Coastal Authority to Remove Remains of Abandoned Famara Tourist Development
The Spanish Coastal Authority has confirmed that the remains of a long-abandoned tourist development in Famara, Lanzarote, will be removed as part of ongoing efforts to restore and protect one of the island’s most important natural landscapes.
The decision affects the deteriorating remains of an old tourism project that has stood in the protected coastal area for decades. Authorities say the structures no longer serve any purpose and have become an artificial intrusion within one of Lanzarote’s most environmentally sensitive locations.
Why are the structures being removed?
According to information released by Spain’s Directorate General for the Coast and the Sea, operating under the Ministry for Ecological Transition, the demolition is intended to eliminate man-made elements that negatively affect the protected coastal environment.
The agency has informed the Cabildo of Lanzarote that all remaining artificial structures linked to the abandoned development will be demolished, helping return the area to a more natural state.
Protecting one of Lanzarote’s most iconic landscapes
Famara is widely regarded as one of the island’s most spectacular natural areas. Stretching for around six kilometres beneath the dramatic Risco de Famara cliffs, the beach attracts surfers, photographers, walkers and nature lovers from around the world.
The coastline also contains fragile dune systems and protected habitats that support native plants and wildlife. Environmental organisations have increasingly raised concerns about the cumulative impact of human activity on this unique landscape, including illegal parking on the dunes and damage caused by uncontrolled access.
A project that never became reality
Large-scale tourism developments were proposed for the Famara area during the early years of Lanzarote’s tourism industry. However, only a small number of those plans ever materialised.
Today, the surviving remains of one abandoned project stand as a reminder of a very different vision for the island’s future. In contrast, modern planning in Lanzarote places far greater emphasis on environmental protection and preserving the island’s unique volcanic landscapes.
What does this mean for visitors?
For tourists planning to visit Famara, there will be no change to the beach itself, which remains open and continues to be one of Lanzarote’s most popular destinations for surfing, kitesurfing and enjoying spectacular sunsets.
The removal of the abandoned structures is expected to improve the appearance of the protected area and reinforce ongoing conservation efforts designed to preserve Famara for future generations.
Visitors are still reminded to respect local regulations by:
- Staying on designated paths.
- Avoiding driving or parking on protected dunes.
- Taking litter home.
- Respecting wildlife and fragile vegetation.
These simple steps help protect one of Lanzarote’s most treasured natural attractions.
Conservation remains a priority
The demolition forms part of a wider commitment by local and national authorities to safeguard Lanzarote’s protected coastline. As visitor numbers continue to grow, balancing tourism with environmental conservation remains one of the island’s biggest challenges.
For both residents and holidaymakers, the move is another sign that preserving Lanzarote’s unique natural beauty is becoming an increasingly important priority.
