Canary Islands

People visiting these islands could be at risk of high UV levels

People have been urged to take certain precautions as the ultraviolet radiation risk at a popular holiday destination area has been raised to “extreme”. Health officials in the Canary Islands have elevated the UV risk across several of the islands.

According to the Canary Islands Health Department, UV radiation levels are presently classified as “very high” across all islands. And Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria have reached the highest “extreme” warning category.

Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation can lead to serious health complications, including DNA damage, severe sunburn, allergic skin reactions, eye conditions and a heightened risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. Health experts also caution that UV exposure can suppress the immune system and even trigger the reactivation of viruses such as cold sores.

The alert particularly impacts those who spend lengthy periods outdoors, whether for work or leisure, as well as individuals with fair skin, light eyes or a family history of skin cancer. Children and older adults are also regarded as especially at risk.

As reported by Canarian Weekly on May 21, health authorities are strongly advising people to avoid direct sunlight between 11am and 5pm wherever possible, seek out shaded areas and wear protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats and approved sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection. The application of SPF 50 sunscreen is highly recommended, even on overcast days.

Authorities also issued a reminder to parents that babies under one year old should never be exposed directly to sunlight, as their skin is particularly sensitive and incompatible with most sun creams. The Canary Islands consistently record some of the highest UV radiation levels across Spain throughout the year, owing to their geographical position and climate.

How to apply sunscreen

The NHS warns that most people do not apply enough sunscreen. As a guide, adults should aim to apply around six to eight teaspoons of sunscreen if you’re covering your entire body.

READ MORE: Drivers in England urged to put ‘light coloured’ towel in their car from FridayREAD MORE: 5 UK areas issued with amber heat health alerts as heatwave warning upgraded

If sunscreen is applied “too thinly”, the amount of protection it gives is reduced. If you plan to be out in the sun long enough to risk burning, sunscreen needs to be applied twice:

• 30 minutes before going out
• Just before going out

Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed skin, including the face, neck and ears, and head if you have thinning or no hair, but a wide-brimmed hat is better. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied liberally and frequently, and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

This includes applying it straight after you have been in water, even if it’s “water resistant”, and after towel drying, sweating or when it may have rubbed off. It’s also recommended to reapply sunscreen every two hours, as the sun can dry it off your skin.

Further to this, the NHS recommends you should do the following to stay safe in the sun:

• Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm
• Never burn
• Cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses
• Take extra care with children
• Keep babies under six months out of direct sunlight
• Use at least factor 30 sunscreen – make sure to use enough and re-apply frequently

The holiday destination is hugely popular with UK tourists, and it’s brilliant – but one significant difference is hard not to notice

There’s nothing quite as exciting as discovering somewhere new on holiday. Trying out new restaurants, exploring the attractions and wandering for hours makes for the ideal short break, especially when the weather’s lovely and warm.

I love to travel and aim to visit a new city or country at least once a year. That said, I’m also a bit of a creature of habit, and there’s one destination I’ve returned to repeatedly that never loses its appeal. I first went to Playa Blanca in Lanzarote aged just nine, and it’s since become my family’s ultimate go-to retreat.

If you’ve visited before, you’ll know it feels very much like a second home. British and Irish tourists are everywhere, numerous seafront bars screen football while serving pints and full English breakfasts, and the streets are lined with familiar shops including Spar, Mango, Aldi and Lidl.

But the glorious sunshine, stunning beaches, distinctive landscape and lovely villas make it exceptional, so it’s hardly surprising that my family and I always look forward to our visits there.

We’ve been so often that all the typical tourist attractions have been crossed off our list. Timanfaya volcano, the cactus gardens and Mirador del Rio – a spectacular viewpoint nearly 500 metres above sea level – are all worthwhile visits, but nowadays when we go it’s purely for unwinding.

However, after our return earlier this month, I spotted a major difference, and unfortunately not a positive one.

Like most holidaymakers, there’s only one thing occupying my thoughts when I travel — and that’s the food. Playa Blanca has an abundance of outstanding restaurants catering to every possible taste, from traditional Spanish tapas and paella to sushi, curries, pasta and countless other options.

There are certain places we return to without fail, as well as exciting newcomers constantly appearing on the scene. It’s really unusual to have a disappointing meal anywhere across Playa Blanca.

However, this year many of the restaurants we went to were noticeably quieter than usual. The island itself appeared no less busy than normal, but even during peak periods, the dining spots we passed or visited had noticeably fewer customers.

Asia Playa Blanca, a personal favourite, was practically empty when we dropped in for lunch one afternoon. One family arrived, took their seats and promptly left — a disheartening sight, especially given the exceptional standard and presentation of the Japanese cuisine.

La Bodegon, a superb tapas spot along the waterfront, also seemed to be serving considerably fewer customers than I’ve seen before. While Lanzarote has pleasant weather throughout the year, visitor numbers typically drop during winter — but this was May, and the streets were as packed as ever.

The slump in restaurant footfall could be down to the construction of several large, all-inclusive hotels near the resort over the past few years.

For families in particular, opting for half-board at one of these properties is likely far more cost-effective and convenient than hunting down a different restaurant each evening.

If Playa Blanca is on your travel radar this year, a wander through the old town and a visit to a couple of local restaurants is highly recommended. Top picks would include Imagine India, La Casa Roja and Primari for curries, paella and Aperol Spritz respectively.

The staff are wonderfully friendly and attentive — you’ll often be treated to a complimentary Limoncello or honey rum at the end of your meal — and you might just stumble upon your new favourite dining destination.

Holidaymakers planning a trip to Spain who haven’t yet booked their flights are being warned to do so know amid speculation that escalating oil prices could soon drive up the costs

A Spanish tourist boss has warned that Brits who haven’t yet booked their summer holidays should book flights as soon as possible to avoid “price fluctuations”.

Jordi Hereu, Spain’s Industry and Tourism Minister, made the comments to Spanish news outlet Expansion yesterday (April 27), warning that growth in the tourist industry could be dampened by rises in the cost of flights. Last year, Spain welcomed 97 million tourists through its borders, and was expected to hit the 100 million mark this year.

He said: “What ⁠we’re recommending is that ‌people buy their tickets now because it’s true that (airlines) are currently using kerosene that was purchased some time ‌ago, and therefore there’s an element of ‌price fluctuations involved.”

“It’s already clear that prices have risen and this could affect demand.” he added. He went on to reassure holidaymakers that authorities were looking at ways to prevent fuel shortages as the busy summer season looms.

READ MORE: Passport holders urged to act as issue could see them ‘turned away at airports’READ MORE: TUI issues Tuesday April 28 update for passengers with holidays to Europe booked

But Mr Hereu also warned: “If the countries ‌that send tourists to Spain had problems, we would have them too.”

Many airlines have been foreced to cancel flights this spring and summer due to the rising cost of jet fuel as supplies run law, as a consequence of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the Israeli and US attack on Iran.

Keir Starmer said the UK was doing “everything we can” to reopen the Strait, although the UK PM warned: “I don’t want anybody to think that, once the Strait is open, that that’s the end of the damage. It will go on longer than that.”

He went on to tell Sky News: “I can see that, if there’s more impact, people might change their habits… where they go on holiday this year, what they’re buying in the supermarket, that sort of thing.”

Corneel Koster, Virgin Atlantic’s chief executive, told the Telegraph: “I was looking at improving our financial results by a really significant chunk. And then this happens. We have never seen jet fuel at these levels, with prices more than doubling. The industry cannot absorb increases like this.”

In recent weeks, the cost of a barrel of jet fuel has increased from £63 to as high as £148 amid the conflict in the Middle East. The cost of fuel accounts for around a quarter or more of operating expenses for airlines, meaning it can have a big impact on profits.

According to reports by the BBC, the lowest-priced economy tickets currently cost 24% more on average than this time last year. In response, airlines have asked for measures such as a cut or suspension to Air Passenger Duty to be put in place to balance out the costs for consumers.

READ MORE: UK tourists face risk of new airline strikes in European country 1.3m visit a yearREAD MORE: ‘I cried every day in England so moved 10,000 miles away – now my salary’s doubled’

A number of airlines have already cut services, such as Lufthansa, which has axed 20,000 European short-haul flights, which it claims will save around 40,000 metric tons of jet fuel. The German airline will offer customers options, including refunding fares or booking them on alternative flights with other airlines.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

Lanzarote tourists claim they are “done” with the popular holiday destination due to an unlikely aspect. It seems something in particular is putting them off visiting

Holidaymakers in the Canary Islands have been raising issues lately as a certain aspect seems to be catching them off guard. For weeks, people have been saying they’ve faced problems in Tenerife, but now attention has been placed on Lanzarote too.

Videos have gone viral online showing people opening up about how they think the popular holiday destination is “done” due to an unlikely issue. One video, shared on TikTok by Biggie Bills, got a lot of people talking, as many were in agreement that an unexpected aspect is “putting them off” visiting again as they made some pretty big travel confessions about the Canary Islands.

It comes after some tourists highlighted a different issue earlier this month. Just weeks ago, holidaymakers in Tenerife also raised another problem.

Biggie said: “This is why people are done with Lanzarote. The wind is constant. Face full of sand with your drink, but not everyone agrees.

“Some areas are calm. Dealbreaker or not?”

The video got a lot of people talking, with hundreds commenting. It seems as though they have very specific thoughts on the holiday destination, as some say they “won’t go back”.

One person said: “It’s like being stranded on the moon, but with a very small town on there, with hardly anything to do.” Another added: “Gone too expensive.”

A third replied: “Too expensive now, the airport is a joke, the wind was insane in Costa Teguise when I was last there, and I feel the place is feeling run down.”

Meanwhile, a fourth commented: “Weather unpredictable. After years of coming, we won’t be returning after three holidays of s*** weather.” One more also noted: “Went last week.

“Between the new system at the airport, terrible weather [and] prices are so high. Puts me off going back.”

Not everyone agreed though, as other holidaymakers admitted they love visiting the destination. Someone wrote: “I was there last year. The best Canary Island. Will be going back.”

Another noted: “Done? We’re getting busier by the year, as is all of our businesses.” A third said: “Best place ever. Clean, friendly and stunning. Going back in July. Can’t wait.”

One more also stated: “If you don’t like it, don’t go. Lanzarote is our favourite holiday destination. The wind does not put us off.”

What people need to know

Lanzarote is generally considered a very popular year-round tourist destination, especially for Europeans seeking warm weather. It’s considered one of top Canary Islands, known for its unique volcanic landscapes, beaches and artistic, stylish vibe.

However, the weather there is also quite windy, and this has been widely documented. Lanzarote is generally a very windy island, with a near-constant breeze.

Trade winds are common, making it popular for water sports. Usually, the wind is strongest from late May to early September, and this seems to be putting some people off visiting lately.

When it comes to cost, the destination is generally considered affordable compared to the UK and Northern Europe; however, costs have risen recently. Even though it still offers good value, tourists should expect higher prices for eating out and accommodation than pre-2020. Areas like Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen in particular have claimed to become more expensive.

Air traffic controller strikes will cause ‘indefinite’ disruption to flights from April 17, affecting some of the most popular European holiday locations

British holidaymakers are facing the prospect of indefinite disruption starting from tomorrow at major European holiday destinations. A total of 14 airports at popular holiday locations are preparing for strike action from Friday, April 17.

Air traffic controller unions are warning that the strike action is ‘indefinite’. Spanish media reports indicate that the action by USCA kicks off on April 17 at the Canary Island hotspots of Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro – with nine further locations also affected.

Other popular holiday destinations set to be hit by airport strikes include the mainland locations of Jerez de la Frontera, La Coruña, Madrid-Cuatro Vientos, Vigo and Seville. Castellón, Burgos, Huesca and Ciudad Real are also set for strike action.

Travel website Travel On World is cautioning tourists that the greatest risk is likely to be “delays, late aircraft rotations, missed connections and short-notice timetable changes.”

The site notes that for many travellers, the main concern is not a complete shutdown of operations. Instead, it is planes departing late from earlier locations, inbound flights being held up, departure slots changing around, turnaround times tightening and passengers having to put up with long waits for clear details on what is happening.

Because air traffic control is classed as an essential service, Spanish authorities have the power to impose minimum service levels. This should mean that some flights continue to operate.

Some flights are therefore likely to depart close to schedule. Yet others may face significant delays, and some could be cancelled where airlines determine the knock-on effect has become too serious.

What are my rights over the Spain airport strikes?

According to the Civil Aviation Authority, if your UK flight is delayed, and a post-Brexit regulation known as UK261 applies to it, your airline must care for you while you are delayed. This includes supplying you with food and drink depending on the length of your delay, and accommodation if you are delayed overnight.

You may also be entitled to compensation if the delay results in you reaching your destination airport more than three hours late. If the delay exceeds five hours, you can opt not to travel and receive a refund.

What is the Spain strike action all about?

The airports affected by the industrial action share a common thread – all are operated by SAERCO. Further strikes had previously been anticipated at Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, linked to a separate ongoing dispute involving Groundforce baggage handlers. However, it emerged earlier this week that this action has now been suspended.

Travellers must now contend with this latest wave of industrial unrest. Air traffic control unions say they are taking strike action over staff shortages and shift scheduling disputes – and passengers should be ready for disruption.

USCA spokesman José Luis Feliú told El Espejo Canario that delays are a real possibility. And the sunspots are busy all year long. Aena reports that 5.7million British holidaymakers visited the Canary Islands in 2023 alone.

Even outside of the school holidays, the islands remain a firm favourite with British travellers – and for good reason. According to the Hello Canary Islands website, with 4,800 daylight hours a year, the Canary Islands have the most daylight hours of anywhere in Europe.

What the unions are saying about the Spain airport strikes?

USCA spokesman José Luis Feliú told Spanish media there is currently a “shortage of air traffic controllers,” which he said directly impacts the system’s operation. “It generates greater stress, more fatigue, and makes it impossible to guarantee service continuity,” he warns.

The union spokesman highlights that the surge in air traffic has worsened the situation, compelling professionals to shoulder heavier workloads under increasingly difficult conditions, reports El Espejo Canario. One of the most pressing concerns is shift management, he alleges. “The company unilaterally changes the schedule,” alleges Feliú, leaving workers unable to plan their personal lives, he claims.

He claims that air traffic controllers are forced to “give up leave, vacations, and planned changes,” a situation he regards as unsustainable in the long run. “In the end, you work the same hours, but without any planning,” he claims.

The strike is indefinite, although minimum services will remain in place, it is understood. Spanish website Larazon reports that the union cites “staff cuts of up to 33%” as the reason for this nationwide strike.

The website reports that the action is set to affect football fans using Seville airport. The Copa del Rey final will take place in Seville between Atlético de Madrid and Real Sociedad on Saturday, April 18.

According to Diario de Jerez, as of midday Thursday, the Jerez airport schedule still showed 18 commercial flights planned for Friday (nine landings and nine takeoffs). Meanwhile, another 18 commercial operations are scheduled for Saturday, two of them with Germany.

We boarded the P&O Cruises sailing around Canary Islands and Madeira with a previous cruise experience in mind – but P&O Cruises offered a completely unexpected holiday

‘I get seasick when I am on a rowing boat’.

Those 10 words from my friend Paul filled me with dread as we prepared for our first ever cruise together. He was a cruise virgin having always avoided a holiday on board a ship due to seasick fears and the idea of not being in one place for very long.

My last cruise was 25 years plus ago so we were definitely newbies as we boarded P&O’s Azura in the Port of Santa Cruz following a chartered flight from Gatwick to Tenerife. But we had decided to take the leap of faith in a bid to soak up some winter sunshine, relax and explore the Canary Islands and Madeira.

This kicked off with a trip to Tenerife’s Mount Teide where we were immediately hit by the contrast of winter underfoot and the sunshine hitting our skin. Following a bumpy and exhilarating cable car journey towards the summit of the 3,715 metre high volcano we emerged onto the crisp snow that crunched under every step.

Just minutes earlier we had been at the bottom among ashen, molten rock on a lunar landscape more at home on Mars or the Moon. Our guide explained that they had experienced more rain and snow than in many many a year, but this just added to the breath-taking scenery.

However each destination offers something different with a whole host of excursions available. Regular cruisers told us the excursions and the entertainment on sea days are what sets this cruise apart and we really could not disagree.

Our other excursions on Gran Canaria and then Lanzarote continued the theme of feeling like you are stepping off the boat onto another planet. We visited Timanfaya National Park on Lanzarote where a 40-minute bus tour takes you through lunar landscape shaped by eruptions towards the park’s Islote de Hilario where geothermal demonstrations wow the crowds of tourists and chickens are cooked on BBQs using the volcanic heat. In Gran Canaria we did a two-hour walking guided tour around the edge of a volcano where we again mixed ash, molten rock and thriving greenery before heading to a vineyard to sample local wines and cheeses.

Thankfully the destination days were separated by two sea days which allowed us to recover from exploring the islands and discover everything the Azura had to offer. It is one of the largest cruise liners in the P&O fleet with more than 1500 cabins spread across 14 decks which also include five pools, a gym, a spa, a casino, theatre as well as several restaurants and bars.

It meant there was plenty of opportunity for us to unwind and indulge – and there was not even the smallest of suggestion that Paul was going to be seasick . We spent several hours in the modern and well-equipped gym but it was the spa that was the real special retreat with an adult-only pool, jacuzzi, sauna and plenty of treatments.

The escape from the sun-kissed bustling decks was welcome before the highlight of dining and then on to more exploring – this time trying out the nightlife onboard!

When it came to food, there was an impressive amount of choice, but one must-visit is the sophisticated Epicurean which offers fine dining and makes you feel at home for the black-tie evenings. The dishes are not just beautifully presented but the taste was exceptional and the whole experience felt extremely luxurious.

Other highlights included Sindhu which is a stylish Indian eatery, the Beach House offering Caribbean and Mexican style dishes (which includes the stand-out Fillet steak served on a lava rock), as well as The Oriental featuring a mix of British and global dishes.

It was this variety – not just for dining – but across the whole experience which saw us converted to cruise enthusiasts. There really is something for everyone and something for every budget. You can mix fine dining and extravagant excursions or you can mix the buffet with exploring the islands yourself. You can relax by the pool and bars or head to the spa.

You can work out in the gym and swim or you can soak up the sun on the decks. You can try quizzes, the casino, sports and much more. It seems to be perfect for couples, friends, families, as you truly can make what you want out of the holiday.

In the meantime, I know for sure that I won’t be leaving it another 25 years before I board my next cruise.

Book the holiday

Prices for the Spain, Portugal & Canary Islands cruise (N617) start from £1,299pp, sailing 14-nights on a roundtrip from Southampton on 18 July onboard Ventura, based on two people sharing an inside cabin. Book on pocruises.com.