Panic in Canary Islands as popular Lanzarote beach suddenly closes | World | News

A popular beach in Lanzarote was forced to close this week after a shocking public health warning. The public have been urged to stay out of the waters on Playa Dorada after tests revealed microbiological contamination. Taiza Town Council imposed the temporary ban on swimming on Tuesday after water samples came back positive for signs of pollution. 

Residents are tourists are being urged to stay away while the investigation is ongoing and more samples are carried out. The nearby beaches of Playa Blanca and Playa Flamingo are still open and visitors have been advised to swim there instead.

Playa Dorada will reopen once the water tests confirm it is safe to swim in, but it’s currently unsure when this will be.

The beach is an incredibly popular one on the south coast of the Canary Island. 

It’s known for its golden sand, calm waters, and facilities like lifeguards and sunbeds. The nearby shopping centre also offers shops and bars.

The beach is enclosed by rock barriers, making it a sheltered and usually a safe option for swimming. 

One person wrote on Tripadvisor: “Formidable beach, not very big but more than enough. Very clean with chiringuitos and restaurant. Possibility of hammocks with umbrellas. Rescue workers etc.”

Another commented: “The Playa Dorada has a dream seawater, beautiful transparency with some fish here and there. It is a guarded beach and very nice.”

A third added: “Best beach ever the sea is the most blue I’ve ever seen!!!”