Lanzarote beaches: the best spots on the island

The beaches of Lanzarote are among the most striking in the Canaries. Here, golden sands and turquoise waters meet unique volcanic landscapes, creating truly unforgettable moments.

The south of the island offers sheltered bays and calm waters, perfect for those seeking relaxation and clear seas. The north and the western coast, on the other hand, are more exposed to the wind, featuring wild scenery that is a firm favourite with surfers.

Whether you want to bask in the sun, swim in crystalline waters, or admire natural panoramas, prepare to be captivated by Lanzarote’s most beautiful beaches! When exploring the variety of beaches Lanzarote has to offer, you'll find something for every taste.

• The most beautiful beaches in Lanzarote
• Best beaches for families with children
• Top beaches for water sports
• The liveliest beaches in Lanzarote

Useful info: reaching Lanzarote by sea is a breeze, whether you're coming from mainland Spain or other Canary Islands. Check out all ferry routes to Lanzarote and book your ferry tickets online with no hidden fees!

Beaches emerging from Lanzarote’s lunar landscape

The most beautiful Lanzarote beaches

Playa de Papagayo

Playa de Papagayo is one of the most stunning beaches in Lanzarote and is certainly one of its most popular. Located in the southern part of the island within the Los Ajaches Natural Park, this bay features fine golden sand and turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

The beach is well-sheltered from the wind and offers a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for those looking to escape the crowds. There is a small kiosk nearby serving snacks and drinks, but as there are no major facilities, we recommend bringing everything you need for a day at the beach.

Access to Playa de Papagayo requires a short walk from the car park, which helps preserve its unspoilt natural beauty. Playa de Papagayo is perfect for those who love sun, sea, and an unspoilt natural scenery.

Playa Mujeres

Playa Mujeres is located on the southern coast of Lanzarote and is a wide, sandy beach with calm, clear waters. The area remains relatively undeveloped from a tourism perspective, ensuring a relaxed and natural setting.

Its fine sand and calm waters make it ideal for those who simply want to bask in the sun or enjoy a safe swim. However, there are no major tourist services or facilities here, so we recommend packing plenty of water and a parasol.

Playa Mujeres is the perfect choice for a quiet day by the sea in an open landscape without the crowds. Choose this spot if you want to stay away from the more frequented beaches in the south of Lanzarote!

Tip: Tenerife also offers unique landscapes. Take a look at our comparison between Tenerife or Lanzarote if you can't decide which destination to choose.

Playa de Janubio

Playa de Janubio sits on the south-western side of the island, near the famous El Golfo salt lagoon. This beach stands out for its black volcanic sand and pebbles, often accompanied by strong waves and powerful currents. For this reason, it isn't ideal for children or relaxed swimming.

As with other natural spots, there are no specific tourist facilities here. It remains a wild, untouched beach, perfect for for those who love nature and volcanic landscapes.

The contrast between the dark sand, the ocean waves, and the nearby green lagoon creates a spectacular setting for walks or photography. Playa de Janubio is therefore perfect for those seeking an authentic experience far from the crowds.

Playa de Montaña Bermeja

Playa de Montaña Bermeja is one of the most scenic beaches in southern Lanzarote, famous for the striking contrast between its black volcanic sand and the red mountain from which it takes its name. This wild, rarely crowded bay is ideal for those wanting to escape into nature, far from any tourist facilities.

Access requires a short walk from the road, but the path itself offers incredible views of the local lunar landscape. As the sea is often rough, the beach is better suited for walking, photography, or simply relaxing rather than swimming.

Montaña Bermeja is perfect for anyone seeking an authentic spot away from the island's busier areas. If you love the volcanic scenery that makes Lanzarote unique, this is a must-visit!

Tip: check out our guide to the most famous volcanoes in Lanzarote if you want to combine relaxation with exploration.

Playa de Papagayo, with its characteristic crescent shape

Best beaches for families with children

Playa Chica

Located near Arrecife on the eastern coast, Playa Chica is one of the most popular choices for families. The golden sand and calm waters make it ideal for children and safe swimming.

Though fairly small, the beach is well-organised with easy access points for entering the water. It’s also a big hit with snorkelling and diving enthusiasts thanks to its rocky seabed rich in marine life.

With restaurants and bars nearby, you can enjoy  a carefree day by the sea. The atmosphere is peaceful and the beach is easily reached from the centre of Arrecife. This makes it perfect for those seeking convenience without giving up sea and relaxation.

Tip: Lanzarote is a great destination for a winter break with the kids. Have a look at our guide to Christmas in the Canary Islands for more inspiration.

Playa de La Garita

Playa de La Garita is situated on the north-eastern coast, close to Teguise. With its calm, shallow waters, it’s one of the most family-friendly spots on the island.

The golden sand and a promenade lined with restaurants, shops, and parking make it exceptionally convenient. While it can get a little breezy at times, the water remains safe for for children and bathers.

Playa de La Garita is ideal for those seeking a quiet environment with all services at hand. It’s the perfect spot for picnics, playing on the sand, and coastal walks, offering a balanced combination of relaxation and comfort.

Playa Blanca

Located in the southern part of Lanzarot, Playa Blanca is one of the most popular beaches for families. Also known as Playa Dorada, it offers soft sand and  calm waters, making it perfect for children and not-so-confident swimmers.

The beach is well-equipped with sunbeds, parasols, and refreshment points, making it easy to spend the whole day there. The nearby promenade is lively but not overwhelming, with plenty of bars and restaurants just steps from the water.

Playa Blanca is the go-to for a comfortable, safe, and relaxing beach day. Its tranquil atmosphere and easy access make it a top choice for families and travellers seeking comfort.

Playa Flamingo

Playa Flamingo is situated near Puerto del Carmen, on the island's south-eastern coast. It is a small, protected cove that is perfect for families with young children.

The shallow, calm waters make it ideal for safe swimming, whilst the fine sand offers space for playing. Nearby there are restaurants, bars and car parks, making visits convenient and practical.

This Lanzarote beach is particularly loved by those looking for a quieter spot. Playa Flamingo is the ideal choice for a relaxing day by the sea, with all the services close at hand.

Playa Blanca, a perfect beach for the whole family

Top beaches in Lanzarote for water sports

Playa de Famara

On the north-western coast of Lanzarote, Playa de Famara is one of the island's most famous surf spots. The beach stretches for several kilometres at the foot of an impressive cliff that only partially protects it from the wind.

Playa de Famara is frequently used by surf schools and kite and windsurf enthusiasts. The golden sand and open sea create ideal waves for surfers of all levels. However, the currents can be strong, so caution is necessary.

Despite its popularity, the area maintains a natural and wild atmosphere, without large resorts or tourist facilities. The long stretch of beach is perfect for walks and taking in the spectacular views, even if you're not a surfer.

Tip: if you love water sports, don't miss our selection of the best surf spots in the Canary Islands.

Playa de La Cantería

Playa de La Cantería is located on the northern coast of Lanzarote, amongst cliffs and spectacular volcanic landscapes. It’s a well-known spot for surfing thanks to its powerful waves and strong currents.

The beach features golden sand mixed with pebbles and is generally secluded. It’s therefore a natural, isolated environment perfect for those seeking tranquillity. There are no facilities here, so remember to bring water, food, and equipment.

Playa de La Cantería is amongst Lanzarote's beaches best suited to experienced surfers and nature lovers. Its location amongst the cliffs offers stunning views of the ocean and the island’s volcanic interior.

Playa Honda

The beach of Playa Honda is located near Lanzarote airport, on the eastern coast. It's a well-known spot for wind sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing.

The open, breezy waters provide great conditions for those seeking a challenge at sea. The beach itself is long and rarely crowded, with pale sand and a gradually sloping seabed. Despite being near urban infrastructure, it always maintains a peaceful vibe.

Playa Honda is perfect for practising water sports safely, offering consistent conditions for training and lessons. It is also a good starting point for those who want to explore other nearby spots on the island.

Playa de Las Cucharas

Playa de Las Cucharas is located in the resort of Costa Teguise, on Lanzarote's eastern coast. Thanks to constant winds, it's one of the island's most important windsurfing spots.

The moderate waves here are perfect for both beginners and experienced riders. The beach also hosts windsurfing schools, board hire and qualified instructors. It's therefore very accessible even to those approaching these sports for the first time.

The pale sand and gradually sloping seabed make first ventures into the water safe. Playa de Las Cucharas is therefore the perfect beach in Lanzarote if you want to combine sport and relaxation, without compromising on safety.

The crystalline waters of Playa de Las Cucharas

The liveliest beaches in Lanzarote

Playa Grande (Puerto del Carmen)

Located in Puerto del Carmen, Playa Grande is one of Lanzarote's liveliest and most popular beaches. This long, sandy beach has calm waters and is lined with numerous bars, restaurants, and shops, making it the perfect place for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere.

Thanks to its central location, Playa Grande is easy to reach. Furthermore, it serves as a great starting point for exploring other beaches in Lanzarote. It's therefore perfect if you want to combine relaxation and socialising in a single day.

Tip: looking for more adventure? Check out our guide on what to see in Lanzarote for more ideas!

Playa de los Pocillos

Playa de los Pocillos is just a few kilometres from Puerto del Carmen. Famous for its long stretch of pale sand, it offers sun loungers, parasols and numerous bars along the promenade.

It’s one of the most popular beaches in Lanzarote for those seeking convenience and entertainment. The atmosphere is particularly buzzing at sunset when people head to the local pubs.

The waters are generally calm, making it a lovely spot for a late-afternoon stroll before enjoying the nightlife. Los Pocillos is therefore ideal for those wanting to combine convenience, entertainment and nightlife without long journeys.

Playa de Matagorda

Playa de Matagorda is the place to be if you want a mix of sea and nightlife in Puerto del Carmen. The beach is wide and sandy, located just a stone's throw from the most popular bars on the promenade.

During the day, it's perfect for relaxing with direct access to bars for aperitifs with a sea view. In the evening, the area becomes lively thanks to the restaurants and pubs that animate the promenade.

The atmosphere is young and chill, ideal for those wanting to have fun without straying from the beach. Matagorda is one of the best beaches in Lanzarote if you want a continuous mix of sun and nightlife!

Tip: searching for activities during your holidays? Discover the best things to do in the Canaries in our dedicated guide.

Playa del Reducto (Arrecife)

Playa del Reducto is Arrecife’s liveliest urban beach. Its central location makes it perfect for combining a beach day with an evening in the city.

Bars, cafés, and local venues are all just steps from the golden sand. The area comes alive in the late afternoon as people gather for drinks and music along the seafront.

It's one of the beaches in Lanzarote ideal for those who enjoy a social, dynamic atmosphere without giving up city comforts. Playa del Reducto is therefore perfect for you if you want to experience a more urban kind of fun compared to the seaside resorts.

The long stretch of Playa Grande

Set sail for Lanzarote’s beaches

Now that you've discovered the most beautiful beaches in Lanzarote, it’s time to plan your Canary Island adventure! Check out our Lanzarote travel guide and find real-time ferry schedules on Ferryhopper.

Explore our Map of ferries to visualise all connections to the Canaries and book your tickets in no time!