Lanzarote's beaches

Playa de Papagayo

Playa de Papagayo, one of the most famous and picturesque beaches on Lanzarote, is characterised by its location in a protected bay in the southern part of the island, which is part of a nature reserve. This special location has helped the beach to retain its natural beauty and unspoilt character.

The beach is known for its fine, golden sand and crystal-clear, calm waters, which provide an impressive contrast to the volcanic rock of the surrounding area. This idyllic setting makes Playa de Papagayo a popular destination for sunbathers, swimmers and snorkellers. The clear, calm water is ideal for observing the diverse marine fauna.

Despite its popularity, Playa de Papagayo has retained its relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. The minimal development nearby makes it an ideal place for those seeking tranquillity and relaxation in nature. Some basic facilities such as restaurants and parasol hire add to the comfort of visitors without detracting from the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Access to Playa de Papagayo is via a dirt road, which makes the visit a bit of an adventure and protects the beach from large crowds of tourists. The path to the beach itself offers breathtaking views of the landscape and the sea.

Playa Famara

Playa Famara on Lanzarote is an impressive beach that is popular with both locals and visitors for its unique landscape and excellent conditions for water sports activities. Situated on the north-west coast of the island, this beach offers a dramatic backdrop with the impressive Risco de Famara cliff massif stretching along the coast.

The beach itself is known for its vast expanse of golden sand that stretches for several kilometres. This size makes it an ideal place for activities such as jogging, beach walks and sunbathing while enjoying the breathtaking views. However, the striking feature of Playa Famara is its wind conditions and waves, which make it one of the best places for surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing in Europe.

The strong winds and consistent waves attract surfers of all experience levels, from beginners riding their first waves to experienced surfers looking for a challenge. There are numerous surf schools on the beach offering lessons and equipment hire, making Playa Famara an accessible place for anyone wanting to try the sport.

Despite its popularity, Playa Famara retains a relaxed and natural atmosphere. The area around the beach is relatively undeveloped, which preserves the rustic and wild character of the place. This aspect also makes the beach a popular destination for photographers and nature lovers who want to experience the unspoilt beauty of Lanzarote.

Playa Famara is not only impressive during the day, but also offers one of the best places on the island to watch the sunset. The combination of the golden light falling on the cliffs and the sound of the waves creates an almost magical atmosphere.

Playa de los Clicos

Playa de los Clicos, located in the south-west of Lanzarote, near the small fishing village of El Golfo, is unique and fascinating. This beach is particularly famous for the "Charco de los Clicos", a green crater lake located right next to the beach. The lake gets its striking green colour from the algae that thrive in the mineral-rich water.

The impressive thing about this beach is the contrast of colours: the green of the lake, the deep blue of the Atlantic, the black volcanic sand of the beach and the reddish tones of the surrounding rock faces.

The beach itself is not suitable for swimming due to the strong currents and rough conditions, but it offers a spectacular backdrop for walks and exploring the unique volcanic landscape. The area around Playa de los Clicos is part of the Timanfaya National Park, one of Lanzarote's main attractions, which is known for its moon-like landscape.

Another notable feature of Playa de los Clicos is the contrast between the rugged beauty of nature and the tranquillity of the nearby village of El Golfo, which offers a selection of restaurants where you can enjoy fresh fish and local specialities.

Playa Blanca

Located in the south of Lanzarote, Playa Blanca is a charming and popular holiday resort known for its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches and excellent tourist infrastructure. Originally a small fishing village, Playa Blanca has developed into one of the most sought-after holiday destinations on Lanzarote, retaining its original charm and character.

The beach of Playa Blanca, after which the village is named, is a highlight of the region. With its fine, white sand and calm, clear waters, it is ideal for families and anyone who wants to enjoy relaxing beach days. The gentle waves make the beach safe for children and offer perfect conditions for swimming and snorkelling.

Aside from the beaches, Playa Blanca also has a lively promenade lined with a variety of restaurants, bars and shops. Here, visitors can enjoy local and international cuisine while taking in the views of the sea and the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura.

For those looking for something active, Playa Blanca offers a range of water sports including jet skiing, windsurfing and diving. It is also an ideal starting point for excursions to other parts of the island, such as the Timanfaya National Park or the La Geria wine region.

Playa de Janubio

Playa de Janubio, a unique beach on the west coast of Lanzarote, is characterised by its dramatic and unspoilt beauty, which sets it apart from the island's more popular tourist beaches. Surrounded by the impressive volcanic landscape of Lanzarote, this beach attracts visitors looking for the wild and natural face of the island.

A characteristic feature of Playa de Janubio is its dark, almost black sand, which is composed of volcanic ash and rock. In addition, the scattered green olivine semi-precious stones, a relic of the island's volcanic activity, give the beach a particularly fascinating appearance. These unique green stones create a remarkable contrast to the dark sand and are a testament to Lanzarote's geological history.

The beach is known for its often strong winds and waves, making it a favourite spot for windsurfers and experienced surfers. However, visitors, especially families with small children or swimmers without experience in rough water conditions, should exercise caution as the currents here can be very strong.

Close to Playa de Janubio are the Salinas de Janubio, the largest salt pans in the Canary Islands. These are not only interesting because of their historical and economic importance, but also offer a unique landscape that is particularly impressive at sunset.

Although Playa de Janubio does not have the usual amenities such as sun loungers, parasols or a wide range of catering options, it is precisely this unspoilt nature that makes the beach so attractive. Visitors looking for peace and quiet and a break from the hustle and bustle will enjoy the quiet and undisturbed atmosphere at Playa de Janubio.

Playa Chica

Playa Chica is a charming little beach in the heart of Puerto del Carmen on Lanzarote. Despite its small size, this beach is very popular due to its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. It is a perfect place for families, sun worshippers and water sports enthusiasts.

The beach is characterised by its fine, golden sand and clear, calm water, which is ideal for swimming and snorkelling. The underwater world of Playa Chica is rich in marine life, making it a popular destination for divers and snorkellers. Here, visitors can observe a colourful variety of fish and other sea creatures in their natural habitat.

A special feature of Playa Chica is its sheltered location, which ensures calm water conditions even when other parts of the coast are windier. This makes it a safe and enjoyable place for swimmers of all experience levels.

There are a variety of restaurants, bars and shops close to the beach. Visitors here can combine relaxing days on the beach with delicious meals and refreshing drinks in the surrounding eateries.

Playa Chica also offers various water sports activities, such as diving and water skiing, making it an ideal place for those looking for a little more action. There are several diving schools nearby that offer courses and equipment hire, so even beginners can experience diving in this beautiful setting.

Caletón Blanco

Caletón Blanco is a breathtakingly beautiful beach in the north of Lanzarote that stands out for its striking landscape and natural tranquillity. The beach is particularly known for its striking white sandy coves surrounded by dark lava stones, creating a mesmerising contrast that almost looks like a natural art installation.

This combination of brilliant white and deep black makes Caletón Blanco a unique beach that stands out from other places on the island. The small pools of water surrounded by rocks are ideal for families as they offer calm, shallow bathing conditions. Here, children can play safely and explore the natural beauty of the sea.

Despite its beauty, Caletón Blanco remains largely untouched by the hustle and bustle of mass tourism, making it a perfect place for those seeking a peaceful environment. The beach eschews commercial facilities, allowing it to retain its natural and unspoilt atmosphere.

The scenic beauty around Caletón Blanco is also impressive and offers ideal conditions for nature watching and relaxing walks along the coastline. The clear waters of the beach are also a paradise for snorkellers who want to dive into the crystal-clear water and discover the vibrant underwater world.