Holidaying in COVID times: What it’s like in Lanzarote right now

Holidays abroad have become a complicated and angst-inducing prospect in the current climate. But for anyone willing and able to travel, now is the perfect time to visit Lanzarote. A chance to escape the negative news chatter, soak up some sunshine, breathe in the fresh Atlantic air and marvel at star-filled skies.

It’s like stepping back to a Lanzarote of 30 years ago…no queues at the airport, in shops, restaurants and tourist centres, tranquil beaches…and locals who are simply delighted to welcome you.

Many of our regular guests have been in touch to ask what life is like in Lanzarote right now and how the travel experience compares to previously. We’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions below. Please do get in touch if there is anything we can help with that we haven’t addressed.

Is Lanzarote a safe destination to visit?

Lanzarote is one of the areas in the world least affected by COVID-19, with all arrivals having to show a vaccination or a Covid Test, making the island one of the safest destinations to visit.

What do I need to do before I fly to Lanzarote?

You will need to fill out a public health form electronically via the Spain Travel Health portal https://www.spth.gob.es/ in order to obtain a personal QR code to be shown at the airport on arrival.

As of 14 June 2021. Anybody entering Spain or the Canary Islands (aged 6 years and over) are required to have one of the following on entry:

• A negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival. The tests accepted are PCR (RT-PCR for COVID-19), Transcription Mediated Amplification (TMA), and Antigen tests.
• An official accredited document illustrating that the individual has been fully vaccinated within the eight months prior to your trip or have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine authorised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) within the past four months and at least 15 days prior to your trip.
• An official medical certificate which proves the traveller has had and recovered from COVID-19 in the past six months.

Spain and the Canary Islands are also signed up to the EU COVID Vaccination Passport or EU Digital Covid Certificate scheme.

What happens at the airport?

Wearing a mask is compulsory at the airport prior to departure, on the flight and on arrival to Lanzarote, where you must show your completed health form QR or printed version. You may also have your temperature taken.

What is it like in Lanzarote at the moment?

At the time of writing (June 2021) the island is open for business as usual.

Shops, restaurants and bars are working together with the government to make sure all safety measures are in place. Masks are to be worn in public places and bars and restaurants, these are removed once seated for eating or drinking.

All the beaches are open, respecting the 1.5m social distancing. Masks are not required once you are seated, sunbathing or swimming.

Key tourist attractions are also open, including César Manrique’s Cactus Gardens and Jameos del Agua Caves.

You do not need to pre-book and there is no requirement to check-in at any of the establishments or tourist centres.

You can surf, run and cycle with no mask on. The same for walking and hiking – masks are only required in urban areas.

We offer a VIP private airport transfer service, ensuring a stress-free arrival. Our driver will meet you, whisk you away with a glass of chilled Cava and answer any questions you have. He will also see you to your holiday home and be happy to show you the local area’s best restaurants, shops etc. If you would like a driver during your stay, or a car, we can arrange long term or day rates.

One of the benefits of booking with Lanzarote Retreats is that we’re here on the ground to help you with anything throughout your stay. Whether that’s keeping you up to date with any changes in local regulations, booking excursions, yoga or sailing or arranging food deliveries. Even helping with any last-minute changes to travel plans.

Do you have extra COVID-19 secure procedures in place?

We are carefully following government guidelines to ensure the safety of our staff and guests. New procedures in place include supplying our visitor information booklets in digital form – these can now be accessed via a scanned QR code.

How are the communal areas at Finca de Arrieta?

All the shared areas and the swimming pool at our eco-village Finca de Arrieta are operational. We ask guests to respect the 1.5m social distancing between each other. Masks are not required once you are seated, sunbathing or swimming.

Do you offer long stay rates?

Now is the ideal time to embrace the digital nomad lifestyle and plan a longer trip. We are very happy to welcome guests at Finca de Arrieta for long stays (minimum 28 nights) at a special price of 50 euros per room per night, based on two people sharing. Your accommodation will be private, with a fully equipped kitchen and en suite shower room.

We also have good rates available on private villas and seafront apartments, please get in touch.

What about travel insurance?

The Canary Island government is providing COVID-19 cover to all visitors under their own AXA insurance, including medical expenses and repatriation costs as well as any extension of stays due to quarantine.

We have also found a policy from Holiday Extras that provide cover even to countries under non-essential travel advisories. In partnership with battleface travel insurance, underwritten by Lloyd’s of London, Holiday Extras’ travel policy will cover medical expenses incurred by COVID-19 in destinations including Spain and Lanzarote.

What if I book a stay and cannot travel due to COVID-19?

Please ask the Lanzarote Retreats Team for details regarding your booking and check out our Super Flexible rate.

Lanzarote Retreats are not held responsible for Government Covid rule changes, seek up to date details before travel.