Lanzarote Beaches

Living here on Lanzarote, I am still amazed by the variety of our coastline. In the south, you will find peaceful golden coves perfect for a quiet swim, while the west coast offers striking black-sand beaches shaped by the Atlantic. 

There truly is a spot for everyone, whether you are seeking gentle waters for the family, steady breezes for kitesurfing, or a secluded cove to enjoy in peace. I have put together this guide to help you discover the beaches that locals and visitors alike return to again and again.

If you’re anything like me, the first thing you want to do when you arrive in Lanzarote is kick off your shoes and feel the sand between your toes. And if you’re staying in Puerto del Carmen, you’re truly spoilt for choice. This stretch of coast is a sun-lover’s dream; each beach with its own personality, its own little secrets, and its own reasons to come back, again and again.

Let’s take a stroll from the Old Town, along the buzzing Avenida de las Playas, all the way down to laid-back Matagorda. I’ll give you the inside scoop on what makes each beach special, so you can find your perfect spot by the sea.

Playa Chica

Tucked away at the foot of Puerto del Carmen’s cliffside Old Town, Playa Chica might not be the biggest beach in town, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in charm. Locals love it for a morning swim, and it’s a favourite with divers thanks to the vibrant underwater world just offshore. 

The golden sand shelves gently into crystal-clear water, and if you get peckish, you’re only a few steps from some of the best tapas bars around. My tip: pack a snorkel, and keep your eyes peeled for angel sharks and colourful parrotfish.

Playa Grande

Stroll east and you’ll find Playa Grande, the beating heart of the resort. This is the place for families, friends, and anyone who loves a bit of holiday buzz. It’s wide, sandy, and stretches for nearly a kilometre. There’s always space to spread your towel, build a sandcastle, or just bask in the sun. 

The water is usually calm, lifeguards keep an eye out, and the promenade behind is packed with cafés, ice-cream stands, and shady terraces. If you’re up early, catch the sunrise here; there’s no better way to start your day.

Playa de los Pocillos

As you wander further, the beaches open up. Playa de los Pocillos is a vast sweep of sand, perfect if you like a bit more elbow room. On windy days, you’ll see locals flying kites or windsurfing, but even at the height of summer, you’ll always find a quiet spot. It’s a favourite for long walks with the ocean breeze in your hair, and at low tide, the sand stretches out forever. Pop across the road for a cold drink and watch the world go by.

Playa de Matagorda

At the far east end of Puerto del Carmen lies Playa de Matagorda, a relaxed, friendly beach where things move at their own gentle pace. It’s popular with families, couples, and anyone looking for a little peace and quiet. The sand is soft, the water is inviting, and the boardwalk behind is great for a sunset stroll. You’ll hear a dozen different languages drifting on the breeze, but everyone’s here for the same reason: to unwind and enjoy Lanzarote’s slower side.

Playa de las Cucharas is the main beach here and a top spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Playa de Jablillo is a small, sheltered lagoon-style beach ideal for young children. Playa Bastian, slightly further south, tends to be less crowded and has good snorkelling around its rocky edges.

Playa del Ancla

You might need a local’s directions to find Playa del Ancla, but that’s part of its magic. Tucked away just west of the main resort, this sheltered cove is favoured by Lanzaroteños, especially at weekends. With volcanic rocks framing a pocket of golden sand and calm, clear water, it’s perfect for a morning dip or a laid-back picnic. There’s a diving platform if you’re feeling brave, and plenty of room to spread out your towel and let the world drift by.

Playa Bastián

Head east and you’ll find Playa Bastián, a crescent of soft sand and smooth pebbles, lined with palm trees and sheltered by breakwaters. This is where locals gather for a sunset swim, and you’ll often see families and regulars chatting on the promenade. The vibe is chilled, the sea is usually calm, and the nearby cafés have some of the best homemade tapas in town. It’s our go-to spot when I want to read a book with the sound of the Atlantic in the background.

Playa del Jablillo

Tucked between two stone piers, Playa del Jablillo is a little lagoon of turquoise water, that's so clear you can count the fish from the shore. It’s a favourite with snorkellers and families with young children, thanks to its gentle shallows and shelter from the waves. On a still day, the water’s like glass. Take your mask and snorkel, paddle out a little, and you’ll be swimming with colourful parrotfish and shy octopus. There are showers and sunbeds nearby, plus a couple of friendly cafés for a cold drink after your swim.

Playa de las Cucharas

This is Costa Teguise’s main event; the big sandy sweep where everyone comes to play. If you love windsurfing, you’ll already know about Las Cucharas: the trade winds make this one of Europe’s top spots for the sport. Even if you’re just watching from the comfort of your sunbed, the sailboats and surfers put on quite a show. The sand is soft, the sea is lively but safe, and there’s always something happening along the promenade, from craft markets to live music. Lifeguards keep watch, and you’ll find plenty of places to grab an ice-cream or a fresh seafood lunch.

Playa de Los Charcos

If you fancy a bit more space, stroll east to Los Charcos. This beach is all about big skies, open sand, and an easy-going atmosphere. The wind can pick up here, making it a favourite with kite surfers and walkers, but there’s always a quiet spot to call your own. The waters are shallow and the beach is bordered by low volcanic walls, ideal for finding shelter from the breeze. It’s a great spot for families, and the sunsets here are something special.

If you’re searching for Lanzarote’s softest sands, sunniest skies, and a seafront promenade that seems to go on forever, Playa Blanca is the spot for you. Down here on the island’s southern tip, life moves at just the right pace: slow enough to savour, lively enough to keep things fun. Whether you’re a regular or it’s your first visit, each beach in Playa Blanca has its own personality, and all are worth discovering.

Playa Blanca Beach

Right in the centre of town, this small, golden-sand beach is a hub of local life. Fishermen’s boats bob gently just offshore, and the wide promenade is alive with chatter from cafés and ice cream shops. 

The water here is calm and shallow, making it perfect for little ones to paddle while parents watch from a shady terrace. This is the spot for a lazy morning swim before a wander through the shops, or a sunset stroll with the sound of laughter and live music drifting on the breeze.

Playa Dorada

A short walk east brings you to Playa Dorada, one of the resort’s most popular stretches. The sand is pale and soft, the water is a luminous turquoise, and the gentle curve of the bay offers shelter from the wind. Sunbeds and umbrellas are lined up and ready, while out on the water you’ll spot paddle boarders, banana boats, and the occasional jet ski carving up the bay. 

It’s lively but never usually over-crowded, and there are plenty of bars and snack spots just a few steps from the sand. My advice: rent a pedal boat and glide out for a postcard view of the whole resort.

Playa Flamingo

Head west from the centre and you’ll find Playa Flamingo, a favourite with families and anyone looking for a bit more space. Breakwaters keep the water calm, so it’s ideal for swimming and splashing, and the sand here is as soft as it comes. 

Palm trees provide a little shade, and the promenade behind is home to some great local restaurants (perfect for a long, lazy lunch after a morning in the sea). There’s a playground nearby, and lifeguards keep watch during the day, so parents can relax while the kids build sandcastles.

Playa de la Mulata & Playa Montana Roja

Continue further west and you’ll stumble across the smaller local bays of Playa de la Mulata and Playa Montana Roja. These aren’t as manicured as the main resort beaches, but that’s exactly their charm. You’ll often have them to yourself, especially in the morning. Great for a quiet swim, a bit of rock pooling, or just sitting back and watching the distant ferries glide across to Fuerteventura.

The Papagayo Beaches

If you’re after a true postcard moment, make your way east to the famous Papagayo coves. These beaches, Playa de Papagayo, Playa Mujeres, Playa del Pozo, and a handful of others, are reached by a bumpy dirt track or a coastal walk, but every step is worth it. 

Think powdery white sand, emerald water, and rugged volcanic cliffs all around. There are no sunbeds or beach bars here (just a simple chiringuito above Papagayo itself), so bring everything you need and settle in for a day of wild beauty. The snorkeling here is the best on the island, and the sunsets, with the cliffs glowing pink and gold, are nothing short of magical.

Famara has a magic all its own, set along Lanzarote’s wild northwest coast. This is not the sort of beach where you’ll find rows of sunloungers or ice cream stalls. Instead, you’ll discover a long stretch of golden sand beneath the dramatic Risco de Famara cliffs, where the Atlantic often puts on a lively display. On breezy days, the waves roll in and the air is filled with salt spray, reminding you just how powerful and beautiful nature can be here.

Swimming at Playa Famara is best left to confident swimmers, as the currents can be strong and the waves are not to be underestimated. This is a beach for those who appreciate the untamed side of the ocean, and it’s a favourite with surfers from across Europe thanks to its reliable swell. Whether you’re out on the water or simply watching from the sand, there’s always something to see, and the energy of the place is infectious.

Just behind the beach you’ll find Caleta de Famara, a small village of whitewashed houses and sandy lanes where it’s not unusual to see locals wandering barefoot. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with surf shops, welcoming schools for beginners, and cafés where you can enjoy a coffee or some fresh seafood while watching the waves. Life here has its own gentle rhythm, always accompanied by the sound of the sea. It’s the sort of place you might visit for an afternoon, only to find yourself wanting to linger much longer.