The Best Beaches in Lanzarote

If lazy beach days and pure relaxation are your thing, this guide to the best beaches in Lanzarote is for you. Lanzarote may be famous for its volcanic, desert-like landscapes, including the iconic Timanfaya National Park and its Fire Mountains, but there is much more to the island. It is also home to beautiful stretches of black and golden sand. Along the southwest coast, you will find wild black-sand beaches that are striking to look at but not always suitable for swimming because of the rocks, powerful currents, and waves that can reach up to 9 meters.

At the island’s southern tip, Los Ajaches Natural Park is one of the best areas for swimming, with several beaches lying side by side, including Papagayo. Their golden sand and turquoise water stand out against the surrounding rock. The east coast offers more developed alternatives, with the classic resort atmosphere and sun loungers. As you will see, Lanzarote has beaches to suit very different tastes.

This article introduces the best beaches in Lanzarote and shares the practical tips you need to enjoy them. One thing is certain: the beaches are among the island’s absolute must-sees on Lanzarote.

Let’s get straight to it—here are the most beautiful beaches in Lanzarote. There are some real gems among them.

You cannot talk about Lanzarote’s best beaches without starting with Playa de Papagayo. It is arguably the island’s most famous beach, and for good reason. Technically, it feels more like a cove than a conventional beach. The stretch of sand is small compared with many Lanzarote beaches, but quite generous by Mediterranean-cove standards, so I would say it falls somewhere in between. Because it is so popular, it fills up quickly, especially in summer.

Come early in the morning or later in the afternoon for a more enjoyable experience. As mentioned above, the beach lies within Los Ajaches Natural Park, surrounded by golden sand, ochre cliffs, and turquoise water. Finding a beach like this in Lanzarote is quite a surprise; it almost feels Mediterranean. It is beautiful and particularly good for snorkeling. What struck me most was the contrast between the color of the water and the volcanic landscape around it. Despite the crowds, the setting still feels rugged and undeveloped, with no loungers or hotels.

A practical note: reaching the beach involves about 15 minutes on a bumpy dirt road. It is manageable if you drive slowly. I even saw plenty of travelers arriving in tiny Fiat 500s, although I personally would not choose one; an ordinary compact car, such as a Clio, is sufficient. Be prepared for a few rough sections, even at low speed.

Vehicle access to the park currently costs €3 for non-residents. When I visited, however, I did not have to pay, and I still do not know why. The water is calm and shallow, making it very pleasant for swimming. If you plan to spend the day, there is usually a small cliff-top chiringuito where you can buy a drink or snack. For a quieter atmosphere nearby, try Playa Mujeres. To stay as close as possible to this beach and Los Ajaches Park, I recommend staying in Playa Blanca.

Famara offers a completely different landscape and atmosphere from Papagayo. This equally famous beach is a paradise for surfers. It stretches for more than 6 kilometers beneath the dramatic Risco de Famara cliffs, which drop toward the Atlantic. The view is impressive from the moment you arrive. Even if you do not surf, it is well worth coming for a walk along the sand.

Surfers are everywhere, drawn by the powerful, often high waves. Spanish and French surfers even travel here specifically during winter. The atmosphere is wonderfully laid-back, with plenty of vans and barefoot surfers. This is not generally a swimming beach, however: the red flag flies much of the time because of the strong currents and swell. That was exactly what I found during my visit—a red flag and an ocean dotted with surfboards. The sky was very cloudy that day, but it did not spoil the experience; if anything, it gave the beach a dramatic, almost mystical mood.

Strictly speaking, this beach is not on Lanzarote but on neighboring La Graciosa Island—but I had to include it. Las Conchas lies at the far north of the island and is widely considered its most beautiful beach, an opinion I completely share. To me, it is one of the loveliest beaches in the Canary Islands: a broad sweep of pale sand and turquoise water facing the islets of Montaña Clara and Alegranza. Its appeal, like that of La Graciosa as a whole, lies in how wild and untouched it feels, with no development at all.

That said, swimming here can be dangerous. A local told us that the red flag is always raised and that swimming is now prohibited. One look at the height and force of the waves makes the risk easy to understand. Come instead to relax and take in the natural spectacle. I have wonderful memories of this place and could easily have stayed all day, although there was still more of the island to explore.

Caletón Blanco, in the far north near the village of Órzola, is a quiet little spot and a complete change from the vast beaches mentioned above. Picture a turquoise lagoon framed by golden sand and black lava rocks. Once again, the contrast is beautiful. The water is calm and shallow, forming what feels like a network of natural pools among the volcanic rocks.

Despite its beauty, relatively few travelers come here, even in summer. Free parking is available right beside the beach, making access easy, although you should watch out for sharp rocks when pulling in. Because the parking area is small, just a handful of cars can make it feel busy.

Come in the late morning or early afternoon, if possible, while the tide is still low. That is generally the best time for swimming and for seeing the lagoons at their brightest blue. As at many beaches in Lanzarote, there is no shade, so bring sunscreen and a hat.

Back to Los Ajaches Natural Park, the same area as Papagayo. Although Playa de Mujeres is nearby, I recommend driving over. Personally, I preferred it to Papagayo because it is larger, less crowded, and immediately feels wilder. With golden sand and crystal-clear water, it is ideal for swimming or simply relaxing.

Along with Playa del Pozo, which appears later in this guide, it is one of the quieter beaches in Los Ajaches, even during high season. That peaceful atmosphere is part of its charm: desert scenery on one side and the sea on the other. There are no bars or loungers, so bring everything you need if you plan to stay for half a day or longer, including food, water, and some form of shade. Traveling to Lanzarote with children? This is a very good option.

Feeling energetic? You can also walk along the coast to Playa del Pozo, another of my favorites. Together with Papagayo, these beaches are undoubtedly among the must-see attractions in Playa Blanca.

Still in the south and not far from Los Ajaches, Playa Flamingo offers a completely different kind of beach. Located in the resort town of Playa Blanca, it is more developed, with an easy-to-access seafront promenade that makes it particularly convenient for families. Although it is one of Lanzarote’s more resort-oriented beaches, it remains attractive and pleasant.

The beach sits in a small bay with fine sand and calm, clear water. One of the nicest details is being able to see the coast of Fuerteventura in the distance on a clear day, which gives you a real sense of how close the islands are.

Swimming here is generally straightforward, with shallow water and protection from waves and currents. Bring a mask and snorkel, as fish gather around the rocks. Even just a few meters from the sand, I had small fish swimming around my feet.

The only real drawback is its popularity. Playa Blanca attracts plenty of visitors, so the beach becomes busy, particularly in summer. I did not find the crowds too bothersome, though; it still has a relaxed, family-friendly resort atmosphere, with cafés and restaurants along the waterfront.

For a quieter moment, come early and watch the sunrise over the water, with Fuerteventura in the distance.

On the east coast, Playa del Jablillo in Costa Teguise is an excellent swimming beach. It is a small crescent of turquoise water where you can swim comfortably and snorkel as well. A rocky breakwater shelters the beach, so conditions are usually very gentle.

This is another convenient family-friendly spot for a full or half day. I loved its relaxed atmosphere and easy access: bars and shops are close enough for a quick stroll, yet the beach itself still feels tucked away from the bustle.

Another advantage is that the entrance to the water feels softer underfoot than at some other beaches. It is also excellent for snorkeling, so keep an eye out for crabs on the rocks. Most are black with deep red highlights and can be surprisingly difficult to spot at first.

For calm water and an easy family swim, this is one of the best choices.

Just south of Costa Teguise lies Puerto del Carmen, another resort town with accommodation ranging from budget apartments to large hotels. Playa Chica is a good place in town for swimming or relaxing. It is small, but I arrived late in the day after most of the crowds had left, so the atmosphere was calm and breezy. Even though the weather was not especially good, the water felt warm—around 25 °C by my estimate—and the sheltered bay meant there were no real waves to worry about.

I also went diving in a small cove right next door, near the port parking lot in Puerto del Carmen. It did not seem to have a name and is ideal for snorkeling or scuba diving, although the entry is over pebbles rather than sand. The farther out you go, the more marine life you are likely to see. What makes the area so interesting is the mix of Atlantic and tropical species, including parrotfish, nudibranchs, wrasses, viejas, and more. Lanzarote’s waters are remarkably rich, so at the very least, bring a mask.

One final tip: even when the ocean appears calm on this side of the island, always check the beach flag.

I also went diving in a small cove right next door, near the port parking lot in Puerto del Carmen. It did not seem to have a name and is ideal for snorkeling or scuba diving, although the entry is over pebbles rather than sand. The deeper you go, the more marine life you are likely to see: parrotfish, nudibranchs, wrasses, viejas, and more, representing a mix of Atlantic and tropical species. Lanzarote’s waters are remarkably rich, so it is well worth putting on a mask.

Again, even when the ocean is generally calm on this side of the island, always check the beach flag.

I mentioned Playa del Pozo earlier because I found it both beautiful and uncrowded. With so few people around, you can really appreciate the sense of space and the fine sand, although it can be windy. As you may have gathered, the beach lies in Los Ajaches Natural Park between Playa Mujeres and Playa de la Cera, beside Papagayo. Despite being larger, it somehow feels more intimate than Papagayo, which is technically smaller.

The surrounding desert hills are striking in every direction. Places like this still feel unspoiled and wild, and they deserve to be enjoyed slowly. Reaching the beach takes a little effort, with a dirt road followed by sandy paths that rise and fall, but the setting makes it worthwhile. Walking between the beaches can be tiring because of the sand, climbs, and descents, yet I was carried along by the excitement of discovering each new stretch of coast. Be sure to swim as well: the water is lovely and beautifully blue.

Now that we have covered Lanzarote’s best-known beaches, here are several more with plenty of character. There are still quite a few left to discover.

As its name suggests, this beach lies in the fishing village of El Golfo, home to Lanzarote’s famous green lagoon, Charco Verde. It is typical of the southwest coast: wild and volcanic, with black sand and stones. El Golfo was my base on the island, so this was the first beach I discovered, just a three-minute walk from where I was staying. You can admire the ocean directly from the village’s fresh-fish restaurants.

I loved the beach’s natural, calming atmosphere. Hardly anyone comes here, yet sitting beside the sea is a real pleasure. The waves and currents are strong, so it is best not to swim, but the beach adds so much character to the village. A few lucky locals even have small houses with terraces directly on the sand, perfect for stepping outside at sunset and feeling the sea breeze. Walking here or sitting on the sand around golden hour, at about 7 p.m. during my stay, became our evening ritual. With almost no one else around, it was hard to imagine a better setting just steps from “home.”

Playa Grande lives up to its name with its broad sweep of sand. Although it lies in busy Puerto del Carmen and is very popular, it rarely feels completely packed, and the atmosphere remains pleasant. It is the town’s best-known beach and is easy to reach from the seafront promenade. Clear water and golden sand make it a convenient choice for a beach day, with every amenity close at hand. I usually prefer wilder beaches, but sometimes it is nice to have an easy day without needing to pack a picnic or plan ahead.

Back at the island’s southern tip in Playa Blanca, Playa Dorada lies not far from Playa Flamingo, and I personally prefer it. Although it is in a fairly busy resort area, Dorada felt more pleasant and less crowded during my visit. I loved coming late in the day, when the light made the sand glow and brought out the turquoise color of the water. Despite the nearby amenities, I still thought it retained a relatively natural atmosphere.

The water is usually calm thanks to the breakwaters, making it suitable for families with children. If I had to choose a beach surrounded by cafés and restaurants for a full or nearly full day, this would be my first choice. Follow the promenade to Marina Rubicón, where you will find restaurants serving local products.

Playa del Ancla is another lesser-known beach in Costa Teguise. Although the town is a resort, this tiny cove feels quite different, with fishing boats nearby and a calm, predominantly local atmosphere. It is not the kind of place you necessarily expect to find in Costa Teguise.

Come here for a peaceful swim or snorkeling session away from the crowds, with clear water and the chance to spot small crabs, octopuses, and colorful fish. You will mostly see local residents heading out to fish or walking nearby. From here, it is also easy to reach Playa del Jablillo on foot.

This is not one of Lanzarote’s classic “must-see” beaches, yet it became one of my favorites. Since it lies right beside the Salinas de Janubio, I thought it would be a shame not to stop. Parking is across the road at the foot of Montaña Bermeja. Take care when entering the parking area, as the rocks are large and sharp.

From the car, it is only a short walk across the road to a beautiful black-sand beach. Picture a volcanic shoreline, red cliffs, and a restless ocean—a combination of contrasts you do not often see. For me, the appeal was all in the atmosphere: wind, waves, and wild scenery that feels distinctly Lanzarote. It is definitely worth a stop, but not for swimming. The strong waves and currents make that clear as soon as you arrive. Because the beach is little known and isolated, there is also a good chance you will have it almost to yourself, which makes the experience even more memorable.

Continuing with quiet, isolated beaches, Caleta del Congrio lies within Los Ajaches Natural Park, in the same area as Papagayo, Mujeres, and Playa del Pozo. It is probably one of the least visited beaches in the park, even though its setting is every bit as attractive as the others.

Expect ochre cliffs, turquoise water, rocks, and fine sand. One point to note: the beach is not officially designated as naturist, but naturism is sometimes practiced in quieter sections.

Finally, there is Playa El Reducto in the heart of the capital. What surprised me most was its location directly along Arrecife’s waterfront and how calm and uncrowded it remained despite being in the city. I imagine it is used mainly by people staying in Arrecife, as travelers looking for a livelier developed beach often choose Playa Blanca or Puerto del Carmen instead.

Arrecife is a relatively understated city, and this beach is a welcome addition. Volcanic rocks shelter it, creating clear, shallow water that is generally suitable for swimming. On the day I visited, the sea was so calm that it felt like an enormous bathtub at the edge of the city. A few bars and restaurants line the promenade, and for an urban beach, it is clean and well maintained.

That brings us to the end of our tour of the best beaches in Lanzarote! I had my personal favorites, but each beach offers something different. The sea remains swimmable for much of the year, with water temperatures typically ranging from around 18 °C in winter to 24 °C in summer. I honestly did not expect it to feel so pleasant. To explore several beaches, I recommend renting a car. I booked through Discover Cars, and everything went smoothly.

To continue with the beach theme, read our guide to the best beaches in Tenerife, another island with an impressive variety of coastlines. I had several favorites there as well, all included in the dedicated article.

See you soon for more from 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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