Drone rules on Lanzarote

Many holiday-makers wonder whether it’s worth bringing their drone with them on their Lanzarote holiday, while plenty of residents have also considered using a drone. But the rules can be pretty strict here.

First of all, the island is small, and much of it, including the most heavily populated area stretching from Puerto del Carmen to Costa Teguise, is classified as being on the flightpath to the airport. Unauthorized drone use in this zone is prohibited and can be heavily fined.

Then there are the rules that apply in the north of the island – specifically around the military installations on Las Peñas del Chache in Haría, where unauthorised drone use is also forbidden.

Finally, despite how tempting aerial footage of the volcanoes might be, unauthorised drone use is strictly prohibited within the Timanfaya National Park. If you wish to use a drone, you need to make a formal request to do so, and permission is only usually granted to those who may be carrying out photo-shoots, surveying or scientific projects.

The key word here is “unauthorised”. It is possible to get permission to fly drones, but only under certain strict conditions. For most casual drone users, it will be far too much paperwork and hassle.

This leaves a few segments of the island where drone use is permitted under certain conditions. They include most of Yaiza, from El Golfo and Uga to Playa Blanca; a chunk of Tinajo including La Santa and the northern tip of Lanzarote from Máguez upwards and including La Graciosa.

The site www.drones.enaire.es provides a useful map showing where drone use is limited, and even in areas where it is permitted, you may not exceed 120 metres, and must avoid flying drones over people or crowds.