Reader’s Letters – June 2025

Our readers regularly send us messages and emails regarding Lanzarote, here are some of your thoughts that we printed in the June edition.

Readers are reminded that views and comments expressed within the Ed’s Postbag page are those of the contributors and may not necessarily reflect the opinions or standpoint of our staff. It should also be noted that we are an independent publication free from political persuasion or governmental censorship.

We publish your letters! Have something you want to say or something to get off your chest? Send your letters to editorial@gazettelife.com to have your thoughts featured.

TAXI SHORTAGE

Dear Editor,

Reading the letter sent in about lack of parking in the various towns I think I can say why it’s so bad in recent times.

For the last 20 years we’ve visited the island 3 or 4 times a year staying mainly in Puerto Del Carmen, but we do move around. There has been a significant decline in the number of taxis in PDC and at the airport where the queues can be ridiculously long.

For this reason, in the last few years since Covid we always hire a car and many of our friends do the same. We never did this before as it simply wasn’t necessary but now it’s a necessity.

I’m not sure why there is a taxi shortage but it’s something that needs to be addressed asap for everyone’s benefit – locals and tourists.

Regards, Gerard Quinn

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

Thank you so much for your feature in May’s Gazette about Lanzarote literature and the details of the exhibition at La Casa Amarilla.

I’d like to recommend three fabulous novels set on the island by local women writers: Cicatrix by Ico Toledo; Han Cantado Bingo by Lana Corujo and Eliza by Myriam Ybot.

They are currently available only in Spanish, but I’m sure many readers would love them. Un saludo cordial,

Kate Harmond

Ed: Thanks Kate, there’s a lot of talent on the island right now.

ENOUGH OF QUEUEING

Dear Gazette,

Me and my family have been visiting Lanzarote for more than 30 years but we will not be returning this year. Last year, August 2024, was the worst arrival we have ever had.

It took over 2 hours trying to get through customs. I have got a back and leg problem after a work accident and I was in agony.

It spoilt the first 3 days of our holiday and friends who have been since say it’s still the same. I am writing this because I saw your article about the airport extension plans in 2026, if they can’t get people through the airport now what is it going to be like when work begins?

Paul

Ed: The queues at border control are still happening, but there are high hopes that new agents will be recruited for the summer, Paul. We can’t guarantee you won’t have to queue again, but we hope the matter will have been cleared up by next year – the island government has requested that the extension plans include measures to ease queuing.