Canary Islands News

La Palma experienced a complete island-wide blackout on Tuesday evening, leaving all 50,000 electricity customers without power for three hours due to a turbine failure at Los Guinchos power station. This latest incident highlights ongoing energy infrastructure challenges across the Canary Islands, with local officials demanding immediate government action to modernize the aging electrical systems.

Recent tragic deaths of sperm whales off Tenerife’s coast have intensified calls for marine conservation action in the Canary Islands. Marine biologists warn of escalating collision risks as maritime traffic doubles in these crucial whale habitats, threatening both the species and the islands’ reputation as a premier whale-watching destination.

Playa Jardín in Puerto de la Cruz is set to reopen next week after being closed for almost a year due to faecal contamination. The reopening follows extensive sewage system improvements and successful water quality testing.

Young footballer Zebensui Ramos from UD Las Palmas reserve team is in critical condition after a hit-and-run accident in Arucas, Gran Canaria. The 23-year-old player, who helped his team achieve promotion, is receiving specialized medical care at Hospital Doctor Negrín.

The Canary Islands government is pushing for new restrictions on foreign housing purchases after foreigners bought 25% of homes last year compared to 15% in mainland Spain. The proposal would allow municipalities to limit non-resident purchases through residency requirements and other measures.

Tenerife’s Masca eco-tax has achieved remarkable success, reducing visitor numbers by 76% and generating €652,000 for conservation efforts. The transformation from an overcrowded, dangerous site to a model of sustainable tourism has prompted plans to extend similar measures to Teide, Teno, and Anaga.