It’s possible that at some point you’ve asked yourself, ‘is Lanzarote in Spain?’. This is a common doubt due to the island’s location, and today we want to clear it up. Which continent do the Canary Islands belong to? Below, we give you the details so you can start planning your trip.
Is Lanzarote in Spain?
Yes, if you travel to Lanzarote you’ll be in Spanish territory because the Canary Islands are under the administration of Spain. Although it is far from the mainland, when we arrive at Lanzarote Airport we are in European territory.
Political and administrative status
Lanzarote belongs to the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands, in the province of Las Palmas. Therefore, it belongs to Spain, even though its location is closer to Africa.
As part of Spain, Lanzarote’s official currency is the euro and Spanish is spoken. Likewise, it is governed by Spanish law.
Europe or Africa?
The Canary Islands are far from Europe and, due to their proximity to Africa, it’s normal for there to be confusion about which continent they belong to. However, Lanzarote belongs to Spain and is subject to Spanish legislation; therefore, it is in Europe.
Its culture, currency and official language are the same as in the rest of Spain.
Where exactly is it?
Lanzarote is the fourth-largest island in the Canary archipelago and the most easterly; in other words, the one closest to Africa. The distance separating it from the northwest coast of Africa is around 125 km.
From Cádiz, where the main ferry route from the mainland departs, the distance to Lanzarote is 1,154 km.
How to Get There
Lanzarote’s infrastructure makes it easy to reach the island from various places, both within and outside Spain. The most common options are as follows:
International and domestic flights
César Manrique–Lanzarote Airport is near Arrecife and receives direct flights from numerous European and Spanish cities. From the Iberian Peninsula, you’ll find frequent flights from Madrid, Barcelona, among other cities.
Some airlines that offer flights to the island include Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling and Iberia.
Ferries: mainland and interisland routes
Another option is to travel by ferry from the mainland. The most frequent route is from Cádiz, and the journey can take between 24 and 27 hours. Although the crossings are long, you have the advantage of being able to bring your own car.
If you want to travel from or to other parts of the archipelago, there are also ferries connecting the different islands. Among the most common is the route linking Corralejo, in Fuerteventura, with Playa Blanca, in Lanzarote.
Timetables and the frequency of ferry services to Lanzarote can vary depending on the season.
Quick arrival tips
Keep these tips in mind if you’re planning to travel to Lanzarote:
- Best time to fly: the island has warm weather all year round, but spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are more pleasant. These months are also less crowded with tourists.
- Car hire vs. bus: the bus system is efficient and connects the main towns and villages, but you can hire a car to explore the island at your own pace.
- Transfer to your accommodation: the best option for reaching your accommodation is to book a private transfer from the airport.
Practical Travel Info
In summary, here are some practical facts to help you organize your trip:
- Currency: euro (€).
- Language: Spanish.
- Plugs: European type (two round pins).
- Opening hours: generally, shops open from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 17:00 to 20:00. Restaurants tend to have longer hours.
- Entry requirements: citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom only need a valid identity document to enter Lanzarote.
Is Lanzarote in Spain? The answer is yes. With this information, you can now start organizing your trip to the island. At Lanzarote Transfer we offer our transfer service to any part of the island.
Our company seeks to deliver the best service you can find on the island today. We seek to optimise our clients’ time and resources, which is why we respect the schedules and offer the best prices for different transfers.
