Some of the most beautiful beaches in the Canary Islands can be found in Lanzarote. No grain of sand was left unturned in the search for the best beaches in Lanzarote.
1.) Playa Francesa
If its isolation you crave, hop on to a ferry from Órzola to La Graciosa, the Canary Islands eighth isle. Allegedly the setting for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, these days you’ll find more yachts than pirate ships. Playa Francesa, La Graciosa’s Southern belle of a beach is a 45-minute hike from capital Caleta de Sebo.
The locals in Caleta de Sebo sweep the bonsai metropolis’ streets clean of sand each morning. Where the only way to get around is by 4X4, bike, or Shanks’ Pony. Which option will you choose?
Municipality: Teguise
Beach length: 435m
2.) Playa de Papagayo
The title is a bit of a misnomer, as there is not just one Papagayo beach but a series of them. However, the main Papagayo playa is the last one you’ll reach before the Punta del Papagayo, travelling east from Playa Blanca.
Bring your own food and drink or eat in the chiringuito (beach bar) above Papagayo, it is tourist-pricey rather than local-cheap. However, it is a great place to watch the sun go down in this most idyllic of settings.
Municipality: Yaiza
Beach length: 120m
3.) Playa Chica
It is one of Lanzarote’s prettiest beaches. Aka Pila de la Barrilla, Playa Chica’s a sheltered beach marked by the stillness of its waters. This makes it popular with divers, eager to catch a glimpse of the not-so-exclusive Felix, a 50-kilo grouper fish.
Municipality: Tías
Beach length: 90m
4.) Playa de Famara
What appears to be a never-ending beach does indeed extend into kilometres. The wind’s a factor if you’re planning to eat on the playa itself. Thankfully, there are bars looking out onto the beach where you’re less likely to end up with a sandy sandwich.
Playa Famara is one of Lanzarote’s best beaches for catching waves and is often frequented by surfers. Indeed, Magic Seaweed offer a free 10-day surf forecast if you’re planning on riding some waves during your holiday. This covers swell and wind.
Municipality: Teguise
Beach length: 6km
5.) Playa Flamingo
The palm trees and parasols will keep you cool as the heat of a year-round summer beats down. Further shade is provided by the terraces of the bars and restaurants on the promenade above this popular Playa Blanca beach. Do wear flip flops though, to protect your feet from the white (hot) sand.
Municipality: Yaiza
Beach length: 200m
6.) Playa de las Conchas
On the small island of La Graciosa, you will find a collection of small coves known as Playas de las Conchas. One of these is La Graciosa beach the place for acquiring an all-over tan rather than a spot of swimming but is one of the best nudist beaches in Lanzarote. Just look at those waves. If you’ve never tried naturism before, this is as good a place to start as any as there are easily more shells than people.
If you do brave the water, it won’t be for long as the current has a boomerang effect. Best to lie back and look at the neighbouring isles of Montaña Clara, Roque del Oeste, and Alegranza. Minimize your activity and embrace slow living instead.
Municipality: Teguise
Beach length: 610m
7.) Playa Caletón Blanco
Just like on other Canary Islands such as Gran Canaria and Tenerife, Lanzarote’s north coast’s a stretch of shoreline which many visitors miss out on as they head down to the resorts in the south of the island. But how can you miss out on Órzola’s Caletón Blanco beach? Where ebony, as in the dark black lava rocks, and ivory, as in the bone-white sand, sit together in perfect harmony.
Part of the malpaís (badlands) belonging to La Corona volcano, this is a Lanzarote beach gone wild. There is no car park, meaning you can leave your vehicle on the beach itself. The natural swimming pools created by the tide are great for young paddlers and family holidays in Lanzarote.
Municipality: Haría
Beach length: 500m
