Isla de Lanzarote Warnings Or Dangers Tips by lomi Top 5 Page for this destination

Camping

Most of Lanzarote does not allow camping and you could be moved on by the police

Tiny things that bite

The good news is that malaria is carried by the anopheles mosquito, which is not generally found in Lanzarote. Still, you dont know where the last mossy was when he was drawing someone else's blood do you?

If you dont want to douse yourself in toxic chemicals take a tip from me which I always use to keep the blighters away.

Buy a plastic spray bottle (on Lanzarote the many Chinese bargain shops sell them for a euro), add a few drops each of the following aromatherapy oils ( from pharmacias and herbelario's or health food shops)

thyme
lemongrass
lavender
peppermint

the insects hate the smell, so spray around your windows, bed, or any area they may get in (under doors). It is safe to spray on your bedclothes and add a few drops to some oil to massage on your skin.

If you do get bitten, dab with pure (100%) lavender oil - the cheap brands may not be pure.

Personal Safety

Lanzarote has a low crime rate, but there are risks as anywhere else, especially where alcohol and drugs are concerned in the main resorts. The Spanish press rarely publish anything bad as it would give holidaymakers the wrong impression.

I have only once or twice seen anyone beg for money on the island. There have been many illegal immigrants arriving by boat from the African Sahara and Morrocco. The world should have great pity on these people, and personally I feel more should be done to help desperate people. They are not entitled to any benefits and therefore could be looking for opportunities, to make money.

We tend to be relaxed on the beach and take it for granted our stuff will be ok. Don't take valuables, leave them in the hotel or safe. Keep ground floor windows, without bars on them, shut at all times you are out, as well as at night. I have heard of robberys from the these ground floor rooms left ungaurded.

Be vigilent when out in clubs and restaurants, a friend of mine lost her bag in seconds of putting it down and being distracted, containing her keys, wallet and personal ID.

Driving dangers!

You must be over 25 to hire a car on the island. Take care! Many drivers in Lanzarote are crazy! Few drivers seems to know how to use a roundabout.

If you get on the inside lane it is often difficult to get out again. Many people don't use indicators - you never know when someone will brake suddenly and turn in front of you - left or right, or U turns where they are not allowed.

People will park their cars anywhere (i see them on roundabouts, zebra crossings). But whatever you do dont park in front of the dustbins! You will be towed away. The bin collectors empty rubbish at all times. There are no signs indicating you shouldn't park so be warned.

Apartment dangers

If you are staying in an apartment and it does not have metal bars on the windows, particularly if you are on the ground floor, do not leave them open when you go out. There have been a lot of opportunist thieves.

More apartments are putting fences around their complexes because of the problem that wasnt around until just 4 years ago.

One man told me he was asleep on the sofa with the door open, someone calmly walked in and took his wallet. He had taken it out of his pocket and put it on a low table nearby!

Famara Cliff Walk

The 5 hour walk around the cliffs of Famara are very dangerous. Much of the cliff face has been washed away and you may find yourself stranded.

Robberies from hire cars

News from The Canaries English Language Broadcaster operating Power FM and Waves Gold

Guardia Civil officers have split up a gang which has broken into more than 40 hire cars in Lanzarote, and stolen goods valued at 36,000 euros. The break-ins and thefts have all taken place at locations of tourist interest and beaches on the island, such as Los Jameos del Agua, El Mirador del Rio, Timanfaya and Playa Blanca where all the victims were foreign tourists. During the last few months, the robbers have helped themselves to video and photographic cameras, mobile phones, cash and credit cards valued at 36,000 euros. In the district of Yaiza, some 20 robberies have been reported, while in Teguise and Haria another 20 have been reported. Other robberies have taken place in Tinajo and San Bartolomé. The first arrest, of an African man, took place some weeks ago, and police efforts have concentrated on detaining the rest of the gang. Two Moroccans, aged 30 and 40, have now been arrested. Investigations are continuing, and many of the goods stolen have not yet been recovered. The arrested men are to appear in court in Arrecife