Is it safe to travel to Lanzarote? Latest advice after Storm Olivier sweeps through Canary Islands
Torrential rain and thunderstorms have battered the Canary Islands since Storm Olivier made landfall on the Spanish archipelago final Wednesday.
The island of Lanzarote bore the brunt of the extreme climate, with flooding affecting a number of vacationer hotspots.
With the Easter break simply across the nook, the storm may influence vacation plans.
European governments have up to date their journey recommendation for vacationers within the Canary Islands and with upcoming journeys. Right here’s what it’s good to find out about security and journey insurance coverage.
Lanzarote hit by intense rain and flooding
Storm Olivier has swept by the Canary Islands, leaving resorts, homes and roads in Lanzarote inundated with water.
As a lot as 60 litres of rain drenched the island in two hours on Saturday 12 April.
In accordance with the Island Emergency Consortium, the vacationer cities of Costa Teguise, San Bartolomé, and Arrecife on the east coast of Lanzarote have been the worst affected.
Video footage reveals automobiles semi-submerged on flooded roads and streams which have become harmful rapids.
Is it protected to journey to Lanzarote?
The UK International, Commonwealth and Growth Workplace (FCDO) has up to date its journey recommendation for visiting the island.
“Heavy rainfall and flooding in Lanzarote occurred earlier right this moment (13 April 2025), with Costa Teguise, San Bartolomé, and Arrecife notably affected,” the newest steering reads.
“Providers throughout the island are affected. Some resorts are at the moment with out energy. Some roads are at the moment affected by mud.”
It urges travellers in Lanzarote or with upcoming journeys to comply with the recommendation of the native authorities and monitor native climate updates.
Eire’s Division of International Affairs and Commerce has a common journey alert for Spain.
“Spain can at instances expertise excessive climate situations, together with flooding, which might adversely have an effect on journey plans. You possibly can monitor info and alerts, together with extreme climate warnings, on the web site of the Spanish Meteorological Company, AEMET,” the replace reads.
“Residents are suggested to verify the newest climate info earlier than they journey and to comply with the recommendation of the native authorities.”
Is journey to the Canary Islands disrupted?
After some disruption final week, Lanzarote Airport is now working as regular, with flights working on time.
The Canary Islands authorities lifted the state of emergency in Lanzarote – declared on Saturday – at 7am on Sunday.
“Following the top of the flooding brought on by rain on April 12 within the municipalities of Arrecife, Teguise, and San Bartolomé on the island of Lanzarote, the island emergency state of affairs has ended,” it mentioned in an replace.
The opposite islands within the archipelago, together with vacation spots Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, appear to be comparatively unscathed.
Cloudy skies and lightweight rain are forecast for the remainder of the day.
What are my rights to a refund if I cancel my vacation to Lanzarote?
As international governments haven’t issued ‘no-go’ journey warnings for the Canary Islands, you aren’t routinely entitled to a refund in the event you cancel your journey – known as ‘disinclination to journey’.
Reimbursement is barely possible in case your flight is cancelled by the airline or your lodging is closed as a result of flooding.
When you’ve got booked with a journey agent or tour operator, contact the corporate immediately to know your choices.
Some insurance coverage insurance policies embrace pure catastrophe cowl for an occasion that stops travellers from reaching their vacation vacation spot. It’s best to learn the phrases and situations rigorously and discuss to your supplier for recommendation.
