LanzartoYou might think that beaches in Lanzarote are only of volcanic origin, maybe rocky and with little chance to build the classic “sand castles”. However, it’s not like that at all and you’ll find it out in this article.
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Lanzarote is part of the Canary Islands, belonging to the large archipelago located in the southwest of Spain. They are located in the Atlantic Ocean, facing the African continent and, as I mentioned, are of volcanic nature.
Among them, Lanzarote is also known as “Fire Island“. It is the wildest and most suggestive as the desert, the volcano and unspoilt nature are some of its landscapes. Despite its proximity to the African coast, the island’s climate is temperate, even in summer, by the trade winds and thus it is an excellent destination even out of season. I visited it at the end of January and it was very comfortable.
Here are my tips for the best beaches of Lanzarote.
Best Lanzarore Beaches of the SOUTH
Besides the lava rocks and some desert areas, the island stands out for its numerous extraordinary beautiful beaches.
Papagayo Beach (Playa Papagayo)
Among the best beaches of Lanzarote there is undoubtedly Playa Papagayo (or Papagayo Beach in English). In fact arguably besides being the most famous beach, the most photographed is also the most beautiful on the island.
However, it is not only famous for its postcard landscape, with golden sand and crystal clear waters. Located on the southern coast, Papagayo Beach is a beach protected by volcanic rocks. It is also part of the Los Aiaches nature reserve. Thanks to its particular conformation, the bay enjoys calm waters and light winds that make it particularly appreciated by tourists.
In the reserve there are also other beaches, smaller but also equally beautiful, such as Playa de La Cera, El Pozo and Playa Mujeres.
Note: to reach the beaches of the reserve, you have to follow some dirt roads. When you’ll rent a car try to pick the right one. You don’t necessarily need an off-road vehicle, just drive slowly. You will also have to pay a toll.
Once inside the reserve you will reach Playa Mujeres via a kilometer of dirt road, and after 4 km you will reach Playa Papagayo beach where you will also find a little chiringuito overlooking the sea.
Another good alternative to reach the beach is to use one of the taxi boats that leave from Playa Blanca.
Mujeres Beach (Playa Mujeres)
This beautiful beach of Lanzarote is the largest beach in the reserve. If you will be travelling with children, it will certainly be the most suitable, both because of the conformation of the beach and the presence of a large parking lot.
It is a less populated beach than Papagayo Beach because it is much more wide. This beach is accessible and at the same time extraordinarily beautiful, due to the colours of the water and the fine golden sand. It is also ideal for those who want to snorkel, there are few beaches in Lanzarote that allow you to do this activity because many are swept by strong winds and waves.
De la Cera Beach (Playa de la Cera)
Beach always on the south side of Lanzarote, a few steps from Papagayo Beach.
Next to Playa Papagayo is Playa de la Cera.
To reach it there is a path that in a few minutes takes the traveler to one of the most beautiful beaches of Lanzarote. It is certainly less well known than Playa Papagayo, but in the same way as the latter, it leaves you amazed by its beauty.
Flamingo Beach (Playa Flamingo)
One of the most beautiful Lanzarote beaches is Flamingo Beach. It is a 200 metre long “urban beach”. It is protected by an artificially created pier which provided a rather quiet area and calm sea.
This beach is the ideal place for those who are not looking for adventure and untouched landscapes, as it is very close to hotels and main tourist facilities. Obviously Flamingo Beach is usually crowded also because it is not very extensive.
Dorada Beach (Playa Dorada)
This one of the most beautiful beaches in Lanzarote features very white sand, the result of an artificial creation of the beach to which a “protection” made of rocks has been added. Just like the previous beaches, this has made it possible to create a peaceful environment where you can enjoy the classic sea life. It is an equipped beach, so there are stretches with umbrellas and deckchairs.
Other beaches on the Rubicòn Coast
All the beaches I have mentioned so far are part of the south coast of Lanzarote, the Costa del Rubicòn. The beaches of this part of the coast are among the most beautiful of the whole island. Besides Papagayo Beach, Mujeres and Playa de la Cera, also Playa de Afe (Afe Beach), Playa de Puerto Muelas (Puerto Muelas Beach) and Caleta del Congrio are worth a visit.
Their beauty lies in the volcanic nature of the area, with black lava rocks contrasting with the whiteness of the sand and the blue of the beautiful turquoise sea.
Best Lanzarore Beaches of the NORTH
Lanzarote changes appearance from south to north. Especially for the coast that faces N/NW. Here nature is rougher and the beaches become more peculiar.
Famara Beach (Playa de Famara)
It is framed in an imposing massif and is one of the most popular destinations, as it is particularly wild and exceptionally beautiful. It is certainly one of the best beaches in Lanzarote, especially for those who want to play water sports. I visited it at the end of January, it wasn’t exactly the ideal time to go swimming. But…I saw a lot of people jump into the icy waters and do surfing and kite-surfing. So if you are passionate about these sports, remember that Famara Beach is the place for you.
Before you decide to spend a few hours in Famara Beach it is always advisable to check out the wind and current situation. Often you may not be able to enjoy the water. It is not the ideal beach for those traveling with children. Being about 6 kilometers long, it is ideal for walks to restore oneself with nature.
By the way, not far from Famara Beach you can visit the Timanfaya National Park. Here you will see the various volcanoes that characterize Lanzarote and enjoy a panoramic bus ride (wonderful!).
Las Conchas Beach (Playa de Las Conchas)
I included this playa in the list of the most beautiful beaches in Lanzarote thanks to the advice of a reader. I haven’t had the chance to visit La Graciosa during my itinerary in Lanzarote (I hope to do it soon), but I have done my research and I want to give you some more information to visit it.
It’s always in the northern part of the island of Lanzarote. La Graciosa is the little island that you can see at Mirador del Rio. It is detached from the main island by a narrow stretch of sea. It is a portion of the island almost completely deserted and therefore completely in contact with nature. Those who visit Playa de Las Conchas have the feeling of being on some Caribbean island. Incredibly white sand and transparent sea.
Although this beach is considered perhaps the gem of Lanzarote, pay attention as it is still the Atlantic Ocean, waves and wind can be incredibly strong.
Caletòn Blanco Beach (Playa del Caletòn Blanco)
Another beach I heard about from a Recyourtrip reader. The beach of Caletòn Blanco is located near the municipality of Orzola. Protected from the currents of the Atlantic Ocean as it is on the N/NE coast and further sheltered by small rock and stone reefs, it is one of the most beautiful beaches on the north coast of Lanzarote.
Thanks to its layout, the Caletòn Blanco beach, which is one of the wildest and most pristine on the island, allows you to swim in complete relaxation in the crystal clear waters. In addition, the sand is soft and one of the main characteristics of this beach is the contrast of colours, between the black rocks of volcanic nature and the turquoise water.
De Las Chucharas Beach (Playa de Las Chucharas)
Finally, I will finish with Playa de Las Cucharas, on the east coast of Teguise. Thanks to its exposure to the wind, it is a favourite destination for surfing, windsurfing and kite-surfing enthusiasts. It is very close to an area equipped with services for those who do not want to give up comfort: there are bars, shops and clubs where you can spend a pleasant evening after a day at sea.