Lanzarote has over 90 named beaches scattered along 213km of coastline, ranging from resort strands with sunbeds and beach bars to wild volcanic coves accessible only by dirt track. The island’s volcanic origins mean most beaches have dark or golden sand rather than the white powder of the Caribbean, but the water clarity is exceptional, and winter water temperatures rarely dip below 18 degrees C (64 degrees F). Here are the best beaches in Lanzarote, from family-friendly resort strips to surf breaks beneath 600-metre cliffs.
Best Beaches in Lanzarote: Papagayo and the Southern Coves
Playa de Papagayo
Playas de Papagayo is a series of seven coves within the Los Ajaches Natural Monument at Lanzarote’s southern tip. The main beach is a 200-metre crescent of golden sand sheltered by a headland, producing calm, clear, shallow water ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Access requires driving 6km of unpaved track (fine for standard rental cars if taken slowly) and paying a 3 euro fee at the entry barrier. Facilities are limited to a single beach bar (open 10:00-17:00, sandwiches and drinks from 5 euros), so bring water and sun protection. The neighbouring coves offer increasing seclusion: Playa del Pozo is a 5-minute walk south, Caleta del Congrio feels completely private, and Puerto Muelas at the far end attracts a clothing-optional crowd. Arrive by 10:00 in summer as the parking area fills by 11:00. Entry fee applies 09:00-17:00; free outside those hours.
Playa Quemada
A local secret 5km north of Playa Blanca, Playa Quemada is a small pebble-and-sand beach backed by whitewashed fishermen’s houses. The sea here is notably calm because the bay faces east, sheltered from the prevailing northeast trade winds. There are no sunbeds or facilities, but the village has two seafood restaurants: Restaurante El Pescador and Casa Tomas (mains 12-18 euros). The beach sits at the start of a coastal walking trail connecting to the Papagayo coves, a 3km hike each way with views across to Fuerteventura. Parking is free along the village road.
Best Beaches in Lanzarote: Resort Beaches
Playa Grande, Puerto del Carmen
Lanzarote’s busiest and best-equipped beach, Playa Grande stretches for 1km along Puerto del Carmen’s waterfront. The imported golden sand shelves gently into calm water, making it the safest beach on the island for young children. Facilities include sunbeds and umbrellas (12 euros per day for two, 6 euros for a single), showers, lifeguards (10:00-18:00), public toilets, and multiple access points with ramps for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The Avenida de las Playas promenade behind the beach is lined with cafes, ice cream shops, and restaurants. Water sports operators offer jet ski rental (60 euros per 20 minutes), parasailing (55 euros), and pedal boats (12 euros per hour). Beach volleyball nets are set up near the centre. Gets busy by 11:00 in July and August but there is usually space at the eastern end near Playa de los Pocillos.
Playa Dorada, Playa Blanca
Playa Dorada is a 300-metre artificial beach at the eastern edge of Playa Blanca’s resort zone, protected by breakwaters that create lagoon-calm swimming conditions. The golden sand was imported and palm trees provide natural shade. Sunbed rental costs 10 euros for two with an umbrella. The beach is flanked by the Timanfaya Palace and Gran Castillo Tagoro hotels, but public access is unrestricted. A children’s playground sits directly behind the beach. The adjacent Playa Flamingo, 200 metres west, holds Blue Flag status and has similar calm water; water shoes help with the rocky patches at the waterline. Both beaches connect via the flat 3km seafront promenade linking to Marina Rubicon.
Playa de las Cucharas, Costa Teguise
Costa Teguise’s main beach is a 600-metre stretch of pale sand that serves double duty as a family beach and windsurfing hub. The steady trade winds make it one of the island’s best spots for learning, with several schools at the northern end offering lessons from 45 euros for 2 hours. The southern end near the Pueblo Marinero complex is calmer and better for swimming. Sunbed rental costs 10 euros for two. The promenade behind the beach has a good selection of restaurants including Restaurante El Guachinche (Canarian cuisine, mains 10-15 euros). Free parking is available along Avenida del Jablillo. The beach shelves gradually, and lifeguards are on duty 10:00-18:00 in summer.
Best Beaches in Lanzarote: Wild and Natural Beaches
Playa de Famara
A 6km expanse of windswept sand on the northwest coast beneath the 600-metre Risco de Famara cliffs, this is not a swimming beach (currents and waves are serious) but it ranks among Europe’s finest surf beaches. The consistent Atlantic swell and northeast trade winds produce reliable waves for all levels: the northern end near the cliffs challenges advanced surfers, while the southern end near Caleta de Famara village suits beginners. Several surf schools along Calle Montana Clara offer 2-hour group lessons from 40 euros and equipment rental from 30 euros per day. The beach is vast enough that you can walk for an hour without seeing another person at low tide. Parking is free and plentiful along the beach road. The village has several excellent seafood spots. Strong rip currents make swimming dangerous; stay within your depth and never swim alone here.
Playa de la Garia
Tucked into a volcanic inlet on the east coast near Arrieta, Playa de la Garia is a 150-metre stretch of dark sand and pebbles with striking contrast against the white waves and black lava rocks. The beach is sheltered and usually calm, making it a good spot for snorkelling (octopus, cuttlefish, and colourful wrasse inhabit the rocky edges). There are no facilities and shade is limited to what you bring. The village of Arrieta, a 10-minute walk north, has several fish restaurants including Restaurante Amanecer. Parking is on the roadside above the beach. The neighbouring Playa de la Garita, a few hundred metres south, is similar but even quieter. Both beaches face east, so mornings offer the best light and calmest conditions.
Playa del Risco
Accessible only by a 45-minute hike from the village of Ye in the far north or by boat from Orzola, Playa del Risco is Lanzarote’s most remote beach. The payoff is a kilometre of untouched dark sand at the foot of the Famara massif, with direct views to La Graciosa island across the strait. There are absolutely no facilities; bring everything including water, food, and shade. The hike descends 400 metres in elevation and is steep and loose in sections; wear proper walking shoes. The sea here can be rough and there are no lifeguards. A 4WD taxi boat runs from Orzola’s harbour (around 20 euros return, arrange with local fishermen at the pier). This is the island’s ultimate escape-from-everything beach. Do not attempt the hike in summer midday heat.
