past and present officials and well-wishers gathered yesterday on Puerto del Carmen’s seafront to pay homage to the founder of the Lanzarote Ironman race and see the unveiling of the statue in his honour waiting to hang an Ironman medal around the neck of a competitor just as he has done to thousands of competitors year after year.  There were fond speeches by Tías Mayor José Juan Cruz Cabildo Sports Councillor Juan Monzón and Cabildo President Oswaldo Betancort who responded to Kenneth’s earlier comment that he was “not a Lanzaroteño” by pledging to start the process to have him officially named as a Favoured Son of the Island.  Kenneth himself told a story about how everyone called him crazy when he went running as a boy and when he decided to set up the Ironman race He concluded by saying the only person he was really crazy about was his beloved wife Anna-Lis and told the audience “When you see that crazy kid and website in this browser for the next time I comment Lanzarote’s Chamber of Commerce of Lanzarote has presented a survey on the island’s taxi services warning that the service is “lacking and can be improved.” The Canarian Government’s law on holiday rental properties has been delayed again as the notice period for objections was granted yet another extension Need a break from the scorching hot Lanzarote sun Looking for a fun activity that is sheltered from the heat and wind Look no further than the Crazy Minigolf Lanzarote course in Puerto del Carmen First Class Villa Services is your all-in-one villa management service whose core values are excellence Jet2 is expanding its winter 25/26 programme with more flights to 13 popular destinations (including Lanzarote & Fuerteventura) from Manchester Airport & London Stansted We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings Sign-up to the Gazette Newsletter to receive a weekly email including the most important news stories and upcoming events This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful Strictly necessary cookies should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings we will not be able to save your preferences This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again © 2025 EmCan Media - Hosted By canaryfone The emergency services responded swiftly on Friday morning to rescue a baby trapped inside a locked vehicle in Lanzarote. The incident occurred on Calle Irlanda in Puerto del Carmen at around 9:15am, when a concerned local resident noticed the situation and immediately raised the alarm. According to the CECOES report, firefighters arrived quickly and used specialised tools to unlock the vehicle. The baby was safely removed and assessed at the scene, where it was confirmed to be in good health and the operation concluded without further incident. Authorities have reiterated the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles, even for a short period. Temperatures inside a parked car can rise rapidly, creating a potentially life-threatening environment for young children. This phenomenon, commonly referred to as vehicular heatstroke, can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and in extreme cases, death. With rising awareness of these dangers, many jurisdictions, including those in Spain, enforce strict laws against leaving minors alone in cars. Public safety campaigns continue to urge parents and guardians to always check the backseat before locking and leaving their vehicles, emphasising that even a momentary lapse in attention can have serious consequences. The emergency services have commended the quick-thinking resident whose alertness likely prevented a much more serious outcome. High levels of the diarrhoea-causing bacteria were detected in Puerto del Carmen I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Unsafe levels of the bacteria E coli have caused part of a popular Lanzarote beach resort to close to bathers during peak summer travel season A section of Los Pocillos Beach in Puerto del Carmen was shut at midday on Tuesday after samples taken from the seawater by the health department tested positive for the diarrhoea-causing bacteria Christopher Notario, Tias councillor for beaches, confirmed that the section of the beach behind the Los Jameos Playa Hotel complex had been closed The Tías Town Hall warned holidaymakers: “As a precaution due to the high levels that have been detected and according to the regulations A red flag has been placed to mark the impacted stretch of the beach and deter bathers from risking their health by entering the water Local officials have said the closure will remain in effect until negative samples are collected but the exact source of the bacteria is still unknown According to the NHS: “Escherichia coli O157 sometimes called STEC (Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli) The healthcare service adds that the bacterial infection found in the gut and faeces of many animals can be caught through “swimming or playing in contaminated water It’s not the first time that the presence of E coli has kept beachgoers out of the water In June, The Independent revealed that unsafe levels of vomiting and bacteria have been found at more than 10 per cent of blue-flag beaches in the UK Analysis of official data shows that eight out of 72 of the country’s best beaches recorded high levels of E coli in May Seaton and Sidmouth – all recording more than 1,000 colonies of E coli in at least one sample For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calder’s podcast Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies The Plaza del Varadero in Puerto del Carmen’s Old Town quickly filled up yesterday as the St Patrick’s Day celebrations kicked off with an awards ceremony honouring five Irish business owners in the resort The Irish spirit descended on Puerto del Carmen last weekend with games on the beach and concerts in the Plaza del Varadero Before the celebrations started at the Plaza del Varadero there was a mass held at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes followed by an exchange of flags after which the square was opened and people gathered to watch the opening speech and awards ceremony Cabildo President Oswaldo Betancort and Eileen Izquierdo all took to the stage to thank the continued support of the Irish community and highlighted the importance and value of their long-standing trade in Puerto del Carmen this year’s winners of the Irish Business Owners awards were called to the stage to receive their awards from the Irish Harbour Bar; Shay and Kathleen Byrne A flag raising event followed the awards presentation as the square quickly filled up The festivities continued late into the night with a large parade that toured along Puerto del Carmen’s sea front from the San Antonio hotel up to the Hotel Fariones The Guardia Civil have arrested a man accused of a violent assault that took place in Puerto del Carmen leaving a 30-year-old Italian man with severe head injuries was placed in an induced coma to be transferred to Doctor Negrín Hospital in Gran Canaria as he suffered a cerebral haematoma as a result of multiple punches which could leave him with permanent brain damage a resident of Lanzarote with an existing criminal record was arrested on this Saturday night (1st February) He is now waiting to appear before the duty court in Arrecife Investigators have determined that the attack occurred outside a bar after Salvatore who had been playing table football with friends It was there that he was assaulted and left unconscious known on the island for managing a café in Playa Honda underwent surgery in Las Palmas to reduce the swelling in his brain the investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident A rare rough-toothed dolphin was found stranded on a beach in Puerto del Carmen yesterday members of Lanzarote’s voluntary fire brigade attended the scene rescued the creature and transported it to the SECAC (Society for the Study of Cetaceans in the Canarian Archipelago) for observation The rough-toothed dolphin is a little-studied species that is almost always observed in open seas far from the shore Today will see Puerto del Carmen celebrate St after a weekend of themed activities and concerts at the Plaza del Varadero Here is a list of all of today’s official celebrations in Puerto del Carmen The party properly starts in the Plaza del Varadero at 1pm today before that there will be a mass at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes followed by a tribute to five Irish business owners in Puerto del Carmen on the main stage After that is when the Plaza del Varadero is expected to really start to fill up with local bars manning their stalls and live acts taking to the stage to perform all throughout the day Expect performances from Al Murphy & Jordan Kay The street parade will start at 5pm from the San Antonio hotel and will make its way across Puerto del Carmen’s seafront until just in front the Hotel Fariones From there all are invited to join the main festival at the Plaza del Varadero 11:00 – Mass in the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes 12:00 – Protocol ceremony and flag raising by the representatives of each country 12:30 – Tribute to business owners in the Irish sector 13:00 – 22:00 – Gastronomy and musical concerts by Irish artists and groups Plaza del Varadero (Old Town Harbour): 17:00 – Saint Patrick’s parade from the San Antonio hotel to the Plaza del Varadero 19:45 – Sarah Finnegan & Steve Hogan The new Sidney Nomination Italy jewellery shop in Puerto del Carmen offers unique link bracelets with special Lanzarote links for you to personalise your very own island-themed jewellery They are also a distribution point for the Gazette New to Puerto del Carmen and to the Lanzarote Gazette Sidney Nomination Italy is a luxury jewellery shop owned and run by Sydney It’s clear to see why the shop has been so busy since opening as Sydney’s welcoming and chatty personality shines through to every customer that is interested in their unique and exclusive jewellery Their unique and tasteful Lanzarote special edition bracelet links allow you to customise your very own bracelet with island motifs such as palm trees This is the perfect gift for any Lanzarote lover In addition to the Lanzarote bracelet links the shop also sells luxury watches Both Sidney Nomination Italy jewellery shops in Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise are now distribution points for the Gazette magazine Why not stop by next month and take a look at the stunning jewellery on offer Puerto del Carmen (next to Barcarola Club) Costa Teguise (next to the Apartamentos Oceano) Find them on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/sidney_jewellery_watches/ the seafront comes alive with a vibrant energy and there’s no better place to experience it than at the 18-hole Indoor Crazy Minigolf Lanzarote This isn’t just any mini golf course—after dark it transforms into a dazzling neon wonderland offering a one-of-a-kind glow-in-the-dark experience that’s perfect for families and friends looking for something truly unique the course lights up with neon-painted walls and LED lights creating a mesmerizing atmosphere that feels like stepping into another world and illuminated designs that make every putt an adventure Whether you’re navigating a glowing tunnel or simply soaking in the electric ambiance the course becomes a playground of light and fun after dark This after-dark experience is perfect for all ages Kids will be wide-eyed with wonder as they putt their way through the glowing course while teens and adults can enjoy the lively It’s an ideal activity for families looking to create unforgettable memories or groups of friends wanting to add a little extra spark to their evening The neon transformation doesn’t just make the course look incredible—it also adds an extra layer of excitement to the game The glowing obstacles and vibrant colours make each hole feel fresh and challenging ensuring that players of all skill levels stay engaged and entertained And with the course’s panoramic sea views just outside you can take a moment between holes to admire the twinkling lights of the seafront and the starry sky above no evening of glow-in-the-dark minigolf would be complete without a visit to their full-stocked bar Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing soft drink It’s a rare gem in a resort dominated by bars and restaurants providing a unique and affordable activity that’s perfect for all ages Whether you’re a seasoned minigolf pro or a first-time player So why not make your next evening unforgettable? Gather your friends and family and head to Indoor Crazy Minigolf after dark. Book your visit today and get ready to putt your way through a glowing adventure: www.crazyminigolflanzarote.com The César Manrique Foundation has stated its support for the protest against mass tourism that will take place in Puerto del Carmen on 20th October animated video quoting Manrique himself in 1973 The video continues by claiming “Lanzarote is dying” and urges people to “demonstrate.” starting at midday from the Plaza de las Naciones at Los Pocillos and heading towards the old town harbour.  When strolling along the bustling Puerto del Carmen seafront you’ll find no shortage of bars and restaurants But if you’re looking for something truly unique and unforgettable there’s one standout attraction that combines fun and breathtaking scenery—the 18-hole Indoor Crazy Minigolf Lanzarote course Nestled along Puerto del Carmen’s picturesque seafront this one-of-a-kind minigolf course offers a unique experience in Puerto del Carmen While most businesses along the promenade focus on dining and drinks this indoor minigolf course provides a refreshing alternative—a fun family-friendly activity that’s perfect for all ages Whether you’re a local looking for a new way to spend an afternoon or a holidaymaker seeking a unique experience this minigolf course is a must-visit destination it’s the only indoor minigolf course on the seafront Each hole is thoughtfully crafted with imaginative themes and interactive obstacles that will delight players of all skill levels From winding tunnels to illuminated landscapes every hole brings a fresh adventure and a chance to test your putting skills But the real showstopper is its panoramic sea views you’ll be treated to stunning vistas of the sparkling Atlantic Ocean creating a backdrop that’s as relaxing as it is inspiring It’s the perfect blend of entertainment and natural beauty making your minigolf experience truly unforgettable you can grab a refreshing drink at the fully stocked bar Whether you’re in the mood for a soft drink You can always swing by the bar to refill halfway through your round to keep the spirits high So why not make your next outing unforgettable? Gather your friends and family and head to Indoor Crazy Minigolf Lanzarote. Book your visit today and get ready to putt your way through an unforgettable experience: www.crazyminigolflanzarote.com The carnival parade in Puerto del Carmen is one of the largest on Lanzarote and thousands were in attendance last Saturday Video (The FIRE House Bar Lanzarote) https://www.facebook.com/thefirehousebarlanzarote Thousands of carnival-goers and spectators attended the parade which started last Saturday at 5pm from Barcarola and ran right up to the Fariones hotel Afterwards the celebrations continued at the Plaza del Varadero where a lively party kicked off with performances from Mambo Latino La Mekánica by Tamarindos and Maquinaria Band who kept everyone dancing until the early hours of the morning A woman has died in a full-frontal collision between two vehicles in Puerto del Carmen The crash occurred at around 10.40 pm last night on the LZ-40 road near Matagorda Emergency services rushed to the scene where firemen extracted two of the victims from their vehicles while paramedics attended to another person who had been thrown clear Attempts to resuscitate one of the trapped drivers failed and she was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident The two other victims were transferred to the Dr José Molina Orosa Hospital with “serious injuries.” A second woman has died as a result of the crash & the third victim a man who was thrown clear is seriously wounded A 17-year-old boy was seriously wounded after suffering knife injuries during a fight on the morning of New Year’s Day Puerto del Carmen at around 3.40am on the morning of 1st January Another young woman was also injured in the same incident suffering cuts to her right arm and to the neck Both victims were taken to the Dr José Molina Orosa Hospital by a Canarian Health Service ambulance.      The presumed attacker of an Italian man in Puerto del Carmen has been arrested 30-year-old Salvatore Sinagra was attacked outside a bar in Puerto del Carmen on the 26th January He had to be taken to the Dr Negrín Hospital in Gran Canaria for surgery to reduce a brain haemorrhage Guardia Civil officers arrested the main suspect Puerto del Carmen’s Christmas Craft Market opened on Thursday and will remain open until tomorrow (Sunday 15th) The market is located at the Plaza de las Naciones at Playa de los Pocillos and features 56 crafters from Lanzarote and other Canary Islands food and music will come together to support our local traditions.”  Commerce councillor Miriam Hernández said she hoped that “the number of tourists would help the crafters’ sales and ensure that a piece of the Lanzarote and Canaries will reach European homes.” Puerto del Carmen is preparing for its big carnival parade which will take place at 5pm this afternoon As usual the parade will gather at Barcarola Apartments and make its way along the seafront to Fariones It will be led by the traditional carnival groups such as Los Buches and the Diabletes and they’ll be followed by comparsas Spain’s weather agency AEMET is predicting a 0-5% probability of rain for Tías this afternoon although fresh winds of up to 35 kph are forecast A Portuguese man has been arrested by Tías local police after assaulting a British tourist on Puerto del Carmen’s Avenida de las Playas got into an argument with a pair of British tourists who were walking on the path causing him to fall heavily and suffer serious head injuries The victim was taken to the Dr José Molina Orosa Hospital Two dolphins came to visit Puerto del Carmen’s harbour yesterday morning Tourists and residents were enchanted to see the pair of dolphins cruising around the harbour A dolphin expert who arrived to monitor the animals identified them as rough-toothed dolphins One of the dolphins had a minor injury and another appeared to have a problem with its jaw It is uncommon to see dolphins come this close to the shore and even more so in the case of this deep-water species A 56-year-old man is in critical condition after suffering a choking incident while eating at a restaurant in Puerto del Carmen The Canary Islands Emergency Services Coordination Centre (CECOES) received an alert at approximately 2:45pm reporting that a man had gone into cardiac arrest at the restaurant after choking CECOES immediately dispatched the necessary emergency resources to the location given and a nurse in the 112 call centre gave remote assistance to the person who made the call giving step-by-step instructions for performing resuscitation manoeuvres before the arrival of medical personnel paramedics confirmed that the man was still in cardiac arrest and continued with advanced CPR techniques and successfully restored his pulse he was transported in critical condition to the Doctor José Molina Orosa Hospital in a medicalised ambulance where he is receiving urgent treatment The emergency response also involved Local Police officers who assisted medical personnel during the intervention Nestled along Puerto del Carmen’s Avenida is a hidden gem that promises fun excitement and unforgettable memories for everyone – the island’s only 18-hole indoor minigolf course Whether you’re a local resident or a holidaymaker looking for a unique activity this one-of-a-kind attraction is the perfect destination for families What sets this course apart is its size and creativity As the only indoor minigolf course in Puerto del Carmen with a full 18 holes Indoor Crazy Minigolf Lanzarote offers an experience like no other Each hole is thoughtfully designed with imaginative themes and glowing surprises that will keep players of all skill levels entertained From winding tunnels to neon-lit landscapes every hole brings a new adventure and a chance to test your putting skills One of the best things about the Indoor Crazy Minigolf course is that it’s perfect for everyone Whether you’re planning a fun family outing the 18-hole course is designed to bring people together Young children will love the playful challenges while adults can enjoy a bit of friendly competition—or simply relax and soak in the vibrant The indoor course is the ideal all-weather activity climate-controlled environment where you can play rain or shine Located conveniently along Puerto del Carmen’s Avenida the course is easy to find and offers great value for an afternoon or evening of fun With affordable prices and an on-site drinks bar they’ve got everything you need for a fantastic time Gather your friends and family and come experience Puerto del Carmen’s only 18-hole indoor mini golf course Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time player Book your visit today and get ready to putt your way through an unforgettable adventure: www.crazyminigolflanzarote.com Gary Shearer went missing in the busy tourist resort of Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote on 16th March 2023 We met his devastated mother Ann and his niece Darcie last month as they returned to the island to seek answers and Described by Ann as “vulnerable” and walking with a distinctive limp he went out drinking and was later caught on CCTV it seems he attempted to call a taxi to take him back to his apartment and another camera caught him walking near a welldressed middle-aged man who has never been identified Ann says her son would call her most evenings to say “Goodnight but when he didn’t and the family tried to report him missing police told them that they could not open a case until he failed to turn up for his flight a week later (this is untrue – a missing person can be reported at any time in Spain) A widespread social media campaign followed who has organised the campaign to find Gary Some people have suggested that Gary may have disappeared at sea but Ann is clear that “He wouldn’t have gone near the water” pointing out that the last sightings of Gary appeared to show him going in an opposite direction to the beach the bodies of drowning victims usually turn up the Guardia Civil closed the case last year but Ann and Darcie are still hoping desperately for an end to their uncertainty and doubts Ann and Darcie were disappointed when council workers removed posters that the police had told them they could display but they also say they’ve received a lot of support someone noticed their “Find Gary” t-shirts and anonymously paid for their meals But the unanswered questions are still hard to live with “We’ve recently had to give up Gary’s flat,” says Ann and she has also been asked for a death certificate that has not yet been issued due to lack of information Gary’s case remains a one-off – there have been no similar cases before or since – but it remains deeply worrying that someone can completely vanish in a popular tourist resort at one of the busiest times of year If you think you may know anything at all about Gary’s disappearance contact Ann on 07864 211601 or contact the Find Gary Shearer page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091607556766 A strange incident in the early hours of Sunday morning involved a man being rescued from the sea in Puerto del Carmen After a report of cries issuing from the coast two boats from the emergency services arrived at the El Poril area of the resort where they found a 50-year-old man in a highly agitated state swimming in the sea instead diving beneath one of them and risking injury from the propellor he was taken to the pier and transported to hospital In our August magazine we printed Terry and Carol Coates’s appeal for information about the building opposite the San Antonio hotel in Puerto del Carmen contacted us to tell us that he worked at the hotel in the 1970s and that the building in question housed the Hotel San Antonio’s power generator and water desalination plant power and fresh water supplies from Arrecife were unreliable or non-existent and as a result the large hotels had their own facilities The building was designed in a Canarian style Rodney also told us how the Hotel San Antonio also invested in accommodation for its workers in contrast to more recent hotels on the island A large building that is still visible on C/ Libertad in Tías was provided to house the staff of the hotel.  The Three Kings have already arrived on Lanzarote and are doing the rounds The biggest parade will take place in Arrecife this evening a parade will take place this morning in Puerto del Carmen’s old town while the Kings will swiftly pass through Costa Teguise at 12.35 Playa Blanca will host a full parade at 6 pm this evening is a national holiday in Spain and many shops and public buildings will be closed 11.30am: The Kings will arrive by boat at Puerto del Carmen’s harbour before parading from C/Teide to C/ Los Afrechos 6pm: Parade in Tías from roundabout at C/Perez Galdos/ Avenidad Central to Calle Libertad followed by letter collection at the football ground from Galeria de Yaiza to Plaza de los Remedios from roundabout near bus station to Plaza de Nuestra Señora de Carmen 5.30pm: Parade starts at football ground and ends at plaza de San Roque 6pm: The largest parade on the island will depart from Puerto Naos and head to the Parque Islas Canarias Between 1,500 and 2,000 protesters turned out in Puerto del Carmen at midday yesterday for the second protest demanding a change of the model of mass tourism Carrying placards bearing slogans such as “Tourism Yes the protesters marched from Los Pocillos before assembling in front of the Fariones Hotel to hear a speech that repeated the demands of the first protest on April 20th “They’ve talked a lot about rethinking the model but the problems have not stopped getting worse,” says lawyer Irma Ferrer who read out a manifesto calling for a stop to new roads and more hire cars The attendance at the protest was well below the estimated 10,000 who turned out for the April demonstration in Arrecife Thousands of Lanzarote residents took to the streets again today to protest against mass tourism and demand a change in the island's tourism model Around 2,000 people participated in the demonstration which began at 12:00pm in Puerto del Carmen's Plaza de las Naciones and concluded in front of the Hotel Fariones Lanzarote was not alone in its call for change as all the Canary Islands (excluding La Gomera and La Graciosa) The protests even spread to cities in mainland Spain The protest was organized by the group Lanzarote tiene un límite (Lanzarote has a limit) which claims that authorities have ignored the demands made during previous protests on April 20th while politicians talked about "rethinking the tourism model," the situation has only worsened with illegal projects continuing to be approved and praised They also criticised the regional government's so-called "expert panel" as a mere "farce" and argued that those benefiting from the current system are unlikely to bring about the necessary changes The protests highlight the growing frustration among residents over the unchecked growth of tourism on the island and the impact it has on local resources  Protesters argue that their demands for reform The organisers accuse the authorities of paying lip service to the need for change while allowing issues to worsen such as approving projects that were previously ruled illegal by the courts The protests aim to shine a spotlight on the problems caused by mass tourism including extreme inequality and environmental degradation Organisers are holding demonstrations in popular tourist areas to make visitors aware of the situation - A moratorium on new tourism projects and vacation rentals - The suspension of illegal construction projects - A housing law to combat speculation and rising costs ensuring sustainable and fair energy policies The protests stem from deep-seated frustrations about the impact of tourism on the Canary Islands' environment and economy During an earlier demonstration on April 20th 200,000 people took to the streets across the islands to demand a fairer economic model Issues such as the difficulty of finding affordable housing and the negative effects of climate change have mobilised residents to call for immediate action The surge in tourism is one of the key concerns Lanzarote welcomed 2.2 million tourists between January and August 2024 a 7.5% increase compared to the same period in 2023 According to the protest group Canarias tiene un límite ("The Canary Islands have a limit") tourists consume up to six times more water than local residents (800 litres per tourist per day versus 127 litres for locals) the problem of untreated wastewater being dumped into the sea threatens the region's biodiversity with 72% of wastewater discharge points in the Canary Islands operating without authorisation the Canary Islands recorded around 38,000 environmental infractions with nearly half related to illegal construction and development projects The housing crisis is another critical issue but the rapid growth in holiday rentals (up 77% in just over a year) has exacerbated housing shortages Foreign buyers now account for 25% of property purchases pushing local housing prices higher and forcing many Canarian residents The Canary Islands are also grappling with poverty The region has the second-highest poverty rate in Spain with one in three people at risk of social exclusion Five Irish business owners in Puerto del Carmen will be honoured in March’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations Shay and Kathleen Byrne of Paddy’s Bar Gerry Flanagan of Nelly’s Bar and John Killeen of Lanzarote Investments will all receive recognition for running businesses for more than 20 years in the municipality of Tías “Our municipality beats in the hearts of the majority of Irish people and this is thanks to the work of those people who make every Irish person who comes to our island feel at home,” and thanked the business owners for their “perseverance and resilience” during the economic situation of recent decades Four drowning victims were recovered by Lanzarote emergency services yesterday in three separate incidents the body of a 34-year-old British tourist was reported at Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen yesterday Sources claim that the incident may have been a suicide the body of an 81-year-old German man was discovered floating off the shore of Playa Grande No further details of the incident have been given a fishing boat six miles south-east of Lanzarote retrieved the bodies of two young Moroccan migrants from the sea at mid-morning Both young men appeared to be of north African origin and about 20 years old and another had been kept afloat by the inner tube of a tyre A maritime rescue vessel attended the area and took the bodies to Arrecife’s pier.  A 41-year-old man has died after being hit by a Zodiac inflatable craft in Puerto del Carmen the man was diving in the zone of El Poril and emergency operatives were unable to resuscitate the victim It is claimed that the pilot of the boat did not see the orange buoy and warning flag that the diver was using to signal his presence Police cameras installed in Puerto del Carmen last September have counted over 5 million vehicles on the roads – an average of around 1.7 million journeys a month on Calle Noruega and on the Rambla Islas Canarias have registered that 86% of vehicles are cars although the lack of number plates on bikes has made this figure more difficult to establish and the information will be used to decide future traffic control measures in the resort.   The Authorities in Lanzarote have closed Los Pocillos Beach in Puerto del Carmen to the public after detecting the presence of the E has been marked with a red flag to indicate the health risk and prohibit entering the water The decision was made following an alert from the Lanzarote Emergency Consortium which confirmed the detection of Escherichia coli in the water particularly through ingestion or exposure to open wounds coli contamination in seawater is a serious environmental and public health concern particularly in coastal areas used for recreation or seafood harvesting which filter large volumes of water and can accumulate high levels of bacteria.  Consuming contaminated seafood or coming into contact with polluted seawater can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses coli in the sea also indicates broader pollution issues posing risks not only to human health but also to marine ecosystems The closure will remain in effect until further notice pending additional tests to ensure the safety of beachgoers Local authorities are advising residents and holidaymakers to avoid swimming in the area and to stay informed about the status of the beach through official channels The incident highlights the importance of regular water quality monitoring in maintaining public health and safety at popular tourist destinations Further updates will be provided as the situation develops fire fighters were called to a vehicle fire on calle Juan Carlos I in Puerto del Carmen emergency services received reports of a vehicle fire on calle Juan Carlos I in Puerto del Carmen fire fighters assessed the situation and safely extinguished the fire with water and foam A second woman has died as a result of Sunday night’s car crash at Matagorda The accident occurred on the LZ-40 at around 10.40pm and one woman was certified dead at the scene of the accident who also had to be extracted from her vehicle has also since died at the Dr José Molina Orosa Hospital a man was thrown clear and seriously wounded Hundreds of protestors took to the streets of Lanzarote on Sunday to show their support for tourism on the island just hours after demonstrators took to the streets demanding changes from the government due to the negative effects of mass-tourism on the quality of life for locals Marching under the banner ‘Lanzarote Loves Tourism’ they marched through the resort of Puerto del Carmen on Sunday evening saying tourists were 'not to blame' for the problems in the Canary Islands Supporters of the 'Canary Islands Have a Limit' group have said mass tourism was pricing local people out of the housing market and impacting their quality of life An estimated 10,000 people took part in the protests across Gran Canaria Lanzarote and El Hierro - with locals reportedly chanting ‘this beach is ours’ at British tourists in Playa de las Americas in Tenerife a group of counter-protestors in Lanzarote took to the streets in defence of tourism saying tourists were always ‘welcome’ on the island was one of the organisers of the ‘Lanzarote Loves Tourism’ march He said fears of mass tourism were being stoked by politicians ‘playing political games’ and that thousands of locals in Lanzarote rely on holidaymakers for their livelihoods He told well-known local news programme A Buena Hora: “I have walked many streets visiting businesses and talking to people I have heard very nice stories from people who say their family live off tourism and that thanks to tourism they are what they are.” “A man in Playa Blanca thanked me for what I am doing that he supported me and that his whole family would be there That is what gives me the energy and strength to continue with this idea which is to send a clear message to the world that we do not want to provoke a confrontation with tourists who are certainly not to blame for the problems that have been generated on the Island in recent years.” The pro-tourism march in Lanzarote followed the same route as the anti-tourism demonstration hours earlier many tourists in Puerto del Carmen ‘cheered and applauded’ them as they went past and asked how they could pledge their support Augusto told us that a platform is being built as we speak “I saw they were going to hold another demonstration in the centre of Puerto del Carmen with tourists there,” he added What we cannot allow to happen is for wrong messages to be sent out about what Lanzarote is really like.” 9.9 million tourists visited the Canary Islands according to the National Statistics Institute (INE) Anti-tourism model supporters say the arrival of millions of visitors every year depletes limited natural resources like water and damages the environment Spain has seen a series of protests against perceived ‘over tourism’ this year in Barcelona and other popular holiday destinations like Mallorca and Malaga The Canary Islands regional government have drafted a new law which is expected to be passed shortly to toughen the rules on holiday rental properties and licences to address the housing crisis as locals are being priced out of the housing market Five months after April’s protest against the effects of mass tourism in Arrecife protests will take place on the four Canary Islands most affected by tourism – Gran Canaria while previous demonstrations were confined to the capitals of those islands the forthcoming protests will take place in tourist resorts tourists present in the resort have nothing to fear The march is likely to be noisy and lively but it is aimed at Canarian authorities rather than tourists Lanzarote Tiene Un Limite (Lanzarote Has A Limit) issued a statement saying: Five months after the historic demonstrations of 20-A politicians and institutions continue to support a predatory tourism model while the population continues to suffer the consequences: more roads Their hypocrisy is clear: they talked a lot about “rethinking the model” but problems have not stopped getting worse… we ask all those who are aware of the damage suffered by our land to take to the streets on 20th October with more force than ever to make history again and to make it clear that this has only just begun the demonstration will take place at 12:00 in Puerto del Carmen leaving from the Hotel Fariones and arriving at Los Pocillos (Plaza de Las Naciones) along the most important tourist street on the island We will not stop until we achieve the change that the Canary Islands need Tías Ayuntamiento has announced the installation of three new police cameras in and around Puerto del Carmen The cameras are capable of reading registration numbers and will be used to monitor traffic offences as well as provide more detailed statistics about traffic in the resort Local Police Chief Antonio Rodríguez described how the cameras had already made it possible to establish that 630,000 vehicles had used one particular roundabout in the resort over the space of a month “When we reached the scene we saw a vehicle in flames with the possibility that there were bottles inside it.” The cause of the fire is unknown Firemen set up a perimeter and extinguished the blaze with water and foam a palm tree was damaged and a nearby car suffered heat damage is a favorite for all ages and stands as the only 18-hole course in the resort Dive into a challenging game of minigolf while soaking in breathtaking sea views complemented by a fully stocked bar to enhance the experience The Crazy Minigolf Lanzarote offers something that the other courses on the island don’t – it’s indoors Lanzarote is a hot and windy island but that doesn’t matter the indoor course provides protection from the elements while also allowing for plenty of natural sunlight to flood the room and you’ll find yourself in a neon wonderland and a fully stocked bar offering a variety of ice-cold beers (both on tap and bottled) presenting challenges that grow progressively tougher as you advance through the course and even a one-shot pinball hole that could completely change the game offering the chance to score double points from a single hole The Crazy Minigolf Lanzarote has only been open for a year; however it has already racked up hundreds of 5-star reviews on Google Here’s what some of their players have to say: We had great fun in this indoor crazy golf after rainy afternoon in Puerto del Carmen in Dec 24 Upstairs venue with windows full length so still lots of lovely Lanzarote air!” – Sue Smyth “Group of 6 of us had the time of our lives playing here service was even better!” – Ben Roberts “Came here today with my brother and nephew the man who served us was outstanding and very interactive with us had a good chat with us before we left also and made us feel very welcome Can’t fault the place.” – Kieron Staples the team at the Gazette can only agree with everyone else It’s a fantastic time and definitely a must-visit Crazy Minigolf Lanzarote is located in the La Peñita Shopping Centre at 19-21 Avenida de las Playas 57, Puerto del Carmen, upstairs next to the Music Hall Tavern. For directions, click here The course is open every day of the week from 10am until 11:30pm For more information check out the course’s website: https://crazyminigolflanzarote.com/ Check in with their social media pages for regular updates: https://www.facebook.com/crazyminigolflanzarote https://www.instagram.com/crazyminigolflanzarote/ An 83-year-old man was rescued in the area of Los Pocillos after drifting at sea for more than an hour unable to return to shore The incident occurred around 5:30 near the Hotel San Antonio when the Emergency Services Coordination Centre (CECOES) received an alert informing them about a man in trouble in the water The EMERLAN emergency response team was immediately activated deploying the MI.21 rescue helicopter and the EMERLAN-GES vessel based in La Tiñosa Rescue teams successfully retrieved the man from the water and handed him over to medical personnel who conducted an initial assessment before transferring him to hospital for further evaluation A section of Playa de Los Pocillos in Puerto del Carmen was closed to bathers yesterday after E after Tias Ayuntamiento was informed that samples taken by the health department on Monday came back positive for E coli has been detected at a section of the beach behind one of the hotel complexes More samples were taken on Tuesday and the results will be known at some point today Are you looking for a fun and exciting activity on Puerto del Carmen’s seafront The Crazy Minigolf Lanzarote offers the only 18-hole course on the island and is a thrilling challenge for all There’s plenty of things to see and do in Puerto del Carmen but there’s only one 18-hole mini-golf course Lots of businesses on the seafront close in the evenings the Crazy Minigolf Lanzarote course is open until 11:30pm and has a full stocked bar to match The welcoming staff at Crazy Minigolf Lanzarote understand that holidaymakers might be busy in the daytime with the islands many beaches and official tourist attractions… but what is there to do when those close this stunning course lights up in an array of neon and glow in the dark colours and the famous Lanzarote winds persist throughout you won’t need to worry about the wind affecting your shots at Crazy Minigolf Lanzarote as the course is indoors and sheltered from the elements the course also features a fully stocked bar with a selection of local Spanish beers (on tap and bottled) Where else on Lanzarote can you play neon minigolf with a drink of choice “Came here today with my brother and nephew the man who served us was outstanding and very interactive with us (Unfortunately I didn’t catch his name) had a good chat with us before we left also and made us feel very welcome Can’t fault the place.” – Kieron Staples Highly recommend you bring the family of any age to come and play golf “I could only give 5 ***** but they deserve more! If you’re hitting the streets of Puerto del Carmen this week why not try your hand at this unique and fun experience COPS have issued a major update in the search for a Celtic fan who vanished on Lanzarote over two years ago Gary Shearer, from Renfrew, went missing from the Spanish holiday hotspot on March 16 2023 He had flown to the island ahead of St Patrick's Day celebrations but was reported missing when he never caught his flight home He is thought to have disappeared outside Bar 67 in Puerto del Carmen but was later seen lying unconscious in a doorway next door on CCTV around 12.30am on March 17 A desperate search was launched with cops scouring the island for him His worried family travelled to Lanzarote to try and find him And a crushing blow came when Spanish cops told them last June they were closing the missing person's case after they "exhausted all leads." But officers have since confirmed they will be reopening the investigation into Gary's case Family members are back out in Lanzarote putting up missing posters to help get answers about what happened to him A Facebook page named Find Gary Shearer was set up to help with search efforts and make people aware of any updates A post on the page read: "Basically the police have ensured us that they are going to continue to investigate Gary’s case "I got more clarification on timings of the CCTV and viewed the CCTV myself "Gary was last picked up on CCTV at 00:49 as I said I will do a post with a clearer timeline of events soon "We go home tomorrow so we’ve been spending the last of our time here ensuring that there are plenty of the missing posters up." They have also issued a description of Gary in the hopes that anyone might have information Gary arrives in Lanzarote to celebrate St Patricks Day and checks into his hotel He then heads to Bar 67 in Puerto del Carmen with €70 wearing a green and white Celtic FC top CCTV footage seen by his family shows him lying "unconscious" in a doorway outside the Hoops supporters' bar between at around 12.30am The last confirmed sighting of Gary was at 1.15am with CCTV footage showing him outside a Spar walking with an unknown man in the direction of San Antonio Gary is reported missing after he failed to check in for his flight He was found to have not slept in his hotel room His worried family fly out to Lanzarote and began carrying out searches to find him Spanish police arrange their first official search for Gary in Peurto Del Carmen at 9am Gary's birthday passed with no further sightings of him Gary's family spend their first Christmas without him Debbie said: "I can't even explain it - it's just a living nightmare It's torture not having any answers." Gary's family fear the worst and say they are losing hope of finding him one year after he vanished Debbie said: "We’ve been sitting in limbo for the past year We’ve basically lost hope of ever getting any answers at all.” Spanish police tell Gary's family they are closing the missing person's case and have "exhausted all leads" Police tell Gary's family they are going to continue the search A poster issued by the family read: "Gary came over to Puerto del Carmen Lanzarote on the 16th of March 2023 - to celebrate St Patrick's Day "Gary was confirmed to be in Bar 67 shortly before going missing and then was last seen outside of the Spar shop with an unknown man "We have no further information on where he went or what happened to him after this "He has a distinctive "Gary" tattoo on his neck Gary was last seen wearing a green and white Celtic FC shirt "We know someone on the island definitely has more information regarding this and we urge you to please come forward so we can finally get some answers." Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click here The “Blue Zone” intended to regulate parking in Puerto del Carmen will not come into effect until next year with paid parking controlled by meter or app has been planned for the stretch of the Avenida de las Playas between Hotel Fariones and Hotel San Antonio since the Plan for Sustainable Urban Mobility was released last year where free parking for residents is prioritised but gives preferential use of roads to pedestrians with measures to promote public transport and cyclists Mayor José Juan Cruz said that the council was awaiting the final technical study for the project to be completed and that there was currently no fixed completion date Local police from Tías Ayuntamiento have removed 34 electric rental scooters from the streets of Puerto del Carmen The company that operates the scooters “lacks the licence to operate in the municipality” scooters will continue to be removed and the company will have to pay the corresponding fines The scooters have been impounded in the vehicle depot on Calle Anzuelo This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.