Canary Islands

A cluster of popular Canary Islands have been put under an emergency ‘pre-alert’ from the government – resulting in British tourists being told to follow a series of strict rules

UK holidaymakers jetting off to the Canary Islands must follow strict advice, following an emergency warning from the government.

Tourists and locals have both been warned that select islands across the archipelago are currently at ‘high risk’ of wildfires. The ‘pre-alert’ – which came into effect on Sunday, June 1 – comes as hot, dry winds from the Sahara travel over to the holiday hotspots months combined with a sudden drop in rainfall.

This meteorological phenomenon, known as Calima, often results in a thick layer of dust covering the Canaries – drastically reducing visibility and air quality. According to reports, it can also increase the risk of wildfires due to drying out vegetation and increasing the ‘flammability of materials’.

READ MORE: Brits warned as four EU countries have little-known ban on popular luggage item

Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro are all covered by the warning. “Given the current climatic, meteorological, and environmental circumstances, having passed the usual period of precipitation in the Canary Islands, it is estimated that the conditions are in place to declare a Pre-Alert Situation due to this being a period of medium to high risk of forest fires,” the Canary Island’s government announced.

Tourists are now being urged to follow ‘self-protection’ advice provided by the General Directorate of Emergencies. This includes many obvious but effective recommendations such as:

• Do not throw lit cigarette butts or matches, either while walking or out of a car window.
• Do not launch rockets, firecrackers, fireworks, or other fire-producing devices in dangerous areas, even in open fields, agricultural land, or, especially, in residential areas surrounded by forests.
• Never leave trash or debris in the forest. Use appropriate collection services and containers.
• Remove branches that touch the facade of your house/ apartment.
• Have basic firefighting tools (hoses, axes) and some water supplies ready.

While no wildfires have yet to break out across the four islands since the warning, previous incidents have wreaked havoc on the archipelago. In 2023, forest fires in Tenerife ripped through more than 15,000 hectares of land and resulted in 12,000 people being forced to evacuate. This particular blaze was later blamed on arsonists – but demonstrates how quickly fires on the islands can spread.

If you’re ever caught in a wildfire while in the Canary Islands, you should call 112 and follow the instructions of the authorities. Always follow recommended evacuation routes, avoiding shortcuts, and move away from the direction of the wind if possible.

The General Directorate of Emergencies advises tourists caught in a fire to ‘stay calm’ and follow the accommodation’s protocol when evacuating. “In open country, move away from the wind and, if possible, enter an already burned area,” they said.

“Wet a handkerchief and cover your face to avoid the smoke. Do not take shelter in wells or caves. Near the sea, go near the water and, if necessary, go inside. If you are in the car, take a break in a sheltered place, close the doors and windows, and turn off the car’s ventilation. Turn on your headlights so you can be found in the smoke.”

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The Canary Island of Fuerteventura will start charging British holidaymakers a tourist tax if they want to visit its most beautiful locations, officials on the Spanish holiday hotspot have announced

British holidaymakers heading to the Canary Island of Fuerteventura will soon have to fork out a tourist tax if they fancy visiting its most stunning spots.

The island’s government has confirmed it will introduce the charge for the wild beach of Cofete, the awe-inspiring sand dunes of Correlejo and the vast sea caves of Ajuy.

The move will follow the example of Tenerife, which has already started charging visitors to the mountain-top village of Masca and intends to do the same with Mount Teide.

Jessica de León, Minister of Tourism and Employment of the Government of the Canary Islands, has insisted that Fuerteventura “must now be incorporated into the regional debate on the ecotax in protected natural spaces.”

Fuerteventura’s president, Lola Garcia, said the collection of a tourist tax was necessary to raise money for the maintenance of the natural spaces visited by hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers each year.

READ MORE: ‘I’m a Brit living in Benidorm and tourists should avoid these three areas’

In this same framework, the city council of La Oliva is looking at implementing a tourist tax of its own. La Oliva is in the north of the island and is again a hotspot for tourists due to its wealth of history. Ms Garcia has argued that a tourist tax in these specific locations was justified, given the significant impacts of mass tourism.

She added: “The landscape and natural spaces must be protected, in addition to the fact that public institutions must listen to the citizens who, recently, expressed it in the street” through protests across the Canary Islands.

“Now is the time to take measures and decisively, and one of them is the tourist tax.”

The island’s president announced that the tax may be introduced for the beaches of Cofete, within the Jandía Natural Park, the Corralejo Dunes, the Ajuy Caves and the Betancuria Rural Park. A deadline on when they might be introduced has not been set.

Area councillor, David Fajardo, has proposed a minimal fee for visitors to La Oliva. “It would not involve a significant cost for the visitor, but it would allow reinforcing services such as cleaning, environmental conservation or maintenance of public spaces,” he explained. “It is not a collection measure but a tool that aims that each tourist who stays overnight in La Oliva contributes to the improvement and maintenance of our territory.”

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The Canary Islands have arguably been most impacted by the negative effects of too many tourists of anywhere in Spain. In the first quarter of 2025, 4.36 million international visitors made their way to the islands. As a result, angry locals have hit the streets brandishing banners.

Officials in Tenerife are taking action to dampen the impact of overtourism. One such action is a new online booking system for some of the trails in Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site home to Spain’s highest peak. As of this summer, tourists visiting the peak will be charged an ‘eco-tax,’ and security cameras are reportedly being installed to control the park’s visitor numbers.

The water off the shore of Playa Dorada in the resort town of Playa Blanca was judged to be too contaminated for people to swim, with officials forbidding people from entering the water

A beach in Lanzarote has been closed to swimmers over fears they could fall ill.

Official carried out tests on the water quality off the shore of Playa Dorada in the resort town of Playa Blanca. They discovered that the water had microbiological contamination, leading the public health body to make a health alert and shut the beach on Tuesday.

Water samples taken on Monday showed signs of pollution, prompting Yaiza Town Council to impose a temporary ban on bathing, Canarian Weekly reported. Further investigations will now be carried out in a bid to work out the cause of the contamination.

La Voz reported that the contaminant was Escherichia coli, also known as E. coli, and streptococcus bacteria. E. coli bacteria are most commonly present in the intestines of animals and humans, while streptococcus can cause various infections in humans.

Yaiza recommends residents and tourists enjoy other beaches, such as those located in the Los Ajaches Natural Monument, known as Papagayo Beach; Playa Flamingo; or even the small beach in Playa Blanca.

The beach will only reopen once tests confirm the water is safe for swimming.

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Playa Dorada is far from the only beach in Spain that has had issues with water contamination in recent weeks.

Last month, sunseekers were left horrified when dozens of dead rats ended up floating in the sea. Following a heavy downpour, the bloated rodents began to bob off a beach in Spain’s Costa Blanca. The overburdened local sewage system has been blamed for the disgusting scenes facing beachgoers near Alicante’s Coco and Urbanova beaches.

Rats were pictured lying dead on the sand at Urbanova beach, three miles south of Alicante City Centre. Others were filmed floating lifeless in the water. Dead rats were also spotted near the sailing school at Alicante’s Real Club de Regatas.

The ugly scenes provoked the anger of an opposition councillor for the popular holiday resort, who worries that mixing tourists and dead rats is not a good idea. Trini Amoros, deputy spokesperson for Alicante City Council’s socialist group, said: “Alicante cannot allow rats floating off our beaches.”

A week later, the sea off a popular Costa del Sol holiday resort turned an alarming brown colour, leaving tourists aghast.

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Council officials quickly raised a yellow flag as a warning to sunbathers as the large brown blotch spread across the water. The bizarre incident occurred around midday at a stretch of beach in Benalmadena, near two hotels – the Globales Los Patos Park Hotel and Hotel Spa Benalmadena Palace.

Council chiefs said that the yellow warning flags had been raised when the sea started turning brown, attributing the discolouration to a broken water pipe and assuring the public that there was no danger to public health.

BRITS chasing the sun this summer could face fresh holiday hell as bar staff prepare to strike during peak season.

It comes after 80,000 employees took to the streets in Tenerife earlier in the year demanding better pay and working conditions.

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In a move that could spark chaos for Brits travelling to Tenerife this summer, union bosses said industrial action could start as early as July.

The unions, Sindicalistas de Base and UGT, have issued bosses with an ultimatum, warning of a major walk out if they are not granted a 6.5 per cent salary bump.

They have made it clear that no further negotiations will happen if these conditions are not met.

This isn’t the first time Tenerife has been at the centre of sweeping industrial action.

Last month, cleaners and restaurant workers in the sunny hotspot took to the streets after deeming an offer from their employer not acceptable.

The tourism employers’ association, formed by Ashotel and AERO, had offered a four per cent increase in pay for workers, hoping it would prevent them from protesting during the Easter holidays.

But unions wanted 6.25 per cent.

They said their decision was unanimous and would not change plans to strike against tourists.

With over 170,000 tourism workers in the Canary Islands set to protest, business owners about to welcome thousands of tourists were despairing.

They planned to demonstrate in all the tourist hotspots, including Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote.

By law, strikers have to provide a “minimum service” but the unions said hotel cleaning, food and entertainment don’t fall into this category.

They said they must try and preserve the health of hotel workers and provide them with the very best of working conditions.

Elsewhere, locals flooded the streets to protest against mass tourism in the area.

Activists vowed to storm popular tourist attractions, disrupt public events and “confront political leaders” in a fiery new phase of protests kicking off May 18 — right as peak holiday season begins.

“From now on, we will take our fight to the very spaces where their predatory model is perpetuated,” declared pressure group Canarias tiene un límite (The Canaries Have a Limit).

“We will boycott public events, confront political leaders during their appearances and occupy symbolic tourist spaces to make it clear that we will not stop until real change is achieved.”

“The Canary Islands can no longer be a postcard backdrop for the enjoyment of a privileged few,” the statement read.

In a separate warning, the group said: “This cry, which reflects the feelings of a people tired of being ignored and mistreated, will be the beginning of a new stage of struggle: firmer, more direct, more uncomfortable for those who refuse to listen to us and take real measures.”

The backlash follows a 170,000-strong hotel and restaurant workers’ strike across the islands just days ago, with locals slamming low wages and poor working conditions in the booming holiday industry.

In June last year, beach workers also walked off the job over what unions called “precarious” conditions.

As tensions boil over, the Canary Islands Government has now announced plans to completely overhaul its outdated 30-year-old tourism laws in a landmark reform effort.

Alfonso Cabello, spokesperson for the regional government, said: “We’re doing this the Canary Islands way — extending a hand and listening to everyone.”

The sweeping reforms aim to tackle everything from sky-high housing costs in tourist areas to crumbling infrastructure and overworked public services.

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White unspoilt sand, almost deserted coastlines and gripping flora and fauna gives this cove a ‘secluded’ feel in the Canary Islands, away from the maddening throngs of tourists

Thousands of Brits will be heading to the crystal waters of the Canaries this summer to admire the area’s stunning coastline and temperate climate.

The best part? Apart from the popular hotspots that everyone and their mother knows, the archipelago also has several secret spots that are situated away from the maddening throngs of tourists, just waiting to be explored. One such hidden gem with unspoilt sands, almost deserted coastlines, and a ‘secluded’ feel is Lanzarote’s Playa de Papagayo.

READ MORE: Europe’s sunniest city is underrated gem – and Brits can get there with £16 flights

Due to its location deep inside a nature reserve — which makes it even more exciting to discover — this ‘secret cove’ of white sand with its unique flora and fauna will make travellers feel like they’re in their own personal paradise.

Away from the noise of large resorts and crowded beaches, Playa de Papagayo offers the perfect respite. However, before heading out in search of this cove, it’s important to make sure you’re carrying the necessary equipment: comfortable walking shoes to traverse the rocky patches, water, food, and sunscreen, as well as any essential beach accessories you may require. Since hidden locations are usually not well equipped with sun loungers and too many cafés or restaurants, it’s vital to ensure your own comfort.

In the south of Lanzarote lie the Papagayo beaches, widely recognised as the most beautiful in Lanzarote. There are a set of six beaches in total at Papagayo, and Playa de Papagayo belongs to that set. Together, they make up the Los Ajaches Natural Monument.

Playa de Papagayo is situated in a secluded gully, so one has to go down some steps (offering spectacular views of the beach) to get there. And while Playa de Papagayo is the most well-known in the region, it is surrounded by several uncrowded coves and caves on either side.

Located in a wild area on the southern tip, Playa de Papagayo is nature’s paradise. Access to the beach is either via a bumpy track (cars can be parked at one of the nearby parking lots for £2.5), on foot, or by boat.

Shaped like a shell and situated in a hollow, Playa de Papagayo is extremely well sheltered from Lanzarote’s prevailing winds and will win you over with its pristine, soft sand and crystal clear, emerald green water — perfect for snorkelling and laid-back marine adventures. Ensure that you’re carrying snorkeling goggles or any other necessary equipment in order to enjoy your time to the hilt.

Due to its local popularity, Playa de Papagayo has a couple of beach bar restaurants perched on the hillside overlooking it, giving travellers the opportunity to grab something to eat, drink, and get some respite from the sun.

Leaving the beach without seeing the gorgeous sunset would be a travesty, so make sure to stick around and catch the magical moment.

Tripadvisor reviews warns Playa de Papagayo can get quite packed during the peak summer months of June, July, and August, however it’s still recommended for its breathtaking scenery and opportunities for snorkelling and swimming. But there’s more to Papagayo than just lounging on the beach. The surrounding area boasts hiking trails that offer awe-inspiring views of Lanzarote’s unique volcanic landscapes.

Just a short drive away, the charming town of Playa Blanca beckons visitors to browse its quaint shops and indulge in tasty cuisine at local restaurants.

Lanzarote is conveniently accessible from the UK, with nonstop flights available from numerous airports. It takes roughly four hours to reach this sun-drenched destination, so you know where to head next.

The surge in tourism has been primarily driven by holidaymakers from the UK, with Great Britain overtaking Germany as the island’s leading market in the first quarter of 2025

The Canary Islands have been a firm favourite destination for sun-seeking sightseers from the shores for decades, but one isle in particular is witnessing a significant increase in tourism this year.

While Lanzarote has been lauded for its measured and sustainable approach to managing visitor growth, Fuerteventura has experienced the highest surge in tourist arrivals among the Canary Islands during the first quarter of 2025, sparking concerns about the island’s capacity to cope with the rapid influx.

According to official figures, Fuerteventura welcomed a staggering 758,195 tourists between January and March, marking a 7.8 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. This translates to an additional 55,120 visitors in just three months — a substantial jump that far outpaces the growth seen on neighbouring islands.

In contrast, Lanzarote recorded a rise of 1.9 per cent, while Gran Canaria and Tenerife experienced increases of 2.8 per cent and 2.1 per cent, respectively.

READ MORE: Canary Islands declares ‘pre-emergency’ as warning issued to British tourists

Fuerteventura’s growing tourist numbers have been primarily driven by British holidaymakers, with the UK overtaking Germany as the island’s leading market, with 243,181 British tourists arriving in the first quarter — a 13.2 per cent increase from the same period in 2024. Meanwhile, German visitor numbers declined slightly by 1.3 per cent, from 239,500 early last year, to 236,398 in 2025.

Fuerteventura’s tourism boom is somewhat of a double-edged sword. The increase in visitors boosts the local economy, supporting jobs in hospitality, retail and transport, but the rapid influx raises serious questions about the island’s infrastructure and environmental sustainability.

Unlike Lanzarote, which has been praised for its strategic tourism management, including controlled development and investment in sustainable infrastructure, Fuerteventura seems to be struggling to keep pace with demand. The island’s roads, water supply, waste management systems and accommodation capacity are all under mounting pressure.

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Local authorities and residents have voiced concerns about overcrowding, environmental degradation and the strain on natural resources, particularly in popular beach areas and protected natural parks — there have even been anti-tourism protests.

On Sunday, May 18, residents from all over the Canary Islands took to the streets in coordinated mass demonstrations in 15 locations — including in Fuerteventura — to demand an end to what organisers called an “unsustainable and exploitative economic model”.

The Canary Islands have long been a model for balancing tourism with environmental preservation, but Fuerteventura’s current trajectory could threaten this stability. The island’s unique landscapes, including its dunes and marine ecosystems, are vulnerable to overcrowding. Without careful planning and investment, the very attractions that draw visitors to the isle could be harmed, undermining long-term tourism prospects.

Experts suggest that Fuerteventura needs to adopt a more sustainable tourism strategy, similar to Lanzarote’s approach. This could include measures such as limiting the number of new hotel developments, enhancing public transport options to reduce traffic congestion, promoting eco-friendly tourism activities, and investing in renewable energy and water conservation technologies.

In November 2024, Jessia de Leon, the Canary Islands’ Minister of Tourism, announced that the archipelago intends to improve on the previous concept of ‘sustainable tourism’ after unveiling a groundbreaking new approach, which focuses on three main areas: new regulatory framework, transforming tourist spaces and climate action. She said: “It’s about erasing or at least compensating for the footprint left by those who visit the Canary Islands.”

Fuerteventura remains a vibrant destination beloved by Brits, but one that stands at a crossroads. It must urgently address the pressures of its newfound popularity to ensure a sustainable future.

Has rising anti-tourist sentiment put you off from visiting the Canary Islands? Let us know in the comments section below

Demonstrators are getting ready to flock to the streets en masse, calling for huge reform to the Canary Island’s tourism model. Here’s exactly where the protestors will occur

Thousands of fed-up locals across the Canary Islands will take to the streets this weekend – demanding drastic change to the ‘unsustainable’ tourism model. It follows the record-breaking number of visitors that flocked to the archipelago last year, and the subsequent string of demonstrations.

After blaming holidaymakers for worsening Spain’s housing crisis, activists, and members of the Canarian diaspora abroad will gather en masse on Sunday, May 18 to call for new legislation that puts an end to ‘exploitative economic models’ on the island. This includes putting a halt to ‘destructive’ projects such as high-profile hotels, and freezing new tourist developments.

Protestors also want a green energy transition, and an eco-tax for tourists. The latter has already been mulled over in hotspots such as Tenerife’s Teide National Park – which is slated to implement an entrance fee in 2026.

READ MORE: Brits ‘caught off guard’ in major EU holiday hotspot as little-known rule exposed

Other demands include ‘cultural and social heritage protection’, clamping down on marine pollution, and rejecting macro-infrastructure projects. “If they don’t listen in the streets, they’ll hear us in everyday life,” one protest organiser told local news.

According to Canarian Weekly, protests will take place in 15 areas across the Canary Islands, and demonstrators have vowed they ‘won’t stop’ until they’ve achieved the change of model the Canary Islands urgently need’. If you’re heading over to the hotspot this week, you may want to avoid the following areas.

Canary Island’s anti-tourist protests – where to avoid

• Tenerife – Plaza Weyler, Santa Cruz, 11:00am
• Gran Canaria – Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, Las Palmas, 11:00 am
• Lanzarote – Quiosco de la Música, Arrecife, 11:00am
• Fuerteventura – Plaza de la Iglesia, Puerto del Rosario, 11:00am
• El Hierro – Consejería de Turismo, Valverde, 11:00am
• La Palma – Plaza de La Alameda, Santa Cruz de La Palma, 11:00am
• La Gomera – Plaza de Las Américas, San Sebastián, 11:00am

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The upcoming protests are hardly a surprise, as anti-tourist sentiment has been escalating across Spain for some time – and has even taken a violent turn. Back in March, a shocking sign threatening to ‘Kill A Tourist’ was spotted in Tenerife, while reports also emerged that anonymous activists had torched rental cars on the island to send a clear message to holidaymakers.

Last month, Spain passed a law in a desperate attempt to appease frustrated residents. Following an update to the Horizontal Property Act, those wanting to cash in on the influx of Brits by renting out their house to holidaymakers will now need to gain a 60 per cent majority vote from neighbouring property owners.

The brutal new rule means homeowners putting their apartments on sites like Airbnb or Booking.com without the ‘necessary support’ will be asked to cease operations. They may be threatened with legal action if they ignore the warning.

Has the rise in anti-tourist protests put you off from travelling to the Canary Islands? Email [email protected] for a chance to be featured