What to do in Playa Blanca?

If you are in the middle of planning your trip, you have surely heard of Playa Blanca in Lanzarote. Contrary to what you might think, it is not a beach, but a seaside resort at the very south of the island. Of course, it is more off-center and isolated, but there are still quite a lot of things to do in the town and especially around it. In my eyes, it is one of Lanzarote’s must-see places. Even though it is a lively town, it is still quieter than other seaside resorts in Lanzarote such as Puerto del Carmen. That is exactly what I liked: this atmosphere between relaxation and nature, facing the coasts of Fuerteventura, because yes, the weather really has to be bad for you not to see them in the distance.

What I also appreciated are its beaches (Playa Flamingo and Playa Dorada): there are tourists, but there is still space and peace and quiet. Not to mention that Playa Blanca is the closest town to Los Ajaches Natural Park, which includes the famous Papagayo beach. In my eyes, this park is one of the most beautiful areas on the island: it feels like being in a movie.

In short, you come to Playa Blanca for strolls, adventure or lazy moments. On top of that, it is a very good starting point for exploring all of southern Lanzarote. So I think this guide to all the things to do in and around Playa Blanca can really help you! I am sharing all my good tips and activity ideas to enhance your visit to the town.

I had not told you yet, but Playa Blanca is a town with a family-friendly and refined atmosphere. I find that you feel really good there. It is like being in a bubble, even more apart than the island of Lanzarote.

As I was saying above, you absolutely have to go to Flamingo and Dorada beaches. There are many others, but honestly, these are my two favorites. They are accessible: you will be able to park nearby if needed. To give you an idea, Playa Flamingo is a small stretch of white sand. I find it intimate, because it is enclosed between two breakwaters. You feel calm there to spend time with family. Personally, I went there at the end of the day, at sunset. It was super beautiful, with the coasts of Fuerteventura in the distance. If you want to spend the day there, you only have a few meters to walk to find the best bars and restaurants around.

Playa Dorada is livelier, with a larger stretch of beach and plenty of water activities to do: paddleboarding, kayaking, pedal boats, towable tubes… You can also rent sun loungers and umbrellas there to splash around quietly. My little tip: if you want a calm atmosphere, go to Flamingo in the morning and to Playa Dorada in the afternoon to do water activities.

If you are interested, we have written a complete guide to the most beautiful beaches in Lanzarote.

We are arriving at one of my favorite places on the island: Los Ajaches Natural Park and its beaches: Playa de Papagayo, Playa Mujeres, Playa de la Cera, Playa del Pozo and Caletón. To help you get your bearings, it takes only ten minutes by car to go from Playa Blanca to the entrance of the natural park. Once past the entrance, you will no longer be driving on paved roads, but on a stony track, because it is a protected area. I preferred to warn you, but if you drive slowly, everything goes well. And then, it adds a little touch of adventure.

You arrive straight into a desert landscape, in the middle of arid mountains: it feels very Wild West. Honestly, they were right to protect this natural site. As you go along, you will reach the parking lot of Playa de Papagayo. It is the best known of all: it is half-moon shaped, with beautiful turquoise water and surrounded by golden cliffs. It is true that it is very beautiful. But to have a good time, I rather advise you to go to the neighboring beaches: they are larger and less crowded. I felt good there, especially on Playa Mujeres.

On the other hand, I recommend taking good shoes so you can walk between the coves and in the water. There is no shade and the site is not developed, so some places are steeper than others.

In any case, I assure you that Los Ajaches Natural Park is really worth the trip! It is quite simply a must-see in my eyes.

Beyond the beaches, there is also the town of Playa Blanca to discover. It is pleasant to walk around: the streets are full of flowers and, even if it is hot, there is the sea breeze in the background. I particularly liked the seafront promenade that links Playa Dorada to Playa Flamingo. It is well laid out, with good local restaurants (this is the time to taste fresh fish), craft shops and small bars with ocean views.

There is also the old port of Playa Blanca, which has remained authentic despite the development of the town. In fact, this is where the ferries leave for Fuerteventura. It is always good to know if you want to spend the day on the neighboring island. Honestly, to visit the town of Playa Blanca, I especially advise you to take your time, to really feel the nice atmosphere. You forget about schedules and plans: that is what vacations are about too.

If Lanzarote does not have great biodiversity on land, it is quite the opposite in its waters. They are rich and full of marine species such as moray eels, sargos and other colorful fish. The beaches of Papagayo and Flamingo are great playgrounds, because the waters are turquoise and offer good visibility. You just have to remember to bring your mask and snorkel with you. If you prefer to be accompanied, know that there are also centers that offer guided snorkeling trips to discover the best spots.

For my part, I went on a snorkeling excursion in Tenerife. Even if they are not the two geographically closest islands in the archipelago, marine life is super rich around both of them. It was a good time, and it felt good to let myself be guided, especially since I was able to discover coves accessible only by boat. It was a great opportunity!

To go deeper, I did a first scuba dive in Lanzarote. It was just incredible: I saw so many fish, such as trumpetfish, parrotfish, damselfish, rainbow wrasse, viejas and many others. If you are an experienced diver, do not miss the underwater scenery of Museo Atlántico, a unique underwater museum in Europe, accessible by diving from Marina Rubicón in Playa Blanca. It must be spectacular to see!

In addition to diving and snorkeling, there are also plenty of other water activities to do in Playa Blanca. As it is an area where the waters are rather calm, you can do them all year round. There is a great sea kayaking trip that leaves from Playa Blanca, then follows the coast to reach Papagayo beach. In addition to the cool side of the activity, you will see volcanic landscapes scroll by all along, with golden cliffs. I would even say that it is one of the most popular activities to do in the area.

If you prefer to pick up speed and get your fill of thrills, why not go for a jet ski session or parasailing flight? From up there, the coasts are very beautiful too, with Fuerteventura always opposite. If you prefer quieter moments, you can instead opt for a boat or catamaran trip. It is a way to alternate swimming and sailing, all in a good atmosphere, of course.

As you can see, there are quite a few things to do in Playa Blanca. I still advise you to plan and book your activities in advance so as not to be disappointed. Availability goes very quickly! In any case, you will not risk getting bored.

For a change and to get away from the coast a bit, there is the famous Montaña Roja, which is nearby. Honestly, you cannot miss it: it is the reddish volcano that dominates the whole town. What I recommend is to climb to its summit. The hiking trail is a bit steep in some places, but honestly, it remains easy and accessible, even with children. At the top, you will discover a truly magnificent view over Playa Blanca, the beaches of Los Ajaches and even Fuerteventura, if the weather is good.

For my part, I went on a quad excursion around Montaña Roja. I was plunged right in the middle of lava fields. It was bumpy, but the scenery was really beautiful. Between the red color of the volcano, the black volcanic rocks and the blue ocean, you are faced with a beautiful palette of colors. Even if, on a quad, you have to focus a bit, I could not help looking everywhere. Needless to say that at sunset, the setting must be even more beautiful, enhanced by the golden light.

As we have already mentioned a bit, Playa Blanca is a very good starting point for visiting the south of Lanzarote. Of course, the most unmissable one is the excursion to Timanfaya National Park, which is only about thirty minutes’ drive away. It is an incredible visit to make, which really explains and shows the impact of the last eruptions on the island of Lanzarote. They literally created all these volcanic and lunar landscapes. You can go there on your own if you have rented a car. Otherwise, you can take a full excursion from Playa Blanca, with a guide who accompanies you all the way. It is indeed a good way to understand the history of the island and its last eruptions.

From Playa Blanca, there are also excursions to visit all of southern Lanzarote, with Charco Verde in El Golfo, the Salinas de Janubio and Los Hervideros. Not to mention La Geria, with its valley of vines, which offers unique wine-growing landscapes that are truly typical of Lanzarote.

Honestly, I think that if you do not have a car and you want to be guided, there are several local agencies that offer guided excursions from Playa Blanca, with transport included. In short, even if Playa Blanca looks isolated on the map of the island, it is still good to know that you can take organized tours from this town. Roughly speaking, it is a good starting point for discovering Lanzarote in all its facets.

And then, as I was saying, I really liked the south of the island. I stayed in the village of El Golfo (20 minutes from Playa Blanca) and it was both practical and pleasant to come back there every evening. I even had a bit of a pang in my heart when I left at the end of my stay. In my eyes, it is really the kind of place you quickly become attached to.

Back to the town of Playa Blanca, it is also a nice town for strolling between local shops. It is not like Arrecife (the capital), but there are still small independent stores, craft markets and more modern shopping centers. It is a bit of a mix of everything. If you are interested, the shopping takes place mainly around Marina Rubicón: it is the port area, quite chic and above all pleasant.

There are both home decor shops, souvenir stores and jewelry shops, mainly run by locals. In fact, this is where you can wander through the craft market, which takes place from Wednesday to Saturday morning. That gives you time to discover and/or bring back products from Lanzarote, such as the famous aloe vera, goat cheese and ceramics made on the island. In addition, after shopping, there are good restaurants where you can take a break and enjoy fresh fish. If you prefer to shop in more well-known stores, you will have to go to the Rubicón Shop & Fun shopping center, which is very close by.

I suggest staying at Marina Rubicón, because beyond the shopping, you immediately feel the super pleasant atmosphere there. I find that, even though it is a chic place, it has managed to keep its authentic side and local life: that is exactly what I liked about this port. Even if I am not passionate about boats, it was nice to walk along the water and through the little streets.

It is also great to stop for a drink on a terrace at sunset and to eat facing the ocean. If you have planned water activities, most of them start in the port. I really recommend coming at the end of the day. In my eyes, it is the best time to enjoy the lively evening atmosphere and the famous Golden Hour, which brings out the coasts of Fuerteventura, the ocher cliffs and the crystal blue water. I think you can tell: I have wonderful memories of this place.

If you are traveling with family, Aqualava Water Park is a great activity to do in Playa Blanca! Plus, it is very close to the town center. It is still a human-scale park: it can be a good idea to spend a nice day with the family. For your information, it runs solely on geothermal energy, which ties in nicely with Lanzarote’s volcanic side.

To give you a better idea, there are of course several slides, a river and a wave pool, always with areas for the little ones. What is good to know is that this is not a water park where you have to wait in line for hours for a descent of less than a minute. Here, you can move around more freely and really enjoy your day. I admit, it is not the biggest or most impressive water park, unlike Siam Park in Tenerife. But if you want a relaxed atmosphere and to have fun, you will quite simply have a great time.

At this point in the article, you have a good idea of all the things to do in Playa Blanca, in Lanzarote. As you can see, even if at first glance it looks small and isolated, in the end, it is far from being the case. Now, I suggest you discover all the practical information about Playa Blanca.

So, Playa Blanca is no exception in Lanzarote: the weather is simply good all year round! It is a town located at the very south of the island, with a mild microclimate and many sunny days. Temperatures are often between 20 and 28°C, even in winter: perfect for enjoying the beach at any time of year. If you are looking for a warm but breathable place, with a little sea breeze in the background, I think the best period is between April and October. As you know, I was there at the end of September and beginning of October, and it was super pleasant. Not a single cloud on the horizon, unlike other places on the island: just sun and blue sky.

In high season, from July to August, needless to say it is hotter and Playa Blanca attracts more people. In winter, this southern town is an excellent sunny destination: it allows you to really take a break during the long winter season in France. I really recommend it if you come in winter!

To go further and choose the period of your trip, I invite you to read our article: When to go to Lanzarote. It is a little extra helping hand to help you make your choice!

To help you get your bearings, Playa Blanca is located at the very south of the island, about thirty kilometers from Lanzarote Airport. When you look at the map, it seems far and isolated, but the journey is very easy and goes smoothly, using only paved, well-maintained roads. It looks like they have just been redone, brand new!
In terms of timing, about 40 minutes by car are enough if you have rented one. If you can, I really recommend renting a car to visit Lanzarote. The roads are not complicated, the journeys are easy and it is above all more convenient for visiting everything.

As for me, I went through Discover Cars: it is a car rental comparison site. You can filter and make the reservation in just a few minutes. It is super practical, I recommend it! Plus, in Playa Blanca, there are many free parking lots: you will easily find a place to park.

If you do not want to drive, you still have several ways to get to Playa Blanca, such as:

• Buses (guaguas) from the Intercity Bus company, which connect Playa Blanca from Arrecife, Puerto del Carmen or Costa Teguise. The journey time is longer (about 1 hr 15 from the airport), but it is an economical option.
• Taxis, which are also possible, but prices rise quickly: you generally need to count between €45 and €50 from the airport.
• The ferry, if you are coming from Fuerteventura: there is a very convenient connection between Corralejo and Playa Blanca. The crossing takes only 25 to 30 minutes, and several companies operate the return trip every day.

There you have all the options available to you: it is up to you to see what you prefer to do!

In this respect, Playa Blanca offers some great places, from breakfast to dinner. It all depends on what you feel like.

For example, if you want to try local dishes, it is better to go to Marina Rubicón. There are plenty of small restaurants that serve fresh fish, such as cod, papas arrugadas, mojo picón, and at more than reasonable prices. Around the port, there are also more refined, lounge-type restaurants that offer a mix of Spanish tapas and cocktails.

By the sea, on the promenade between Playa Dorada and Playa Flamingo, you will find several grilled fish restaurants with an unobstructed view of the ocean. It is just magnificent!

One last little tip: if you come in high season, think about reserving a table for the evening. The tables are spaced out, availability goes quickly. At the same time, it is one of the most renowned places on the island for eating well.

If you are planning to stay in Playa Blanca, here are some places you should like depending on your budget:

High budget

Dreams Lanzarote Playa Dorada Resort & Spa: a 5-star seafront hotel in Playa Blanca, located just 200 meters from Playa Dorada beach. It offers a very luxurious setting, with 8 pools, 6 restaurants, a spa and elegant rooms with ocean views!

Mid-range budget

SBH Hotel Royal Mónica: a seafront property in Playa Blanca, which offers very good facilities: outdoor pool, gym and international restaurant, all with excellent value for money.

Affordable budget

Grupotel Flamingo Beach: an excellent seafront aparthotel in Playa Blanca, ideal for families. It offers direct access to Flamingo beach and several pools!

For more options, I recommend reading our full guide to the best places to stay in Playa Blanca.

I would say that it depends on how long you are staying in Lanzarote. If you are only staying a few days on the island, I suggest dedicating one day, or even a day and a half, to Playa Blanca and its surroundings: Los Ajaches Natural Park, Montaña Roja, etc. If you really want to spend your time in Playa Blanca, three days is the perfect timing to fully enjoy everything the seaside resort has to offer.

If Playa Blanca appeals to you, you can even make it your base for your vacation on the island. As I was saying, it is the ideal starting point for discovering the south of Lanzarote, Timanfaya National Park, as well as the vineyards and bodegas of La Geria. For my part, I stayed in the south, not far from Playa Blanca, and I was able to discover the whole island at a relaxed pace, even the north. Lanzarote is not very big: the roads are good and there are no traffic jams. My maximum journey time was about an hour. Give or take ten minutes, it is roughly the same timing to cross Lanzarote.

We have reached the end of this article on Playa Blanca, in Lanzarote. Now you know everything about the things to do and see in Playa Blanca. Honestly, it is a relaxing and peaceful town that I really liked. And above all, as I had a crush on the south of the island, Playa Blanca is an excellent base for exploring this whole part of Lanzarote.

Among the other must-see towns in Lanzarote, do not hesitate to go and have a look at Arrecife. It is still a small capital, but with some really nice visits to make. It would be a shame to miss it!

See you soon for more discoveries in Lanzarote!

Written by Laura CALLES

Thanks to Mélanie and Sylvain, I had the chance to discover the Canary Islands, specifically Tenerife and Lanzarote, so that I could share these island paradises with you. Two real favorites of mine!

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