Lanzarote Cabildo moves to halt buggy and quad tours over damage to the countryside

The Lanzarote Cabildo is preparing to temporarily halt organised buggy, quad and jeep safari excursions on rural land, following growing concern about their impact on the island’s countryside.

The Cabildo says it is continuing the administrative process needed to agree the precautionary suspension while it works on longer-term rules for the activity.

The proposed measure has not yet taken effect, and no start date has been announced. It concerns organised tourist excursions on rural land; it has not been presented as a ban on all buggy or quad driving across the island.

Why does the council want to stop the tours?

Buggy and quad excursions have become a popular holiday activity in Lanzarote, offering visitors a way to explore away from the main resorts. However, residents, farmers and environmental groups have raised concerns about vehicles travelling in groups along rural tracks and through sensitive areas.

According to the Cabildo, technical and environmental reports have identified several potential effects. These include damage and erosion to soil and tracks, dust affecting crops and vegetation, noise, disturbance to wildlife and possible damage to cultural or archaeological sites.

Farmers have also warned about the effects of dust and vehicle movements in agricultural areas, including land used to produce some of Lanzarote’s well-known wines and cheeses.

Island president Oswaldo Betancort says Lanzarote’s countryside is limited and fragile, and that the council has a responsibility to protect it where reports identify possible harm.

What happens next?

The Cabildo is considering how to establish consistent rules across the island, including a possible temporary island-wide regulation and an authorised network of routes with restrictions.

A public consultation held in October received responses from residents, councils, environmental organisations, landowners and people involved in the activity. The council says most submissions opposed the excursions.

For holidaymakers who have already booked a tour, the practical advice is to check with the excursion provider for any changes. The council has not yet published a start date or final details of the proposed suspension.