Best Beaches in Lanzarote

Lanzarote has a diverse landscape made up of stunning beaches around its island, offering something for everyone seeking to soak up the year-round sunshine and warm temperatures that it is able to offer.

Characteristic of the Canary Islands, past volcanic eruptions have created the iconic black sand beaches and lava rock outcrops, which dramatically peer up from the sands and act as natural breakwaters, subduing the waves and producing excellent swimming opportunities. However, these extraordinary lunar-style seascapes are only one version of the best beaches in Lanzarote, just waiting to be discovered.

Sun-seekers will also be welcomed by golden curves of fine powder sand, disappearing gently into the clear, blue ocean. These picturesque bays are home to calm, shallow waters, sheltered from the wind; just perfect for a spot of paddling and sunbathing on a luxury holiday to Lanzarote.

The more adventurous visitor will be delighted by long, wild stretches of sand and open waters, where the Atlantic wind creates waves ideal for water sports.

With most of the best beaches in Lanzarote also featuring a local café, bar or restaurant, a long, relaxing day by the sea can be enjoyed uninterrupted.

Playa Blanca

As the third biggest resort on the island, Playa Blanca retains a peaceful beauty, whilst still offering visitors a choice of shops, bars and restaurants, stylishly designed and located on the fringes of its picturesque old town.

Situated on the south of the island, it enjoys Lanzarote’s best weather and has numerous white, sandy beaches that can be found nestled in coves around the resort, each easily accessible on foot or via a short 5-minute drive.

Playa de Papagayo

Playa de Papagayo is actually a network of coves with arches of fine, white sand, all sheltered from the wind by gently rising volcanic cliffs. Often referred to as Lanzarote’s most beautiful beach, the quiet waters within the coves make for ideal swimming conditions, whilst the flanks of the rocky ridges reaching down into the water play host to a delightful array of marine life, just waiting to be discovered when trying a spot of snorkelling.

The charming, laid-back café bar serves tasty local seafood dishes to enjoy whilst taking a break from the water’s edge.

Just 15 minutes’ drive from Playa Blanca, Playa de Papagayo is easily accessible. Alternatively, boats running direct here from the resort is a great way to appreciate the coastline’s beauty.

Playa Flamingo

Playa Flamingo is only a 5 minutes’ walk from the main resort and is a great option for families. Its white soft sand provides a relaxing warmth underfoot, as it slopes gently down into the clear turquoise waters. Take shade under the palm trees for a while, before enjoying a swim. With man-made breakwaters sheltering the bay, the waves are easy and gentle, just perfect for all abilities in the water.

The resort also offers small bars and restaurants along the promenade providing plenty of opportunity for refreshment.

Playa del Charco de los Clicos

Situated within Lanzarote’s Timanfaya National Park, Playa del Charco de los Clicos is a little further out, at 16km from the main resort of Playa Blanca, but is well worth the day trip to discover its unique volcanic landscape. The striking black sands contrast dramatically with the rising red cliffs and olive-green coloured lagoon. To fully appreciate this spectacular natural phenomenon, climb the viewing platform. Not a typical beach location, but an awe-inspiring view that will create lasting memories for your holiday.

Puerto del Carmen

Puerto del Carmen is a vibrant, bustling resort on the south-east of the island that boasts some of the best beaches in Lanzarote, each complimented by restaurants, bars and recreational centres. Many are within walking distance of one another, allowing visitors to beach-hop between them to find their ideal spot. Puerto del Carmen is also a great location to try a new water sport, with windsurfing, scuba diving and marine excursions all available.

Playa Grande

Offering the longest stretch of uninterrupted sand, at around 1.2km, and having been awarded the Blue Flag for clean waters, Playa Grande is quintessential in its glorious beach holiday offerings.

With golden sand descending gradually into calm, shallow waters, a swim or snorkel can be safely enjoyed by all. Follow this up with some relaxation on the beach’s sunbeds and make use of the nearby snack machines for quick and easy beachside refreshment.

Situated just 50 metres from the main avenue with an array of shops and restaurants, Playa Grande is one of the resort’s most popular beaches, offering something for families and couples alike.

Playa Chica (Pila de la Barrilla)

Playa Chica, the smaller, more modest neighbouring beach, is one of the prettiest in the area. With outcrops of lava rocks, sheltering the bay and appeasing the waves of the Atlantic, the waters here are ideal for snorkelling and diving. Explore the rich life on the sea bed and catch sight of the magnificent grouper fish. The water sports school, located next door to the beach’s local restaurant, also offers numerous other adventurous activities for those looking for a more exhilarating day.

Playa de los Pocillos

Situated just 4km from the centre of Puerto del Carmen, Playa de los Pocillos features wide stretches of amber-yellow sandy beach. Its gentle sloping gradient is characteristic of most beaches in this area and leads to tranquil, swimmer-friendly waters.

In contrast, the atmosphere surrounding the beach is buzzing full of life. The promenade bordering the beachside is busy with shops, cafes and restaurants, providing plenty to see and do throughout the day.

Puerto Calero

Puerto Calero is an elegant, sophisticated resort, neighbouring Puerto del Carmen. Picture luxury villas, designer fashion boutiques and fine dining restaurants, surrounding an exclusive marina. It’s the perfect place to spend a few hours, admiring the impressive boats and catamarans and enjoying a drink by the water’s edge. From here, excursions and activities are available, including scuba diving, fishing, sailing, catamaran and submarine trips. The nearest beach is Playa Chica, 4km away in Puerto del Carmen.

Playa Quemada

Playa Quemada is a quiet, low-key beach, just 10 minutes’ drive from Puerto Calero. With its name translating as ‘burnt beach’, the scenery offers a little more character. Dark, volcanic sands and pebbles collect within small, secluded coves and the sheltered waters are serene and crystal-clear; excellent for swimming.

Adjoining a former fishing village, Playa Quemada offers a small restaurant with a terrace, serving local fresh fish and tasty rice dishes. For a relaxing, peaceful day, Playa Quemada is the ideal choice.

Playa del Cable

Playa del Cable is a small resort mid-way between Playa Honda and Arrecife, the island’s capital. With a more residential feel, this peaceful location has its own 300 metre stretch of fine, golden sand and a long promenade, which stretches between Arrecife beach and Playa Honda; perfect for walking, jogging or cycling by the sea.

Playa del Reducto (Arrecife)

Playa del Reducto has a chic urban feel, with its wide sweeping golden sands, curling around the city backdrop of modern shops, bars and restaurants. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag for its clean water status and featuring a children’s play area, it is an ideal option for families.

Take time to also visit ‘El Charco’. Literally translated as ‘the puddle’, this lagoon of beautiful blue water, topped off with small bobbing fishing boats and flanked by white-washed cottages is a charming place for a stroll at any time of day or night.

Costa Teguise

Costa Teguise is quite a compact resort and is also very flat, so getting around on foot is easy. It is busy with shops, bars and restaurants and also has more of the larger hotel complexes on the island.

Situated on the east side of Lanzarote, many of the island’s main attraction are easily accessible. The island has five main beaches, all featuring golden sands and turquoise waters, linked together by a seafront promenade. Costa Teguise is more exposed than those resorts further south, with sea breezes creating great conditions for water sports.

Playa Cucharas

Playa Cucharas is the most popular beach in this resort, central in its location and offering plenty of facilities, such as sun loungers, refreshments and shops, in order to enjoy a fun-filled day by the sea. With a kilometre of fine, golden sand, it is a very good choice for families and couples looking to relax in the sun. The beach is also a popular choice for windsurfing, meaning it can be breezy at times.

Playa Jablillo

A few minutes’ walk from Costa Teguise is the quieter, more sheltered beach of Playa Jablillo. With dark volcanic rocks curving out from the bay and creating natural breakwaters, swimming within the horse-shoe shaped lagoon is easy. It is also the perfect place for new scuba divers to explore the beautiful marine life, hiding in the alcoves beneath the waters.

The facilities are limited, so come prepared with drinks and refreshments to extend your time in this pretty corner of the island.

Further afield

Playa de las Conchas

This paradise beach is wholly worthy of a mention, despite its remote location. Situated on the small island of La Graciosa, off the northern tip of Lanzarote, it is reached via ferry from the main island followed by a 6km trip by foot, cycle or 4×4. However, the reward is hugely worth it! The views are breath-taking.; idyllic and unspoiled with striking contrasts of fine, pale golden sands, clear turquoise waters and the rising red Montana Bermeja in the background. Take care with the currents, as they can be strong. However, when the tide rises and somehow forms a stretch of sand, creating a quieter lagoon, the water can be enjoyed.

If you are planning on visiting be sure to read our guide on the best things to see and do in Lanzarote or call 0800 047 1066 and speak to our resevations team.