Lanzarote Travel Tips, Holiday Information and Tourist Information.

If your planning a Holiday in Lanzarote then spare a couple of minutes to read the following travel information on Lanzarote as it may help you find a few helpful tips to make your holiday more enjoyable. If you are looking for holiday accommodation in Lanzarote then search Apartment and Villa Rentals for apartments and villas to rent in Lanzarote, plus many more Holiday Rentals in Lanzarote.

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Lanzarote known as the Island of 100 volcanoes is the least mountainous of the Canary Islands. As it is quite a flat Island it escapes the level of humid and warm air resulting with a dry climate and not much rainfall.

The winter months run from November to February and temperatures can reach the mid twenties but the night times can be quite cool going as low as 12 degrees so a jacket is advised to bring with you.

Below is a table detailing the average temperatures of sea, heat and hours of sunshine!

Places to Visit

Lanzarote is a place of endless discoveries with its Luna like landscapes and underwater caves to explore. Lanzarote attracts tourists of all natures from the sun worshippers that bathe on the many beautiful endless golden sandy beaches to the more adventurous looking for sporting delights.

The Island is not only blessed with great weather and beaches but also offers magnificent volcanic ranges, magnificent natural beauty which attracts tourists from all around the globe.

The main attraction is Timanfaya National Park (Montana del Fuego) or Fire Mountain. These are a series of 100 volcanoes that rose up and destroyed part of the Island between the year 1730 and 1736.

When you reach the national park either by arranged excursion or car hire, you will then be greeted by a variety of demonstrations that will literally blow your mind. These demonstrations will show you how hot the earth is below the surface and a guided bus tour will take you around the national park as this is the only way to view the whole area as it is protected.

You may also dine at Timanfaya National Park at ‘El Diablo’ which serves all Canarian food with geothermal heat (A cast-iron grill placed over a large hole in the ground).

Jameos del Agua - Another must see when in Lanzarote. The name ‘Jameo’ refers to a cave with a collapsed roof and is part of the Atlantida volcanic cave system formed by the eruptions of the Corona volcano about three to four thousand years ago.

The underground salt water Lagoon, Jameo Chico, is host to a Species of Blind Albino Crab (Munidopsis Polimorpha) that is found nowhere else.

The cave has been transformed into an auditorium, swimming pool, restaurant and museum and was designed by the famous artist Cesar Manrique who was born on the Island. Cesar Manrique is responsible for the collaboration of art and conservation enabling visitors to experience Lanzarote’s natural beauty.

The Cave of Los Verdes - or ‘green caves’ is an underground system formed by the volcanic eruptions over 3000 years ago. The tunnel is more than 6 km long with a further 1.6 km under the sea. It is the world’s largest volcanic tunnel.

Lanzarote Aquarium - Claims to be the largest aquarium in the Canary Islands with hundreds of marine species.

Guinate Tropical Park - A place for all to enjoy and see the many birds, animals and reptiles set in lush tropical gardens.

El Golfo - The green lagoon, a volcanic crater which has been half eroded by the sea and now the water obtains a green colour from the algae is growing.

Los Hervideros - (literally the 'Boiling Waters') are a series of caves and blow holes which have been eroded into a former Lava flow.

As the waves crash into the caves, mountains of white surf are produced, giving the appearance of 'Boiling Waters'.

Here you can take a walk around the cliffs and see the breakers crash into the caves from one of the natural 'balconies'.

Beaches

There are 93 beaches that surround the coast of Lanzarote offer golden and even white sands. Papagayo Beach at the southern tip is the most famous and enjoys the best of weather.

Sporting Activities in Lanzarote

Like in many of the Canary Islands sports tend to be related to the sea so if you are a bit of water -baby then windsurfing, swimming, diving and fishing all tend to be popular.

In The largest most commercial resort Puerto Del Carmen there are many diving schools, Jet Ski hire and there are many sports centres with squash and tennis facilities available.

In the resort Costa Teguise nicknamed ‘Breezy Teguise' is famous for it’s excellent windsurfing conditions and Famara and La Santa in the west of the Island is known to have some of the best surf in the world.

Puerto Calero ‘Rich Port’ is a great marina with many nautical activities available like the Submarine Adventure and Catamaran sails.

There are many things you can take part in like Trekking, gliding, cycling, climbing and golf and in the summer Lanzarote hosts the Iron man competition the world’s famous triathlon.

A resort that has come on leaps and bound over the last 10 years in Playa Blanca. With many large tour operator taking holiday makers their and many new properties being built the rental market in Playa Blanca is sure to be a favourite.

Shopping

In most holiday resorts the shops and supermarkets are open between 9am and 8pm some resorts stay open longer, but if visiting Arrecife then most places will close for siesta between 2pm and 5pm.

Duty Free

The Canary Islands are Duty Free, making Tobacco, Perfume and Alcohol much cheaper than elsewhere in the EU.
Prices are often much cheaper in the holiday resorts than in the Airport or on the Aeroplane itself.

Tobacco allowance is:

200 Cigarettes or 250grms Tobacco or 50 Cigars.

Alcohol Allowance is 1 Litre of Spirits OR 2 Litres of Sparkling or fortified wine PLUS 2 litres of still wine.

60cc of Perfume OR60cc of Perfume OR 250cc of Eau de Toilet

Banks

Banks are usually open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 2.00pm.

Money

The currency used is the Euro. Traveller’s cheques are safer to bring and can be changed in banks, hotels and money exchange offices.

Most major credit cards are widely accepted but a fee will be charged by your bank for the use of an ATM. Check with own bank for charges.

Visa

EU passport holders do not require a Visa.
US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and Israeli citizens may enter Spain as tourists without a visa and stay up to 90 days.

Emergency

Emergency Services: 112

Arrecife General Hospital: 928 595 000

Ireland Consulate: 922 245 671

UK Consulate: 928 267 774

German Consulate: 928 275 700

Netherlands: 928 242 382

Lanzarote Airport: 928 846 000

Stolen Credit Card: 915 192 100

Medical

There are a number of medical centres in Lanzarote both public and private. The sign “Centro de Salud” represents the government centres while private hospitals will advertise their services in main tourist establishments.

The private hospital is located close to Puerto del Carmen and the public hospital is located in Arrecife.

It is advised that you apply for a European Health Insurance Card before you travel, which has replaced the old E111.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can be obtained on line at www.ehic.org.uk or www.ehic.ie.

It is very important that you have a comprehensive Insurance policy encase you visit a private hospital and need to claim back any medical expenses as all treatment would need to be paid for.

Pharmacy

There are a number of pharmacies located in all major resort’s – as indicated by the large green illuminated crosses.

You will find that there is a duty farmacy open seven days a week, so in the event of an emergency consult reception at your accommodation.

Water

The water in Lanzarote is safe but it is advised to buy bottled water as it is distilled differently and has a higher mineral content.

Bottled water is much cheaper than the UK – especially if you buy the large 5 litre bottles.

Electricity

The power is different to the UK or Ireland – utilizing two pin connector plugs operating at 220 volts.

So you will need to buy an adaptor plug to use any appliances that you bring with you.  These are readily available in most supermarkets on the island.

Public Holiday

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January - December 2009 period.

2009

1 Jan New Year's Day.

6 Jan Epiphany.

19 Mar San Jose.

9 Apr Maundy Thursday.

10 Apr Good Friday.

1 May Labour Day.

30 May Canaries Day.

15 Aug Assumption.

15 Sep Day of the Communities.

12 Oct National Day.

1 Nov All Saints' Day.

6 Dec Constitution Day.

8 Dec Immaculate Conception.

25 Dec Christmas Day.

This Lanzarote travel information was believed to be accurate at the time of print, always check with appropriate sources prior to travelling to Lanzarote.

Apartment and Villa Rentals also have holiday accommodation in Lanzarote