The Spanish island where locals are ‘desperate’ for more British tourists

Amidst a wave of anti-tourism sentiment sweeping across Spain, the breathtaking Canary Island of Lanzarote is taking a different approach—Lanzarote wants visitors.

While places like Tenerife and Barcelona have seen , Lanzarote is making it clear that holidaymakers are welcome. .

Last year, Lanzarote saw its own wave of protests, with some locals voicing concerns over housing shortages, resource consumption, and the impact of mass tourism on their way of life – even warranting a , Steve Heapy, who cautioned that the Canary Islands are “playing a dangerous game” by making tourists feel unwelcome, adding that Brits could easily choose alternative destinations like Turkey or Morocco instead. 

Protesters called for limits on visitor numbers, particularly as some areas became overwhelmed with cruise ship passengers and short-term holiday rentals. But in response to those demonstrations, a counter-movement quickly emerged—Lanzarote Loves Tourism.

Unlike the more hardline protests in Tenerife, where extreme slogans like “Kill a tourist” have appeared in graffiti, Lanzarote’s debate has taken a more balanced turn. Many locals and business owners argue that while tourism needs to be managed carefully, it remains the backbone of the island’s economy.

Lanzarote has enjoyed a strong relationship with British holidaymakers for decades. Out of the 18 million visitors who travelled to the Canary Islands last year, a third came from the UK.

Since the 1960s and 70s, when jet travel first opened up the island, Brits have flocked to Lanzarote for its unique volcanic landscapes, year-round sunshine, and relaxed atmosphere. 

Despite recent protests, many locals still see tourism—especially from Britain—as vital. In a report from the Telegraph, restauranteur Augusto Ferreira, one of the voices behind Lanzarote Loves Tourism, insists that visitors should not be driven away. “Tourism has been and will be our main sector, the one that has helped us grow and enjoy a better life and that, just like our island, we must protect,” he says.

Lanzarote’s more sustainable approach to tourism stands in contrast to other Spanish destinations that are known for towering hotels and busy beaches. That’s largely thanks to the legacy of César Manrique, the artist and environmentalist who shaped Lanzarote’s development in the 1960s and 70s. 

His fight to maintain a balance between construction and the natural volcanic surroundings means Lanzarote’s architecture stays modest in height, with tourist activity distributed throughout the island rather than focused in specific spots.

Manrique’s legacy is visible across Lanzarote’s picturesque white-washed villages, pristine coastlines, and ongoing dedication to environmentally friendly tourism practices.

This means that while Lanzarote does have large hotels in resort areas like Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen, much of its tourism remains small-scale and locally run.

Tourists in Lanzarote are also encouraged to explore beyond the beaches. The island boasts unique experiences like wine-tasting tours in its volcanic vineyards, intimate hiking excursions through Timanfaya National Park, and boat trips.

To get there from the UK, flights can cost as little as £50 from London, and £45 from Manchester.