Calima in Lanzarote: practical tips for travelers
- Casa Mialma Lanzarote
- Apr 27
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever woken up in Lanzarote to find the sky painted in a surreal, sepia tone and the horizon disappearing behind a dusty veil, you’ve met the Calima. This unique meteorological phenomenon occurs when strong winds blow across the Sahara Desert, carrying fine sand and dust particles over the Canary Islands. While it transforms the island into a Martian landscape, understanding what it is and how to handle it will ensure your holiday remains a breeze.
What Exactly is the Calima in Lanzarote?
The Calima is essentially a warm, dust-laden wind coming from the east or southeast. Unlike a typical cloudy day, the "clouds" you see are actually billions of microscopic sand particles suspended in the air. This often brings a significant rise in temperature and a drop in humidity. While it can happen at any time of year, it is most common in winter and summer, lasting anywhere from a few hours to several days.
When to protect yourself and your children from the Calima in Lanzarote
First rule, don't worry: Calima in Lanzarote is not dangerous, but not all Calimas are equal.
When visibility drops drastically and the air smells strongly of dust, it’s time for active protection. Just as Bedouins in the desert cover their faces and respiratory tracts, precautions must also be taken in Lanzarote with strong Calima.
The airborne particulate matter (PM10) consists of micro-dust that can penetrate the respiratory system. For this reason, wearing a mask is not an exaggeration but a necessary precaution, especially for the most vulnerable, such as children.
To ensure maximum safety, keep these points in mind:
When to wear a mask: It is highly recommended if you need to spend more than a few minutes outdoors during an intense Calima. An FFP2 mask is the most effective choice, as it filters fine particles far better than standard surgical masks.
Small children and infants: Avoid taking them for walks or outdoor play during peak Calima hours. Their lungs are more sensitive, and their faster breathing rate exposes them to a higher volume of dust.
Indoor environments: Keep children in well-insulated rooms. If using air conditioning, ensure the filters are clean; Casa Mialma Lanzarote is very cool and sheltered even during the intense heat of the calima. We can say this with certainty, because we received feedback from guests during a very strong heatwave in August 2025. If you're in a warmer apartment, it's helpful to use fans. If you use air conditioning, make sure the filters are clean. Otherwise, a fan is recommended.
Warning signs: If a child develops a persistent dry cough, excessively red eyes, or wheezing, move indoors immediately and keep them hydrated with water or natural juices.
Post-exposure hygiene: After being outside, wash the children's face and hands, and give them a bath to remove dust residue from their skin and hair.
Finding the Best "Calima-Proof" Activities
Even if there is Calima, you obviously don't have to stay indoors all day.
While a Calima might put a dampener on your plans for a panoramic hike, it’s the perfect time to explore Lanzarote’s indoor treasures. Head underground to the Jameos del Agua or the Cueva de los Verdes, where the temperature remains constant and the air is clear. Alternatively, use these days to visit the island’s museums, like the César Manrique Foundation, or enjoy a long, leisurely lunch at a traditional bodega in La Geria.
Another way to spend a beautiful day in Calima is to take a relaxing dip The Hotel Costa Calero Thalasso & SPA in Puerto Calero, just 11 minutes by car from MIALMA house; this is the perfect place to relax body and mind.
Photography and Landscapes
From a photographer's perspective, the Calima provides a soft, diffused light that creates an eerie, ethereal atmosphere—perfect for capturing "out-of-this-world" shots of the volcanic terrain. However, be extremely careful with your equipment.
The fine dust can easily get into camera lenses and charging ports. Keep your gear in sealed bags when not in use and avoid changing lenses outdoors until the air clears.
Waiting for the Calima to vanish
Have you arrived in Lanzarote and found Calima? Don't worry, you're not unlucky, you're witnessing a phenomenon typical of the Canary Islands.
The good news? The Calima usually clears as quickly as it arrives.
Often, the wind shifts back to the refreshing Atlantic trade winds, and a light rain may follow, washing the dust away and leaving the island looking fresher than before. Once the haze lifts, the visibility returns with stunning clarity, making that trip to the Mirador del Río even more rewarding. Just remember to give your rental car a quick rinse—it will likely be covered in a fine layer of Saharan gold!
Comments