The best beaches in Lanzarote

Lanzarote, the fourth largest of the Canary Islands, is known for its year round temperatures and sunshine. It's therefore no surprise that the beaches are popular with visitors to the island. Lanzarote has a large and diverse selection of beaches. From golden sands to black volcanic stone, and calm waters to large Atlantic rolling waves, there is a beach for every time of activity.

Playa Grande, Puerto del Carmen Beach

Playa Grande is the second largest beach in Lanzarote. Quite fitting for what is arguably the biggest and most popular resort on the island. The beach stretches for around 1.2km and on average is about 20 metres wide. There are sections of the beach that are lined with sun beds, which is perfect for the sun worshippers and at certain times of the year you will find an inflatable water activity just of the shoreline. The sea here is generally quite calm, and good for swimming, although with any beach nature can turn and the waves can be quite spectacular.

It's also a great beach for Watersport activities such as Parascending so if you're into some more extreme water sports then this is the place to be.

Playa Grande is a good beach in Lanzarote for families. It runs in parallel with the main Avenida, where you will find a large selection of shops, restaurants and bars. So if you need a drink, a bite to eat or maybe an ice cream, you won't have far to travel.

Playas de Papagayo, Playa Blanca

To the East of Playa Blanca you will find the famous beaches of Papagayo. Although only one of the 5 beaches in the Los Ajaches Natural Park is actually called Papagayo, the area has become commonly known to tourists by this name.

The 5 beaches of Papagayo span the headland of the National Park. They are offer stunning golden sands and clear waters, perfect for snorkelling. You'll also find that the Bay Area here is a popular area of boats and Catamaran trips in Lanzarote to anchor. At Playa de Papagayo itself you will find a small bar / restaurant on the cliff top. This is the only bar on the area, so you'll understand why the two nearest beaches become very crowded at weekends.

Further round the headland you'll find the beaches of Caleta del Cangrio and Puerto Muelas. As these are a slightly further distance to travel to get to, if you're looking for a quieter beach then these might be the ones for you.

Playa Dorada, Playa Blanca

The Town of Playa Blanca has three main beaches. Playa Dorada is arguably the most popular. It's a vibrant beach with activities such as donut rides and Jet Skis and sits in front of the towns main commercial Center, The Centro Commercial Papagayo.

There is a breakwater here which keeps the waters around the beach relatively calm in most weather conditions. The water is clear and it's a great bay to swim and snorkel in. It's also a popular spot on the island for Stand Up Paddle, which you can do on your own or as an instructor driven lesson.

Playa de Famara, Famara

In the North of the Island you'll find the longest beach in Lanzarote, Playa de Famara. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Riscos de Famara, it stretches for over 5km.

The beach at Famara is world famous within the surfing and kite-surfing community. As you drive down into the village you'll see why. The waves are spectacular. The village itself is very much centred around water sports and surfing. As you drive or walk through, you'll see numerous surfing shops offering lessons, equipment rental and clothing.

Playa de las Cucharas, Costa Teguise

Split up into three sections, Playa de las Cucharas is the largest and most popular beach in Costa Teguise.

The sandy beach is popular with families and manned by life guards. As the beach is located on the East of the island, you'll be able to catch a stunning sunrise or two here, and the promenade that runs in line with the beach has a number of restaurants and bars.

The wind just off-shore, and out of the bay, makes Playa de las Cucharas a perfect spot for windsurfing Lanzarote .

Playa Chica, Puerto del Carmen Beach

For those of you who understand Spanish, as the name suggests this is only a small beach in Puerto del Carmen at just 90m long. But what a beach this is if you're into watersports. Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen is THE place to be if you want to try your hand at Scuba Diving in Lanzarote, Jet Ski rides and parascending. It many only be small, but there is certainly plenty going on at this beach.

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