Lanzarote Info

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  • Jet2 discounts and promo codes – updated 9 July 2026

    Jet2 discounts and promo codes – updated 9 July 2026

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

    Click here to book now

    Families save up to £700 on July & August 2026 holidays

    Check out the deals of the week

    Free child place finder

    All-inclusive bargain breaks

    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.

    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).
    • Other Canary Islands – see here

    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. Bear in mind that if your guest is arriving from the UK or Ireland, queues may be longer due to implementation of EES.

    Got a friend arriving into Lanzarote but don’t have a car to meet them? Try a shared transfer from Holiday Extras. That way, you can avoid long taxi queues and still arrive at your hotel faster than on the bus.

    Don’t let a delayed arrival let you down. Claim compensation if you can:

    Flight delayed by 3 hours or more? Try AirHelp to help you get the compensation you may be entitled to. Did you know that under EU261 rules, you may be entitled to compensation if:

    • your flight is within the EU and is operated either by any airline
    • your flight arrives in the EU from outside the EU and is operated by an EU airline. EU airlines include easyJet, Ryanair and TUI. Jet2 are not considered an EU airline, but you are protected under UK261.
    • your flight departs from the EU to a non-EU country operated by any airline
    • you have not already received benefits (compensation, re-routing, assistance from the airline) for flight related problems for this journey under the relevant law of a non-EU country.

  • Government extends Free Public Transport in the Canaries throughout 2026

    Government extends Free Public Transport in the Canaries throughout 2026

    Read more here: https://bit.ly/4raJfSe : 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.

  • What if I need to leave Spain whilst waiting for a new TIE?

    What if I need to leave Spain whilst waiting for a new TIE?

    If you ever need to leave Spain while your residency is being renewed or while you’re waiting for a replacement TIE card, don’t panic.

    There are a few options if you are a non-EU including UK citizen. You can travel, but the steps you need to take depend on your specific situation.

    Sometimes you’ll need an Autorización de Regreso to re-enter Spain without issues. Other times, your resguardo (the official receipt from your renewal or replacement application) may be enough — but only in very specific circumstances. The regreso can be obtained at an Immigration Office in Spain.

    This is especially important now that EES is in force at Lanzarote.

    If you are a UK citizen with a green certificate, you should change this to a TIE as soon as possible.

    If you are an EU citizen, although you can enter and leave Spain freely, there are still rules you must follow if you are resident. Find out more here.

    A picture of an EU passport

  • easyJet holidays Big Orange Sale now on

    easyJet holidays Big Orange Sale now on

    With easyJet holidays – use promo code BIGSALE to save up to £400 per booking.

    Some examples – all for 9 nights in June 2026 for 2 adults sharing a double or twin standard room. All include return direct flights (London/Liverpool/Manchester,) transfers & ATOL protection as well as 23kg hold luggage per person each way.

    Seaside Los Jameos – Matagorda, just outside Puerto del Carmen – half-board – £2198 total

    THB Royal – Playa Blanca – room only – £1383 total

    Tabaiba Apartments – Costa Teguise – self-catering – £1048 total

    Why choose easyJet holidays?

    • Customer care phone line if you need support
    • Most hotels include breakfast and are at least 3-star
    • Upgrade your room type, board type or transfer if you wish
    • One login for both flight and hotel
    • Get £10 worth of food & drink on your flight for just £8 when you buy a voucher in advance

  • Why are there so many cats in Lanzarote?

    Why are there so many cats in Lanzarote?

    High Reproduction Rates: Cats are very efficient breeders, capable of producing multiple litters per year. In a warm climate like Lanzarote’s, with a long breeding season, a lack of population control can lead to exponential growth in the cat population. A single unspayed female can contribute to a large number of offspring within a few years.

    Abandonment: Unfortunately, some pet owners abandon their cats, especially around tourist areas or when they leave the island. These abandoned cats then contribute to the stray population.

    Lack of Widespread Neutering and Spaying: While there are dedicated animal welfare organizations on Lanzarote that implement Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, the scale of the problem often exceeds the resources available. Historically, and sometimes still, there hasn’t been a comprehensive island-wide effort to sterilize a significant portion of the free-roaming cat population.

    Food Availability: Tourist areas, restaurants, and even well-meaning tourists sometimes provide food for stray cats. While done with good intentions, this food source can sustain larger populations of cats and encourage them to congregate in certain areas. You will probably find a cat colony around Matagorda or Puerto del Carmen.

    Climate and Environment: Lanzarote’s mild climate allows stray cats to survive year-round without the harsh conditions faced in colder regions. The volcanic soil can also resemble cat litter, making the environment more accommodating for them.

    cat

    A cat I found on my travels

  • Did you know this about César Manrique?

    Did you know this about César Manrique?

    • Art and Nature in Harmony: Much of the island’s aesthetic appeal is due to the work of Lanzarote artist, architect, and environmentalist César Manrique. He successfully campaigned to prevent high-rise development, which is why the island’s buildings are mostly low-rise and whitewashed, creating a visually pleasing and harmonious environment.

    • Cultural Attractions: His influence can be seen in cultural centres where art is seamlessly fused with nature, such as Jameos del Agua, the Mirador del Río viewpoint, the Cactus Garden, and his former home, the César Manrique Foundation. The airport is also named after him!