10 Best Beaches in Lanzarote
When it comes to the Canary Islands, beach life tops the bill on most holiday wish lists! And Lanzarote certainly has some fantastic ones… from beautiful sandy coves and vast windswept golden sands to wild and rugged black lava sand and rocky pebble beaches surrounded by stunning volcanic mountains. Then there’s the palm-lined almost white sand beaches at the centre of many Lanzarote resorts. Whatever beach you desire, Lanzarote will have the answer, so without further ado, here’s my round up of the 10 best beaches in Lanzarote, starting in the north and working my way clockwise around the island.
Table of Contents
Orzola Beach
Also known as Playa de la Canteria, Orzola Beach is the most northerly beach on my list. Found to the west of the town of Orzola, this sandy beach has great views of the high Famara cliffs that reach to the northern most pointed tip of the island. Beyond that you can see the islands of La Graciosa and the more distant peaks of the Isla de Alegranza.
This beach has a remote feel to it and was the quietest beach I encountered on Lanzarote. I had the sand completely to myself, although the car park was busy with people meeting paragliders and hang gliders which circle overhead and land here on suitable weather days. I had a couple land at the back of the beach while I was here.
The beach is edged by pebbles and from these, some low crescent shaped shelters have been constructed. I saw these at a few different beaches around the island. Not that I needed them, but I’m assuming they allow you to lie down in them to sunbathe whilst protecting you from wind.
You can walk to Orzola Beach from the town, although don’t try to pick a way through the rocky coastal terrain as almost all paths seem to peter out so it would end up requiring some serious rock scrambling to get through. Follow the dirt track access road instead and if you are in a car, there is a free raised beach car park at the end of the track.
Unfortunately, there are no other amenities at Orzola Beach, the nearest ones are in the town.
Caleton Blanco Beach
Caleton Blanco beach is just a mile east of Orzola and there is a walking path which starts from the eastern most point of Orzola’s housing. There is also a short access road off the LZ-1 to a parking area.
This beach has some of the whitest sand I saw on Lanzarote and has a series of lagoons that are protected from the waves and sea currents by rocks. This makes it great for paddling, exploring rock-pools, swimming and snorkelling and I could tell by the others there that it is popular with young families.
I visited during evening golden hour, so the water while light blue, wasn’t quite the brilliant aquamarine it looks in photos I’ve seen. Go during the day though and I’m sure you’ll see it like that! There are also plenty of the crescent shaped pebble shelters here too.
Set a little further away from the volcanic Famara ridge than Orzola Beach, means you get a fantastic view of the mountain ridge which the sun sets behind.
You’ll also see an uninterrupted view of the Isla de Alegranza. The shape of the Caldera volcano on Alegranza with its flattened top is clearly visible from Caleton Blanco Beach, together with the twin peaks to the right (visible in the above image).
La Garita Beach (Arrieta)
Situated at the southern end of the town of Arrieta, La Garita Beach consists of beautiful golden sand and is a rare sheltered beach along the north east coast, which is why it makes it onto my list of best beaches in Lanzarote. The beach extends for a good 800 metres providing a decent stretch of uninterrupted fine sand to walk along and paddle in the surf.
The dirt track access road isn’t the best, but is still passable in a normal car if you take it easy and don’t mind rattling over lots of pot-holes. You can only turn off the main LZ-1 road onto the access road from the south, so if you are coming from the north, you’ll have to pass the turn, take the next right (LZ-207), turn around in the entrance to the eco resort on the right there, then retrace your steps. The same goes for coming out of the car park. You can only turn south onto the LZ-1.
Public showers and toilets are available at La Garita Beach. There are a couple of beach bars and restaurants behind the beach and you are only a short walk into Arrieta for other amenities.
Las Cucharas Beach (Costa Teguise)
Costa Teguise is one of the biggest tourist centres in Lanzarote, full of hotels and apartments, with a lively nightlife. It also has several beaches and is where I based myself on my most recent trip to the island.
Although I loved the quietness of Playa de los Charcos, being that bit further out; Las Cucharas Beach would have to be my favourite in Costa Teguise. As most central to the resort amenities (and the biggest), Las Cucharas Beach is well served with bars, restaurants and shops along its length as well as being backed by an excellent well-maintained promenade lined with cacti and palm trees.
Of all the sandy beaches in Costa Teguise, Las Cucharas also has the longest stretch of sand without the need to walk over rocky sections to get to the water, another factor I’m sure boosts its popularity.
I’m also a big fan of the sculptures overlooking the beach from the end of the breakwater. Reaching 15m in height, you really can’t miss the sculpture. Called Los Juguetes de Erjos (The Toys of Erjos) the sculpture features 3 abstract forms made of iron, thus during sunrise and sunset when the light is right, it glows fiery red, much like the volcanic landscapes of Timanfaya which Lanzarote is famous for.
Arrecife Beach – Playa del Reducto
Playa del Reducto is a man-made beach with fine golden sand and is beautiful to walk on. If you want to paddle though, you need to visit at high tide when the water laps onto the sand. At lower tide times a line of natural volcanic rock is revealed between sand and water.
From this beach you get an excellent view of Lanzarote’s only high rise building and the cause of much controversy. At 17 stories, the Gran Hotel is considered a skyscraper and was constructed before the island’s low rise building laws were passed. Love or hate it, it does provide a spectacular viewing platform from its top floor bar and restaurant.
Playa del Reducto is close to the main centre of Arrecife, so you have a whole host of options for refreshments nearby. There is also a park at the western end of Arrecife’s beach with many different recreational areas including a skate park. Artists are known to create sculptural works of art in the sand here; plus, there are several sculptures to locate too, so I was happy.
If you are visiting with a car, there is a car park just beyond the park and also in a large parking garage under the Gran Hotel, (parking charge applies).
Matagorda Beach in Puerto del Carmen
Puerto del Carmen is the largest resort on Lanzarote with over 4 miles of golden sands and a profusion of bars, restaurants, clubs and shops. Between beach life and bar life, it’s clear that fun in the sun is paramount.
Los Pocillos Beach is Puerto del Carmen’s longest beach measuring ¾ mile, and where it curves round into Matagorda is my favourite beach area in the resort here. It’s much quieter than the main area of Los Pocillos Beach and is also a fantastic place to watch planes take off or land (depending on wind direction.) It’s close enough to the airport to see the planes, but far enough away for aircraft noise not to be imposing.
There is the base of what I think used to be an old windmill (please correct me if I’m wrong) which provides a great viewing tower and a little elevation for fab views. It is a fantastic place to watch the sun set.
Of course, there’s a couple of sculptures to see here too. Near to the tower is an imposing stone sculpture by JL Salvador which sits on the edge of the beach. You can also see one of Cezar Manrique’s kinetic sculptures in the middle of the roundabout at the eastern end of Los Pocillos Beach.
Papagayo Beaches
The Papagayo Beaches are widely considered to be the best beaches in Lanzarote, comprising of several golden sandy coves lying to the east of Playa Blanca.
There are 6 beaches in total that make up the Papagayo beaches and the area is part of the Los Ajaches National Monument, a large volcanic formation that occupies much of the south of Lanzarote and is of great archaeological importance. As part of a national park, you have to have to pay a fee to drive into the area. The fee is 3 euros and payable only by card at the toll booth, just a short distance onto the dirt access track. It is worth noting: it is a very poor dirt track, so take it easy driving to avoid potholes.
It is free to walk to the beaches however and this is definitely one of the best walks in Lanzarote, mainly because of the stunning volcanic mountain backdrop. A path leads off Calle las Palmeras just before the Sandos Papagayo Beach Resort, the eastern most resort in Playa Blanca and incidentally where I stayed on my first trip to Lanzarote.
It takes about 20 minutes to walk to the first beach, Playa Mujeres and it’s a stunner.
The beach known as Papagayo Beach itself is one of the smallest, but forms such a stunning view from the headland just south of it. As a result, it also attracts the most people and is a busy little beach.
There are a couple of bars and café/restaurants above Papagayo Beach, and this is the only place where you can find toilets here. They are no public toilets available unfortunately.
Playa Caleta del Congrio
My favourite of the Papagayo beaches is Playa Caleta del Congrio as it’s the quietest with it being the furthest most beach from Playa Blanca. It also has one of the longest stretches of sand which is great for paddling and these two things place Playa Caleta del Congrio on my list of best beaches in Lanzarote. It does however attract nudists, so be aware of this if you decide to visit the beach.
If you decide to brave the dirt tracks, there are two car parks by Playa Mujeres and a large one above Playa de Papagayo.
Janubio Beach
Before visiting Lanzarote many years ago, the image I had in my head was of black sand beaches, much like this one at Janubio. I had no idea there were so many golden sandy beaches. This is by far my favourite black sand beach in Lanzarote. It looks so rugged and wild with the white crashing waves forming a striking contrast to the black lava. It’s the perfect spot to sit and enjoy being completely transfixed by nature.
Immediately behind the beach there is a natural lagoon, with a huge development of adjacent salt pans. This is the other big draw for visiting Janubio Beach. The patchwork of salt pans is such an unusual site, it’s definitely a highlight of Lanzarote.
There are no facilities at Playa de Janubio other than car parking, which can be found on the LZ-703 to the north of the beach.
El Golfo Beach
El Golfo may be best known for its bright green lagoon ‘Charco de los Clicos’ which was formed by a volcano that had the seaward side of its crater eroded by the sea, leaving this stunning lagoon sitting just above the high-water line. The emerald green colour is a result of a high concentration of algae present in the water.
However, the black sand cove you overlook between the lagoon and the town is my favourite spot in El Golfo. You’ll share the beach with a number of small boats, but this little beach is perfect for rock pooling and clambering over craggy rocks. Being on the western side of Lanzarote, it’s also a fantastic spot for watching the sun set.
You can continue your rocky beach walk along the waterfront in El Golfo town and also grab a bite to eat in one of the sea front restaurants. I can recommend Restaurante Bogavante which has seating right alongside the beach. The seafood here is amongst of the finest in Lanzarote.
There is a large car park to the left as you enter El Golfo.
Famara Beach
I’ve possibly saved the best for last with Famara Beach, where vast golden sands stretch for several miles along the north west coast of Lanzarote. With volcanoes to one side, the towering Risco de Famara sea cliffs to the other and the island setting of La Graciosa just off the coast, you can’t get a more perfect Canarian landscape.
Walking out from the old fishing village of La Caleta, the coastline is initially rocky, and gradually gives way to the extensive sands which you can see stretching into the distance under the Famara cliffs. I walked out to the square of detached villas you can spot just at the beginning of the Famara cliffs and this was by far the best beach paddle I’ve had in Lanzarote. I couldn’t help picturing too that these villas would provide an amazing place to stay in a holiday villa.
The sea cliffs above the beach rise to a height of 1500ft and hang-gliders use these to take off from. In the right weather too, you’ll also see them land on the beach here. Famara is a well-known spot for surfing and kite-boarding, and you’ll find many training schools and stores dedicated to these sports in La Caleta, as well as some excellent seafood restaurants.
There is a great view looking along the full length of the beach and cliffs from the end of the harbour wall. My only frustration in La Caleta is that there isn’t a walkway or promenade from here round to the beach. I kept trying to access the coastline but had to keep dipping back to the road just inland to get through.
Like many of the previous beaches listed, you will find a large number of the crescent shaped stone shelters at the back of the beach which are handy as this area can be incredibly windy.
You can park along the road at the back of the beach leading to the villa development or throughout La Caleta village centre. Like many other out-of-the-way beaches in Lanzarote, facilities by the beach itself are limited and toilets would have to be sought in the bars and restaurants in La Caleta.
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So, those are my top 10 best beaches in Lanzarote.
I cannot comment at length on swimming conditions as I am purely a paddling girl, so please do your research further if you are looking for great swim spots.
Would you add any other beaches to my list and do you have a favourite? Drop me a line in the comments below and let me know… I’d love to hear from you.
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Further Reading…
Keep your eyes peeled for more on Lanzarote – coming soon! There will be blogs on some of Lanzarote’s biggest attractions such as the Jameos del Agua, Jardin de Cactus, Timanfaya National Park and the Mirador del Rio, as well as everything to do with Cezar Manrique. I just love his work!
In the meantime, why not check out some of the UK beach life at Kildonan on the Isle of Arran, Scotland; Mwnt Beach in Ceredigion, Wales; Crosby Beach where you’ll see Antony Gormley’s iron men sculptures, and Durham’s Heritage Coastline, both in England.
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