Best Beaches in Lanzarote

Punta del Papagayo's beaches

The area of Punta del Papagayo, along the southern coast of the island east of Playa Blanca and mirrored by the neighbouring islands of Fuerteventura and Lobos, boasts some of the best beaches on Lanzarote.

The four beaches of El Papagayo, Mujeres, Papagayo, Pozo and Puerto Muelas, are located within the protected area of Los Ajaches, an area of volcanic hills, and are popular with surfers and snorkellers. The beaches of pale golden sand are washed by shallow turquoise waters and protected by low cliffs.

Playa Mujeres is the widest and most crowded of Papagayo’s beaches. Playa de las Coloradas, Playa de las Ahogaderas and Playa de la Cera are to the west of Punta del Papagayo, while Playa Caleta del Congrio and Playa de Puerto Muelas are to the east.

To reach the beaches, which are devoid of any services, you will have to travel along a very uneven dirt road. Remember to take something to eat and drink with you.

Playa El Risco

El Risco beach, one of the wildest beaches on Lanzarote, is located along the northwest coast of the island below Mirador Del Rio

Little known but beautiful, the beach of white and sometimes dark sand is surrounded by the imposing Famara cliffs and is set in a landscape of striking contrasts.

Playa del Risco, 500 metres long and up to 25 metres wide, does not offer any services so it is a good idea to remember to bring everything you need for a day at the beach and especially plenty of water.

To reach Playa El Risco, it is advisable to embark from the small harbour of Orzola, from where ferries also depart for the islet of La Graciosa and the Chinijo Natural Park, or take a steep path along the Famara cliffs, known as the cammino de Los Gracioseros, which takes about an hour.

Playa de la Cantería

The long beach of Playa de La Canteria is located north of the fishing village of Orzola, on the northern tip of Lanzarote, very close to the cliffs of Los Fariones.

This little paradise of fine white sand, surrounded by low brownish cliffs, is 300 metres long and between 15 and 50 metres wide, depending on the water level. The sand is only revealed at low tide.

The picturesque beach of La Canteria is particularly popular with surfers because of the currents and waves that often make swimming conditions dangerous. The beach is not equipped and is not served by kiosks.

Near Orzola there are other beautiful little-visited coves including Caleta de Mojon Blanco, Caleton Blanco, Charca de la Laja and Playa Caletones.

Famara Beach

Caleta de Famara is located in the Bay of Penedo, along the north-western coast of Lanzaote, within the Chinijo Natural Park, away from the more touristy areas of the south island.

The long beach of very fine brownish sand is surrounded by imposing and spectacular cliffs that give it a dramatic appearance and bordered by the white dwellings of the quiet fishing village of the same name.

Popular with surfing , windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts as the weather conditions and sea currents make it ideal for water sports, Famara beach is 3 kilometres long and is lined with restaurants and shops specialising in the sale of surfing equipment.

The charm and majesty of Famara is irresistible at sunset, a world away from the resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Teguise and Playa Blanca on the east coast of the island.

Several bungalows and luxury villas are located close to the beach and are rented out to tourists. Not far away is Playa San Juan where some international surfing competitions are held in autumn, while the cliffs behind Playa Famara are popular with hang-gliding enthusiasts.

Lanzarote Airport is a 25-minute drive from Famara.

Playa de Los Caletones

The paradisiacal beach of Playa Caletones is located within the protected area of Malpais de la Corona, near the traditional village of Orzola, along the northern coast of Lanzarote.

The beach of fine white sand, embellished with black stones of volcanic origin in stark contrast, lies in an unspoilt environment of great beauty and is bathed by a crystal-clear, shallow turquoise sea.

At 130 metres long and with an average width of 3 metres, Caletones beach is decidedly quiet and therefore ideal for those seeking relaxation. Thanks to its location within a small gulf, which means that it is sheltered from ocean currents, it is suitable for families with children.

Not far away are the beaches of Caleta de Blanco Mojon, Playa de la Canteria and Charca de la Laja.

Playa de La Garita

Playa de la Garita is located in the north-eastern part of Lanzarote, a short distance from the fishing village of Arrieta.

The beach of fine golden sand is located along the rugged coastline of the island, in the most authentic area of Lanzarote.

This 810 metre long and just 5 metres wide beach is very popular and offers good facilities such as restaurants, bars, parking, toilets and even a playground. The northernmost part is protected from waves and is ideal for children.

Playa Reducto

Playa del Reducto is the main urban beach in Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote, and is located close to the Grand Hotel, the island’s only skyscraper, in the southern part.

The white sandy beach, 500 metres long and 50 metres wide, lies within a small bay that slightly protects it from currents and is equipped with toilet facilities and small kiosks.

Flanked by a modern promenade, with a succession of shops, restaurants and trendy cafés, that connects it with the city centre, Playa del Reducto’s northern part is embellished with beautiful coconut palms that give it a Caribbean charm.

Due to its location, Playa del Reducto is very popular.

Playa Quemada

The quiet beach of Playa Quemada is located along the south-east coast of Lanzarote, along the main road from Arrecife to Playa Blanca, a few kilometres south of the small, once laid-back fishing village of Puerto Calero.

The beautiful beach of dark sand and volcanic rocks, particularly scenic, lies within a wide bay protected from the currents by Punta Gorda.

The beach is washed by a gently sloping crystal-clear sea and is not equipped. Although there are a few small restaurants near the beach, don’t forget to bring plenty of drinks, food and an umbrella.

Around the beach of Quemada there are numerous luxurious flats and villas for rent, ideal for those looking for a relaxing, peaceful and seaside holiday.

Charca de la Novia

Charca de la Novia is a bay located in the far north of the island, near the town of Orzola. It has a white sandy beach, which stretches for about a kilometre, and turquoise water.

There are also lava rocks on the beach, and during high tide, large lakes of black volcanic rock are created interspersed with white sand sediments. This creates a breathtaking and very special scenery.

Playa El Golfo

The beach of El Golfo, located south of the island in the municipality of Yaiza, was formed as a result of volcanic eruptions in 1730. The sea passes through the craters forming a beautiful beach of black sand, contrasting with the green lake behind it: the green colour comes from the algae that live on its surface.

It is forbidden to bathe and even touch the water of the lake because of its potential danger. On the other hand, the beach is not very extensive but one can enjoy tranquillity and relaxation because it is not yet well known to mass tourism.

Puerto del Carmen's beaches

Puerto del Carmen is one of the main tourist resorts on Lanzarote and has numerous beaches. Among the most important we can mention:

• Playa de los Pocillos: a long stretch of golden sand, ideal for windsurfing. It has showers, toilets and sunbeds.
• Playa Chica: a curious bay protected by natural lava extensions that give this beach a special character. The beach has become famous for the peculiarities of its seabed.
• Playa Grande: undoubtedly the most central, most accessible beach with the best facilities.
• Playa de Matagorda: one of the most attractive beaches in Puerto del Carmen. It is a quiet beach bordered by a beautiful promenade that offers a wide range of restaurants and shops. It is equipped with sunbeds and parasols.