Arrecife, Spain
Smoking policy at Arrecife, César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport (ACE)
Warnings & Caveats
Smoking anywhere inside the terminal building (including corridors, cafes, waiting rooms, and VIP lounges) is illegal under Spanish Laws 28/2005 and 42/2010. Fines for minor offences (smoking once in a prohibited area) can reach €30. More serious offences, such as smoking in restricted zones or tampering with smoke detectors, carry fines of €600 to €10,000. E-cigarettes and vaping devices are subject to the same indoor ban as traditional cigarettes.
César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport (ACE) allows smoking, but only in designated outdoor terraces. All indoor smoking is banned under Spanish law (Laws 28/2005 and 42/2010), including e-cigarettes and vaping devices. The good news for smokers is that ACE has two accessible airside terraces after security, which is more than many Spanish airports offer.
Before Security
Landside, smoking is only permitted in clearly marked outdoor areas outside the terminal building. There are no dedicated indoor or covered smoking zones before security. If you need a cigarette before checking in or after collecting your bags, head outside the terminal to the designated spots near the entrance, which are signposted and equipped with ashtrays.
After Security
Once you are through security in Terminal 1, you have two options:
Free outdoor terrace near Gate 12 (Terminal 1, 1st floor): This is the main free-access smoking spot airside. It is a spacious open-air terrace on the eastern side of the terminal, overlooking the runway and with views toward the mountains and the sea. Traveler reports from January 2022 confirm it was open and in good condition. Ashtrays and benches are provided, and café services are available nearby. The terrace sits between Gates 1 and 2, close to Gate 12.
Guacimeta Lounge terrace (Terminal 1, Airside, 1st floor): The Sala Guacimeta lounge includes a separate outdoor smoking terrace with ocean views. Access costs from approximately €39 per person at the door (the firstminute-transfer.com source quotes just over €30, while sleepinginairports.net lists from €39, confirm on arrival). Mastercard Priority Pass members and Business Class passengers on eligible airlines enter free. The lounge is open 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM and offers Wi-Fi, hot and cold meals (including gluten-free options), digital newspapers, TV, and flight information. Passengers can stay up to three hours before boarding, with possible extension during delays.
Vaping Rules
E-cigarettes and vaping devices are treated identically to traditional cigarettes under Spanish airport regulations. They are banned indoors throughout the terminal and may only be used in the designated outdoor smoking terraces.
Transit and Layovers
If you are transiting through ACE, the free terrace near Gate 12 is your most practical option. The Guacimeta Lounge is worth considering for longer layovers given the comfort and food on offer, especially if you hold a Priority Pass.
Bottom Line
ACE is one of the more smoker-friendly Spanish airports: a free outdoor airside terrace near Gate 12 is open to all passengers after security, and the paid Guacimeta Lounge adds a comfortable alternative with ocean views for around €39 or free with Priority Pass.
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