Which beaches on Lanzarote are the most beautiful?
The official tourism website Turismo Lanzarote particularly highlights the Papagayo coves, Playa de Famara and Caletón Blanco. The Papagayo coves lie south of Playa Blanca within the Monumento Natural de Los Ajaches, a protected natural area.
Playa de Famara in the north is the island's large, open coastline, at around 6,000 metres long. Caletón Blanco in the north-east combines fine white sand with the lava coast shaped by the La Corona volcano.
How do I get to the Papagayo coves and what does access cost?
Access to the Papagayo coves is from the eastern part of Playa Blanca towards Femés along a signposted unpaved track. According to Turismo Lanzarote, parking areas are located close to the beaches.
Vehicle access costs 3 euros per car. According to Turismo Lanzarote, the fee goes towards preserving the natural area. Access on foot and by bicycle is free.
At Playa de Papagayo there is a beach kiosk and a camping area. The fee information dates from 2024 and should be checked again before travelling.
Which beaches are suitable for families and calm bathing?
For calm water and tourist infrastructure, Turismo Lanzarote names Playa de El Jablillo, Playa Grande, Los Pocillos and Matagorda. The beaches of Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca also fall into this category.
Playa de El Jablillo lies in the central coastal area of Costa Teguise. Its position offers natural protection from wind and tides; a breakwater also ensures permanently calm water.
In the resorts, the following beaches are named: in Costa Teguise Playa Bastián, Las Cucharas and El Jablillo; in Puerto del Carmen Playa Chica, Playa Grande or Playa Blanca, Los Pocillos and Matagorda; in Playa Blanca Playa Flamingo, Playa Blanca, Playa Dorada and the Papagayo coves.
Which beaches are suitable for surfing, wind and nature experiences?
At around six kilometres long, Playa de Famara is an important surfing and landscape setting. It is easily accessible; according to Turismo Lanzarote, parking is available close to the beach along long stretches.
For surfing and wind, the official island information also names La Cantería.
Papagayo, Puerto Muelas, Caleta del Congrio, Playa Mujeres and other coves in the Monumento Natural de Los Ajaches are considered natural landscapes and remote coves. Natural pools such as the Charcones de Janubio and the natural pools of Punta Mujeres are listed as bathing spots or natural swimming pools.
What rules apply on the beaches and in protected areas?
Lanzarote has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since October 1993; the Lanzarote and Chinijo Islands Geopark was recognised in 2015. Several beach areas lie within protected categories, including the Los Ajaches natural monument, the coast at La Cantería and Timanfaya National Park.
Particularly strict rules apply in Timanfaya National Park: marked paths must not be left, stones and plants must not be collected, litter must not be left behind and drones must not be flown.
The official island information also asks visitors not to take away sand, stones or plants and not to throw litter into the sea or onto the beach. For the Charcones de Janubio, checking the weather forecast is expressly recommended.
Which beaches are there on La Graciosa and in the municipalities?
The island guide also includes the natural beaches of the neighbouring island of La Graciosa. Named are Playa de Caleta de Sebo, Playa La Cocina or Montaña Amarilla, Playa La Francesa and Playa de Las Conchas. These beaches are not on Lanzarote itself and are an excursion destination on La Graciosa.
In the municipalities, further bathing spots are listed: in Arrecife, Playa El Reducto, an approximately 500-metre-long urban beach cove with fine sand, calm water, a promenade and infrastructure. In Haría lie Playa La Garita, Playa La Cantería and Playa Bajo el Risco.
In Yaiza, Playa Quemada, Playa El Paso, Playa de Janubio and Charcones de Janubio are named. In Tinajo lies Playa de Las Malvas. There is no official beach or national park entrance fee for all beaches; many urban beaches are free.