Lanzarote to lose its biosphere status?

Thanks to its year round warm climate, Lanzarote attracts many tourists looking for a relaxing and lazy holiday in the sun. Perhaps what many tourists don’t realize is that Lanzarote is a Unesco biosphere site, one of only 564 in the world!

With pioneering use of land a large part of the western coast of Lanzarote has been declared a nature reserve, the volcanic Timanfaya National Park, which is largely intact except for a tour-bus route, camel rides and a restaurant where food is cooked over a naturally lava-heated barbecue pit.

However, thanks to the so called ‘illegal’ building of 24 hotels in coastal resorts such as Playa Blanca the island is in danger of losing its biosphere status. The Canary Island Supreme Court has ruled that these hotels have been built illegally, with EU grants – issued partly with thanks to the islands biosphere status!

The biosphere status was issued to the island based on its development plans to promote sustainable tourism that respected the environment. The Cesar Manrique Foundation, named after the late artist Cesar Manrique himself, fights the development of large concrete buildings such as hotels on the other Canary Islands.

However, as you will see from the larger hotels that have been built on the sea front in resorts such as Playa Blanca there is reason for concern with regards to the biosphere status of the island.

Maybe the saving grace is that it is the Cesar Manrique foundation who have in fact ‘whistle-blown’ on these developers which may give the island a fighting chance in retaining the biosphere status.

There is no doubt that some of the larger hotels, such as those in Playa Blanca have helped the towns tourism trade, but at what cost? Playa Blanca, one a small fishing port is now a vibrant tourist destination enticing people from all over Europe.

The island has proven that, for years, it has been able to sustain repeat tourism through natural, low-key visitor attractions and it would be a tragic shame to see the Manrique legacy and biosphere status fall over the sake of corrupt property development.

5 things to do when staying in Playa Blanca

Once a small fishing port at the southern tip of Lanzarote, Playa Blanca is now a thriving resort, although it’s fair to say that unlike some of the other resorts on the island it has done very well when it comes to sticking to its roots.

Although relatively small, there is plenty to do in Playa Blanca, both for couples of all ages and families.

It is not unusual for people to book into a hotel or stay in an aparthotel when on holiday in Playa Blanca, and with the extreme summer heat can be too easy to just sit around the pool all day. But there are plenty of other things to be doing in Playa Blanca. Here are our top 5:

1. Hire a bike. There is a footpath in Playa Blanca that stretches from the lighthouse(s) in Faro de Pechiguera right through to Punta de Papagayo. It’s a fair treck and be careful of pedestrians!


2. Take a trip on the Glass Bottom boat. The sea around Playa Blanca is crystal clear, so what better way to see what’s beneath it than taking a trip on the glass bottom boat? The boat departs from both the harbour and the Rubicon Marina and heads towards the Papagayo beaches.


3. Relax on one of the beaches. There are a number of small(ish) beaches along the coastal footpath, scattered amongst a number of rocky coves. The main beach in Playa Blanca is sandwiched between two man-made beaches in Playa Dorado and Playa Flamingo. (At the time of writing Playa Flamingo is currently undergoing an overhaul and unavailable to the public)


4. Go Diving! Playa Blanca is home to the Lanzarote Dive College. Located by the Hotel Natura Palace (a short walk from the Playa Flamingo beach, towards the lighthouse) the Dive Centre caters for everyone from beginners to instructors.


5. Visit the bi-weekly market at the Rubicon Marina. Twice a week (Wednesdays and Saturdays) a local trade market takes place at the Rubicon Marina. You can find all sorts of bargains here from local crafts (a fantastic trader who builds leather chairs while you wait!), local wines and local products such as Aloe Vera gels and creams.

So, although Playa Blanca is the ideal place to relax, there is still plenty going on should you feel the need to venture outside your hotel during the day!

The secret to a great Lanzarote tan

The Lanzarote Sun is one of the reasons that the island attracts so many tourists all year round. Lying on a beach or by the hotel pool is one of the most enjoyable pleasures you will experience whilst on your holiday but there are a few things that you might need to know before you get a little bit 'too much' sun.

Lanzarote, part of the Canary Islands, is 1100 kilometres nearer the equator than the southern tip as Spain, and on the same latitude as the Sahara desert! Even 20 minutes sat outside on an overcast day can have disastrous consequences for your skin.

Lanzarote Sun TanWhilst on your holiday your skin will be exposed to between 8 and 10 hours of sunshine a day. The recommended amount is no more than 2 hours a day! Skin care protection is the secret to getting a great tan whilst on holiday in Lanzarote.

Different people have different skin, and different tolerances to the sun and it's harmful rays. It is important to know your limits.

The secret to a good Lanzarote tan is protection and rehydration. By using a good quality sun tan lotion (not necessarily Factor 50 - a good quality 25 would do the job) and applying it correctly you will decrease the chances of burning your skin. Sun tan lotion that contains Aloe Vera will also allow the heat in your body to escape, via the pores.

After a long day in the sun your skin will become dry and and red. It is important to apply a quality after sun lotion and moisturiser - ideally with one that contains Aloe Vera as it's first ingredient. The great thing about Lanzarote is that Aloe Vera creams aren't in short supply as it is one of the products of the island!

With a bit of care and attention, and a sensible head, there is no reason why you should come home with a fantastic tan, instead of coming home sore and uncomfortable with skin burns!