First cruise ship set to arrive in Playa Blanca this November
The port of Playa Blanca in Lanzarote is preparing to welcome its first boutique cruise ship this November, with further requests for stopovers already confirmed for 2026.
The announcement was made following a meeting in Las Palmas between the mayor of Yaiza, Óscar Noda, and the managing director of Puertos Canarios, José Gilberto Moreno, who assured that the authorisation process with the Las Palmas Port Authority is underway and should pose “no problem”.
“These will be luxury vessels carrying between 200 and 400 passengers of high purchasing power, visitors who seek unique experiences and may even stay overnight on the island,” said Noda, stressing the importance of this milestone for Yaiza, its residents, and the local business community.
Sustainable growth and boutique tourism
Mayor Noda highlighted the significance of attracting boutique cruises, pointing out that this segment of the market is “especially sensitive to environmental protection”, something that aligns with Lanzarote’s status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. He also noted that Playa Blanca’s port is considered the most sustainable in the Canary Islands.
The mayor emphasised that the goal is to diversify tourism by attracting higher-spending visitors while reducing the pressures caused by traditional mass tourism on local services and the environment.
Port improvements underway
During the meeting, Noda also requested practical improvements to the port area, including:
- A dedicated taxi rank within the harbour.
- Better accessibility between the nearby pebble beach and Playa Blanca’s seafront promenade.
- Reinforced security, with two additional guards already in place.
- Upgraded signage, which is currently insufficient but due to be improved.
Sustainability measures will also be prioritised, with public transport, taxis, and coaches given priority access, followed by private vehicles, especially electric and hybrid cars. In line with this, the port will apply for the Blue Flag environmental award in 2026, which requires compliance with environmental criteria ahead of an inspection scheduled for October.
Facilities and future plans
Plans are also in place to reopen the harbour café under a fast-track contract procedure to ensure it becomes operational as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the old terminal building will be partially demolished, though some of the public toilets will remain available.
Mayor Noda acknowledged the lengthy process involved in securing these improvements but expressed optimism:
“It has taken a great deal of effort and countless initiatives, but we are excited about welcoming a new type of visitor — tourists with higher purchasing power, which will bring economic benefits while reducing the pressure of mass tourism.”
The arrival of boutique cruises is expected to mark a new chapter for Playa Blanca, positioning it as a destination that combines sustainable development with premium tourism experiences.
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