The island government has dismissed rumours that they plan to allow the construction of a large campsite by the beach at Arrieta….

A grass roots campaign against the desecration of the natural environment at Playa Garita in Arrieta has already attracted thousands of supporters. With organisers claiming that local authorities plan to allow the construction of a 55,000 square metre camping facility right next to this beautiful unspoiled beach in the north of Lanzarote.

However these fears have been partly dispelled today by an announcement from island President Pedro San Gines. Who has stated that there are no plans to build anything at Arrieta or allow camping per se, although an area of up to 30,000 square metres may yet be allocated to motor homes. Which have historically been allowed to park up close to the beach for many years.

Lanzarote’s Insular Plan (PIOL) allows for the creation of designated camp sites, according to a spokesperson, “In spaces expressly conditioned for it, that specifically comply with sectoral legislation, have access by existing public road and do not exceed an area of 30,000 square meters." In addition, these sites can only be used for six months of the year and can only house temporary structures that can be easily removed.

As a result, fears of large scale construction close to the beach now look a little far-fetched. However, Arrieta also remains a possible location for some form of motor home camping in the north of the island, along with Orzola.