The Long-Running Battle Over Playa de Enmedio in Puerto del Carmen
For many visitors, the stretch of sand between Playa Chica and Playa Grande is simply another beautiful place to spend a sunny afternoon in Puerto del Carmen. But for years, this small beach – officially known as Playa de Enmedio – has been at the centre of one of Lanzarote’s most controversial disputes over public access to the coastline.
Now, the debate has returned, with fresh plans to officially manage and operate services on the beach, bringing back memories of a legal battle that divided opinion across the island.
A Beach That Sparked Controversy
Several years ago, local businessman Juan Francisco Rosa, owner of the Fariones Hotel transformed part of Playa de Enmedio by installing sunbeds, parasols and other facilities behind controlled access.
The move immediately attracted criticism because, under Spanish Coastal Law, beaches form part of the public maritime-terrestrial domain and are intended to remain freely accessible to everyone.
Authorities concluded that the work had been carried out without the necessary permission from Spain’s Coastal Authority, leading to enforcement action over the occupation of public coastal land.
The 75-Year Proposal
Following the dispute, Rosa sought to secure the future of the development by requesting a long-term concession over approximately 120 square metres of public coastal land for 75 years.
The request was rejected.
The rejected 75-year proposal wasn’t about building a hotel or privatizing the entire beach. It was an application to obtain a 75-year concession over around 120 square metres of public maritime-terrestrial land at Playa de Enmedio (also known as Los Fariones Beach), between Playa Chica and Playa Grande in Puerto del Carmen.
The idea was to legalise an exclusive beach area that had already caused controversy after sunbeds, parasols and a fenced-off section were installed without the necessary coastal authorisation. The area was intended to operate as a premium beach facility linked to the hotel. Because Spanish beaches are public, the proposal attracted strong opposition from local residents and environmental groups.
The General Directorate of the Coast and the Sea (Costas) ultimately rejected the application. Its decision stated that handing over part of the public beach for such a long period did not serve the common good or the general public interest, which are key legal requirements for granting long-term concessions on Spain’s coastline.
Fast Forward to Today
Although that chapter appeared to have closed, Playa de Enmedio is once again making headlines.
This time, the proposal is very different.
The latest proposal from the hotel owner is far smaller and temporary. Instead of seeking long-term control over part of the beach, the company has now applied for permission to install:
- A 20 m² prefabricated kiosk
- A 44 m² terrace
- Space for 44 chairs and 10 umbrellas
- Facilities to sell drinks, ice cream, fruit and packaged snacks
The application covers approximately 64 m² of the public beach area and is for a short-term concession, rather than decades of exclusive occupation. The project also includes improvements to an existing wall beside the beach.
The proposal is now being considered under Spain’s coastal planning rules, where authorities will assess whether the temporary facility is compatible with public use of the beach and environmental regulations. Unlike the previous application, it does not seek ownership or exclusive long-term control of the land.
Why it Matters to Residents
For residents and visitors, the key point is that Playa de Enmedio remains a public beach. The debate is no longer about whether part of it can effectively become a private beach for 75 years, but whether a small, beach kiosk and terrace should be allowed to operate there under a coastal concession.
Supporters believe this would improve facilities for visitors while ensuring the beach remains publicly accessible and operated within Spanish law.
Others remain cautious, arguing that any commercial use of the beach must never reduce the amount of free public space available for residents and tourists.
The renewed discussions show just how sensitive the issue of Spain’s coastline remains. Public beaches are among the country’s most protected natural assets, and any proposal involving commercial activity is likely to receive close scrutiny.
Why It Matters to Tourists
For holidaymakers, very little changes in day-to-day terms.
Visitors can still enjoy Playa de Enmedio free of charge, and the beach remains part of Puerto del Carmen’s spectacular coastline between two of its most popular beaches.
However, the ongoing debate serves as a reminder that while facilities such as sunbeds, kiosks and beach services can enhance the visitor experience, they must operate under strict rules designed to protect public access.
It’s a balancing act between improving tourist facilities and preserving one of Lanzarote’s greatest attractions—its open, accessible coastline.
