Playa Blanca in Lanzarote, often praised for its picturesque scenery and white sand beaches, has received a black flag from Ecologistas en Acción due to significant environmental concerns. The beach, located near Papagayo, is known for its turquoise waters, golden sand, and vibrant tourist infrastructure, but it hides a troubling issue beneath the surface: sewage pollution.
Ecologistas en Acción’s annual report, which has been highlighting environmental mismanagement in Spain since 2005, lists Playa Blanca among the 48 beaches given a black flag this year.
The report cites "sewage discharges" as the primary reason for this designation. Despite the beach's attractive features, recent issues include raw sewage reaching the sea due to a failed attempt to block the flow with sandbags.
The black flags this year were awarded for various issues: 15 for coastal urbanisation affecting public maritime-terrestrial domains; 16 for sewage discharge and poor sanitation; six for chemical, light, and noise pollution; one for damage to historical and cultural heritage; three for marine debris accumulation; three for unjustified port expansions; and four for biodiversity impacts, often a secondary result of other problems.
The 2024 report particularly criticises the effects of tourism and coastal urbanisation in the Canary Islands. Playa Blanca beach, surrounded by hotels, restaurants, and nightlife, was closed from May 4th for repairs after the sewage issue, with a red flag and restricted access during the cleanup.
The association stresses the need to address issues such as the improper disposal of wet wipes and nappies, inadequate sewage treatment, and insufficient oversight of wastewater systems, which are destroying the region's coastal areas.
