The Canaries made global headlines last month after passengers and crew on the MV Hondius, a Dutch cruise ship that had been stricken by an outbreak of hantavirus, were successfully evacuated in Tenerife in an operation that caused a bitter breach between Spanish and Canarian authorities.

The MV Hondius left Argentina on March 20th, for a cruise that would take in the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Tristan da Cunha. On April 12th, a Dutch passenger died, and his body was taken to the island of Santa Elena. His wife also died later after being transported to a South African hospital.

A British passenger was later evacuated in South Africa and diagnosed with a hantavirus variant that is transmissible between humans. Afterwards, a German passenger also died, and two crew members suffering from respiratory problems were evacuated by helicopter.

When the cruiser proposed sailing to Tenerife for evacuation on the recommendations of the WHO (World Health Organisation), Canarian President Fernando Clavijo refused, saying the proposal was “absolutely out of the question.”

However, the Spanish government overruled the regional government, authorising the Hondius to moor off Granadilla, Tenerife’s largest industrial port, for evacuationto the Tenerife Sur airport ten kilometres away.

On Sunday 10th and Monday 11th of May, 122 passengers and crew on the Hondius were evacuated from the ship and flown to their respective countries, before the cruiser departed for the Netherlands with 26 crew members. Two further passengers, a French woman and an American man, subsequently tested positive for the virus. Messages of support and gratitude for Spain’s actions were received from the EU and Pope Leo XIV, who also praised the “welcome of the Canarian people”. Pope Leo will visit Gran Canaria and Tenerife for a pre-arranged visit on the 10th and 11th of this month.

But Spain’s Health Minister, Mónica García, was not so warm in her comments regarding the Canarian President. García criticised Clavijo’s refusal to appear at the evacuation, and Health Ministry sources called him “irresponsible” after Clavijo sent a WhatsApp in which AI sources claimed that rats could possibly swim ashore from the cruiser.

The Spanish government’s decision to overrule the Canarian executive has also been described as “colonialist” by government representatives.

Although the risk of further hantavirus contagion has been described as “very low” by the WHO, memories of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic are still fresh. The first two cases of coronavirus in Spain were detected on the Canarian Island of La Gomera in January 2020, and 1,000 guests and staff were quarantined in a hotel in Tenerife the following month.

The post MV Hondius Evacuation Sparks Political Dispute first appeared on Gazette Life.

Ten years after the UK’s pivotal referendum, Brexit benefits remain debatable in the UK, but it’s safe to conclude that the vote has only resulted in hassle, expense and worry for Brits on Lanzarote.

In the early hours of June 24th, 2016, the result was confirmed – the UK had elected to leave the European Union by a simple majority of 52%. Later that day, Prime Minister David Cameron handed in his resignation, and the UK entered a period of political instability which brought two general elections and a final withdrawal agreement that came into full effect on December 31st 2020.

On Lanzarote, the Brexit negotiations brought years of uncertainty and instability, as British residents worried about their future rights under the agreement and islanders assessed its possible impact on tourism.

However, ten years after the referendum, many things are now clear, and although Brexit may not have had the negative effects that many predicted, it can be safely said that Lanzarote has seen very few benefits.

Before Brexit, British nationals enjoyed the right to live and work in the EU. This meant that hundreds of current residents arrived on the island, found work while here and subsequently chose to stay. While the rights of those residents who lived in Spain before 2021 have largely been protected, new arrivals now find moving to Lanzarote much more difficult and expensive.

A sharp rise in residency applications following Brexit led to the British population on Lanzarote reaching 6,800 by 2022, but since then the trend has been downward, and in the three years from then until 2025, 10% of the British community on the island has since been lost.

Without the regular injection of younger families, workers and business-owners from the UK that free movement permitted, the likelihood for the future is that the island’s British community will slowly get older and continue to dwindle.

Brexit also increased red tape on UK exports, causing serious problems for local businesses that supply British goods to residents and tourists. Some survived, some didn’t (and the pandemic was no help), but problems have not been alleviated in any meaningful way.

Meanwhile, holiday home owners have been hard hit by the 90-day rule, which forbids non-EU visitors to spend more than 90 days out of 180 in the Schengen zone. This has had a serious effect on the “swallows”, who would winter on the island and return to the UK for summer.

Britons at European borders have also discovered that they are now in the same boat as other non-EU nationals. This has been most visible at the airport, where passport stamping and the introduction of EES machines have caused long queues and negative media coverage.

This could possibly affect tourism from the all-important British market, which has otherwise remained buoyant in recent years. But while it’s true that national and local authorities could have prepared for the post-Brexit situation better, many Brits are also aware that they wouldn’t be queueing if the 2016 vote had gone the other way.

The post Brexit: Ten Years On first appeared on Gazette Life.

Calls for Spain to suspend the EES scheme that has caused long queues at Lanzarote’s airport have increased following the decision of Greece to halt biometric registration until after summer.

Greece’s decision has prompted calls for other countries to follow suit, with the Canarian PP party recently calling for the Canarian Government to formally request suspension.

Reports that Greece has overtaken mainland Spain in summer holiday bookings from the UK since its decision, and the apparent lack of any EU action against Greece’s decision, has increased speculation that Spain may suspend the scheme. However, no official statements have been made at the time of going to press.

On Lanzarote, problems continue. On 4th May, a Ryanair flight to Edinburgh took off without 70 passengers who had not been able to reach the boarding gate in time due to a failure in the EES system. Ryanair is the only airline to leave large amounts of passengers behind on Lanzarote, and has done so on at least four occasions in recent years.

The EES scheme was introduced for two main reasons. Firstly, immigration control. The vast majority of illegal immigrants are “overstayers”, who arrive conventionally and overstay the 90- day limit established by the Schengen agreement. Until last year, most countries registered arrivals on their national database, but these details were not available to other countries if they crossed a border during their stay. Theoretically, passport stamping should solve this problem, but in practice it is not particularly reliable.

EES creates a database covering the entire Schengen zone, and is aimed at digitally monitoring every entrant from a third country. By the end of March, EES had already detected over 4,000 overstayers – a number that sounds significant but only accounts for 0.02% of the 17 million travellers in that time.

The other main reason for the EES is to speed up border controls, and in this its record has been patchy. While many airports report that the system is functioning well, others have experienced long queues of passengers. The queues are caused by several factors including staff shortages, technical difficulties with the machines and the arrival of several flights in short periods.

Unlike Greece, the Canaries receive tourists all year round and are not likely to be overrun during summer. However, the periodical queues that airports on Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote have experienced do not appear to be improving.

A decision to suspend EES, at least temporarily, would be welcomed by tour companies, airlines, much of the local business community and hundreds of thousands of British holidaymakers.

The post Will Spain Suspend the EES Scheme? first appeared on Gazette Life.

Residents and visitors in Puerto del Carmen will have the opportunity to celebrate Canary Day in authentic way this Saturday, May 30th, as Enyesque del Archipiélago hosts a special evening dedicated to traditional Canarian cuisine and culture.

Located in the C.C. Costa Mar, in Puerto del Carmen, the restaurant will offer a grand buffet featuring a variety of Canarian food classics, accompanied by live music to mark the Día de Canarias celebrations. The event promises a festive atmosphere inspired by the flavours, traditions and spirit of the islands.

The buffet is priced at €38 per person, with drinks not included. Reservations can be made by calling +34 828 721 633.

Enyesque del Archipiélago has become known as one of the few restaurants in Puerto del Carmen specialising in authentic Canarian cuisine. The venue prides itself on using fresh ingredients and traditional recipes that reflect the culinary heritage of the Canary Islands.

Guests can also enjoy the restaurant’s colourful décor and welcoming atmosphere, designed to capture the essence of island life. Alongside the dining experience, the establishment features a gourmet shop offering a selection of local products.

The restaurant is located at Avenida de las Playas 75, Local 6, 35510 Puerto del Carmen.

For further information, contact info@enyesquedelarchipielago.com

The post Celebrate Canary Day with Authentic Island Flavours at Enyesque del Archipiélago first appeared on Gazette Life.

A British man is scheduled to appear before Brighton Magistrates’ Court in October after being accused of assaulting a woman at London Gatwick Airport following a flight from Lanzarote.

Gavin Penn, 48, from Brentwood, Essex, is alleged to have been involved in the incident on 8 January this year after arriving on a TUI flight from Lanzarote to the UK.

According to reports in the Southend Echo, Penn admitted that he had been intoxicated during the flight. However, he denied a charge of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm against a woman at Gatwick Airport.

As the charge has been contested, the case is expected to proceed to trial in October.

The report did not provide further details about the circumstances of the alleged assault or the injuries involved.

The post British Passenger to Face Trial Over Alleged Assault After Lanzarote Flight first appeared on Gazette Life.

A scooter rider has been caught on camera travelling at speeds of more than 100 km/h on a road in Lanzarote, prompting concern among witnesses.

Video: @Lanzarotevivo

The footage, recorded from inside a passing car and later shared on social media by Lanzarotevivo, shows an electric scooter rider travelling at an extremely high speed along the LZ-20 road between Arrecife and San Bartolomé.

According to the video, the incident occurred in broad daylight near the Arrecife water treatment plant, shortly before the Montaña Mina area. As the scooter continued along the road, the occupants of the car expressed disbelief at the speed being reached.

The passengers can be seen pointing towards the vehicle’s speedometer to compare their own speed with that of the scooter rider and to verify the road’s speed limit. Those in the car described the situation as alarming and suggested that it should be reported to the authorities.

The footage has attracted attention online, with many viewers raising concerns about road safety and the risks associated with operating personal mobility vehicles at such high speeds on public roads.

The post Scooter Rider Filmed Exceeding 100 km/h on Lanzarote Road first appeared on Gazette Life.

A scientific study claims that ravens are the principal predator of newly-hatched Hubara Bustard chicks.

Researchers from the National Museum of Natural Sciences and the University of Granada placed 229 artificial nests around the island to monitor and discovered that 57% of them were raided by ravens.

Unleashed dogs and feral cats also posed a lesser threat to the endangered bustard, Lanzarote’s largest land bird.

The study concluded that care must be taken to control the raven population to prevent “excessive growth”.

The scientists also pointed out that humans were responsible for the decline in the bustard population, by destroying their natural habitat through sand extraction or creating fatal obstacles such as powerlines and roads. 

The post Study Highlights Threats Facing Lanzarote’s Hubara Bustard first appeared on Gazette Life.

Barriers have been installed at the bus parking zone at Lanzarote’s César Manrique Airport.

Bus drivers will be able to use a ticket issued when entering the airport to operate the barriers. For the time being, parking is free, but AENA has announced its intention to charge for the service.

According to the airport, the system “will allow for a much higher turnover and improve the flow of all modes of transport in the airport’s arrivals area” as well as “discourage the misuse of the parking area.”

The post New Barrier System Introduced at Lanzarote Airport Bus Parking Area first appeared on Gazette Life.

Lanzarote Agents proudly presents this extraordinary rural estate, a rare opportunity to own a truly unique property in the heart of the island. Nestled in the charming village of Los Valles, this finca offers a lifestyle defined by tranquillity, space, and authentic Canarian character.

A Central Location with True Island Charm
Perfectly positioned, the property is just 5 minutes from Teguise, 10 minutes from Haría, and 15 minutes from the beautiful beaches of Arrieta. It offers the ideal balance between peaceful rural living and easy access to culture, local markets, and the coast.

An Expansive Private Estate
Set on a generous plot of over 2,700 m², the finca is surrounded by mature gardens, a private vineyard, and its own wine cellar — a rare feature that allows you to fully embrace a self-sufficient and authentic lifestyle. High volcanic stone walls ensure exceptional privacy and create a serene, enclosed oasis.

A Home Built with Character and Quality
Constructed in 2016 with premium materials such as marble, natural stone, and mulberry wood, the main house offers 429 m² of beautifully designed living space across two levels. Inside, you will find two spacious living areas, a well-equipped rustic kitchen, four large double bedrooms, and four bathrooms — all designed to provide comfort, warmth, and functionality for both everyday living and entertaining.

A Truly Unique Natural Feature
One of the most exceptional elements of this property is its private natural mineral water spring — a feature found in very few homes on the island. Flowing continuously from underground and enhanced by a carefully designed natural waterfall, it adds a distinctive and almost magical character to the estate.

Outdoor Living at Its Finest
The exterior spaces are designed to fully embrace Lanzarote’s year-round climate. A dedicated entertaining area near the wine cellar features a beautiful dining space under a traditional pergola, complete with a built-in barbecue and a traditional stone oven — perfect for hosting unforgettable gatherings.

A Private Oasis Surrounded by Nature
The landscaped gardens, filled with mature palm trees, cacti, and native plants, create a peaceful sanctuary that reflects the island’s natural beauty. Every corner of the property invites relaxation, privacy, and connection with nature.

https://lanzaroteagents.com/es/propiedades_dt/Villa-rural-%C3%BAnica-en-Har%C3%ADa-con-gran-parcela-de-terreno–bodega-y-fuente-de-agua-potable%3B-un-verdadero-lujo-en-Lanzarote./

For more information or to arrange a private viewing, contact Lanzarote Agents today.

sales@lanzaroteagents.com

0034 928517695.

The post A Hidden Countryside Gem in Lanzarote: Where Nature, Privacy and Authentic Living Meet first appeared on Gazette Life.

Whilst the tourists flock to Guapatini’s Showbar for a guaranteed night of sequins, songs and silliness, the locals have a little secret. They get to save 15% on tickets.

Yes, residents of Lanzarote can enjoy the same five star, top of the TripAdvisor charts, best night out in Puerto del Carmen experience for just €16.50 per person. That is a proper saving. And all you need to do is show your ID on arrival. Maximum four tickets per resident, which is perfect for bringing friends or finally introducing your in laws to something fun.

But let us be clear. Even at full price, adults €20 and children under 14 just €15, this show represents incredible value. You are not watching a tired entertainer going through the motions. You are watching a world class performer, backed by years of West End and television experience, deliver a show that leaves people breathless with laughter.

The Contessa Guapatini herself is a character shrouded in mystery. No first name. A past that involves rumours of a Count, a rise to fame, and glittering residencies across Europe. But the mystery is part of the fun. What is not mysterious is the quality of the show. It is right there for everyone to see, and everyone to love.

Doors open at 8pm. The show starts at 9pm. The bar takes card only, so leave the cash for the ice cream stall. And the shows run every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. That is four chances per week to have the kind of night out that holiday memories are made of.

Residents or tourists, book early. Because a show this good does not stay empty for long.

• Ticket prices: Adults €20, Children (14 and Under) €15, Residents €16.50 (save 15% on normal show tickets. Must show ID on arrival. Max 4 tickets)
• Doors Open 8pm, Show Starts 9pm, Performed in English
• Address: Ground Floor Centro Atlántico, Avenida de las Playas, Puerto Del Carmen, Lanzarote (opposite BETTY BOOPS Karaoke)
• Shows every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday
• Only card payments accepted for booking & also at the bar

🎟️ Book Now – Shows fill up fast! Secure your spot: https://guapatini.com/

Be sure to follow on Facebook (and Instagram @guapatini) for the latest:

Don’t just take our word for it – join the party that everyone’s talking about! 🥂✨

The post Residents Save 15% – But Even Full Price Is a Bargain for This Level of Fabulous first appeared on Gazette Life.