote whatever time of the year you visit and temperatures average 22°C all year round. That’s why the Canary Islands are so popular as a holiday destination. Even when the islands are at their hottest, in July and August, the temperature is usually only in the mid-20s, making for a pleasant climate for sunbathing and excursions. You should expect wind though, as most of the Canaries are rather breezy – a plus point if you’re into windsurfing. Cheap holidays to Lanzarote tend to be in the cooler months of the year – but you’ll usually still find the weather balmy and warm.

Health and safety

As with any holiday, you should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself and family on your trip. It’s also a good idea to apply for a free European Health Insurance Card – or EHIC – before leaving the UK as this entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Spanish nationals. It won’t, however, cover you for medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment.

If you are visiting Lanzarote specifically to surf, kitesurf or windsurf as many people do, you should make sure your insurance covers this. The same applies for hiking those awesome volcanic landscapes. See our holiday extras page for more information and for the latest health and safety information visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/health.

Passports and Visas

British citizens don’t need a visa to enter the Spanish Canary Islands but must have a valid passport. By law, you must carry your passport with you and may need to show it when paying by credit card. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements.

Getting around

Flights ground at Arrecife airport meaning that most visitors have at least a 15-minute transfer to their resort. Public buses are limited in Lanzarote but taxis are cheap and hire cars easily available. Most tour operators include transfers as part of a holiday package so getting to your resort won’t be a problem. If you’re staying in nearby Costa Teguise however, you can take the bus to Arrecife bus station and then get a connection onto Costa Teguise from there. The airport taxi rank is located directly outside the arrival hall at Terminal 1.

A hire car is a great way to see the island if you plan on moving around and taking in the main sites. There are many car hire companies to choose from, all offering a similar level of service and price. As a small place, it’s easy to navigate, although we would advise sticking to the main roads to avoid some of the more rocky volcanic landscapes. You can travel from the north to the south of the island by car in just 40 minutes and from east to west in 25 minutes.

Taxis are a relatively cheap way of getting round your resort as short hops usually cost little more than a few euros. Taxis will display a green light when they are available so you can flag them down in the street. Alternatively, there are taxi ranks throughout all of the main resorts and your hotel can help you book one in advance, to avoid the language barrier.

Advice for travellers with children

In general, Lanzarote is very family-friendly so long as you don’t take them on a coastal cliff hike. You will also want to keep an eye on them on some of the more rugged beaches – the wind creates strong waves. Costa Teguise is just a 15-minute transfer from the airport making it a great base for excitable children. The evening entertainment here is more family-friendly than the likes of Playa Blanca or Puerto del Carmen too.

Electricity

Connector type – generally round two-pin plugs

Voltage info – 220 volts AC, 50Hz

Emergency information

Call 112 for all emergencies and the operator will put you through to the police, fire brigade or ambulance service. The line is operated in five languages including English.

British Consulate

If you are a victim of crime or affected by a crisis overseas, or if something happens to a relative or partner contact the British Consulate. The Gran Canarian Consulate covers the island of Lanzarote.

Health/pharmacy information

Call 012 to contact the Canary Islands Health Service, Servicio Canario de Salud, to get more information about 24-hour clinics and chemists in your area.

Hospital

Arrecife General Hospital Telephone – 928 595 000

Useful links

Happy Hiker – For free route directions for some of the best walks on Lanzarote and general hiking advice.