Some of the most beautiful beaches in the Canary Islands can be found in Lanzarote. The beaches in Lanzarote range from coves with the iconic black volcanic sand to long stretches with golden sand and turquoise waters. No grain of sand was left unturned in the search for the best beaches in Lanzarote.
Discover in which municipality the beaches are located in and plan which ones to visit from your holiday rental in Lanzarote as well as what to expect upon arrival.
1. Playa Francesa
If its isolation you crave, hop on to a ferry from Órzola to La Graciosa, the Canary Islands unofficial eighth isle. Allegedly the setting for Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island, these days you'll find more yachts than pirate ships. Playa Francesa, La Graciosa's Southern belle of a beach is a 45-minute hike from capital Caleta de Sebo.
The locals in Caleta de Sebo sweep the bonsai metropolis' streets clean of sand each morning. Where the only way to get around is by 4X4, bike, or Shanks' Pony. Which option will you choose?
Municipality: Teguise
Beach length: 435 metres
Best for: Families, groups of friends and snorkelling enthusiasts.
2. Playa de Papagayo
The title is a bit of a misnomer, as there is not just one Papagayo beach but a series of them. However, the main Papagayo playa is the last one you'll reach before the Punta del Papagayo, travelling east from Playa Blanca. These out-of-the-way beaches are best travelled to on foot or by 4x4 along a dirt track, although a water taxi is another option.
Bring your own food and drink or eat in the chiringuito (beach bar) above Papagayo, it is tourist-pricey rather than local-cheap. However, it is a great place to watch the sun go down in this most idyllic of settings.
Municipality: Tías
Beach length: 120 metres
Best for: Families with young swimmers, snorkelers.
3. Playa Chica
Rent a villa in Puerto del Carmen to be on the doorstep of one of Lanzarote's prettiest beaches. Aka Pila de la Barrilla, Playa Chica's a sheltered beach marked by the stillness of its waters. This makes it popular with divers, eager to catch a glimpse of the not-so-elusive Felix, a 50-kilo grouper fish.
Municipality: Tías
Beach length: 90 metres
Best for: Divers, couples, families.
4. Playa de Famara
What appears to be a never-ending beach does indeed extend into kilometres. The wind's a factor if you're planning to eat on the playa itself. Thankfully, there are bars looking out onto the beach where you're less likely to end up with a sandy sandwich.
Playa Famara is one of Lanzarote's best beaches for catching waves and is often frequented by surfers. Indeed, Magic Seaweed offers a free 10-day surf forecast if you're planning on riding some waves during your holiday. This covers swell and wind. This is also one of Lanzarote’s best naturist beaches.
Municipality: Teguise
Beach length: 6 kilometres
Best for: Surfers, naturists.
5. Playa Flamingo
The palm trees and parasols will keep you cool as the heat of a year-round summer beats down. Further shade is provided by the terraces of the bars and restaurants on the promenade above this popular beach in Playa Blanca. Do wear flip flops though, to protect your feet from the white (hot) sand.
Municipality: Yaiza
Beach length: 200 metres
Best for: Families, groups of friends.
6. Playa de las Conchas
On the small island of La Graciosa, you will find a collection of small coves known as Playas de las Conchas. One of these is La Graciosa beach the place for acquiring an all-over tan rather than a spot of swimming but is one of the best nudist beaches in Lanzarote. Just look at those waves. If you've never tried naturism before, this is as good a place to start as any as there are easily more shells than people.
If you do brave the water, it won't be for long as the current has a boomerang effect. Best to lie back and look at the neighbouring isles of Montaña Clara, Roque del Oeste, and Alegranza. Minimise your activity and embrace slow living instead.
Municipality: Teguise
Beach length: 610 metres
Best for: Naturists, nature lovers, couples.
7. Playa Blanca
Stay in Playa Blanca and experience the charm of what was once an old fishing village. Nowadays it is one of Lanzarote's most popular beaches and most family-friendly resorts. Close to restaurants galore, how about cooling off with an ice-cream from one of the parlours? A mere 10-minute stroll from the bus station to the beach.
Municipality: Yaiza
Beach length: 40 metres
Best for: Families, groups of friends.
8. Playa Caletón Blanco
Just like on other Canarian Islands such as Gran Canaria and Tenerife, Lanzarote's north coast has a stretch of shoreline which many visitors miss out on as they head down to the resorts in the south, but here you can find some of the best beaches in Lanzarote. Don't miss out on Órzola's Caletón Blanco beach. Where ebony, as in the dark black lava rocks, and ivory, as in the bone-white sand, sit together in perfect harmony.
Part of the malpais (badlands) belonging to La Corona volcano, this is a Lanzarote beach gone wild. There is no car park, meaning you can leave your vehicle on the beach itself. The natural swimming pools created by the tide are great for young paddlers and family holidays in Lanzarote.
Municipality: Haría
Beach length: 500 metres
Best for: Nature lovers, families.
9. Playa de Mujeres
Papagayos biggest beach is also its busiest. Which might have something to do with the fact it's the first of the series of Playas de Papagayo you hit, travelling from the direction of Playa Blanca. As well as being the ideal destination for beach lovers, history buffs will love exploring the ruins of a limestone quarry and bunkers used in the Second World War. Playa de Mujeres is also a popular beach for naturists in Lanzarote.
Municipality: Yaiza
Beach length: 395 metres
Best for: Naturists, groups of friends.
10. Playa de la Cera
A third and final Papagayo beach is also the last on the list of top 10 best beaches in Lanzarote. Again like the other Playas de Papagayo, its beauty is partly preserved by its inaccessibility. So rent out a 4x4 or dig out your old hiking boots to reach one of the island's natural wonders by dirt track.
Municipality: Yaiza
Beach length: 105 metres
Best for: Couples, nature lovers.