Marina Rubicon

Marina Rubicon has long been one of our favourite spots in Playa Blanca, and it is a place I always look forward to returning to. Tucked away at the southern tip of Lanzarote, the marina looks out across the water towards Fuerteventura and Lobos, offering a peaceful setting with a lovely mix of small shops, waterfront restaurants, and a twice-weekly market. In the evenings, as the sun dips lower and the light takes on that soft, golden glow, the whole area feels especially inviting. Whether you are staying in Playa Blanca or just visiting for the day, I always suggest taking some time to wander around Marina Rubicon and soak up its unique atmosphere.

Even after countless evenings here, I never tire of watching the boats gently rocking in the harbour, listening to the soft clink of the masts, and catching the delicious aroma of seafood drifting from the terraces. Marina Rubicon always feels relaxed and welcoming. It has just the right amount of life without ever feeling crowded, and its elegance is matched by a genuine sense of comfort. The beauty here is effortless, and it is one of those places that keeps drawing you back.

Marina Rubicon has become a real favourite here in Playa Blanca since it opened in the early 2000s. It was created to give the resort a welcoming heart and a place to gather in the evenings, and it certainly delivers. The marina itself is home to around 500 boats, from small sailing yachts to the occasional superyacht, all gently bobbing in the sheltered waters on the sunny south coast. We are lucky here, as this part of Lanzarote enjoys some of the best weather on the island, with long, sun-filled days. The buildings around the marina have a lovely Canarian feel, with whitewashed walls, natural stone, terracotta touches and plenty of palms and bougainvillea adding colour and shade.

The marina curves around three sides of the harbour, with a wide, easy promenade that invites you to stroll at your own pace. Along the waterfront, you'll find a tempting mix of restaurants, bars and shops, many with terraces right by the water so you can relax just a few steps from the yachts. The western side is our favourite spot for watching the sun dip behind Fuerteventura, while the eastern side is perfect for a quiet morning coffee in the sunshine. At the southern tip, you can wander out along the breakwater for sweeping views of the coastline and the open sea. The whole area is flat, pedestrian-friendly and accessible, making it a pleasure to explore whether you want a gentle walk or a leisurely evening out.

Marina Rubicon is our favourite spot for boutique shopping in the south of Lanzarote. The selection here is a real step above the usual resort souvenir shops, with fashion boutiques offering a lovely mix of Spanish and international brands. You will find plenty of linen and resort wear that fits perfectly with the relaxed island lifestyle. There are also shops dedicated to Canarian products, from local wines grown in La Geria to Lanzarote cheeses, aloe vera goods and handmade crafts. Jewellery shops range from elegant pieces to unique artisan designs, and several small galleries showcase original art inspired by the island’s volcanic scenery.

While the shopping at Marina Rubicon is not vast, it is thoughtfully curated and always a pleasure to browse. This is a marina, after all, not a shopping centre, and that is part of its charm. Prices do reflect the more upmarket setting and are usually a little higher than what you might see along the main Playa Blanca strip, but the quality is noticeably better and you are far more likely to discover something truly special to take home. We always enjoy visiting the shops that focus on Lanzarote-made products, as they offer genuine island treasures you simply will not find in the usual tourist stores. Most shops stay open from morning into the evening, so it is easy to combine a little shopping with a relaxed lunch or dinner overlooking the water.

For many of us who know Playa Blanca well, dining at Marina Rubicon is a real pleasure and one of the highlights of life here. Over the years, the marina has earned its reputation for offering some of the finest waterfront restaurants you will find, not just in the resort but across Lanzarote. There is something for every taste, from elegant seafood restaurants with crisp white tablecloths and impressive wine lists, to friendly pizzerias, tapas bars, Indian restaurants and laid-back cafes. Unsurprisingly, fresh fish and seafood are the stars of the show, with the day's catch often displayed on ice outside the kitchens. One of our favourite traditions is to pick out a fish and have it cooked simply with a squeeze of lemon, a hint of garlic and a spoonful of Canarian mojo sauce, all while watching the gentle movement of boats in the harbour.

You will find a wonderful variety of cuisines here, from traditional Spanish and Canarian dishes to Italian favourites, Asian fusion, steakhouses and international menus that cater to all tastes. Prices tend to be a little higher than elsewhere on the island, with main courses usually between 14 and 25 euros, and a good bottle of local wine starting at around 15 euros. Some places offer a menú del día at lunchtime, which is a great way to enjoy the marina atmosphere at a more affordable price. Of course, what you are really paying for is the setting. There is something magical about sitting out on a warm evening, with the marina lights shimmering on the water and Fuerteventura glowing softly on the horizon. For the most popular spots, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings or if you want a table right by the water, it is wise to book ahead.

One of the real pleasures of living here is visiting the Marina Rubicon markets, which take place every Wednesday and Saturday morning from about 9am until 2pm. The stalls line the marina promenade, filling it with colour and a lively buzz that attracts people from all over Lanzarote. You will find everything from locally grown fruit and vegetables to Lanzarote cheeses, homemade jams, honey, spices, fresh bread, olives and other delicious treats. There are also plenty of artisan stalls offering handmade jewellery, leather goods, ceramics, woven textiles, candles, soaps and all sorts of unique crafts. Of course, you will also come across stalls with clothing, hats, sunglasses and the usual holiday bits and pieces.

There is always a lovely atmosphere at the market, with live music drifting through the air and the marina cafes and bars busy serving coffee, fresh orange juice or a well-earned mid-morning beer. For many of us, it is as much a social event as a shopping trip, and the mix of locals and visitors browsing side by side gives it a friendly, welcoming feel. I always suggest arriving by 10am if you can, so you have the best choice and can wander the stalls before the midday sun gets too strong. The Saturday market is usually a little bigger and busier than the one on Wednesday. It is a good idea to bring some cash, as not every stallholder takes cards, although more are starting to. If you are looking for a genuine Lanzarote souvenir, this is the place to find something special—much more memorable than anything you will see in the resort shops.

While Playa Blanca itself has just a handful of boat trips, Marina Rubicon stands out as the heart of sea excursions in the south of Lanzarote. Here, you can set off on a relaxed adventure along our striking volcanic coastline, with most trips including time for a swim, snorkelling gear, and a light lunch or drinks served on deck. Whether you choose a half-day or a full-day outing, you will find the catamarans spacious and comfortable, perfect for soaking up the sun and sea air.

From the marina, you will also find deep-sea fishing charters for those keen to try their luck with tuna, marlin or wahoo in the rich Atlantic waters. Dolphin and whale watching trips are a real highlight, often spotting playful bottlenose dolphins and, with a bit of luck, glimpsing migrating whales in the strait between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. For something a little more special, there are private yacht charters, sailing trips and sunset cruises, each offering a different way to enjoy the sea. Families and anyone who prefers to stay dry might enjoy the glass-bottom boat tours, which give a window onto the underwater world. You can book most trips directly at the marina, through your hotel, or online. Prices vary, but a standard half-day Lanzarote catamaran trip usually costs between 35 and 55 euros per adult.

If you ask us, there are few places on Lanzarote that do sunset quite like Marina Rubicon. Thanks to its south-facing spot and those wide open views to the west, most evenings here are blessed with a truly beautiful show as the sun sinks towards the horizon, colouring the sky with soft oranges, pinks and purples while the boats in the harbour become gentle silhouettes. Sitting with a cocktail or a glass of Lanzarote wine at one of the waterfront bars, watching the sun go down, is one of those simple pleasures we always recommend to friends and visitors alike. It never gets old.

The western promenade is where you’ll find the best sunset views, with outdoor terraces that start to fill up about an hour before the sun goes down. Cocktails here are always well made, usually between 8 and 12 euros, and a glass of local wine is typically 4 to 6 euros. As the sun sets, there’s a lovely atmosphere: gentle conversation, the sound of glasses clinking, soft lighting taking over from the last of the daylight, and the boats rocking quietly in their moorings. Once the sun has dipped below the horizon, the marina takes on a different feel, with restaurant terraces filling up and people wandering along the promenade for a relaxed after-dinner stroll. The lighting throughout the marina is warm and inviting, giving the whole area a gentle glow. It’s a wonderful spot for a romantic evening, a special meal, or just a few peaceful hours in a place that always feels welcoming.

Marina Rubicon sits at the eastern edge of Playa Blanca, an easy 15 to 20 minute stroll from the town centre along the seafront promenade. If you prefer, a short taxi ride will bring you right to the marina entrance, where you will find free parking if you are driving. The journey from Puerto del Carmen takes around half an hour by car, and from Costa Teguise it is about 45 minutes. Local buses also link Playa Blanca with the other resorts, and the nearest stop is just a short walk away.

If you are planning a visit to Marina Rubicon, I always recommend coming on a Wednesday or Saturday morning when the market is in full swing. It is the perfect opportunity to browse the stalls and then enjoy a leisurely seafood lunch overlooking the water. Later in the day, the marina takes on a different charm. Arrive in the late afternoon to wander through the shops, watch the sun dip behind the yachts with a drink in hand, and settle in for dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants. Families will find plenty to enjoy here, as children love watching the boats and running along the wide promenade. Many of the restaurants are welcoming to families and offer children's menus. The marina is easy to navigate with pushchairs or wheelchairs, and you will find public toilets close to the market area. For a special evening out, Marina Rubicon is one of my favourite places on the island for a memorable dinner.