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 The most north-easterly of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote has embraced the tourism boom with a more laid-back feel than its popular sister islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Nature is still a big attraction on this small volcanic island, which measures only 38 miles (60km) long and 13 miles (21km) at its widest point. Camels are often used to transport goods (and sometimes tourists) in this desert-like climate, across the dry volcanic ash that covers most of the landscape. UNESCO declared the whole island a Biosphere Reserve in 1993, and visitors exploring the dozens of enchanting spots on the island will soon see why. Lanzarote' s capital, Arrecife, is a small town on the eastern coast, its harbour packed with fishing boats. Although the town itself has little to offer in the way of sights or nightlife, it does have a magnificent, clean beach, El Reducto, which has been granted blue flag status by the European Union. A promenade runs along the beach front around the San Gines lagoon with its fine golden sand and placid waters. |
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Main Lanzarote Resort reviews
Costa Teguise Situated on the north east coast of the island and about a 20 min's drive north from Puerto del Carmen. Costa Teguise was planned from the start as a tourist area and was well laid out with good access and parking. There are five fine beaches offering a wide range of water sports including windsurfing and the resort also has a reasonable sized waterpark to keep both young and the not so young happy. There is also an 18-hole golf course close by. Costa Teguise has plenty of shops, English bars and restaurants. At dusk there is limited action with the majority being held within the various hotels and apartment complexes. There is a nightclub, disco and casino at the hotel Oasis. Ideal resort for those wanting a great beach packed holiday but like to sleep at night.
Matagorda see Puerto del Carmen
Playa Blanca Situated at the very south of the island. The newest and fastest developing area of the island. Loads of new building going on but be warned, they are spread out. Few nice but small local beaches in town and the beautiful beaches of Papagayo 5 miles outside, which is mainly used by nudist. Playa Blanca is a pretty town with the usual shops, bars and restaurants based around the old fishing port and is recommended for anyone wanting a relaxing and quiet holiday.
Playa de Los Pocillos see Puerto del Carmen
Playa Honda is located on the east coast of Gran Canaria, close to the capital Arrecife. Playa Honda is a residential area with plenty of tourist accomodation. Because of its central location it is an ideal base for exploring the locality as well as the rest of this fabulous island. The beautiful golden beach is complete with promenade, a host of shopping centres and restaurants.
Puerto del Carmen ( joined on either side by Playa de Los Pocillos and Matagorda ) is the islands oldest and most established tourist centre. Situated on the south east coast of the island. It is about 18 miles from the Arrecife and 6 miles from the airport. Comprising one main road along the beach (the strip) along which there are many bars, restaurants, shops etc. Daytime activities include, tennis, squash, as much beach and water sports as you can pack in to your schedule, fishing, bike tours (mountain) and horse riding is close by. Puerto del Carmen really comes to life in the evening and there is a wide choice of bars, clubs, disco's. |
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Lanzarote Travel Facts: Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October); The Canary Islands: GMT (GMT +1 in summer).
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 or 225 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are standard.
Money: Spain's official currency is the Euro (EUR). One Euro is divided into 100 cents. Money can be exchanged at bureaux de change and major hotels, but banks give the best rates. All major credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining money.
Language: Spanish is the official language, but English is widely understood in areas frequented by tourists. Catalan, Galician and Basque are spoken in the relevant areas.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens must hold a passport (can be expired for up to one year), but no visa is required for a maximum stay of 90 days for those holding a passport endorsed British Citizen, European Community, British Dependent Territories Citizen or British Subject. Other UK passport holders require a visa and a passport valid at least three months beyond visa expiry date.
Health: There are no health risks associated with travel to Spain, and no vaccination certificates are required for entry. Spain has a reciprocal health agreement with most EU countries, including the UK, providing free emergency health care at State run hospitals. UK travellers should take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Note that private clinics are not covered, and the scheme gives no entitlement to medical repatriation costs, nor does it cover ongoing illnesses of a non-urgent nature, so comprehensive travel insurance is advised. Tipping: Hotel and restaurant bills usually include service charges, but additional tips are welcomed for services rendered. In restaurants tips of about 15% are expected. In Mallorca value-added-tax is usually included in restaurant bills, designated 'I.V.A', and may be mistaken for service charge. Drivers of metered taxis expect tips of 10 to 15%. It is customary to tip small amounts, usually 5-10% for most services, including guides.
Safety: Visitors should be aware of the activities of the Basque terrorist group, ETA, who have renewed their threat to extend their terrorist campaign to Spanish tourist areas. Numerous small bomb explosions have occurred in a number of hotels and cities across Spain, but due to prior warnings severe damage and serious injury have been avoided. Customs: From 1 January 2006 laws against smoking in public places came into effect and stiff fines will be imposed for smoking in areas such as enclosed public spaces, areas where food is prepared and sold, public transport, designated areas of bars and restaurants, and any places that cater for children.
Communications: The international access code for Spain is +34. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Pay phones are either blue or green and accept either coins or phone cards, which are sold at post offices, tobacco shops, and newsagents. Three mobile phone operators provide thorough GSM 900/1800 coverage throughout the country and the Balearic and Canary Islands. Email and internet access is available at internet cafes in most towns and resorts.
Useful contact information: Spanish Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7589 8989 British Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 700 8200 |
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