BEFORE YOU GO .....
LeisureZone holiday hints, tips and general information - (arranged alphabetically)
Alcohol Fuerteventura does not produce its own wines etc, so all alcohol is imported. Lanzarote does have a few local wines which can be purchased direct from the vineyards and local supermarkets.
Spanish wines are readily available from supermarkets everywhere and are cheap and varied. Most international branded wines and spirits are available but you will also find cheaper alternatives which can be just as good, so if you are watching the pennies, give them a go!
Spanish culture includes drinking, and as people live with it from cradle to grave, there are not the same problems with alcohol abuse and hooliganism as in other parts of the world. In truth, any trouble outside a late night bar or club in a resort area, is usually caused by rowdy holiday makers, and not locals.
If you intend buying alcohol to take home as duty free, your cheapest option is to buy from a supermarket, NOT from the airport where the prices are generally higher.
Banking Hours Normal Banking hours change depending on the Summer or Winter seasons. Some banks also offer a Late Night and Saturday morning service.
Winter timetable (October to April):
Monday to Thursday: 8.15 am to 4.30 pm / Friday: 8.15 am to 2 pm
Summer timetable (May to September):
Monday to Friday: 8.15 am to 2 pm.
Bottled water Should be used for drinking, although tap water is perfectly safe. You can also safely use tap water for cooking, teas and coffee and for brushing your teeth.
Car Hire There are many car hire companies throughout both islands, some offering better deals than others, so it pays to either shop online and book before you arrive, or check around once you arrive. Please be aware that it is probably best to take both your paper AND plastic card licences, but most car hire companies only ever require the plastic card. Please also note that most hire companies require the driver to be over 25.
For further details, please see our section on Driving further down this page.
Children Children are welcome everywhere, and it is thoroughly acceptable to take them into bars and restaurants at any time. You also have a LEGAL RIGHT to use the toileting facilities of any bar or restaurant, even if you are not a paying customer. You can get pasturised milk from any supermarket, although it doesnt keep well, so LeisureZone advises daily purchase of the 1L cartons. Whole milk (leche) is in cartons with BLUE writing, Semi-skimmed milk is in cartons with GREEN writing and skimmed milk is in cartons with RED writing. Baby milk powders, bottles and nappies are available at all supermarkets as well as local Pharmacies. Cockroaches Cockroaches are present everywhere in the world - year round! Yes, you will see cockroaches in Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, particularly late at night around restaurant/bar street dustbins. They CAN fly, although we have never seen it, so dont worry about any horror stories you may have heard!
Most complexes and apartments are chemically treated and inspected, so you are unlikely to see any in and around where you are staying. Best treatment if you are bothered by the odd one, is an aerosol spray, or if you are very brave, the sole of your shoe!!!
Cockroaches can come up through the overflows in bathrooms, so you may want to take some tape with you to put over the bidet (a favourite place!) and bath. You might also want to keep the plugs in and place a glass or something over the shower trap.
Currency The currency is the euro (€). Shops and vendors will accept notes up to 100€, but generally not those of higher value. Please ensure you change larger notes at a bank to save embarrassment on either side.Dress Code Fuerteventura Lanzarote are relaxed Canary Islands (Fuerteventura is VERY laid-back, and has a surf culture), therefore normal daytime dress is casual and relaxed.
However, please consider others when having a drink or snack at a bar or restaurant during the day - wear a T-shirt, don't display your body and leave sunscreen over the back of seats for others to get on their clothes!
For food hygiene reasons, supermarket security guards WILL seek you out and ask you to put on a T-shirt when using their services. If you don't have one with you, you will not be allowed in!
While some visitors will go out in the evening in shorts and flip flops, it is generally better for men to wear long trousers and an open-neck shirt in the evenings. Please remember to take a light cardigan or jacket with you as it can be quite a lot cooler in the evenings.
