Travellers headed for Lanzarote this Easter may have their holiday plans dampened after heavy rainfall and flooding swept the island this weekend.
Storm Olivier struck the popular Canary Islands last Wednesday, sending intense rain and thunderstorms across the Spanish archipelago well into Saturday.
According to the Island Emergency Consortium, Lanzarote tourist towns Costa Teguise, San Bartolomé, and Arrecife on the east coast were worst hit, with emergency services being called out to more than 200 incidents.
Lanzarote Airport is now operating as usual and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is not advising against travel to the country. But is it safe to go, and what are your rights if you have a trip booked? Here’s everything we know.
Read more: Sun-drenched hotspot hit with snow ahead of Easter in ‘danger’ warning for Canaries tourists
What is happening in Lanzarote?
Torrential rain has drenched Lanzarote, leaving hotels, homes and roads in the tourist hotspot flooded.
Footage shows cars submerged on waterlogged roads, streams turned into dangerous rapids, and homeowners using buckets to bail water out of their houses after as much as 60 litres of rain fell in two hours on Saturday (12 April).
What is the latest Foreign Office travel advice?
The Foreign Office (FCDO) warned travellers on Sunday (13 April) that flooding had impacted services across the popular Canary island.
It said: “Heavy rainfall and flooding in Lanzarote occurred earlier today (13 April 2025), with Costa Teguise, San Bartolomé, and Arrecife particularly affected.
“Services across the island are affected. Some hotels are currently without power. Some roads are currently affected by mud.
“If you are in Lanzarote or travelling to Lanzarote, follow the advice of the local authorities and monitor local weather updates.”
General FCDO flooding advice for Spain says: “Flash flooding can cause travel disruption and damage to property and infrastructure. Check weather warnings from Spain’s meteorological office (AEMET) before travel and follow the advice of the local authorities.”
What does the Canary Islands government say?
The Canary Islands government ended the state of emergency in Lanzarote – declared on Saturday – at 7am on Sunday.
“Following the end of the flooding caused by rain on April 12 in the municipalities of Arrecife, Teguise, and San Bartolomé on the island of Lanzarote, the island emergency situation has ended,” it said in an update.
Authorities confirmed that there have been no reported injuries.
The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) predicts “a low chance of light scattered rain” in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura today (14 April).
What about the other Canary Islands?
Holiday islands Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura seem to have been spared from the worst of the storm.
Today AEMET say there will be “mostly cloudy skies in the north of the mountainous islands” with a chance of “light, occasional rain”, as well as in the “southern interior of Tenerife and Gran Canaria” this afternoon.
Can I cancel my holiday or flight for a refund?
The Foreign Office has not issued a warning against travel due to the flooding, so there will be no exceptional circumstances allowing for a full refund on cancelled trips.
There is no obligation for companies to refund bookings if you want to cancel, and you will not be able to claim travel insurance due to safety concerns unless Foreign Office advice changes.
The terms for cancelling your trip depend on your holiday provider, so it’s best to contact them if you wish to postpone. Some travel insurance policies will include natural disaster cover for an event that prevents you from reaching your holiday destination – speak to your insurer to find out your rights.
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