Are you staying at Playa Blanca on your Lanzarote vacation? Excellent choice.
If you want to enjoy the warm sand, the scenery and the turquoise waters, we understand.
Here’s our selection of the best beaches in and around Playa Blanca, with maps, photos and practical tips for planning your trip.
BEFORE ALL OUR TIPS, OUR favorites
Our favorite car rental platform with great offers: DiscoverCars
Our favorite activities:
Dolphin-watching boat tour
Bus tour: Timanfaya + El Golfo + Los Hervideros + Wines
Our favorite hotels:
Boutique: Royal Marina Suites in Puerto Calero
5 stars: Hotel Fariones in Puerto del Carmen
Adults-only: CalaLanzarote in Playa Blanca
Family: Aequora Suites in Puerto del Carmen
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
The best beaches in and around Playa Blanca – map
Around Playa Blanca you’ll find beautiful beaches with golden sand and black rocks. These are, of course, its key assets. But there’s much more to do in the city: see our guide.
Map
Here’s a map of the beaches listed in this article, to help you find your way around:
The area to the east of the city is called Papagayo. It boasts several magnificent beaches, including the Playa de Papagayo cove, one of the most beautiful on Lanzarote. This is sometimes confusing.
Our favorites
Our favorite local beaches are:
- Playa Flamingo #1
- Playa del Pozo #5
- Playa del Papagayo #6
In this article, we try to share with you the official names on the signs and the Google Maps names so that you can find your way around.
1. Playa Flamingo
Why do 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
HAVE FUN WITH THESE Lanzarote activities
Dolphin watching
Diving at the Museum of the Atlantic
Buggy / Quad
Catamaran outing
Ferry to the island of La Graciosa
Kayak excursion
Paddle excursion
Parasailing
2. Playa Dorada
Why do 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.
See more photos.
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
WHERE TO STAY IN Playa Blanca
Option 1: in the center
Easily accessible beaches and numerous restaurants. We recommend..:
- Hotel Princesa Yaiaza, a must-see resort – see prices, photos and availability
- Ona la Brisas, aparthotel – prices, pictures and availability
Option 2: Montana Roja (west)
More quiet, we recommend:
- Hotel Kamezi villas, with private pools – see prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Hipotels Natura Palace, adults-only – prices, pictures and availability
- Aparthotel Jardines del Sol- prices, pictures and availability
Option 3: Marina and Papagayo side
We recommend
- Hotel CalaLanzarote, boutique-hotel adults – view prices, pictures and availability
- Gran Castillo Tagoro Family Hotel for families – see prices, photos and availability
3. Playa Blanca
Why do we love it?
Playa Blanca is a small sandy beach just outside the old town. It couldn’t be more central!
This gives it a special atmosphere, especially when it’s dark, so you can enjoy the colors of the late afternoon, with the bustle of the surrounding restaurants in the background.
We find it charming, with its pretty white buildings and splashes of color.
Access and parking
In the old town of Playa Blanca.
Free parking spaces in the surrounding streets, but difficult to find nearby. It’s best to walk from your hotel, or park further away on the other side of the traffic circle.
Practical information
- Golden white sand
- Unsupervised beach
- Shower with multiple beach exits
- Restaurants in and around the old town
- The beach faces south
- No grey areas
4. Playa Mujeres (towards Papagayo)
Why do 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
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.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
5. Playa del Pozo (towards Papagayo)
Why do we love it?
Between Playa Mujeres and Playa de Papagayo, Playa del Pozo beach is a large area of golden sand with beautiful rocks to photograph.
With steep cliffs at both ends, you can find an area to be protected from the wind and find some shade.
What’s a little different about this beach is that there are small sand dunes at the back. You can see them in the photo below.
And in front of you, you can see the white buildings of Playa Blanca and the volcano of Montana Roja.
Note that you may come across naturists here.
Access and parking
There’s no parking at Playa del Pozo, so you have to go to the Papagayo parking lot and walk to the beach. Several km of bumps and holes (and an entry fee of around €3).
Alternatively, you can go hiking from Playa Blanca. You’ll be there in 30 minutes from the trailhead near Sandos Papagayo Beach Resort.
Practical information
- Golden white sand
- Unsupervised beach
- No installations
- The beach faces south-west, ideal for sunsets.
- Rather long beach
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6. Playa de Papagayo
Why do 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.
What’s more, you can walk all around, high up to enjoy the magnificent views.
Mind you, this is one of Lanzarote’s most popular beaches, and it’s not very big, so it gets crowded very quickly.
Access and parking
Access to the Papagayo parking lot via an unpaved road. Several km of bumps and holes (and an entry fee of around €3).
Alternatively, you can go hiking from Playa Blanca. You’ll be there in 40 minutes from the trailhead near Sandos Papagayo Beach Resort.
Practical information
- Golden white sand
- Supervised beach in season
- Sun loungers for hire
- Two restaurants at the top of the access stairs
- No other installations
- The beach faces south-west
- Small beach
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Playa Blanca
- Best things to do
- Best hotels
- 5-star hotels
- Hotels for families
- Boutique-hotels
- Most beautiful beaches
- Papagayo beaches (coming soon)
7. Playa Montana Roja
Why do we love it?
We found this beach superb because we love rock formations.
Here you’ll find a mix of sand and sea-sculpted rocks, ranging from red to black. It is fascinating!
Take the time to settle in, too, as you’ll spot crabs roaming the rocks.
It takes its name from the red volcano not far away. We recommend you climb up there and take a tour of the Caldera!
Access and parking
This beach is located in the western development of the town of Playa Blanca, surrounded by resorts.
You can reach it via the seafront promenade.
Free parking in the surrounding streets, but you have to walk a little. No direct car access to the beach.
Practical information
- Mixture of black and white sand
- Beach not supervised in season
- Foot shower only
- Sun loungers for hire, but we believe they belong to one of the hotels.
- A bar next door
- The beach faces south
- Rather long and small beach
- No grey areas
8. Playa Natura Beach
Why do we love it?
Small beach between the Rubicon Palace hotel and the Hipotel Natura Beach.
Here you’ll find a mix of sand and grey rocks.
It is a popular spot for snorkeling.
Access and parking
This beach is located west of the city center.
You can reach it via the seafront promenade.
Free parking in nearby streets.
Practical information
- Golden-white sand and gray rocks
- Unsupervised beach
- Bars and restaurants nearby
- No other installations
- The beach faces south
- Small beach
9. Playa de las Coloradas
Why go there
Most hotels on the eastern side of Playa Blanca don’t have access to a beautiful white sand beach like those in the center.
This is the only beach in the area, a mixture of sand, gravel and rocks.
Next to it is a viewpoint with magnificent views over the Papagayo wilderness area, and the various beaches are clearly visible.
Access and parking
East of Marina Rubicon, and just west of the Papagayo wilderness area.
Free parking in the surrounding streets, but not always easy.
More spaces west of the beach (C. Las Palmas).
Practical information
- Black and white sand, pebbles and rocks
- Unsupervised beach
- No installations
- The beach faces south-east, ideal for sunrises (although sunsets can be interesting depending on the time of year).
- Rather long beach
- No grey areas
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Lanzarote
- Best of
Most beautiful landscapes
Best things to do in Lanzarote
Most beautiful beaches
Best boat tours
César Manrique’s attractions
Secret places, off the beaten track
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Lanzarote
How to get around
How to rent a car in Lanzarote
Driving tips
Best excursions
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
- Where to stay
Where to stay in Lanzarote
Best hotels in Lanzarote
Best 5 star hotels in Lanzarote
Best hotels for families
Best adults-only hotels
Best all-inclusive hotels in Lanzarote
Best boutique-hotels
Best hotels with water park
