Lanzarote, like most of its Canary Island neighbours, is mostly formed by volcanic eruptions, though most of its beaches are covered in either white or golden sand. The beaches along the northern coast attract surfers year-round, while the calmer waters of the south are more suitable for families, swimmers and sunbathers.

Whether you’re searching for isolation, dramatic natural scenery, stunning sunset views or a place to go with tots in tow, there’s a beach on Lanzarote waiting for you. Here’s our pick of the best beaches in Lanzarote.

  • 1

    Playa de Papagayo

    Explore the desert-like landscapes

    Playa de Papagayo
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    Located on the south coast of Lanzarote, Playa de Papagayo is a series of 5 golden beaches inside a chain of coves. Steep volcanic rock cliffs shelter the beach from the wind, making it an ideal place to sunbathe. Thanks to its calm waters and enviable climate, swimming and snorkelling remain popular activities year-round.

    You can reach Playa de Papagayo by taxi boat, 4x4 or a 40-minute walk over the desert-like landscape from Playa Blanca. Despite its remoteness, it’s one of the best-known beaches on the island. There’s only a couple of bars and restaurants near the cove, but it’s a good idea to stock up on water and snacks for your serene day trip.

    Locatie: 35580 Yaiza, Las Palmas, Spain

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  • 2

    Playa Chica

    One of Lanzarote’s best spots for diving

    Playa Chica
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    At just 100 metres in length, Playa Chica is one of Lanzarote’s smallest but prettiest beaches, enclosed by dramatic lava flows that extend into the sea. Here, you can rent sunbeds with shades or go scuba diving in search of a large grouper fish named Felix. You’ll find restaurants and a range of family-friendly leisure activities on the nearby pier.

    Playa Chica can get very busy, so get there early to reserve a sun lounger with an unobstructed view of the crystal-clear, shallow waters in Puerto del Carmen. If you fancy a cocktail after a day in the sun, you’ll find lively nightclubs on Avenida de las Playas, which is a short walk from the beach.

    Locatie: Paseo Barrilla, 35510 Tías, Las Palmas, Spain

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  • 3

    Playa de Famara

    Surf the waves on the windy shores of Famara

    Playa de Famara
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    On the north coast of Lanzarote, you’ll find Playa de Famara, which is a 6-km-long stretch of toasted sand backdropped by large volcanic cliffs. The beach often experiences strong winds, making it a popular destination for water sports like surfing and skimboarding. Plenty of bars and restaurants that overlook the beach provide shelter from the gusts.

    Playa de Famara is famous for its waves, but it’s also arguably the best spot on the island to watch the sunset when hues of gold and red glisten over the volcanic structures. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast before taking to the seas.

    Locatie: 35558 Teguise, Las Palmas, Spain

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  • 4

    Playa Flamingo

    Paddle in calm ocean waters with the kids

    Playa Flamingo
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    The sloping white sands of Playa Flamingo span about 200 metres in length. The beach is partially shaded by a string of palm trees on the promenade, where you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants with cosy terraces. Two man-made breakwaters keep the ocean calm, making Playa Flamingo a suitable place for a family day out.

    The beach is busiest around noon, so get there before lunch if you want to rent a sunbed and parasol. You may want to wear flip flops to protect your feet from the hot sand. If you fancy a stroll, head to the nearby Rubicon Marina, which is usually filled with luxurious yachts.

    Locatie: Av. Marítima, 35580 Playa Blanca, Las Palmas, Spain

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  • 5

    Playa de las Conchas

    Enjoy unspoilt beauty on the isle of La Graciosa

    Playa de las Conchas
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    La Graciosa is a small islet just off the northern coast of Lanzarote. After a 20-minute ferry ride from the main island and a 40-minute hike over the islet, you’ll reach a collection of beaches known as Playa de las Conchas, where you can view some of the most remote and unspoilt sandy stretches of Lanzarote.

    Due to the strong tide, high waves and lack of professional supervision, we don’t recommend diving into the waters of La Graciosa. Instead, enjoy views of volcanic rock formations, turquoise waters and the neighbouring islets of Roque del Oeste, Alegranza and Montaña Clara. Or, get your kit off to perfect your all-over tan (there are usually more shells on the beach than people).

    Locatie: La Graciosa, Spain

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  • 6

    Playa del Charco de los Clicos

    Marvel at the colours of this striking natural phenomenon

    Playa del Charco de los Clicos
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    Playa del Charco de los Clicos is a spectacular example of a volcanic beachscape in Lanzarote. The black sandy beach contrasts with the blue ocean, red cliffs, and a curious green lagoon set inside an extinct volcano. While this beach isn’t famed for sunbathing or swimming, it’s a fantastic place to see an otherworldly natural phenomenon.

    Travellers can no longer access the beach, though you can enjoy a panoramic view of this strikingly colourful setting from a viewing platform. If you have still not had your fill of nature, head over to the nearby Timanfaya National Park, with its sweeping landscapes made up entirely of volcanic soil.

    Locatie: 35570, Las Palmas, Spain

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    foto door Miriela Rodríguez (CC BY-SA 3.0) bewerkt

  • 7

    Playa La Francesa

    Clear waters, golden sands and dramatic scenery

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    If you want to relax on an isolated beach with golden sands, calm waters and a mountainous landscape, head to Playa La Francesa, which is on the southern coast of Lanzarote’s neighbouring islet of La Graciosa. Unless you take a 4x4 taxi, you’ll need to hike for about 45 minutes to reach this beach from the islet’s main settlement. You’ll be rewarded with seclusion and unspoilt natural views.

    Pack enough food, water and beach supplies for your entire day trip to Playa La Francesa. You won’t find any shade on the beach or during the hike, but you’ll have a 435-metre stretch of sand mostly to yourself.

    Locatie: La Graciosa, Spain

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  • 8

    Quemada Beach

    Relax on Lanzarote’s best black beach

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    Unlike most of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote is home to just a few black sand beaches, one of the most serene being Quemada Beach. It is mostly covered with rocks and pebbles, but you can find a place to lay down your towel under the hills that line the shore. The eastern location and mountainous terrain protect it from the wind, making it an ideal spot to sunbathe.

    You won’t find facilities such as rentable sun loungers and parasols at Quemada Beach, though there are a few delicious seafood and tapas bars in the neighbouring village. Alternatively, pack a picnic to make the most of this wind-free setting.

    Locatie: 35570, Las Palmas, Spain

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    foto door kanbron (CC BY-SA 2.0) bewerkt

  • 9

    Caletón Blanco

    Relish bone-white sands lapped by blue waters

    Caletón Blanco
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    Caletón Blanco is a 500-metre stretch of white sand lapped by crystalline waters that have carved through black volcanic rocks to create a uniquely beautiful setting. The shallow waters are suitable for paddling, though keep your eyes peeled for rocks on the seabed. The tide creates natural lagoons and splash pools, which are suitable for toddlers.

    Due to its north-eastern location, Caletón Blanco is often cooled by winds. The beach may not be as hot as Lanzarote’s southern resorts, but its natural beauty gives any of the island’s beaches a run for their money.

    Locatie: 35541 Haría, Las Palmas, Spain

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    foto door MoveinBlue (CC BY-SA 3.0) bewerkt

  • 10

    Playa del Jablillo

    Calm waters give way to a natural lagoon at low tide

    Playa del Jablillo
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    With its natural wind and tide protection, calm and clear waters, white sand, and a vast range of amenities, Playa del Jablillo is an ideal beach for the family. The low tide creates a natural lagoon, which is suitable for paddling toddlers and novice snorkelers. Facilities include sunbeds, showers, parasols and a lifeguard service.

    You’ll find plenty of space to park near the seafront promenade, which is home to a variety of whitewashed restaurants, cafes, bars and shops. There’s also an artificial reef for those interested in trying out scuba diving.

    Locatie: 35508 Teguise, Las Palmas, Spain

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    foto door Frank Vincentz (CC BY-SA 3.0) bewerkt

Joshua Saunders | Schrijver