…the name and address of the scumbags who saw fit to dump an old boiler and washing machine on the field where we walk the dog, near to where we live… could you please pass the details onto me - I’d love to go and dump our rubbish on their doorstep, or alternatively pass the information on to the Guardia Civil. Why is it that some people are just too damned lazy, or to plain stupid to use publicly provided facilites for disposal of refuse in Lanzarote… Morons!

It’s hardly in keeping with the UN Biosphere Status of the island. According to “The Statutory Framework of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves,” biosphere reserves are created “to promote and demonstrate a balanced relationship between humans and the biosphere.”

…and don’t even get me onto both locals and tourist throwing crap out of car windows…

Recent events around the world have all worked together to affect the travel industry. For an Island such as Lanzarote, which is heavily reliant on tourism… this is now very apparent. No - the Island is not dead, despite what “doom and gloomers” would have you believe, but it certainly is going through a testing time. Businesses are battening down the hatches, and taking measures to ensure that they survive the difficult times. So for new people wanting to move to Lanzarote - is it s good idea? Or a bad one?

For those people trying to sell their property back in Ireland or the UK, this isn’t the easiest time. With banks being a lot stricter about lending… less people are buying. So although a family’s personal circumstances may be perfect for making the move… that house sale could be holding them back.

Ok… but what if the property is already sold, and the money’s in the bank waiting? Well… if that money is in pounds, then right now is a horrendous time to get it changed into euros.

But worry not. For house buyers in Lanzarote who have the cash ready, there are many many bargains to be snapped up. Many people are keen to sell for their own reasons, and haggling is achieving new dreams for many potential buyers that would have struggled a year or so ago.

Moving on to employment. Ok - so if you think you’re going to move over with your family of four… and just “get by” with a bit of bar work, and cleaning - then think again. This is a tourist destination remember? So if there are less tourists coming, then there are less jobs in the tourist industry. Most companies on the Island will not consider employing someone until they are actually living on the Island… and many more won’t employ until the person can provide references and experience of Island life too. It’s not personal, it’s just what employers have learned through valuable experience.

However, all is not lost. There are still new people relocating to Lanzarote all the time - who have the know how, gumption, and desire to make a proper living. You’re not likely to make your millions here… but a comfortable living is very achieveable. Starting your own business can be a good way of achieving this. But make sure you do your research and if buying a business, make sure you are given all the support, paperwork, and legal advice to allow you to make an informed decision. Don’t snap up the first “bargain” you see. If the business is selling… then why? Ask as many questions as you can… and make sure you remove those rose tinted glasses. Do your research if you are starting up a business of your own. Make sure there is a market for you. And ask lots of people for their advice and help - don’t just rely on one or two… as opinions can often be skewed.

If you do your research, plan carefully, bring enough money to live on for a few months in case you can’t find work immediately… and come over with your eyes wide open - then the rewards are immense. We should know!

So think carefully about your impending move… and we’ll see you when you get here!

Visitors to Lanzarote can pick up a free gift this Christmas – by downloading a copy of the Winter edition of Lanzarote Guidebook, the in depth island information guide. (more…)

Questions we are often asked by friends and family is “what time is it in Lanzarote?” and “Do the clocks go back in Lanzarote too?” Or “do you put the clocks forward in Lanzarote too?” (more…)

After you have been living in Lanzarote for some time, you get used to your day to day business, the hum drum of work, the dropping the kids to school… and life settles into its normal routine.  It is then that we can become sidetracked, and it becomes easy to forget what a beautiful and surprising island Lanzarote is. (more…)

I’m maybe not the best person to be writing this – given the results I’ve had since taking up fishing again but here goes…One of the things about Lanzarote is that, if you don’t keep yourself busy, you can end up with a lot of time on your hands. Yes, the lifestyle is fantastic, the weather is great, and we wouldn’t swap it for the world, but if you want to do more with your leisure time than eat and drink, and sit around watching television, it’s time to look for a hobby or two… (more…)

We thought readers of this site might be interested in the virtual tour of Lanzarote created by a friend of ours - Paul, at 360Turismo in Playa Blanca.

Whether you are a tourist, aspiring to move to the island, or a resident. We think you’ll find this entertaining. It’s extremely well done!

Lanzarote is a beautiful island that is fully committed to ensuring as many of the stunning and interesting places are fully accessible to all who visit here. Lanzarote has many future plans to improve the island to make as many areas as possible as wheelchair accessible as possible. (more…)

Start this tour fairly early on a Sunday morning, as this will take up most of your day.

Come out of Playa Blanca, and follow the signs to Yaiza. Watch the roundabouts at Yaiza, as the give way points can be a little confusing. But follow signs from there to Arrecife. (more…)

Lanzarote has many gems, and beautiful places to visit outside of the main resorts. So jump in the car and get out there! We’ll start you off with a route we take regularly… and certainly one we show to all of our visitors. More tours to follow at a later date. (more…)