Canary Islands Spain Travel Guide
Major providers are Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, and Yoigo. Purchase pre-paid ("prepago") SIM cards at phone shops, official provider stores, or big supermarkets. Your passport is needed for registration.
Most hotels, apartments, and guesthouses have free Internet access-Fi. Public Wi-Fi is often in cafes, restaurants, bars, and some public spaces in Arrecife. Look for "WiFi gratis" signs.
Correos (Spanish Post Office) is the main office in Arrecife for sending postcards, letters, and packages. Yellow street post boxes are common throughout the urban area for postcards.
Official language is Spanish (Castilian). The english language and German are widely spoken in tourist areas. Less English outside main tourist zones. Picking up Basic spanish expressions is extremely useful.
Learning a few basic Spanish phrases can significantly deepen your experience. Locals often appreciate the effort, even if you do not speak fluently.
Organize your activities effectively by understanding typical business hours in Arrecife.
Generally 9:00/10:00 AM to 1:00/2:00 PM, then close for siesta, reopening 4:30/5:00 PM to 8:00/9:00 PM. Large centers have continuous hours (9:00 AM - 9:00 PM).
Lunch service typically 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM. Dinner service begins 7:00 PM/8:FROM 12:00 am onwards. Smaller cafes open earlier for breakfast.
Hours vary widely; most close on certain days (often Mondays) and public holidays. Always verify specific hours before visiting.
Banks generally operate weekdays from 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM. Some branches might have extended hours one day a week or reduced hours in summer.
National holidays mean banks, government offices, and many shops close. Public transport may have reduced schedules. Restaurants and major tourist attractions may remain open.
Verify opening hours for attractions and smaller shops. Many observe a siesta closure in the afternoon, which might affect your plans.
A handshake is common in formal settings. Informally, between friends, a kiss on each cheek (starting with the right cheek) is common, even between women or a man and woman. Between men, usually a handshake.
Casual and comfortable clothing is suitable for most tourist activities. For nicer restaurants, smart casual attire is a good option. Avoid beachwear (swimsuits, shirtless) outside of beaches and pools.
Generally acceptable to photograph landscapes and public places. Always ask permission before taking close-portrait photos, especially children. Be discreet in residential areas.
Avoid conversations on politics, particularly the Spanish Civil War or Catalan independence, unless you have deep familiarity with the subtleties and your interlocutor. Do not mock or criticize the monarchy.
For mobility needs, research specific attractions and accommodations ahead of time. Contact them directly to confirm their current accessibility features before booking your stay.
Lanzarote serves to fit travelers having a range of needs.
Arrecife has made efforts to upgrade accessibility, especially in newer developments and by the wide, flat coastal promenade.
Playa del Reducto has accessible ramps and pathways, at times haveing amphibious chairs. Arrecife Gran Hotel & Spa is generally very accessible.
Specialized services for tourists for those with visual or hearing impairments are limited. Assistance dogs are generally accepted. Contact specific attractions or service providers in advance.
Official tourism websites are a good starting point. Travel agencies specializing in accessible travel offer tailored advice and bookings that meet specific needs.
Book wheelchair-friendly cabs or tour transport well in advance of your arrival.
Contact accommodations and sights contact... directly to confirm their current accessibility features before your booking.
Ensure your travel insurance covers any specific mobility or healthcare requirements.
If you have mobility needs, thorough research into particular attractions and accommodations is advisable. A direct contact with them confirms current accessibility features before booking.
