What to Pack for Arrecife. Clothes, Accessories, Essentials

Clothing Recommendations

Pack lightweight, moisture-wicking apparel like cotton, linen, or quick-dry fabrics for daywear. Layering for evenings is important.

Layering Essentials

Light jacket or cardigan for evenings.
Lightweight Windbreaker for windy conditions.
Swimwear for beaches and pools.

Cultural & Activity Attire

Lanzarote is a casual, relaxed destination. No strict dress codes apply for general sightseeing.

Specific Considerations

Religious Sites: Modest dress; shoulders and knees covered.
Hiking: Comfortable Walking shoes or light hiking boots.
Dining: Smart casual for nicer restaurants.

Footwear for Every Terrain

Everyday Comfort

Comfortable walking shoes or Sneakers for town exploration.

Downtown streets, museums

Beach & Pool

Sandals or flip-flops for relaxed days.

Beaches, poolside

Adventure Ready

Water shoes for rocky beaches; sturdy trainers for volcanic trails.

Volcanic trails, tidal pools

Essential Documents

Critical Travel Paperwork

Keep your travel smooth by organizing your necessary documents.

Passport and Visa Documentation: Valid passport, visa (if needed), and photocopies.
Travel Insurance Policy Information: Policy number, emergency contacts, coverage details.
International Driving Permit (IDP): Required if your license is not from an EU/EEA country.
Vaccination Records and Health Documentation: Proof of vaccinations, medical prescriptions, EHIC (for EU citizens).

Printed and Digital Copies of Reservations: Flights, accommodation, car rentals, tours, ferry tickets.
Emergency Contact Information: Family/friends, embassy/consulate, local emergency numbers (112).
Student/Senior/Press IDs for Discounts: ISIC card for students, official senior cards, press credentials.
Store digital copies of all documents on a cloud service or send them to your email. This is a backup if physical documents are lost.

Tech & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Bring the right technology to maintain communication and take photos in Arrecife.

Essential Power & Connectivity Gear

Voltage: 230V, 50 Hz. Plug Types C & F. A Universal travel adapter with USB ports is highly practical.
SIM Cards: Local providers Movistar, Vodafone, Orange. Consider Airalo eSIM for international travel.
Portable Chargers: Required for keeping devices charged on the go. A High-capacity portable charger is recommended.

Photography & Apps

Capture your memories and navigate with ease.

Camera & App Essentials

Camera: Digital camera (DSLR, mirrorless, or high-quality Smartphone camera). Extra memory cards and batteries. A Lightweight tripod for landscapes. For gear, consider B&H Photo.
Navigation Apps: Google Maps, Maps.me (offline maps).
Translation Apps: Google Translate (offline pack), DeepL.

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud for easy access.

Portable Hard Drive

A Portable hard drive or USB stick for photo backups.

VPN Services

Consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal First Aid

Stay healthy and well during your Arrecife trip by packing the right individual and medical items.

Kit Contents

Adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, sterile gauze, medical tape.
Pain relievers (Ibuprofen), antihistamines, Anti-diarrhea medication, Hydrocortisone cream.
Blister remedies, Hand sanitizer, tweezers, small scissors. For more alternatives, see Adventure Medical Kits.

Medication & Hydration

Proper management of personal medications and hydration is for comfortable travel.

Medication & Water

Prescription Medications: Have in the original labeled containers with a doctor's letter. Pack enough for your entire trip.
Over-the-Counter: Cold/flu remedies, indigestion tablets.
Drinking Water: Tap water is potable but often desalinated. Many prefer Bottled water for taste. A LifeStraw or Portable water filter bottle is optional for remote hiking.

Motion Sickness & Sun Protection

Motion Sickness

Altitude is not a factor in Lanzarote.
Motion sickness medication (e.g., Dramamine) for boat trips or winding bus routes.
Occasional strong winds make some roads feel more curvy.

Sun Protection & Insects

Sun Protection: High SPF (30-50+) Broad-spectrum sunscreen and After-sun lotion are required.
Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes are generally not a major issue but are present, especially in damper areas. A small bottle of repellent is a good precaution.
Consider repellent with DEET or picaridin.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Essentials

Tailor your packing to the activities you plan in Arrecife and Lanzarote.

Sturdy walking shoes or light hiking boots.
Comfortable Socks.
Small Daypack.
Reusable water bottle.

Water Activities

Gear for water fun like swimming and snorkeling.

Swimsuit and cover-ups.
Beach towel (microfiber recommended).
Snorkeling mask and snorkel (bring your own for a perfect fit).
Consider renting surfboards, paddleboards, or diving gear.

Cycling & General

Items to take for riding a bike or general travel needs.

Cycling shorts and gear if planning extensive rides.
Bicycles are available for rent.
No unique specialty items beyond standard hiking/beach gear.
Volcanic landscape favors durable shoes.

Rent vs. Bring Decision

Items to Rent

Bicycles: Readily available at rental shops.
Surfboards, Stand-up Paddleboards: Rental shops offer these.
Full Snorkeling or Diving Gear: Available for rent.
Cars: Numerous car rental companies operate.

Items to Bring

Personal Swimsuit, Hat, Sunglasses: Your own for comfort.
Small Daypack: For daily excursions.
Own Snorkel or Mask: For perfect fit and hygiene.
High SPF Sun protection is recommended.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Beyond the basics, these items improve your comfort and security in Arrecife.

Essential Items

Comfort Items: A Travel neck pillow, Eye mask and earplugs, lightweight blanket or Shawl.
Security Items: TSA-approved luggage locks.
RFID Blocking: RFID-blocking wallet or passport holder.
Discreet Storage: Money belt (optional, for cash or document copies).

Reusable & Locally Available

Cut down on waste and avoid last-minute purchases.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle: Reusable water bottle for hydration and waste reduction.
Reusable Shopping Bag: Reusable shopping bag for groceries or markets.
Reusable Coffee Cup: Reusable coffee cup for your beverages.
Local Availability: Most common items are available locally. Specialty outdoor gear might have limited selection outside of main sports shops.

Sustainable & Smart Packing

Pack Layers

Lanzarote's climate, winds, and evening temperatures make extra layers a good idea.

Offline Maps

Download maps and language packs before your trip to save data and ensure access.

Own Snorkel/Mask

Bring your own mask and snorkel for comfortable and hygienic underwater viewing.

Carry-on Medications

Always pack medications in your carry-on bag to avoid issues with lost luggage.

Destination-Specific Advice

Lanzarote Specifics

Sun Protection: A wide-brimmed hat and sunnies are important.
Hydration: Carry a reusable water bottle for constant hydration.
Footwear: Sturdy footwear for volcanic terrain.

General Considerations

Car Rental: Book early for best rates and availability.
IDP: Required for non-EU/EEA licenses if driving.
Public Transport: Consider a BonoCard for bus savings.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack a reusable water bottle. This saves money on bottled water and helps reduce plastic waste on the island.

Download offline maps and language packs before you leave. This saves data and works even without internet access.

What to Pack for Arrecife