Lanzarote is part of the Canary Islands, the idyllic cluster of Mediterranean getaways that draw so many to Spain. Unlike the equally popular islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife, Lanzarote is much more relaxed that developed and is favoured by those who prefer a gentler pace – the ´true Spain.´

Getting There

Lanzarote has it´s own airport, situated just ourside of the capital Arrecife. Major European airlines like British Airways, Air Europa, Aerlingus and Iberia fly direct to Lanzarote and there are connecting shuttle flights between Lanzarote and the other Canary Island. Catching a ferry to Lanzarote is also a (quite charming) option. A thirty-five minute ride from Fuerteventura will bring you to Lanzarote.

Expats

English-speaking tourists make up ten per cent of the population in the summer months, with a decent number of these deciding to make the seachange and move to the island. The population of English-speaking expats in Lanzarote is around 7%, or a little under 200,000 people, making this one of the most expat-friendly places in the country. Although it is always wise to learn the local language, English-speakers are in much greater supply here than in other parts of the country, so the overwhelming experience of not knowing how to catch a bus, grocery shop, or find your own house is somewhat mitigated.

The Colegio Hispanico (http://www.hispano-britanico.cl/ ) takes care of kids from primary right through to univesity age. They are equipped to teach the British curriculum and graduates leave with their GSCEs. Classes are taught in both Spanish and English, so students quickly become bilingual, or trilingual as German is an optional language stream as well.

Getting Around

Lanzarote may be one of the quieter islands in the Canaries, but its infrastructure is among the best in Spain. Buses are frequent and run between all of the major towns (or pueblos) on Lanzarote. Multipasses bought from the bus station give you a fifty per cent discount on the normal ticket price. There is also a loop route, which gives you a great overview of your new home.

Settling In

Even if you do speak Spanish, employing the services of the Gestorias is a wise move for a new expat. A Gestor is a local who specialises in dealing with paperwork (and there is a great deal of paperwork involved in Spanish bureaucracy). They are not usually too expensive and can smooth the way for everything from obtaining residency to signing a lease. Consider a Gestor one of the best-value moving investments you will make. Other expats may be able to offer you word of mouth recommendations, or you can just open the Yellow Pages: Gestors are plentiful and all of them speak at least two languages (English being most common).

Property

Although Lanzarote property prices remain relatively stable in times of economic recession, there are still plenty of good deals to be had in the now-stagnant market. A one-bedroom apartment in a complex will cost 85,000 Euro and renting a two bedroom villa (a detached single-level house) with a pool, air conditioning and so on will set you back about 700 Euro a month.