Torrential rain and thunderstorms have battered the Canary Islands since Storm Olivier made landfall on the Spanish archipelago last Wednesday.
The island of Lanzarote bore the brunt of the intense weather, with flooding affecting several tourist hotspots.
With the Easter break just around the corner, the storm might impact holiday plans.
European governments have updated their travel advice for tourists in the Canary Islands and with upcoming trips. Here’s what you need to know about safety and travel insurance.
Lanzarote hit by intense rain and flooding
Storm Olivier has swept through the Canary Islands, leaving hotels, houses and roads in Lanzarote inundated with water.
As much as 60 litres of rain drenched the island in two hours on Saturday 12 April.
According to the Island Emergency Consortium, the tourist towns of Costa Teguise, San Bartolomé, and Arrecife on the east coast of Lanzarote were the worst affected.
Video footage shows vehicles semi-submerged on flooded roads and streams that have turned into dangerous rapids.
Is it safe to travel to Lanzarote?
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for visiting the island.
“Heavy rainfall and flooding in Lanzarote occurred earlier today (13 April 2025), with Costa Teguise, San Bartolomé, and Arrecife particularly affected,” the latest guidance reads.
“Services across the island are affected. Some hotels are currently without power. Some roads are currently affected by mud.”
It urges travellers in Lanzarote or with upcoming trips to follow the advice of the local authorities and monitor local weather updates.
Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has a general travel alert for Spain.
“Spain can at times experience extreme weather conditions, including flooding, which can adversely affect travel plans. You can monitor information and alerts, including severe weather warnings, on the website of the Spanish Meteorological Agency, AEMET,” the update reads.
“Citizens are advised to check the latest weather information before they travel and to follow the advice of the local authorities.”
Is travel to the Canary Islands disrupted?
After some disruption last week, Lanzarote Airport is now operating as normal, with flights running on time.
The Canary Islands government lifted 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.
The other islands in the archipelago, including holiday spots Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, seem to be relatively unscathed.
Cloudy skies and light rain are forecast for the rest of the day.
What are my rights to a refund if I cancel my holiday to Lanzarote?
As foreign governments have not issued ‘no-go’ travel warnings for the Canary Islands, you are not automatically entitled to a refund if you cancel your trip – referred to as ‘disinclination to travel’.
Reimbursement is only likely if your flight is cancelled by the airline or your accommodation is closed due to the flooding.
If you have booked with a travel agent or tour operator, contact the company directly to understand your options.
Some insurance policies include natural disaster cover for an event that prevents travellers from reaching their holiday destination. You should read the terms and conditions carefully and talk to your provider for advice.
