Lanzarote reveals the 'type of tourist' it wants in major new tourism plan
The new campaign has been designed to promote 'ethical and responsible tourism' reports local publication, the Canarian Weekly.
At the campaign's launch, Oswaldo Betancort, president of the Lanzarote Cabildo, said: 'We are sending a very clear message.
'Lanzarote doesn't want just any tourist, but rather those who love and enjoy the island, who respect its uniqueness and contribute to its preservation.'
The island, which received over three million tourists in 2024, is also aimed at Lanzarote's local residents.
Hector Fernandez, a tourism lead in Lanzarote, said: 'This campaign isn't just for tourists, it's also aimed at our local population.
'The message will be integrated into our work with airlines and tour operators to reshape how tourism is viewed on the island. It's a chance to change the entire paradigm of Lanzarote as a destination.'
The island's new focus is set to be on its 'delicate and beautiful territory' rather than nightlife.
'We are creating a globally unique model of ethical and responsible tourism,' added Betancort.
'The aim is for visitors to understand, even before they land here, that they are entering a delicate and beautiful territory that needs to be protected.'
Lanzarote is the third-most visited of the Canary Islands with the majority of tourists attracted by its beaches.
A volcanic island, Lanzarote's unique landscapes have been compared to Mars of the surface of the moon.
In May, local residents took to the streets to protest against the island's tourism industry.
Protests also took place in Tenerife, Fuerteventura, El Hierro, La Palma and La Gomera.
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The Independent
22-07-2025
- The Independent
The best hotels in Lanzarote for spas, families and all-inclusive holidays
Forget everything you think you know about Lanzarote. Gone are the days of its 'Lanzagrotty' moniker, in exchange for exceptional value stays, high-end luxury hotels, oh-so-cool rural retreats and a grown-up sophistication thanks to its tourism know-how. The government made a conscious effort a decade or so ago to combat the mass tourism that was plaguing the major resorts and has invested in improving facilities across the island. To match, hotels, apartments, villas and B&Bs have upped their game too. But Lanzarote is not an expensive destination and there is incredible value to be had for family holidays, romantic getaways, luxury stays, and sunny beach breaks. The island's popular resorts such as Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise are packed with family-friendly facilities and amenities, watersports and long promenades to while away the hours. Lanzarote also has around 100 beaches to choose from with both golden and black sand. For the best luxury hotels in Lanzarote, the best budget hotels in Lanzarote and the best family hotels in Lanzarote, see our guides. Best hotels in Lanzarote 2025 At a glance 1. Hotel Fariones Puerto del Carmen The Hotel Fariones has legendary status, as it was one of the first proper hotels to be built on the island in the 1960s. It went through a complete transformation in 2020 and has remerged once again as the go-to for visiting elite, from heads of state to movie stars – although the guest book is kept strictly hush-hush. You can tell its history, as popular Playa del Carmen essentially grew up around, so it occupies the best seafront location. While this is a family-friendly and pet-friendly hotel, it has a grown-up feel, with the effortlessly cool design eye of Canarian interior designer Rafael del Castillo touching every corner. All 213 rooms and suites have sea views, and there are adapted junior suites for those with reduced mobility. As well as a spa, there are stand-out dining options and even tours to the hotel's own winery. Address: Calle Roque del Este, 1, 35510 Lanzarote, Las Palmas 2. Hotel Palacio Ico, Villa de Teguise If you're not necessarily looking to be by the coast, then Hotel Palacio Ico might be a good shout. It's located in the beautiful old town of the island's former capital of Villa de Teguise. These days, the town is famous for its weekly market where you can stock up on local produce, handicrafts and souvenirs. The hotel itself is a Canarian manor house dating from 1690 that's been sympathetically converted into a boutique hotel of just nine gorgeous rooms – each with its own style, but all with wonderful original features. Food is served here at the Michelin-recommended in-house restaurant overseen by chef Víctor Valverde. It offers tasting menus that make the most of seasonal, local produce. Address: C. el Rayo, 2, 35530 Teguise, Las Palmas 3. Dreams Lanzarote Playa Dorada hotel, Playa Blanca This is very much a resort hotel with multiple wings to the main building right on the golden sands of Playa Dorada. Choice is of the essence with several board and room types and both family-friendly and adults-only areas. Club-level ocean view rooms and suites top the list of the most covetable rooms affording mesmerising views of neighbouring Fuerteventura and Isla de Lobos, plus the benefits of Preferred Club status, where you gain entry to extra pool areas, restaurants and lounges. For kids, there's a waterpark, and for adults, a soothing spa and a range of activities such as yoga. The hotel is also moments from Playa Blanca town and Marina Rubicón. Address: Av. de Papagayo, 24, 35580 Playa Blanca, Las Palmas 4. Jardines del Sol hotel, Playa Blanca To say that these are apartments is to sell them short, as the accommodation at Jardines del Sol is made up of white-washed bungalows. They are all extremely well equipped – so much so, you could easily live in them – with full kitchens, including washing machines and dishwashers, spacious lounge-diners and private sun terraces. They also benefit from filter taps in the kitchen to cut down on buying the usually necessary bottled water. There are three pools – one for kids, a restaurant and bar, plus beautiful gardens, and all are around a 20-minute stroll to the main strip of Playa Blanca. 5. Finca Malvasia hotel, Tías This stunning group of apartments, suites and a villa is set amongst the vines of the prestigious La Geria wine region. Opened by two designers from London, the hotel beautifully and sympathetically blends the volcanic landscape with all mod-cons in a stylish mid-century vibe. All accommodation options come with private terraces with views over the lunar-like countryside. The kitchenettes are well equipped and there are BBQ areas for dining al fresco. Special details include a Lanzarote guide curated by the owners. The hotel can also arrange wellness treatments on site and off-site wine tasting, walking and surfing excursions. 6. Barceló Teguise Beach hotel, Costa Teguise As locations go, you can't get much better than this, as it is on the beachfront and bang in the middle of the Costa Teguise resort. The intimate thermal spa circuit is well worth the €10 entry fee, and there are soothing treatments also available, as well as a small but bright and airy gym. Opt to go all-inclusive to give you free range of both the buffet and à la carte restaurants on site, plus your usual all-in drinks and snacks. Rooms and suites are a vision of white, and some come with balcony hot tubs and far-reaching sea views. Don't miss the hotel's dedicated playlists, including a selection of four-minute shower songs. Check-in comes with a complimentary glass of cava to start your holiday off on the right foot. The weekly market is a short stroll behind the hotel, and one of the island's best restaurants, SeBe, is just a 10-minute walk away. Address: Pl. el Janubio, 1, 35508 Costa Teguise, Las Palmas 7. Cesar Lanzarote hotel, La Asomada One of the new breed of luxe rural Lanzarote hotels, Cesar Lanzarote – a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts – could be the star in any Wes Anderson movie. Former home to the parents of local starchitect César Manrique, the design-forward hotel brims with artistic touches, from frilled lampshades and candy-stripe sun loungers, to natural wood and raffia room decorations. Views from the pool terrace, which also includes an outdoor gym, stretch to the sea and mountains across the palm and vine-dotted gardens. Rooms and suites are cosy and comfortable with walk-in showers, some of which include dreamy stand-alone baths, and all come with private terraces. The Cesar restaurant serves an à la carte lunch menu and seasonal, local tasting menu in the evening – it's also where the à la carte and buffet breakfast is served. 8. Paradisus by Meliá Salinas Lanzarote hotel, Costa Teguise The Paradisus brand by Meliá has really nailed the modern all-inclusive with their Destination-inclusive offering. It means that you not only get to enjoy classic all-in benefits such as restaurants and bars, but also cultural activities that connect you to the destination around you. In the case of the adults-only Salinas Lanzarote, it includes local wine tastings, Manrique architecture tours and volcanic experiences. If you're here for relaxation, you'll find Playa de los Charcos and Playa de las Cucharas beaches on your doorstep. For a special occasion, opt for The Reserve suites and villas, where you'll have exclusive access to private pools, lounges and more. There are fully accessible rooms for those with limited mobility. Address: Av. de las Islas Canarias, s/n, 35508 Costa Teguise, Las Palmas 9. GA7 Colores hotel, Montaña Blanca This LGBTQ+ friendly rural retreat offers a mix of rooms and studios near the famous Montaña Blanca – a good spot for hiking. Set around a tempting swimming pool and sun terrace, rooms are all different in terms of décor but each is chic and comfortable. The studio apartments also come with spacious private enclosed terraces as well as kitchenettes. The hotel is pet friendly and you'll probably meet one or two of the owners' four-legged residents during your stay. You can opt in for dinner, while breakfast is included and served in the airy indoors/outdoors dining room. There's also a bijou spa with hot tub, sauna, and steam room, and massages are available on request. This hotel's calling cards are its laid-back, friendly and inclusive vibe. Address: C. las Rosas, 96, 35559 Montaña Blanca, Las Palmas 10. Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park hotel, Playa Blanca Located plum on the seafront in Playa Blanca means stunning views over the water to Fuerteventura and Isla de Lobos from most of this hotel. Built to resemble three zocos – semicircular constructions used in Lanzarote grapevine growing – the hotel is set up for all sorts of travellers. There's an aquapark, club and two pools specifically for kids, a spa and sports facilities for adults, and a range of dining options including a cool food truck serving hot dogs, ice creams and beers. Guests on the Star Prestige option also enjoy access to an exclusive pool, sun terrace and restaurant areas and other benefits, such as the possibility of late check out. Iberostar prides itself on its sustainability credentials and Lanzarote Park is no exception with zero single-use plastic, 100 per cent renewable electricity and refillable filtered water fountains around the hotel. 11. La Casa de los Naranjos hotel, Haría A beautifully restored 19th-century Canarian manor house turned boutique hotel, La Casa de los Naranjos (House of the Oranges) has just eight thoughtfully designed rooms with antique furnishings, freestanding bathtubs and sweet little touches that make each room feel unique. The serene communal areas include a traditional Canarian interior patio, an orange grove, a tranquil terrace and Lanzarote's oldest private library, complete with vintage books and an Underwood typewriter. Located in the quiet town of Haría, this place is an escape from the rowdier resorts on the coast. Breakfast is made to order to offer guests a more bespoke service and to limit food waste. Address: Calle Rincón de Aganada, 4, 35520 Haría, Las Palmas, Spain Why trust us The hotels featured in this list have been carefully selected by The Independent's expert Canary Islands travel writer, Ross Clarke, who used to live in Gran Canaria and has been travelling to the Canary Islands for many years. Ross holds a WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and writes about food and wine for several publications, ensuring a personal and informed perspective. When picking which hotels to include, Ross considered his own experience staying in the hotels and evaluated location, facilities, service and all the other details that make for an exceptional stay for all types of traveller. FAQs What currency do I need in Lanzarote? The official currency in Lanzarote – and across all of Spain, including the Canary Islands – is the Euro (€). When is the best time of year to visit Lanzarote? The best overall time to visit Lanzarote is the shoulder season of March to May and September to early November. Here, you can expect warm weather (21–27°C), plenty of sunshine and low rainfall, plus fewer tourists and lower prices. June to August is a busier period, with higher temperatures (27–32°C) and hot and dry weather. School holidays also make this a more expensive time. If you're seeking a more active holiday, December to February is an ideal time for walking, cycling and sightseeing, with temperatures of around 18–22°C and cooler evenings. What is the nicest area of Lanzarote? Playa Blanca on the southern coasts is arguably one of the 'nicest' spots in Lanzarote, with a relaxed vibe that's suitable for couples, beautiful beaches and restaurants and ferry access to Fuerteventura. Haría & the northern interior and coast is home to stunning volcanic and coastal landscapes, whitewashed villages and fewer tourists, making it ideal for those seeking a more authentic, local experience. Costa Teguise is a great choice for families and water sports, with calm beaches and a relaxed, resort feel, while La Geria is an inland choice that wine lovers and those seeking a rural retreat will love. Elsewhere, Puerto del Carmen is a lively choice for those seeking nightlife and bars in a destination that's also close to the airport. How to get the best deal Package deals from travel providers like Tui and Jet2holidays can offer affordable holidays that cover everything from flights and accommodation to hotel transfers. Most also offer extra savings – such as single-parent discounts, last-minute deals and free child places – to help bring the cost down. But, if you don't mind a little more planning, you may find that booking your travel and hotel separately is actually cheaper. Booking platforms like Expedia and have thousands of listings all over the world with competitive rates and extra discounts. For example, you can book some of our featured Lanzarote hotels, including the Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park hotel and the Cesar Lanzarote hotel, and save an extra six per cent on your booking using our exclusive Expedia discount code. Here's an extra tip: should you find a cheaper rate, it's also worth checking with the hotel directly to see if they will match the price or offer a discounted rate.
Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Canary Island unveils new plan and exactly the 'type of tourist' it wants
Lanzarote's town council and the SPEL-Turismo Lanzarote are collaborating on a new campaign to foster "ethical and responsible tourism" that attracts the a certain kind of visitor A popular island in the Canaries is launching a new campaign to outline the exact type of tourist it wants to attract. Lanzarote has declared it 'doesn't want just any tourist' any longer. Led by the island's Cabildo (town council) and managed by SPEL-Turismo Lanzarote, in collaboration with a specialist sustainability consultancy, the campaign will focus on fostering greater awareness among tourists even before they arrive on the island. At the campaign's launch, Oswaldo Betancort, president of the Lanzarote Cabildo, said that they want to attract tourists with appreciation and respect for the island. 'We are sending a very clear message: Lanzarote doesn't want just any tourist. 'But rather those who love and enjoy the island, who respect its uniqueness and contribute to its preservation.' The initiative is designed to reach all sectors of tourism, targeting not only visitors but also involving local residents, businesses, and the wider community. 'We are creating a globally unique model of ethical and responsible tourism,' Betancort said. He continued: 'The aim is for visitors to understand, even before they land here, that they are entering a delicate and beautiful territory that needs to be protected.' Hector Fernandez, CEO of SPEL-Turismo Lanzarote in Lanzarote, also commented on the responsibility of locals to make the campaign successful. He said: 'This campaign isn't just for tourists, it's also aimed at our local population. 'The message will be integrated into our work with airlines and tour operators to reshape how tourism is viewed on the island. It's a chance to change the entire paradigm of Lanzarote as a destination.' As reported by the Canarian Weekly, the project is being developed by the consultancy CARSA, with Director of Innovation Antonio Collado explaining that the approach will be participatory and inclusive. 'We're not just launching a campaign; we're building a long-term strategy for responsible tourism that reflects the needs of the island and its people,' Collado said. Working groups will be established with representatives from key sectors, including the Cabildo's Biosphere Reserve, Environment, and Geopark departments, as well as the island's Art, Culture, and Tourism Centres. The Spanish-owned archipelago that is the Canary Islands received a staggering 15.5 million tourists in 2024 - a 10 per cent increase compared to 2023. The rising tourist numbers have sparked backlash among locals who are being priced out of the property market in recent years. To address the issues caused by holiday rentals, Spain recently launched a new nationwide register which includes properties in the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands. Under the Single Tourist Rental Registry, property owners will need to register to get a code that verifies they are legally allowed to use the property for tourism. This will include entire homes, individual rooms within a property that's rented out separately, and homes listed on the likes of Airbnb and
Telegraph
06-07-2025
- Telegraph
I was coughing up blood… Three months later I rode Tour de France
Training for Tour de France success is a task that would make an ascetic's eyes water. As part of his bid to topple defending champion Tadej Pogačar, Jonas Vingegaard spends three weeks in May putting the hard miles in on Spain's Sierra Nevada mountains with his Visma-Lease a Bike team-mates. While his sessions are based around precise sports science, they are also not rocket science. Being optimally prepared for cycling's blue-riband race, usually decided in the Alps and Pyrenees, means getting an awful lot of peak practice – Vingegaard climbed approximately seven times the altitude gain of Mount Everest. His one luxury comes during their coffee stops. 'I am a big fan of a cinnamon roll. We eat that a lot in Denmark. I also like carrot cake… I like my cakes,' he says, speaking to Telegraph Sport from his training camp. But life is far sweeter for Vingegaard than it was last summer. He embarks on this year's Tour as a changed man after a horrific crash in the Itzulia Basque Country race last April, leaving him with a collapsed lung, several broken ribs and a broken collarbone. 🚨 CAÍDA EN EL PELOTÓN🚨 Entre los caídos, Primoz Roglic, Remco Evenepoel, Quinten Hermans y Jonas Vingegaard 🏆 @bancosabadell 🔴 MORE INFO ⬇️ 🔗 #Itzulia2024 — Itzulia Basque Country (@ehitzulia) April 4, 2024 'I was there on the ground, I almost couldn't breathe and I was coughing up blood,' Vingegaard says. 'I said to myself that if I survive, I will never do another bike race again. 'Then around three months later, I'm racing the Tour de France again. Obviously, I changed my mind,' he says wryly. 'The reason I then continued was I promised myself to be more careful and to think more about what can actually happen. Instead of always thinking it doesn't happen to me, it can't happen to me … I was a bit nonchalant about the danger in the sport before. At one point, you can't avoid the crashes anymore.' It was a miracle, given the extent of his injuries and a mere six weeks of pre-race training, that Vingegaard subsequently finished second. He even won one of the race's most entertaining stages, at Le Lioran in a sprint finish against Pogačar. With a season's rebuilding behind him, the 28-year-old describes himself as 'almost incomparable' to 2024. 'I am completely different, my body is completely different now because I lost so much muscle mass,' he says. 'Muscle creates power so now I have a lot more power but also I am a bit heavier because I have more muscle again … I know my level can be a lot better than it was last year.' The man standing in his way at the 2025 Tour, which started in Lille on Saturday, is pre-race favourite Pogačar. The UAE Team Emirates leader won six stages on the way to last year's Tour crown and later took his first road-race world title. 'He is the guy to beat, obviously. But I have beaten him two times in the Tour de France,' Vingegaard says, referring to his 2022 and 2023 triumphs. 'So together with the preparation of last year, that gives me a lot of confidence that I can really fight for the victory and that I can beat him.' Coming from the understated Vingegaard, that is borderline bravado. The question is, how exactly does he beat the sport's dominant force? 'To be a good stage racer, you need to have a high [lactate] threshold and a high VO2 max. Those are some of my biggest qualities. You also need to be very strong mentally over three weeks. But also Tadej is extremely good in this,' he concedes. Pogačar is the yin to Vingegaard's yang, pro cycling's Mr Versatility who exudes calm and happy-go-lucky charm while hoovering up race wins. The popular Slovenian has been a star since his pro cycling salad days and goes on occasional rides around his home in Monte Carlo with Formula One star Carlos Sainz. In contrast, Vingegaard took several years to assume the mantle of leadership and would occasionally be sick with nerves before races. He eschews the prestigious spring one-day races in which Pogačar also excels to make the Tour his be-all and end-all. A devoted family man, he is happiest spending time with his wife and two children at their house in the Jutland countryside. 'Tadej is probably a bit more extrovert and I'm a bit more introvert. I would also just enjoy it if I was at home, not famous, nobody knew who I am,' Vingegaard says. For all their differences, their ding-dong rivalry, played out on the Tour's steep hors-catégorie mountains and decisive time-trials since 2021, is defining an era in pro cycling. The Tour score is currently Pogačar 3, Vingegaard 2. 'I have a lot of respect for him. I cannot say if he has respect for me, but it feels that way. It seems like we have genuine respect for each other,' he says. Vingegaard avoids selecting a particular stage on the 2025 Tour route that sticks out for him. 'It's really difficult to say because there are so many stages that are extremely hard,' he says, adding: 'It's actually harder than first thought. So, for me, there's not one stage standing out, but more like the whole Tour.' The final week ought to be the hardest and most decisive, including stage finishes on Mont Ventoux, the mountain where British star Tom Simpson died during the 1967 race, and the lofty Col de la Loze in the Alps. The strength-in-depth of Vingegaard's eight-man Visma-Lease a Bike team, which includes Britain's Giro d'Italia winner Simon Yates, could be pivotal. There are potential tactical lessons to be gleaned from how Vingegaard paved the way for his first Tour title in 2022. After following a barrage of accelerations from the Dane and his team-mates, Pogačar overstretched, blew up and lost almost three minutes on the Col du Granon. 'You need to have a very strong team, otherwise you are not going to win the Tour. Probably my level and the team I had behind me [were key],' Vingegaard says. If the 'careful one' can topple his carefree adversary, it would mark a remarkable sporting comeback. In that case, the boulangeries of Paris had better be ready for a run on cinnamon rolls.
