Island in Canary Islands, Spain
Lanzarote
Volcanic island of black-sand beaches, César Manrique buildings and vineyards, with year-round sun and trade winds. Relaxed and photogenic; a car is almost essential and the nightlife is limited.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,030–2,810Comfortable, one person · €1,800–2,500Details
- Value for money47/100Better value than 46% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goOct–MayWarmest: Sep, 24°CDetails
- Air quality7 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet263 MbpsFixed broadband, Spain medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilDesalinated and legally potable, but salty-tasting; most residents and visitors drink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$56–113Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundIntercity busesYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work at most places; markets, small bars and some rural shops prefer cash.Details
Where to stay in Lanzarote
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Puerto del Carmen | Beach resort with restaurants, diving and nightlife |
| Costa Teguise | Wind and kite sports, quiet resort, close to Arrecife |
| Playa Blanca | Calmer south resort and ferry to Fuerteventura |
| Arrecife | Island capital: cheaper rents, local life, fewer tourists |
| Haría and Teguise | Inland villages; quiet, artistic, car-dependent |
Apps that work in Lanzarote
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Renfe: High-speed and regional train tickets
- ALSA: Long-distance bus tickets
- Taxis: Taxis are metered and available at ranks and the airport; app cover is limited, so book ahead for early or late rides.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Spain.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work at most places; markets, small bars and some rural shops prefer cash.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Many Spanish ATMs charge foreign cards a few euros per withdrawal; Euronet machines cost more. Always decline the conversion.
- Tipping: Not expected. Round up at bars and leave 5–10% for good restaurant service; check whether service is already included.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work almost everywhere. Bizum, used to split bills, needs a Spanish bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 across all Schengen countries; passport issued within 10 years, valid 3 months past departure.
- The EU Entry/Exit System has replaced passport stamps since April 2026: fingerprints and photo at your first entry. Allow extra time.
- ETIAS, the planned €20 online authorisation, isn't required yet (October 2026); check travel-europe.europa.eu for its start date.
Emergency numbers
Police 091 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Phone shops and airport kiosks sell prepaid SIMs (Orange, Vodafone, Digi, Lebara); about €10–25 for 30–100 GB. Passport required to register. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Spain
Going to Lanzarote solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.