Nowadays, more and more tourists seek more from their Lanzarote holiday than just basking on the beach or by the pool. Increasing numbers are heading off into the wilder parts of Lanzarote, and almost every week we see reports of rescues. Here’s how to stay healthy and avoid being one of them.
Heatstroke
Lanzarote is still experiencing its hottest period in recorded history and with summer round the corner that’s not likely to change soon. Millions come here for the sun, but many underestimate its power. Sunburn can be painful and ruin a holiday, but what might kill you is heatstroke.
Heatstroke is no joke. Every single one of us knows what it’s like to rest and recover after strenuous activity. Your breathing and heart rate returns to normal, leaving you prepared to continue with whatever it is you were doing. To put it simply, you’re letting your body cool down, like an overworked engine.
With heatstroke that doesn’t happen. It’s incredibly distressing to realise that you are not getting your breath back even while you rest. You may feel confused or agitated, your skin may be dry instead of sweaty and you may experience nausea or throbbing headaches. In extreme cases, unconsciousness and heart failure can result.
The immediate remedy is to find shade and a cool place, rest, drink water and cool off with a shower or damp towels. But what if that’s not possible? On Lanzarote there are few trees, and several walking routes where shade is almost impossible to find. With the sun beating down almost directly from above for several hours a day, heatstroke can quickly become serious.
The wisest advice is that given by all the local authorities – to completely avoid exercise in extreme heat. Heat alerts are issued when the temperature threatens to go over 34 degrees Celsius, and should always be heeded.
To avoid the heat, go early. Lanzarote doesn’t usually start heating up until 11 am, by which time you should start taking the heat seriously. If you plan to go in the afternoon, start around 4 pm, leaving you a 3–4 hour window until sunset.
Wear loose, light clothing; take sun protection that covers your head, wear sunblock and bring water. Water is a pain, of course: it’s heavy and you’ll need a knapsack to carry it, but it could save your life. Experts recommend at least 2 to 3 litres per person when the temperature is over 30 degrees. Don’t forget to drink your fill before you set off, either.
Injuries
There are no soft grassy meadows on Lanzarote. This is an island made of lava, stone, dust and sand, and the going is rarely easy, so it’s wise to be prepared.
A few years ago, we watched a young German couple starting down the Famara cliff to the Playa del Risco. It’s one of the toughest hikes on the island, a zigzag descent over a rough path made of loose stones, so we were astonished to see that the young woman was attempting it in flipflops. When we warned them, they listened politely but insisted on continuing. A few minutes later we could see the girl was already having trouble.
On routes like this you often see people wearing trainers, and most of them manage fine. However, while trainers are fine for dirt paths and tarmac roads, we’d strongly recommend something a little sturdier, with ankle support, if you want to tackle cliffs, lava fields and volcanoes. You will not regret bringing your walking boots to Lanzarote.
Another thing worth considering is a stick or walking poles. If you think these are for elderly walkers, think again, and consider that Canarian goatherds have used them for centuries for good reason.
If you’re not an experienced walker, or are a little older, think hard about whether you should really tackle certain routes. Many rescues on the island involve older hikers who have fallen and twisted an ankle.
Finally, if you’re heading off into the wilds, go with a partner. If that’s impossible, make sure someone knows where you are, and always take a charged mobile phone.
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