Be Safe In Lanzarote

By and large, Lanzarote is a safe place for visitors, with little in the way of crime and violent crime being all but non-existent. You’re more likely to experience violence from other holidaymakers than you are from the locals.

Safety

Threats to your cash and personal effects from pickpockets are probably less on Lanzarote than on other Spanish islands; however, this should not encourage complacency among visitors and steps to protect yourself from theft should still be taken. Lanzarote is a haven for immigrants from the African Sahara, who arrive on the island with nothing and have very little chance to make money, so be wary of your possessions while you are on the beach and don’t present the needy with unnecessary temptations. If staying in a ground floor apartment, take extra steps to avoid being the victim of theft by keeping windows without bars closed at all times and not leaving clothes, towels or personal items on the balcony. Avoid taking a siesta in the afternoon with the apartment doors open; opportunists will think nothing of climbing onto your balcony and entering your room to relieve you of cash and valuables while you nap away oblivious to what’s going on.

If you plan to drive while on Lanzarote then be aware that the locals have very little regards for the rules of the road. Roundabouts can be especially hazardous, as few know how to use them correctly, while a lack of use of indicators and drivers making sudden left or right turns in front of you are not uncommon.

Police:  112

Health

Threats to health are low, with the sun perhaps being the single biggest cause of sickness or discomfort among visitors. The island’s trade winds fool many holidaymakers into thinking that temperatures are lower than they really are and consequently they neglect to apply appropriate amounts and factors of sunscreen.

At the beach, make sure you observe the flags indicating the danger levels for swimmers; a red flag indicates you should stay out of the water, a yellow flag indicates some danger, so enter with caution; while a green flag means a low level of danger.

Water is perfectly safe to drink on the island and hygiene conditions in restaurants are generally high. Visitors unfortunate enough to be taken ill for whatever reason will find medical centres at all of the island’s resorts. EU visitors can get free treatment, provided they have the necessary documentation from their home countries, while all other visitors should make sure theyhave a holiday insurance policy with medical cover.

General Hospital: + 34 928 80 16 36