Canary island limits visitors

Just off the coast of the much larger island of Fuerteventura, Isla de Lobos, one of Spain's Canary Islands, is only 1.8 square miles in area and has no permanent population, yet it has been getting up to 2,000 visitors per day during peak season.

Consequently, in January, the governing council of Fuerteventura introduced a rule limiting tourist visits to Isla de Lobos to 400 per day, split between two groups of 200. Anyone wishing to visit Isla de Lobos must first request and receive a permit. At press time, permits were free; however, a fee may be instituted in the future.

Visitors can apply for permits up to three days in advance. Each permit (covering up to three people) allows a 4-hour visit during one of two time slots: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 2-6 p.m. Anyone caught overstaying his permit or attempting to land without a permit will be subject to a fine.

To apply for a permit, visit entrees.es/evento/Permiso-de-visita-a-la-Isla-de-Lobos-entradas/1855.