First time visiting Lanzarote?
We’ve put together some key information we think you’ll find valuable as a first time visitor to this wonderful island. We hope you find it useful and that you have a fantastic holiday!
Arriving at the airport
If you are travelling from an EU member state all you need is a valid passport. However, if you are travelling from a country outside of the EU you may need a visa, we advise contacting your nearest Spanish consulate to check before you travel.
Driving in Lanzarote
Car hire is recommended if you plan to really see and experience Lanzarote, in addition it is pretty cheap compare car hire deals. If you do hire a car remember that we drive on the right side of the road!
Currency
As part of the EU, the currency in Lanzarote is Euros. There is a modern banking system here and you can withdraw cash from most machines, although commission and fees can be a bit expensive. Most shops and restaurants accept all major credit and debit cards. There are other options such as prepaid cards like the Travel Money Card provided by the post office in the UK.
Drinking water
There is no natural source of fresh water in Lanzarote so the water is desalinated (converted from sea water to fresh water). In years gone by the water would then be transported to all areas of the island and stored in aljibes (tanks), in fact in some areas this is still the case. It is for this reason that locals have always been concerned about the quality of the water for drinking and even today still opt to use mineral water. Basically, the water is drinkable but we tend to drink mineral water and just use the mains supply for all our other needs.
Healthcare
If you are visiting from an EU member state you are entitled to emergency healthcare using your EHIC (previously know as E111 in the UK). If you are visiting from a country outside of the EU it is strongly advised that you take our private travel insurance.
Weather and suncare
We have a fantastic climate with year round temperatures of 24°C, even on cloudy days the UV levels are incredibly high and it is therefore advisable to always apply suncream if you are going to be out and about.
Departing Lanzarote
Whilst Lanzarote is a part of the EU because of its links to Spain it is not classed as a full member, therefore usual customs rules do not necessarily apply. If you are travelling to the UK from Lanzarote you are subject to the usual limits as outlined below:
- 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco
- 4 litres of wine
- 16 litres of beer
- 1 litre of spirits or liqueurs over 22% or 2 litres of fortified or sparkling wine or 2 litres of alcoholic beverages less than 22%
- £300 worth of goods such as perfume
