We went all around the island and visited a large number of beaches: fine white, golden or black sand, black rocks, turquoise waters…
It was a tough selection, but here’s our list of Lanzarote’s best beaches, with our own photos – and a map at the end of the article.
Let’s see where you’ll be spending your next vacation!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
1. Papagayo Beach (out of town)
Why we love it
Among Lanzarote’s most picturesque beaches is the famous Playa de Papagayo. Located in the wild south of the island, it’s a beautiful cove of golden sand and emerald water. Thanks to the steep cliffs that surround it, you’re sheltered from the wind.
It’s the oldest part of the island, geologically speaking, and has fascinating colors.
According to many websites, this is the best beach on Lanzarote, said to be the most beautiful. We agree that there’s something special about it, probably because of its age and desert landscape.
See our article
Advice
- Good for sunbathing and floating in the water
- Not easy to reach – 40-minute walk east of Playa Blanca
or by car via a bumpy dirt track (for a fee) - 2 bars in Papagayo, no other facilities
- Very popular in high season from mid-day onwards
- Easy parking (once you’ve driven the dirt road) – please note that car rental companies do not allow driving on dirt roads.
- Papagayo is a wild beach. There are no hotels close to the beach.
- The nearest places to stay are in the town of Playa Blanca.
- See our selection of the best hotels in Playa Blanca.
2. Playa Flamingo (Playa Blanca)
Why we love it
Our favorite beach is Playa Flamingo, a little west of downtown. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the center, and there are plenty of hotels around.
We think it’s the most beautiful in terms of scenery, with its palm tree, the elevated view on one side and the Montana Roja volcano in the marvellous background.
The beach is well equipped with showers and a restaurant.
It is rather long with fine sand.
Thanks to two dikes, the water is calm. And as everywhere around Lanzarote, the water is crystal-clear and invites you to take a refreshing dip.
Access and parking
The beach is in the city, west of the city center.
It’s surrounded by hotels and restaurants.
Free parking is available on nearby streets, but it can be difficult to find a space.
Practical information
- Golden white sand
- Supervised beach in season
- Toilets and shower at the beach exit
- Restaurants and bars all along the beach
- The beach faces south-west
- No grey areas
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Lanzarote
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- A small car is all you need.
- But you can also choose a larger one if you wish, as the parking spaces are rather large.
- Demand is high, so book early.
3. Famara Beach (at sunset)
Why we love it
Famara beach is one of the few beaches on the west coast of Lanzarote (as this side is covered by lava or cliffs). Famara is at the foot of the cliff, a large stretch of sand with small dunes. It’s considered a photographer’s paradise, especially at sunset when the cliffs are struck by the sun, changing color and reflecting off the wet sand. We loved spending so many sunsets there!
Famara is said to have been one of César Manrique‘s favorite places. And it’s definitely one of the most beautiful beaches on Lanzarote.
Practical information
- Not good for swimming
- Many surfers and windsurfers
- Lots of photographers at sunset – this is the place to be!
- Plenty of parking along the sand dunes
- There’s nothing on the beach, but the village of La Caleta de Famara at the southern end has a few nice tapas restaurants.
Accommodations near Famara:
Famara has a small village and also a “vacation village” with rental possibilities. Discover the best-rated accommodations in Famara.
We stayed a few minutes’ drive from Famara in a quiet, secluded guesthouse. We loved it! Discover Finca Las Laderas.
4. Playa Chica (Puerto del Carmen)
Why we love it
Playa Chica is our favorite beach in Puerto del Carmen.
It’s a charming little cove, 60 m long. It is surrounded by a rocky barrier, creating a natural pool with calm waters.
It offers magnificent mountain views over southern Lanzarote. And we found the sand very fine and the water quite transparent. She enchanted us.
If you like snorkeling, this is also a great choice.
Access from Puerto del Carmen
West of downtown, towards the port.
Accessible from the seafront promenade.
It has a small parking lot nearby, which isn’t always full because it’s less obvious than the downtown locations.
Practical information
- Golden white sand
- Supervised beach in season
- Toilets and shower at the beach exit
- Beach with accessibility chair
- Snack restaurants right next to the beach
- The beach faces south
- Small beach
- No grey areas
CHOOSING A HOTEL IN Lanzarote
Choosing where to stay:
Select by hotel type:
- 5-star hotels
- Best boutique-hotels
- Best adults-only hotels
- Best all-inclusive hotels
- Best hotels for families
Our favorite: Hotel Cala Lanzarote – See prices, photos and availability
Select by city:
5. El Golfo (for the scenery)
Why we love it
It’s definitely not for swimming and sunbathing, but it’s one of the most fascinating places on Lanzarote. The crater of the half-volcano meets the ocean, and inside, a lagoon has formed and turned green thanks to the combination of sulfur and algae.
The colors are spectacular, especially at sunset, with black sand, red and yellow rocks and a green lake. They’ve set up a platform for you to admire the scenery.
Practical information
- Not for swimming
- Easy parking
- Restaurant at the foot of the parking lot and in the nearby town
- Find out more about the green lagoon
Lodging in El Golfo:
The village of El Golfo on the west coast is considered one of the most romantic places on Lanzarote because you can watch the sunset every evening. See accommodation in El Golfo.
6. Playa Mujeres (towards Papagayo)
Why we love it
We now head east to the Papagayo wilderness area.
The closest to Playa Blanca is Playa Mujeres. It’s the second most famous beach in the region.
It’s a 400 m-long stretch of golden sand with turquoise water. A parking lot has been built right next to the beach.
Because it’s long and wide, there’s more space for everyone to enjoy the sand and sun.
Access and parking
You can get there by car.
The road is unpaved and the parking lot can be sandy. You have to pay a small toll to drive into the area.
Alternatively, you can go hiking from Playa Blanca. It’s very pleasant with beautiful views (but no shade). It’s the closest beach to Playa Blanca, so you can get there in 15 minutes from the trailhead near the Sandos Papagayo Beach Resort.
Practical information
- Golden white sand
- Unsupervised beach
- No installations
- The beach faces south-west, ideal for sunsets.
- Long, wide beach, plenty of room!
- No grey areas
7. Caletones du Nord (beaches away from the crowds)
Why we love it
On the north shore of Lanzarote, there’s an area of white sand mixed with black lava. It’s absolutely fascinating. There are plenty of places to park and stroll along the waterfront. The color contrasts are great and there’s hardly anyone around.
Most of these beaches aren’t really practical for lying down or swimming because of the volcanic rock, but you can stop off at Caleton Blanco where you’ll find a shallow lagoon that’s ideal for cooling off on a hot day.
Practical information
- Small parking lots along the road to Orzola (often on the opposite side to the sea) and a large parking lot by the lagoon.
- No installations
- The shallow waters of the lagoon are perfect for a dip.
WITH OUR GUIDE PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP TO lanzarote
All the information you need for your trip:
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 75 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 140 photos to help you choose
8. Playa Dorada (Playa Blanca)
Why we love it
The best-known and largest beach is Playa Dorada.
It’s right in the heart of Playa Blanca, right next to the famous Princesa Yaiza hotel.
It’s rather long (300m) but still a little wide. The sand is fine. And once again, the water is magnificently transparent, with variations in turquoise color.
There are showers, bars and restaurants.
The beach also has plenty of sun loungers and parasols for hire.
It’s protected by two dykes, so the waters are fairly calm.
Access and parking
It’s right in the heart of the city, between the port and the Rubicon marina.
There are free parking lots and street parking in the surrounding area, but it’s often difficult to find a space with all the hotels around.
Practical information
- Golden white sand
- Supervised beach in season
- Toilets and showers at several beach exits
- Sun loungers for hire
- A few restaurants and bars along the beach
- The beach faces south
- Rather long beach
- No grey areas
- See more pictures of Playa Dorada
9. Playa Grande (Puerto del Carmen)
Why we love it
Playa Grande is definitely one of Lanzarote’s most popular beaches, and the largest in the town center.
We love its kilometer-long shoreline of golden sand and its depth, where everyone can find a little space.
What’s more, its orientation is perfect for admiring the mountains of southern Lanzarote, the oldest part of the island.
On the beach you’ll find sun loungers, pedal boat and paddle rentals, showers… and anything else you might need. And along the square is the main avenue with its many restaurants and stores.
Access from Puerto del Carmen
In the heart of the city, parking spaces are available in the surrounding streets, but it’s difficult to find parking.
You can easily reach it on foot via the seafront promenade or by bus (several stops).
Practical information
- Golden white sand
- Supervised beach in season
- Toilets and showers at several beach exits
- Sun loungers for hire
- Pedal-boat and paddle rentals…
- Beach with accessibility chair
- Restaurants in the street above the beach
- The beach faces south
- Long beach, but still wide enough
- Limited parking nearby
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
10. Playa de la Cucharas (Costa Teguise)
Why we love it
Playa Cucharas is Costa Teguise‘s main beach. Right in the heart of the small seaside resort, it offers a fairly large expanse of fine sand and a gentle slope to enter the water.
Protected by two large dikes, the waters are fairly calm.
This really is the heart of Costa Teguise vacations: you’ll find all the activities and restaurants around. Many water sports are practiced here.
If you visit in June, you’ll be able to attend the PWA World Windsurfing Tour.
Access from Costa Teguise
The beach is right in the center of town.
There’s a large parking lot just a few hundred metres from the northern end of the beach. In season and in the middle of the afternoon, it can still be difficult to find parking.
Practical information
- Golden white sand
- Supervised beach in season
- Toilets and showers at several beach exits
- Sun loungers for hire
- Restaurants in the beach town
- The beach faces south-east, ideal for sunrises (although sunsets can be interesting depending on the time of year).
- Range in length and width
- No grey areas
11. Playa Quemada (picturesque beach)
Why visit Quemada beach?
Quemada is a small fishing village on the east coast of Lanzarote, south of Puerto del Carmen.
The main area is covered with black pebbles, but if you walk on the south side, under the hills, you can find black sand to settle on.
The area is ideal for a lunch break with good fish and tapas by the sea.
Good to know:
- The sand is sheltered from the wind, which is a big bonus in the Canary Islands.
- No facilities, but there are restaurants in the small village.
12, 13 and 14 – the best beaches of La Graciosa
As we said, Lanzarote doesn’t have much sand, so you won’t find many heavenly beaches. If you’re looking for fine sand and turquoise waters, we recommend taking the ferry from Orzola to La Graciosa and hiring a 4WD cab to one of its magnificent beaches.
Book your ferry crossing here
12. Playa Francesa
This is the island’s most popular beach, as it is accessible on foot from the ferry dock. It’s a beautiful rounded beach with Montana Amarilla in the background. A dream place to spend the day, isn’t it?
- To reach the beach, you can either walk for less than an hour (partly in the sand) along the water and lagoon, or take one of the 4WD cabs.
- There are no roads on La Graciosa
- There are no facilities and nothing at the beach. Take everything you need
- Bring plenty of water, as there’s absolutely no shade on the beach or on the path.
13. Playa Amarilla
This is La Graciosa’s most sheltered beach. It lies at the foot of Montana Amarilla, with its yellow-orange rock face shaped by wind and water.
The contrast between the water and the volcano is fascinating.
- You have to go up to the end of Playa Francesa and then down the other side to reach this beach (15min). Wear appropriate footwear, as walking downhill is a little slippery.
- No installation at all
- Bring plenty of water, as there’s absolutely no shade on the beach or on the path.
- The 4WD can’t take you there. Stops at Playa Francesa
14. Playa de las Conchas
If you’re looking for an even wilder beach with plenty of space, we recommend La Conchas at the north-western end of La Graciosa. It’s a vast stretch of golden sand facing the Isla de Montana Clara.
Photographers will love the sand dunes and intense colors.
- Hire a 4WD cab to get there
- For those seeking peaceful surroundings
- No installation at all
- If you don’t take a 4WD cab, it’s going to be a very long walk under the sun!
15. Beaches del Reducto (Arrecife)
We’re not going to Arrecife just to go to the beach. But if you stay there, the central beach is really great, with shallow waters and fine sand.
Best beaches in Lanzarote – Map
Here’s a map of the most beautiful beaches to help you find your way around and plan your trip:
Where to stay? The best beaches in seaside resorts
If you already know which city you want to stay in, here are our more local selections:
- Playa Blanca’s most beautiful beaches
- Puerto del Carmen’s most beautiful beaches
- Costa Teguise’s most beautiful beaches
You’ll find hotels with their feet almost in the sand in all 3 towns. See our tips on the best hotels:
Frequently asked questions
Best beaches for sunbathing
All Lanzarote’s beaches are ideal for sunbathing. There’s no shade!
Best snorkeling beaches
Many of Lanzarote’s beaches have surrounding rocks, making them ideal for snorkeling:
- Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen
- Playa Jablillo in Costa Teguise
- Playa Flamingo in Playa Blanca
The most romantic beach
Famara is definitely the most romantic beach on Lanzarote. Most beaches face east. But this one is on the west coast, ideal for sunsets and at the foot of high cliffs.
Naturist beaches in Lanzarote
Except in the towns, most of Lanzarote’s wild beaches are shared with naturists: Papagayo area, Famara…
There’s a 100% nudist resort in Charco del Palo on the northeast coast: Finca del Mar.
Hazards
There is no danger of animals on Lanzarote’s beaches. Jellyfish are rare.
Your main danger is the sun, at any time of year. Lanzarote is often windy, so you don’t always realize how harsh the sun is. Protect yourself and don’t spend all day on the beach. And stay hydrated!
Where are the best beaches: Fuerteventura or Lanzarote?
You can have endless discussions about going to Fuerteventura or Lanzarote.
In our opinion, for a combination of nature, architecture and beaches, Lanzarote is the best destination.
But if you want a pure beach vacation, then Fuerteventura has the best beaches.
See our list of the most beautiful beaches in Fuerteventura.
Video
Here’s a short video to give you an idea of how to visit Lanzarote’s best beaches:
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Lanzarote
- Best of
Most beautiful landscapes
Best things to do in Lanzarote
Most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful villages
Best boat tours
César Manrique’s attractions
Secret places, off the beaten track
Most beautiful hikes
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Lanzarote
How to get around
How to rent a car in Lanzarote
Driving tips
Where to stay in Lanzarote
Best hotels in Lanzarote
Best excursions
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
