Information Pack

Useful Information & Villa Conditions

Please respect that this is a privately owned villa. Enjoy the facilities provided and please treat the villa as you would your own home. This villa is located in a residential area, so kindly respect our neighbours.

Check in/Check out Time ~

Check in time is from 3pm and check out time is 10am. If the villa is available you may extend your check out time upon application and at an additional cost.

Keys ~

Please use the key safe to store the keys when you go out. If you lose the keys you will be charged €50 for copies plus an additional call-out charge. Although break-ins and crime are rare, they do occur, so please be vigilant and lock all doors and windows when you go out.

Smoking ~

Smoking is not permitted in the villa.

Internet ~

WiFi is provided at the villa and the sign in details are provided at the property.

Breakages ~

Breakages must be notified to us immediately and may incur charges.

Refuse ~

Refuse should be bagged up and disposed of in the large bins on the road. There are also large recycling bins for cardboard, plastic, glass, etc all around the resort. Recycling is encouraged so please do this when you can.

Towels ~

Any midstay towel/linen service to be provided during your stay is detailed on our welcome notice at the villa. There is a washing machine provided for your convenience. Please do not use bath towels by the pool or anywhere outside the villa.

Toilets ~

To avoid blockages please do not flush sanitary towels, nappies, wet wipes, etc down the toilet. If the toilet becomes blocked you will be charged €50 for a plumber to be called out.

Electricity ~

The electricity supply is 220 Volts with continental round two-pin plugs. Adaptors are available to hire from us for a small fee.

Water ~

Water is a precious commodity here. Lanzarote’s water is de-salinated and has a high mineral content. It is safe to use to clean your teeth, for example, but drinking it may cause illness and is not recommended. Bottled water is available cheaply at all supermarkets.

Telephone ~

Dial 00 34 for Spain, plus 928 for Lanzarote.

Dial 00 44 prior to dialling a UK number and omit the first ‘0’ of that number.

Dial 00 353 for the Republic of Ireland and 00 49 for Germany.

Cots/High Chairs/Child Seats, etc ~

A number of items are available to hire from us at an additional cost. Please telephone us with your requirements and for prices and availability.

Swimming Pool ~

Please be aware of and adhere to the following guidelines :

~ The use of the pool is entirely at your own risk. No diving is permitted.

~ Children must be supervised at all times in and around the pool.

~ All sun cream/oil must be removed before entering the pool.

~ No drinking glasses or crockery (unless plastic) may be used in the vicinity of the pool.

~ The tiles around the pool are slippery when wet. Please do not run in the pool area and dry off thoroughly before entering the villa.

Departure Day ~

Please ensure that :

~ No refuse is left in the villa.

~ The oven/grill, hob, microwave and bbq are left clean, as you found them.

~ All washing up is completed.

~ All windows and doors are closed and locked.

~ All keys are left in the outside key safe, locked. Please remember not to leave the entry code on view in the key safe and set it to 0000.

Local Time ~ Greenwich Mean Time

Currency & Banks ~

The currency is the Euro. There are a number of banks and ATMs in Playa Blanca. Many shops provide a currency exchange service, but the best exchange rates are usually offered by the banks. Bank opening times are generally 8:30am to 2pm and you will need to present your passport.

An Introduction To Lanzarote

Lanzarote is the most easterly island of the Canary Islands archipelago, lying approximately 300km west of Africa. The islands belong to Spain. Lanzarote is approximately 60km long and 21km wide at its widest point, surrounded by dramatic and picturesque coastline.

Although all of the Canary Islands are volcanic, these features are most impressive on Lanzarote with Montañas del Fuego at The Timanfaya National Park being our main volcanic attraction that, geologically, has only recently erupted.

Lanzarote has the most consistent climate of all of the islands, with winter temperatures rarely falling between 20°C in the daytime. The average rainfull per year is just 16 days. Not surprisingly, Lanzarote has become a popular winter holiday destination for those attracted by the climate and the landscape, the latter largely due to the influence of the island’s prodigal son, César Manrique.

Manrique was an environmentalist, artist and sculptor, who had enormous influence over Lanzarote’s government. Born in Arrecife in 1919, he worked abroad for a number of years. Upon returning to Lanzarote in the 1960’s he was horrified at the development taking place on the island. He devoted the rest of his life to preserving the island’s natural state and preventing the often destructive consequences that tourism has brought to neighbouring islands.

Manrique’s influence is evident everywhere, from breathtaking attractions such as Montañas del Fuego, Jameos del Agua and El Mirador del Río to his roadside sculptures and restaurants blended into the natural volcanic landscape. Few buildings are more than two storeys high and most follow a simple themed colour scheme, harmonious with their surroundings.

Lanzarote sits in the Atlantic Ocean and offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago, most notably the unspoilt beaches of Papagayo, here in the south of the island.

Places Of Interest

Most are open daily and subject to an entrance charge.

Montañas Del Fuego (Timanfaya National Park)

The moon-like landscape of the ‘Mountains Of Fire’ is a must. The National Park is home to over thirty volcanic cones and covers an area of 52km sq. The last eruptions began in September 1730 and continued for six years. If you are driving to Parque Nacional de Timanfaya an entrance charge is payable at the barrier and you will drive through the park to a car park.

You must park your car and then explore the terrain on the coach tour provided as part of your entrance charge. The tour lasts for approximately 40 minutes. Don’t miss the water and fire attractions when you return from the tour, nor the open barbecue using natural heat from underground to cook food for the park’s El Diablo Restaurant.

El Golfo

At El Golfo the sea has eroded away a volcano and beneath the crater wall is a green lake named Lago Verde, due to its bright green colour caused by micro-organisms. Park in the large car park to the left and walk through the little village of El Golfo to the right to experience crashing waves, beautiful sunsets and some of the freshest seafood on the island.

Jameos del Agua

In the north of the island the caves and tubes formed by lava flows from Mount Corona have been adapted to create Jameos del Agua and the Cueva de los Verdes. The entrance to Jameos del Agua leads to a spacious bar/restaurant, beyond which lies a large cavern with a salt water lake. Its inhabitants are the world famous tiny, blind, albino crabs. Nobody

is quite sure how they got there. Beyond the cavern is a deep, blue pool. It is said that only the King of Spain is permitted to swim in this pool, which is surrounded by beautiful plants and palm trees. At the far end of the pool is an auditorium formed in a cavern and used for concerts. Jameos del Agua is awe inspiring and tranquil.

Steps up from the auditorium take you to a fascinating museum, the Casa de la Vulcanes. An entrance charge is payable to access Jameos del Agua.

Cueva de los Verdes

A short distance from Jameos del Agua is Cueva de los Verdes, or the Green Caves, a series of caves on various levels and of various sizes, one of which hosts concerts. The walk through the caves takes approximately 30 minutes and can be quite demanding in places, with a number of steps.

The clever lighting and atmospheric music showcases the extraordinary colour of the volcanic rocks and, on the tour, you will experience Lanzarote’s ‘secret’, but you must never tell! An entrance charge is payable.

Mirador del Rio

Also in the north, César Manrique converted an old gun emplacement, approximately 500m above sea level, into a restaurant and viewing platform providing breathtaking views, including the little island of Isla Graciosa. An entrance charge is payable.

Jardín de Cactus

Another Manrique creation is the Cactus Garden, just north of Guatiza. Homed in an old quarry, the garden contains approximately 10,000 cacti of over 1,400 species from all around the world. There is a restored windmill here, which demonstrates how corn was ground to make ‘gofio’. An entrance charge is payable.

Fundación César Manrique

The road from Arrecife towards Tahiche leads to a large, distinctive Manrique wind chime sculpture on a roundabout. Turn left here and on your right is the César Manrique Foundation, home to the artist until 1987. In 1992 it was opened as a museum and showcases Manrique’s art and lifestyle. The house was built over five lava bubbles dating from the volcanic eruptions of the 18th century and these bubbles are linked by corridors. Each bubble forms a separate room with its own features and colour scheme. Water and plant life played an integral part in the design of Manrique’s home. There is a gallery displaying works by artists including Picasso and, of course, Manrique himself. Visit the gift shop to buy your own Manrique arts and crafts. An entrance charge is payable.

Teguise Market

Plaza San Miguel in the usually quiet town of Teguise hosts a Sunday market from 9am to 2pm. There are numerous stalls selling aloe vera products, local cheese and wine, jewellery, leather products, ceramics, crafts, embroidered table cloths and other local specialities. Don’t miss the surrounding streets on which you will find little shops, galleries and local restaurants.

Health Matters

If you are taken ill or have an accident during a visit to any of the countries of the European Economic Area (EEA), free or subsidised emergency treatment is available upon producing a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and your passport. Only state provided treatment is covered and you will receive treatment on the same terms as nationals of the country that you are visiting.

In Playa Blanca there is a Health Centre (Centro de Salud) in Avenida Varadero, just outside the town centre, a few minutes drive from the villa. It is open daily, 24 hours. Telephone 00 34 928 117002.

Private treatment is not covered and state provided treatment may not cover all that you might expect to receive free of charge via the NHS. The main hospital is in Arrecife and there is also a small hospital in Playa Blanca, just down the road from the large petrol station on the roundabout on the approach to Playa Blanca from Arrecife.

There are a number of private medical practices in Playa Blanca and most speak English and/or German.

There are two pharmacies (‘Farmacias’) in Playa Blanca. Both are at the Papagayo end of the town, at the end of the pedestrian area in the town centre, near to the taxi rank (one is opposite and one is up the hill towards the LZ-2). Some prescription medicines, such as Ventolin, can be bought over the counter and painkillers can only be bought from the farmacia.

Farmacia Barona, Avenida Varadero 27, Tel. 00 34 928 518942

Farmacia D. Luis Ortiz Garcia, Avenida Papagayo 17, Tel. 00 34 928 518473

Local Transport, Car Hire, Driving, & Taxis

Bus number 30 is the circle line for Playa Blanca. Every day a bus will circulate every 30 minutes.

Also there is a bus service from the central bus station in Playa Blanca towards Puerto del Carmen via Yaiza and to the airport (one bus per hour).

www.intercitybuslanzarote.es

There are numerous car hire firms in Playa Blanca, in the town and also in resorts. It is often cheaper and less time consuming to hire a car than to book excursions to the various attractions that Lanzarote has to offer.

The island is well signposted. Drive on the right, overtake on the left and give way to the left at roundabouts. Speed limits, no overtaking zones and parking spaces are clearly indicated. Do not park in bays marked yellow and do not park over the white dotted line of parking bays as this is an offence which carries a fine. The police impose heavy fines for motoring offences, which you will be expected to pay in cash on the spot. Driving etiquette is a little quirky and it is worth noting that indicating and stopping at pedestrian crossings are not compulsory in Lanzarote. You must carry your passport, all parts of your driving licence and your car hire agreement at all times.

Taxis are abundant and are available at the various taxi ranks or by telephone. If ordering a taxi to collect you from the villa, for security reasons we recommend that you do not give the villa address. Instead, find a point of reference nearby (such as the entrance to the complex or the closest supermarket) and give the road name.

Bars & Restaurants

Playa Blanca offers a variety of international cuisine, including Spanish, Italian, Indian, Chinese, Japanese and Mexican restaurants. You will also find sports bars, karaoke bars, Irish pubs and local Spanish bars and cafés. WiFi is available at an increasing number of bars and restaurants. Whether you want a full English breakfast or sushi, you will be catered for.

Of course, there is a variety of Spanish restaurants serving full menus or tapas. Look out for local produce including:

~ Gofio – ground and toasted wheat or maize

~ Papas Arrugadas – small new potatoes with wrinkled skins, boiled in salty water until dry. Served with green or red mojo sauce

~ Seafish, such as cherne (sea bass), dorado (sea bream) and vieja (parrot fish)

~ Local goats milk cheeses with a variety of coloured and flavoured rinds

~ Local malvasía wine, which is cultivated at La Geria, San Bartolomé and Mozaga. In particular we recommend the award-winning El Grifo wine.

Located at the eastern end of the resort, Marina Rubicón is a seafront development of upmarket restaurants. Here at the water’s edge you can sit back and sample either the local or international cuisine that is on offer.

We recommend:

Volcan de Timanfaya – on the seafront promenade for Spanish, Continental and Mexican food

Asiatico – on the seafront promenade for Chinese, Thai and Japanese fare.

The Royal China Wok – at the Papagayo end of the town centre, opposite the church, for authentic Chinese food and a varied Chinese buffet

One Bar – at Marina Rubicón, in the marina building, for tapas in peaceful, waterfront surroundings

Vino Blanco – along the quayside at the marina, for wine and cocktails

Blue Note Jazz Cafe – next door to Vino Blanco, for amazing tapas.

Shopping

There are various supermarkets in Playa Blanca; the largest being Superdino and Spar in the town centre. There are a number of smaller supermarkets in and around the resorts, including an Overseas supermarket (stocking Iceland and Waitrose goods) at San Marcial del Rubicon. There are also two greengrocer shops, one at either end of the town centre.

Throughout the town and running parallel along the seafront there is an abundance of shops selling items for your holiday, crafts, clothing, jewellery, perfume, tobacco, liqueur, cameras and electronic equipment. Do not be afraid to haggle.

‘Duty free’ items are often cheaper in the town shops than at the airport.

The duty free allowances per adult are :

200 cigarettes OR 250 grams of tobacco OR 50 cigars,

1 litre of spirits OR 2 litres of sparkling/fortified wine and 2 litres of still wine, 60cc of perfume OR 250cc of eau de toilette.

Located at the eastern end of Playa Blanca, Marina Rubicón is a seafront development of upmarket restaurants and designer boutiques positioned next to a beautiful marina housing luxury yachts and boats.

Here there is a market at the far end of Marina Rubicón on Saturdays and Wednesdays from 9am to 2pm, with a large variety of stalls offering many wares including aloe vera products, local wine, jewellery, leather products, ceramics, crafts, clothes and embroidered table cloths.

Puerto del Carmen, half an hour’s drive towards the airport, is full of shops and the Biosfera shopping centre offers international brands of clothes.

Local Beaches

To the west of the town centre is Playa Flamingo, sheltered by two jetties. This is a perfect family beach with safe bathing, sun loungers and umbrellas for hire and a small bar. Also a couple of good restaurants and a couple of shops are available. Casa Joaquin makes an excellent paella and has a good selection of fish and Spanish dishes.

To the east of the town is the main beach of Playa Dorada. This is the largest of Playa Blanca’s beaches. This beach offers sun loungers and umbrellas for hire and a variety of water sports. In the centre of the town is the little ‘town beach’.

Lanzarote has many beautiful beaches. In the south, Papagayo has a series of six beaches with golden sands. They are best reached by water taxi or by car. If travelling by car there is a small entrance fee at the booth as you approach. These beaches are popular with naturists and snorkellers. They are completely unspoilt, but have no shade or amenities.

In the north is Famara, considered to be one of the best beaches of all the Canary Islands. It is breathtaking and, with its strong winds, attracts surfers and windsurfers. There are a number of popular seafood restaurants nearby.

Lanzarote For Children

Lanzarote offers amazing ways to entertain your children.

Mini Golf, in Playa Blanca, located next to the Bungalows Playa Limones, ctra Limones, in front of the entrance to Playa Flamingo.

Open all day, 3 euros per person. 18 holes. Contact reception.

Water Park Dino Park, located in the ApartHotel Paradise Island but open to the public. Calle Francia, Playa Blanca.

Rancho Texas Park, in Puerto del Carmen, Calle Alcalde Cabrera Torres, 25 minutes drive from the villa. Wildlife Park with sea lions show, birds, mammals and including a children’s splash zone and pools.

Soft Play Area, in the Biosfera Shopping Centre in Puerto del Carmen.

Huge soft play area for babies and older children, next to a mini golf (9 holes) and other children activities.

Lanzarote Aquarium, in Costa Teguise, Centro Comercial El Trebol, Avenida Las Acacias. This is the largest aquarium in the Canary Islands with more than one million litres of water distributed among 33 aquariums.

Costa Teguise Aqua Park, Avenida Club de Golf, Parcela 315.

One of the top attractions on the island for children.