BEFORE YOU GO ..... (Page 2)
LeisureZone holiday hints, tips and general information - (arranged alphabetically)
Driving in Fuerteventura and Lanzarote Driving "on the wrong side of the road" can be disconcerting if you have never done it before. Driving in a straight line is fine, but when you come to roundabouts and junctions it can feel a bit tricky to start with. A tip that works for me, is that the verge is always on the passenger side of your steering wheel, so in the UK the verge is on your left, in Spain it is on your right. Just remember not to try to change gear with your window winder!!!!
The main roads on Fuerteventura are good, but there are several unmade roads, for example Cofete in the south of the island, and the small road from Corralejo to Majanicho, so it may be worth considering a 4-wheel drive model when hiring a car.
Lanzarote's roads are good although there is much more traffic on them than Fuerteventura. The road to Papagayo Beach is still unmade and can be a bit of a bumpy journey!
Most car hire companies are aware of the condition of the roads and accept that their cars will inevitably be taken "off road" although their terms agreements forbid this use. Another term in their contracts is that their cars cannot be taken to another island - Fuerteventura to Lanzarote and v.v., although this regularly takes place without penalties! If in doubt, ask!
A word of warning: Fuerteventura has only recently introduced traffic lights. Roundabouts are also a fairly new phenomenon which the older generation of Spanish drivers seem to find completely baffling! Most cars travel round in the outside lane, no matter which exit they are taking - be careful as you may well find cars cutting across your exit route!
SPEED LIMITS - Normal speed limits range from 30-40kph in towns, to 90km on the open road. There is a dual carriageway section in Jandia, Fuerteventura, where you can enjoy speeds of 120kph. There are only 2 physical speed cameras in Fuerteventura (on the main road from Puerto del Rosario to the airport). However, there are mobile, unmarked police cars with radar devices which are in contact with Guardia Civil further along the road, so beware as you may be stopped further along the way after your "offence" has been noted. Do NOT cross the solid white lines at any time - this is the favourite for the Guardia and there is an instant fine of 90€. If you don't have the cash on you, you will be escorted to the nearest cash-point to withdraw the money, or your car will be impounded.
PARKING METERS - Be sure to pay and display when applicable. If you happen to return to your car and there is a "fine", you can cancel out the ticket by paying the appropriate fee at the nearest parking meter pay point.
FINES - Should you be unlucky enough to receive a road traffic offence fine, immediate payment will reduce the amount payable by 30%. Some fines are on-the-spot, whereas others (parking in the wrong place etc) need to be paid at a bank and are then cancelled out at the local police station. Please be aware that standard fines range from 90€ to 300€ - don't spoil your holiday by getting one!
Electricity Electricity is 220/240V. All UK appliances work using the standard round 2-pin European adaptor. Electronics Purchase The electronic shops (sadly) all have bad reputations in both Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. However, a tip we always try to pass on is to research what you want to buy before you get to the islands - use the internet or check out your local stores etc.Visit the electronics shops in Fuerteventura or Lanzarote, armed with a print-out of the price you could get your chosen item for elsewhere and at a price that you would be happy to pay. Ask the shop to equal or better the price (they are desperate to make sales, so you may be able to get some good deals). If they will not, please don't fall into the trap of being persuaded to buy something else - hold onto your money and buy when you get home - sometimes it saves a lot of grief.
If you DO decide to buy here, please make sure that the camera/electronic item that you want stays in your sight throughout the transaction and is not taken to the back of the shop for wrapping or whatever (very easy to swap models!)
ALL Emergencies |
112 |
Ambulance |
928 801 212 |
National Police |
091 |
Local Police |
092 |
Guardia Civil |
062 |
Fire |
080 |
Emergency Contact Numbers Each of the resort areas has its own local Police and Health contact telephone numbers which should be given to you by your hotel or apartment provider.
General telephone numbers applicable in all areas are shown in the table.
For DOCTORS - please see this page
