Blog

  • Want a website for your Lanzarote business?

    Want a website for your Lanzarote business?

    Get a free trial of domain and hosting with FastHosts

    They have:

    • Easy to create WordPress pages
    • Great customer care
    • Low prices after the trial ends
    Lanzarote landscape

    and best of all, you don’t need a lot of tech knowledge to get started.

    Not ready for a website yet? Let your customers or followers reward you with Buy Me a Coffee

  • Lanzarote hotels lead the Canary Islands in profit growth for 2025

    Lanzarote hotels lead the Canary Islands in profit growth for 2025

    Coastal holiday destinations ended 2025 with stronger results than urban cities, posting an average increase of 3.9%, driven by a broad rise in revenues of 7% up to November, according to the latest Tourism Outlook report from Exceltur, the alliance representing Spain’s leading tourism companies.

    Lanzarote stood out across the Canary Islands, with hotel profitability per room rising by 10.2% in 2025 to reach 127.80 euros. This marks the highest growth rate in the archipelago.

    Book your Lanzarote trip with Jet2
    Check out Jet2’s deals here

    With this boost, Lanzarote now ranks as the sixth most profitable coastal destination in Spain. Only Ibiza-Formentera (170.30 euros), Costa de Barcelona (146.50 euros), Menorca (135.60 euros), Gipuzkoa (129.60 euros), and Gran Canaria are ahead. Gran Canaria’s hotels also performed strongly, increasing profitability by 7.8% to 128.90 euros.

    Read the full article at Canarian Weekly.

  • Lanzarote Airport update

    Lanzarote Airport update

    Thanks to Canarian Weekly

    As of Jan 2026

    Long queues and extended waiting times at passport controls in Canary Islands airports, including Lanzarote, are being described as a serious threat to the islands’ tourist image, according to the hotel industry. The new EES requirements began being rolled out on October 12, 2025, and have been causing issues at some EU airports.

    If you are a UK passport holder, check the entry requirements for Spain including the Canary islands here.

    Read the full article here.

    Had an experience you want to share? Let me know in the comments below.

  • Find out all about EES and Lanzarote passport control here

    Find out all about EES and Lanzarote passport control here

    Here are the sites I have found that give detailed, thorough and accurate information regarding EES and potential delays at Lanzarote airport arrivals, or any other airports in the EU’s Schengen area.

    EU official site – information about EES and all related queries

    TravelonWorld – more general information about EES and 90/180 day rule

    Lanzarote Retreats – detailed information about what to expect and why

    Book your Lanzarote trip with Jet2
    Check out Jet2’s deals here

    Note – if you are one of the following, EES does not apply:

    • EU passport/ID card holder
    • Residents in Spain with a valid TIE or an expired TIE with regreso or proof of a booked appointment
    • Children under 12
    • Those on a long-term visa in Spain (your passport and visa must be valid.)

    EES might apply if you are

    • A UK citizen with an old green certificate – you should update this to a TIE as soon as possible
    • A family member of an EU citizen, travelling with your EU family member or spouse. Be prepared to show proof of your relationship.

    Had a flight delay? You are covered by EU law and may be entitled to compensation, even if travelling to/from the UK. Find out more here.

  • Jet2 discounts and promo codes – updated 6 March 2026

    Jet2 discounts and promo codes – updated 6 March 2026

    Save £75pp on all Summer 2026 holidays – limited time only, no promo code needed:

    Click here to book now

    Couples save £200 on city breaks until 31 March 2026

    Families save £400 on all Indulgent Escapes until 31 March 2026

    Groups save £600 on all Jet2villas until 31 March 2026

    Single parent? Book here and use promo code J2HSPF60 if not automatically applied. Until 31 Dec 2026.

    Solo traveller? Use code SOLO30 here. Until 31 Dec 2026

    All “until” dates are booking deadlines, regardless of dates of travel.

    All packages include: return direct flights, 22kg luggage, transfer & ATOL protection. Most hotels include breakfast or there are some great all-inclusive options.

    Plus, Jet2 fly from convenient UK airports such as Nottingham, Leeds, Luton, Stansted, Edinburgh and from April 2026, Gatwick. As well as having ATOL protection, you will have a rep who visits your hotel during most stays, a UK-based call centre to handle any questions you may have and a handy app where you can view your flight, check-in, add extra services and more – download it here.

    Can’t decide where to stay? See my hotel reviews here.

  • Lanzarote Holidays 2026

    Lanzarote Holidays 2026

    Please note that when a holiday falls on a Sunday, it is often “moved” to the following Monday. Here are all the Lanzarote holidays for 2026:

    DateHolidayType
    January 1 (Thu)New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo)National
    January 6 (Tue)Epiphany / Three Kings Day (Día de Reyes)National
    February 17 (Tue)Carnival Tuesday (Martes de Carnaval)Local/Regional
    April 2 (Thu)Maundy Thursday (Jueves Santo)Regional
    April 3 (Fri)Good Friday (Viernes Santo)National
    May 1 (Fri)Labour Day (Fiesta del Trabajo)National
    May 30 (Sat)Canary Islands Day (Día de Canarias)Regional
    August 15 (Sat)Assumption of Mary (Asunción de la Virgen)National
    September 15 (Tue)Our Lady of the Volcanoes (Patrona de Lanzarote)Island Holiday
    October 12 (Mon)Spanish National Day (Fiesta Nacional)National
    November 2 (Mon)All Saints’ Day (Observed)National (Moved)
    December 7 (Mon)Constitution Day (Observed)National (Moved)
    December 8 (Tue)Immaculate ConceptionNational
    December 25 (Fri)Christmas Day (Natividad del Señor)National

    Local Municipal Holidays

    Each municipality in Lanzarote also selects two local holidays. These are usually centered around the town’s patron saint.

    • Arrecife: August 25 (San Ginés).
    • Teguise: July 16 (Virgen del Carmen) and August 5 (Nuestra Señora de las Nieves).
    • Haría: June 24 (San Juan Bautista).
    • San Bartolomé: August 24 (San Bartolomé).
    • Tías including Matagorda and Puerto del Carmen: February 2 (Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria).
    • Tinajo: June 24 (San Juan Bautista) and August 16 (San Roque).
    • Yaiza: July 7 (San Marcial del Rubicón) and September 8 (Nuestra Señora de los Remedios).

    Key Travel Tips for 2026:

    • Long Weekends (Puentes): Because many holidays fall on Tuesdays or Thursdays (like Epiphany and the December holidays), many locals will take a “bridge” day off to create a 3 or 4-day weekend.
    • Closures: On these dates, most banks, government offices, post offices and some local shops will be closed, though tourist-heavy areas like Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca will often keep shops and restaurants open. Hotels will operate as normal.
  • How do I navigate Lanzarote’s public transport system?

    How do I navigate Lanzarote’s public transport system?

    Buses are the main form of public transport on Lanzarote. Here are some useful phrases, as not all bus drivers speak English:

    • Intercambio = interchange
    • Estacion = (bus) station
    • Cambio = change
    • Pago con tarjeta = payment by card
    • Parada = (bus) stop
    • Fuera de servicio = out of service
    • Dias laborales OR lunes a viernes = Monday to Friday
    • Sabado = Saturday
    • Domingos y festivos = Sundays and public holidays

    The system is managed by IntercityBus Lanzarote. Here is everything you need to know to get around like a local.

    1. Essential Tools for Planning

    • The Website: ArrecifeBus.com is the official site for timetables and route maps.
    • The App: Download the IntercityBus Lanzarote app (available on iOS and Android). It provides real-time “next bus” information and allows you to check your balance if you buy a travel card. You can also use Google Maps for bus times and journey planning.
    • Mapping: While Google Maps is generally reliable for routes, always cross-reference with the official app for the most accurate weekend or holiday schedules.

    2. Buying Tickets & Fares

    Fares are distance-based, typically ranging from €1.40 to €4.00.

    • Cash: You can buy single tickets directly from the driver. Important: Drivers usually cannot give change for notes larger than €10. Therefore, it is advisable to have some coins or a 5€ note ready.
    • Contactless Card: While some newer buses are rolling out debit/credit card readers, it is not yet universal. Carry cash as a backup. If you can pay by card, avoid foreign exchange fees but still use your own bank with Curve.
    • The “Bono” (Rechargeable Card): If you plan on taking more than 3 or 4 trips, buy the General Transport Card (Bono Bus).
      • Cost: €2 for the card, then top it up with €5–€50.
      • Benefit: It gives you a 10% discount on all fares and can be shared by multiple people (just tell the driver your destination and tap for each person).
      • Where to get it: At the main bus stations in Arrecife or Playa Blanca, or directly from many bus drivers.
      • If you’re a resident on the island, find out if you could get free public transport.
    Find your best hotel deal with ZenHotels

    3. Major Routes for Tourists

    Most routes radiate from the capital, Arrecife, or the Airport.

    • Airport (ACE) to Resorts: * Route 22/23: To Arrecife and Playa Honda.
      • Route 161/261: To Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca.
    • Between Resorts: * Route 03: Connects Costa Teguise, Arrecife, and Puerto del Carmen (very frequent). However, you may need to change at Arrecife Intercambiador when travelling from Arrecife airport to Costa Teguise. Check notices, ask the driver or use Google Maps. Buses only depart from Terminal 1. However, all international flights operate out of this terminal. Terminal 2 is only used for inter-island flights, and is within walking distance of Terminal 1.
      • Route 60: Connects Arrecife and Playa Blanca.
    • Special Sunday Service: * Routes 11, 12, 13, and 14: These run on Sundays specifically to take people to the famous Teguise Market.

    4. Tips for a Smooth Ride

    • Wave the Bus Down: Buses will not always stop unless they see you clearly signaling (a simple hand wave).
    • Exit Strategy: Press the “Stop” button before your station. You must exit through the middle/rear doors, not the front.
    • Accessibility: Most buses are modern, air-conditioned, and have ramps for wheelchairs and strollers.
    • Timing: Buses are generally punctual, but frequency drops significantly on weekends and public holidays. Always check the “Sábados, Domingos y Festivos” column on schedules.

    Pro-Tip: If you want to visit Timanfaya National Park or the Jameos del Agua caves, public buses are limited. For these specific sights, a guided tour or a rental car is usually more practical than the “guagua.”

  • Got family visiting you? Check Lanzarote arrivals here.

    Got family visiting you? Check Lanzarote arrivals here.

    Check real-time flight arrivals at Arrecife airport here

    https://www.flightradar24.com/data/airports/ace/arrivals

    Flight delayed by 3 hours or more? Try AirHelp to help you get the compensation you may be entitled to.

  • Government extends Free Public Transport in the Canaries throughout 2026

    Government extends Free Public Transport in the Canaries throughout 2026

    Article summary – free public transport for residents is to remain for residents of the Canary Islands, Spain.

    To apply for your card in Lanzarote, you can go to the main bus station in Arrecife – not the Intercambiador. You will need the correct paperwork including passport or ID card, padron, and for non-EU citizens, your TIE card. The office may only be open at certain times, so check beforehand and as always, take photocopies of documents with you.

    For more information on how to get your paperwork as an EU citizen in Lanzarote, book a session with me today.

  • Where are the best places to see on Lanzarote?

    Where are the best places to see on Lanzarote?

    🌋 The Volcanic Heart of Lanzarote

    • Timanfaya National Park: A must-visit. You can take a coach tour through the “Mountains of Fire” to see craters and lava fields that look like Mars. Don’t miss the El Diablo Restaurant, where food is cooked using geothermal heat from the volcano.
    • Cueva de los Verdes: A spectacular lava tube formed 3,000 years ago. Guided tours take you through illuminated galleries, ending with a famous “secret” optical illusion that is best seen in person.
    • Volcán El Cuervo: For those who want to get up close, this is an easy, flat walk that actually allows you to step inside the crater of a volcano.

    🎨 The Manrique Legacy

    • Jameos del Agua: Part of the same lava tube as Cueva de los Verdes, Manrique transformed this section into a stunning subterranean garden, restaurant, and auditorium. It is home to a unique species of tiny, blind albino crabs.
    • Fundación César Manrique: Built into five volcanic bubbles (natural caves in the lava), this was the artist’s former home and is now a museum showcasing his work and the island’s architectural philosophy.
    • Jardín de Cactus: A former quarry turned into a botanical amphitheater housing over 4,500 cacti from around the world, topped with a traditional white windmill.

    🏖️ Coastal Escapes & Hidden Gems

    • Papagayo Beaches: Located in a protected natural park at the southern tip, these are widely considered the island’s most beautiful beaches, featuring golden sand and emerald water sheltered by cliffs.
    • Famara Beach: A massive, wild beach backed by soaring pink cliffs. It’s the “Hawaii of Europe” for surfers and offers some of the most dramatic sunset views on the island.
    • La Graciosa: A small, separate island just north of Lanzarote with no paved roads. You can catch a 25-minute ferry from Órzola to explore its untouched beaches by bike or on foot.
    • Las Grietas: A “hidden gem” consisting of narrow, winding fissures in the volcanic rock that resemble a miniature version of the Antelope Canyon in Arizona.

    🍷 Culture & Gastronomy

    • La Geria Wine Region: Unlike any vineyard you’ve seen—vines are planted in deep pits of black volcanic ash, protected by semi-circular stone walls. Stop at a bodega (like El Grifo) to try the local Malvasía wine.

    See my restaurant guide with only 4 or 5 star reviews here.

    • Teguise Market: On Sunday mornings, the historic former capital of Teguise turns into a massive open-air market with crafts, local food, and live music.