18:32:27 Thursday, 28th March

There are no fixed shop opening times in Lanzarote, and these can vary depending on the type of store, where it is and what it sells. Generally they open from Monday to Saturday between 09.00 and 13.00 hrs. Then following a break, re-open between 16.00 and 21.00 hrs. However, it is becoming more common for some businesses to stay open through the traditional siesta period, especially shops in tourist areas.

The big supermarkets, commercial centres and department stores will generally do a 09.00 to 21.00 hrs stretch daily, apart from Sundays. Many governmental offices will open only in the mornings on weekdays. Apart from the major tourist resorts, most other shops are also closed on Sundays. Banks usually open from 09.00 to 14.00 hrs Monday to Friday, but obviously ATMs can be accessed constantly and may charge commission on cash withdrawals.

It is extremely difficult to say when churches will open as it can vary from day to day and be very irregular. Some museums only open for a few hours a day so it is always best to check beforehand. Theme parks remain open throughout the year, only closing on public bank holidays.

A good time to sit down and relax over lunch is between 13.00 and 16.00 hrs and restaurants usually serve dinner from 18.00 to 23.00 hrs. Some may stay open all day and even keep serving food very late into the evening and the early hours.

For the clubbers out there, it is worth bearing in mind that most nightclubs tend to get busy after midnight with many people not even going out until then and partying all the way through until sunrise!