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Owes its name to the number of seals
(lobos del mar is Spanish for sea lions) that used to visit the island when
emigrating. Each day, a boat travels
between Corralejo and Lobos, which is inhabited by one family that looks
after visitors on the island. Corralejo – Lobos: 10am.
Lobos to Corralejo: 4pm.
Isla de Lobos - Island
of seals
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Fuerteventura’s capital since 1860
and home to more than half the island’s population. It was called Puerto
de Cabras (Goats’ Port) up until 1957. It boasts a variety of shops
and two cinemas. Casa Museo de Unamuno is one of few attractions – formerly
Hotel Fuerteventura, exiled philosopher Miguel de Unamuno stayed briefly
and parts have been turned into a period piece from that time (1920s).
Fuerteventura’s capital
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One of the most important tourist
destinations, certainly for Brits and wind powered watersports enthusiasts.
It has wonderful views to Lobos Island and Lanzarote, as well as 20sq km
of sand dunes located south-east of the town, in the region called El Jable – this
was declared a National Park in 1982.
Corralejo's beaches and national park at El Jable
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French mercenary Jean de Béthencourt,
who claimed Fuerteventura for Spain, set up a permanent base here in the
15th Century, including a chapel around which a village grew.
Visitors can still see ruins of the first monastery, plus museums and craft
centres.
See ruins of the first monastery, plus museums and craft
centres.
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The beaches of Jandia in the south of
the island are considered by some to be the best in Europe. Water sports
lovers, beach bums, families, naturalists are all drawn here. Its broody
mountain backdrop with not a single hotel nor even a beach hut in sight is
picture-postcard perfect.
Picture-postcard perfect
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USEFUL
INFORMATION |
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Opening times of banks vary: the general opening hours are from 09.00 am to 1.30 pm Monday to Friday. Most banks are closed Saturday afternoon and all day Sundays. Most banks will provide cash on a Visa card, your limit allowing.
ATM - there are various ATM machines in the resort. Usually you will be charged a fee for this transaction.
Opening times, fees and ATM machines
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Always ask for stamps when you purchase your postcards, most shops and supermarkets will not sell them separately. The assistant should be able to advise you as to the cost of the post within Europe.
The main post office for Lanzarote is in Arrecife, the capital, this is
situated along the main sea front road and is open from 09.00 hrs to 14.00
hrs and for telegrams only until 20.30 hrs. The post office in Puerto del
Carmen is situated on the roundabout between the old and the new town (in front
of the Guardia Civil and next to the Biosfera shopping centre).
Opening Hours: 08.30 hrs to 14.30 hrs weekdays, Saturday mornings from 09.30
hrs to 13.00 hrs. Most towns have a regional smaller post office.
Post office is 'Correos' in Spanish and Stamps is 'sellos'.
Letters, stamps and Post Office locations
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Telephone
The local telephone boxes are situated every few hundred metres around the
tourist areas. Most accommodation receptions have public telephone boxes
too. Please be aware that these are usually more expensive than those you
will find in the street. Boxes will accept coins or cards. Cheap rate when
calling the abroad is after 10.00pm Monday to Friday and after 2.00pm on
Saturday. Cheap rate applies all day Sunday.
Mobile Phones
Many mobile phones connect with the Spanish networks automatically. If your
telephone asks you to select a network, the main networks in Lanzarote are
Movistar or Vodafone. To call a local landline number
from your
mobile the code is 0034, however if you have pre-arranged a ‘Roaming’ facility
with your mobile provider you should be able to dial Spanish numbers direct
and be charged at a local rate.
Internet
More and more internet cafes are opening throughout Lanzarote & Fuerteventura.
Many of them double as telephone shops such as Telefonica's Movistar businesses.
Telephones, mobile services and internet
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Chemists
Look out for the sign 'Farmacia' and the green Maltese cross. Outside normal opening hours, all chemists display the address of a chemist open 24 hours.
Clinics
There are many private clinics on both islands, and they are generally quite expensive, charging up to 100 euros for 1 visit.
The main private hospital for Lanzarote is in Puerto del Carmen caleed Hospiten, Freephone 900 700 7777. (24-hour assistance)
Lanzarote's state hospital is situated on Calle Terra, San Bartolome, this is just off the main road or circunvalacion to Arrecife. Tel no 928 801636 or 928 800163.
Dentist
The British Dental Clinic is situated in Tias, just outside Puerto del Carmen.
Tel: 928 833 573 Please note: dental costs can be quite expensive and generally
not covered by your holiday insurance
Chemists, Clinics and Dentists
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Taxis
Taxis run a regular service, the price of a journey within the resort is
reasonable, if you are travelling further, then the fares become more expensive.
All
taxi fares will be shown on the taximeter at the end of the journey, to avoid
dispute later on, you should ask for an approximate price at the beginning
of the journey. If you are travelling out of your resort, tell the driver
before you set off, as the rate per kilometre will be less. There are several
taxi ranks around the resort: taxis can also be hailed in the street, look
out for an illuminated green light, which will indicate the taxi is available
for hire. You can also ask your accommodation receptionist to call you a
taxi.
Bus Service
There is a regular bus service, which runs from Puerto del Carmen to Arrecife
every 20 minutes, Playa Blanca to Puerto del Carmen limited to 4 or 5 a day
and Costa Teguise to Arrecife every 20 minutes. The bus stops are clearly
indicated on the roadside and fares are not much more than one euro wherever
you wish to go. To return to Puerto del Carmen or Playa Blanca from Arrecife
you have to wait for the bus by the beach near the Arrecife Medular. The
bus service tends to be rather erratic so don't be surprised if the bus does
not arrive on time.
On Sunday there is a local bus service to Teguise market from Puerto del Carmen
which leaves the resort at 09.00 and 10.00, returning 12.00 and 13.30. There
are bus routes to other parts of the island, but you will first have to find
your way to the bus depot in Arrecife, the services are limited to 1 or 2
buses per day.
Car Hire
This is the most popular form of transport; if you would like to hire a car
there are many car hire companies around the island. Cars can be delivered
to your accommodation and may be left at the airport if you wish. When driving
in both Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, you need to carry your driving licence
at all times. If your driving licence does not have a photo, you also need
to carry your passport as ID. The use of seat belts is compulsory. The use
of mobile phones while driving is strictly prohibited unless they are totally
hands free. Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Do not
throw any object out of the car that could produce a fire or cause an accident.
Speeding fines are on the spot and range from approx 90 euros to 1,500 depending
on the seriousness of the offence. Also in most built-up areas parking is
pay and display, the blue lines in the parking areas denote this, costs are
reasonable, but beware if cars are left without displaying a valid ticket
you will get a parking ticket or they may be towed, incurring large fines.
If you get a parking ticket, this can be cancelled at the pay-and-display
machine.
Taxis, bus service and hire cars
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The normal opening times of the shops in Lanzarote and
Fuerteventura are as follows:- Monday to Friday 09.00 to 13.00 and 16.00
to 19.00; Saturday 09.00 to 13.00
Most shops are closed Saturday afternoons and Sundays. Invariably you will
find some shops that stay open during the Siesta Periods mainly in the resort
areas. There is a main shopping centre in the old town of Puerto del Carmen
called Biosfera, with a selection of shops from clothes, shoes, jewellery
and perfume etc. Another shopping centre is Deiland in Playa Honda, situated
close to the airport. Here you will also find a children's play area, a small
bowling alley and a cinema which only shows Spanish films. Across the road
from Deiland, opposite the airport you will also find several hypermarkets
if you want to stock up with your shopping.
Arrecife the capital also has many shops, the main shopping street being 'Leon
y Castillo' which has smaller streets leading off. All shops close for the
siesta period from 13.00 until 17.00.
Best buys on the island are 'duty free'
items such as alcohol and cigarettes, perfume, watches and some electrical
items. Don't forget to haggle over the prices of leather items from the Moroccan
bazaars, and the Canarian lace tablecloths.
Please note for travellers from EU countries, your duty free allowance is:
200 Cigarettes or 250g tobacco or 50 Cigars.
1 Litre of spirits or 2 Litres fortified wine,
60 cc perfume or 250cc toilet water.
Gifts per person allowed to the value of £132.00. (approx. 190 Euros)
N.B. when using credit cards whilst shopping you will need to provide photo
identification. Eg passport or driving license.
Opening times, locations and 'best buys'
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Whilst on holiday in the Canary Islands, why not sample
some of the local cuisine. Below you can find some explanations of what you
may see on menus in Canarian restaurants throughout the island.
Papas Arrogadas Small new potatoes cooked in their skins and boiled in salt, served with the local mojo sauce.
El Gofio A traditional staple food, which is a mixture of toasted cereal and grains.
Chorrizo Pork sausage highly seasoned with paprika and garlic.
San Concho Fresh stew served with the mojo sauce and papas arrogadas.
Sama Fresh fish caught locally, baked in sea salt and served to the table on a trolley (still encased in salt!).
Vieja Fresh fish boiled in its scales and seasoned with oil.
Tollo Dried fish served with mojo and other sauces.
Jamon Serrano Cured ham, thinly sliced.
Tortilla Traditional 'Spanish omelette' made with potatoes and onions (sometimes chorizo as well), normally served cold.
Paella Spain's most famous dish, a combination of rice, boiled with saffron and a variety of seafood - squid, mussels, shrimps, clams etc.
Traditional spanish dishes and how to ask for them
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Electrical Appliances
Please remember that it is dangerous to use electrical appliances when wearing
a wet bathing suit or with bare feet on wet floors. For your own safety,
please exercise proper caution when handling electrical appliances and supervise
children. Please report any electrical defects in your accommodation to your
reception. All electricity on Lanzarote and Fuerteventura is 220 volts; you
will need an adapter to use your personal appliances. In most accommodation
properties there is a trip switch system on the wall, all trip switches should
be in an upright position to obtain electricity. Power cuts occur occasionally.
When there is a power cut, mainly due to high winds, it is possible that
there will be no water as some accommodation uses water pumps operated by
electricity.
If
this happens,
contact your reception.
Balcony Safety
If you are travelling with young children, make sure that they are not left
unsupervised on balconies. Keep balcony furniture away from the railing so
that they are not encouraged to climb up.
Sun beds/Deck Chairs
When using sun beds/deck chairs, please ensure that they are properly set up
before use. Please also avoid placing sun beds next to perimeter walls as
children could use them to climb over walls.
Smoking Materials
Please take care when discarding matches, cigarettes etc. Always use ashtrays
provided. Please do not smoke in bed.
Bathroom Safety
As bathroom floors are tiled and you will be using a bath or shower tray, please
take extra care to ensure you do not slip.
Children’s Safety
Given the natural curiosity of children on holiday, you will probably need
to be very aware of what they are up to. Remember that young children should
never be left unsupervised, particularly when around the swimming pool, on
the balcony or near stairs. Make sure that your children always know where
you are and please stress to them the importance of staying close by.
Personal
Safety and Security
The same need for security applies abroad as at home, please be security conscious
at all times. Lock all doors and windows when you go out and do not leave
valuables on show with curtains open. We recommend the use of safety deposit
boxes. Protect yourself and your valuables
Treat your credit cards and travellers cheques as carefully as you would cash.
Always keep your cheque card separate from your chequebook.
Always keep your credit cards with you while travelling to and from your holiday
destination. Suitcases are not safe places to store your cards.
Do not countersign your traveller cheques until you are at the point of cashing
them. When in crowds, keep your bag either strapped across your body or held
firmly. A bum bag or concealed money belts is an ideal way to carry your
valuables.
If you hire a car, take extra care, and do not leave any valuables on show.
In the event you have something stolen, you will need to make a police report.
Contact your reception or resort representative who will put you in touch
with a translator to make a report at the local police station.
Please note:
there is a charge for this service but it is generally covered by your insurance
policy.
Loss of Credit Cards
If you loose your credit card please call your credit card emergency number.
For Travellers Cheques see the numbers below. You need to identify yourself
to the operator, so make sure you are well equipped with any personal details
or pin numbers. In the case of travellers cheques they will need to know
where you are staying in order to send you your new ones. Travellers cheque
companies (in case of loss)
American Express - Spain 900 994426
Mastercard - Spain 900 994403
Thomas cook 0044 1678 720050
Visa - Spain 900 974445
Sunbathing
A healthy colour makes us all feel better, but taking too much sun can be both
painful and dangerous. Build up your tan gradually by minimising your exposure
during the first few days of your holiday. Always cover yourself with a high
factor sunscreen lotion offering good protection. Never stay in the sun until
your skin turns red- the damage has already been done. Take particular care
with children, who should always wear sunscreen of at least Factor 20. Very
young children should cover up with a sun hat and loose cotton clothing.
Remember the suns rays are at their strongest between the hours of 11.00
and 15.00 hours.
Remember you can still burn in the shade, when it's cloudy or when you're swimming.
Wind and water intensify the suns effect, while you may feel cool, you could
be burning.
If you do burn; Apply cold water, then cover the area with light
gauze that lets the skin breath, but protects from germs. If there's any
sign of infection. Seek medical advice.
Heat Stroke: - Drink plenty of water; this will combat the dehydration, which
is responsible for the sick feeling and dizziness associated with heat stroke.
Avoid alcohol, this will dehydrate you further. Alcohol
Some of us like to indulge especially during our holidays, but there are times
when alcohol is best avoided. Do not drink before swimming or sunbathing
this will dehydrate you. Never drink when driving the drink-driving laws
are very strict on the islands, they are no different to the laws at home.
Beach Safety
Playing and swimming in the sea can be great fun. However, when the sea is
rough, dangerous currents may be present. We recommend that you follow the
flag warning signals available on most beaches and swim in the designated
areas. Be especially careful if you have small children.
Flag Warnings:
Green/White flag = Ok to swim
Yellow = turbulent, swim at your own risk
Red = dangerous, don't swim
Here are a few tips on beach safety:-
Familiarise yourself with the local flag warning system.
Seek local advise on the safest beaches.
Check to see if the beach has lifeguards in attendance.
Swim parallel to the shore, within your depth.
Supervise children at all times.
Swim before eating and drinking, not immediately after.
Do not swim at night.
Beware of 'zones' for powerboats, Jet Ski's etc.
Remember to always use adequate protection against the sun's rays.
Personal and holiday safety and security
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USEFUL
NUMBERS |
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Airport
Iberia General Information: +34 902 400 500
Iberia Local: +34 928 860 510
Iberia Flight Information: +34 28 846 001
Iberia Cargo: +34 928 846 156
AENA
General information: +34 928 846 000 / 928 860 500
Binter (Inter-Canaries) 902 391392
Euro Handling (luggage) 928 860 688
Iberia 928 860 510
Islas 928 860 927
Spanair 902 131 415
Meteorological: +34 928 846 158
Ayuntamientos
Cabildo +34 928 160 049
Antigua +34 928 878 004
Betancuria +34 928 878 092
La Oliva +34 928 861 904/5/6
Pájara +34 928 161 706
Puerto del Rosario+34 928 850 110
Tuineje +34 928 164 353
Churches
Kingdon Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Corralejo. Tel: 616 377 396
Faros Christian Fellowship +34 928 538721
Anglican Church +34 928 834 351
Consulates
Belgium (Bélgica): +34 922 241 193
Britain: +34 928 262508
Cuba: +34 928 244 642
Denmark (Dinamarca): +34 922 275 757
France (Francia): +34 928 292 371
Germany (Alemania): +34 928 275 700
Holland (Holand): +34 928 242 382
Ireland (Irlanda): +34 922 245 671
Italy (Italia): +34 928 241 911
Venezuela: +34 922 411 219
Credit Cards
Lost or Stolen
4B: +34 902 375 637
American Express: +34 902 375 637
Visa/Mastercard: +34 902 196 000
Emergency Services
Police, Fire, Red Cross 24hrs 365days (Ambulances): 112
Spanish Emergency Services: 061
Red Cross Corralejo +34 928 867 497
Red Cross Caleta de Fuste +34 928 851 376
Red Cross Puerto del Rosario +34 928 852 222
Important contact numbers
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Medical Services
General Hospital:
+34 928 862 000
Caleta de Fuste
Medical Centre: +34 928 163 123
Salus: +34 928 163 445
Salus Emergency line: +34 928 100 450
Corralejo
Clinica Brisamar: +34 928 536 402
Centro de salud (Health Centre): +34 928 866 143
Morro Jable Medical Centre: +34 928 541 543
Pájara Medical Centre: +34 928 547 473
Police
Corralejo: +34 928 866 107
Morro Jable: +34 928 541 020
Puerto del Rosario: +34 928 850 635
Ports & Ferries
Fred Olsen: +34 902 100 107
Naviera Armas: +34 902 456 500
Trasmediterrenea: +34 928 850 095
Taxi Ranks
Corralejo: +34 928 535 055
Caleta de Fuste: +34 928 850 412
Morro Jable: +34 928 540 373
Telefonica
General Equiries / Customer Services: 1004
Faults: 1002
Directory enquiries 11818
International directories 11825
Tourist Information
Airport: +34 928 851 250
Caleta de Fuste: +34 928 163 286
Corralejo: +34 928 866 235
Pájara: +34 928 540 776
Puerto del Rosario: +34 928 530 844
Transport
TIADHE (bus company): +34 928 852 166
Utilities
Unelco
UNELCO (Electricity): +34 928 530 421
Aguas (Water): +34 928 850 338
Vets
Corralejo: +34 928 535 738
Costa Calma: +34 928 875 556
Puerto del Rosario: +34 928 530 267
Important contact numbers
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