Lanzarote Las Cucharas Beach

Playa de las Cucharas is the heart of Costa Teguise’s coastline, and a favourite with both locals and visitors alike. This long sweep of golden sand, stretching for about 650 metres along the east coast, is well known for its steady trade winds, making it a real hotspot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. At the same time, there are sheltered areas where families can swim and relax, and the beach is thoughtfully equipped with good access for those with limited mobility.

Over the years, the beach has found its own natural rhythm, with the northern end alive with colourful kites and windsurfers skimming across the waves, while the southern end remains peaceful, perfect for swimming and soaking up the sun. It’s a set-up that works beautifully, allowing everyone to enjoy their favourite way to spend a day by the sea.

Here at Las Cucharas, we are lucky to enjoy some of the most consistent trade winds on the island, with a steady cross-shore breeze from the northeast almost every day, particularly between May and September. These reliable conditions make it one of the best places in Europe for anyone keen to learn or improve their windsurfing skills. There are several well-established schools right on the beach, including the long-standing Windsurf Club Las Cucharas, which has been welcoming locals and visitors alike for many years and is highly regarded across Lanzarote.

If you are thinking of giving windsurfing a try, beginner lessons usually range from 40 to 60 euros for a two-hour session, with all the equipment included. Kitesurfing lessons are a little more, typically between 80 and 120 euros for three hours. The lagoon inside the reef is calm and shallow, which is ideal for those just starting out. You will find that any tumbles are into waist-deep water, not the open sea, which makes learning here much less daunting. For those with more experience, the area outside the reef offers stronger winds and waves to challenge your skills. Equipment hire is flexible, whether you want to book by the hour, half day or full day, and there are storage lockers available if you prefer to bring your own gear.

Las Cucharas is known for its wind sports, but there is plenty more to enjoy on the water here. On those gentle mornings before the breeze arrives, you will often see people gliding across the bay on stand-up paddleboards. Boards can be hired by the hour from the friendly kiosks dotted along the sand. If you fancy a bit of exploring, kayaks are available too, both single and double, so you can paddle along the coast towards Playa de Jablillo or take your time discovering the rocky shoreline. During the summer, you will also find pedalos for hire, perfect for a relaxed outing on the water.

In the busier months, you will often hear the laughter from banana boat rides setting off from the beach, always a favourite with families and groups of friends. If you enjoy snorkelling, the rocky edges of the bay and the nearby reefs are home to colourful wrasse, damselfish and, if you are lucky, the occasional cuttlefish. It is best to bring your own mask and snorkel, as there are not many places to hire gear right on the sand. For those keen to dive a little deeper, several local dive centres in Costa Teguise offer both boat and shore dives along the east coast, with convenient pick-up from the resort.

If you are visiting with family or simply looking for a peaceful swim, I always recommend heading to the southern end of the beach, far from the lively kite zone. Here, the water is shallow and usually calm, thanks to the shelter provided by natural rock formations. The sandy seabed makes it especially comfortable for children to paddle and play.

During the main season, you will find lifeguards on duty, offering extra peace of mind. If you have little ones or toddlers in tow, I suggest taking a gentle 10-minute stroll south along the coastal promenade to Playa de Jablillo. This charming, sheltered lagoon is a favourite among local families, with its rock pools, tranquil waters and barely a ripple in sight. It is, in my experience, the safest spot on the island for tiny children to paddle. If you continue a bit further south, Playa Bastian offers a quieter atmosphere and some enjoyable snorkelling around its rocky edges.

If you are visiting with family or just hoping for a peaceful swim, I usually suggest making your way to the southern end of the beach, well away from the bustle of the kite surfers. Down here, the water tends to be shallow and calm, sheltered by the natural rocks that line the shore. The soft, sandy seabed is perfect for little ones to paddle and play, and it is a spot that local families return to time and again.

During the main season, lifeguards are on hand, which always adds a little extra peace of mind. If you have young children with you, I often recommend a gentle ten-minute stroll south along the coastal promenade to Playa de Jablillo. This lovely, sheltered lagoon is a real favourite with local families, thanks to its rock pools, calm waters and the almost complete absence of waves. In my experience, it is the safest place on the island for little ones to paddle. If you wander a little further, Playa Bastian offers a quieter spot and some rewarding snorkelling around the rocks.

The seafront promenade here leads you straight to Pueblo Marinero, the heart of Costa Teguise and a lovely square created by Cesar Manrique. From there, it is easy to wander into the wider resort, where you will find a good mix of shops, restaurants and supermarkets. Along the beachfront, you can enjoy everything from traditional Canarian tapas to international favourites, all with the sound of the ocean in the background.

If you fancy a relaxing day by the sea, sunbeds and parasols are available for a small daily fee. You will find showers at the main beach entrances, which are handy after a swim. Parking is usually straightforward in the streets just behind the promenade or in the resort car parks, though it can get busy during the summer months. For those without a car, the number 1 bus makes it easy to reach both Arrecife and the airport. On Sundays, the Pueblo Marinero square comes alive with a bustling market, where you can browse local crafts and sample some delicious island produce.