15+ Best Beaches in Lanzarote (with photos + map) – Inspiring!

Looking for the best beaches in Lanzarote ? Below is my complete guide with map and pictures, including:

• the most scenic beaches,
• the quiet "secret" beaches of Lanzarote, 
• the most practical beaches with facilities,
• the best beach for a romantic sunset,
• the beach houses and resorts in Lanzarote,
• ...

Let's see where you are going to spend some time on your next vacation!

// In this article, no ads, no sponsored posts. Just some affiliate links.
If you purchase through them, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (Disclosure).

Since I prefer photographing scenery over sunbathing, I am starting with the most scenic beaches to admire in Lanzarote which I have also included in my top things to do in Lanzarote.

1. Papagayo Beach

Why visit Papagayo beach?

Among the most scenic beaches in Lanzarote is the famous Playa de Papagayo. Located in the wild area in the South of the island, it is a beautiful cove with golden sand and emerald water. Thanks to the steep cliffs around, you are sheltered from the wind.
It is the oldest part of the island, geologically speaking and it has fascinating colours.
According to many website it is the best beach in Lanzarote, well the most beautiful. I agree that it has something special, probably due to its age and desert-like landscape.

Good to know:

• Good for sunbathing and floating
• Not easy to access - 40min walk from East Playa Blanca or boat or bumpy dirt track
• 2 bars at Papagayo, no other facilities
• Very busy in peak season from mid-day
• Easy parking (once you have driven the dirt track)
• See more photos and info on my article about the Papagayo Beaches

Staying near Papagayo beach:

Papagayo is a wild beach. There are no hotels at the beach
The closest places to stay are in the resort town of Playa Blanca. Check out the best rated accommodations in Playa Blanca.

2. Famara Beach

Why visit Famara beach?

Famara Beach is one of the rare beaches on the West Coast of Lanzarote, because it is either covered with lava or with cliffs. Famara is at the foot of the cliff, a large expanse of sand with small sand dunes. It is considered a photographers' paradise, especially at sunset when the cliffs are hit by the sun, changing colour and reflecting on the wet sand.
It is said that Famara was one of César Manrique's favorite places. And it is definitively one of the best Lanzarote beaches

Good to know:

• Not good for swimming
• Many surfers and windsurfers
• Many photographers at sunset - this is the place to be!
• Lots of parking spaces along the sand dunes
• There is nothing right on the beach but the Village of La Caleta de Famara at the South end has some restaurants.

Staying near Famara beach:

Famara has a little village and a "holiday village" with rental options. Check out the best rated accommodations in Famara.
I stayed just a few minute drive from Famara in a quiet and isolated guesthouse. Loved it! Check out Finca Las Laderas.

3. El Golfo

Why visit El Golfo beach?

This one is definitively not for swimming and sunbathing, but it is one of the most fascinating places in Lanzarote. The half volcano crater meets the ocean and inside, a lagoon has formed and turned green due to the combination of Sulfur and an algae.
The colours are spectacular as well, especially at sunset, with the black sand, red and yellow rocks and green lake. They have set up a platform for you to admire the scenery.

Good to know:

• Not for swimming
• Easy parking
• Restaurant at the bottom of the carpark and in the town nearby
• Learn more about the Green lagoon

Staying near El Golfo beach:

The village of El Golfo on the West coast is considered one of the most romantic places to stay in Lanzarote because you can watch sunset every evening. Check out the accommodations in El Golfo.

Now I am going the cheat a little. Because my selection of the next 3 beaches are not technically on Lanzarote. They are on a smaller island North of Lanzarote called La Graciosa.
As I said, Lanzarote does not have a lot of sand so the beach there are not the dreamier. If you are looking for fine sand and turquoise water, I recommend taking the ferry from Orzola to get to La Graciosa and hire a 4WD taxi to reach one of its amazing beaches.
Book your ferry ride here

4. Playa Francesa

Why visit Playa Francesa beach?

It is the most visited beaches on the island because it can be reached on foot from the ferry pier. It is a beautiful round beach with Montana Amarilla in the background. Quite a dreamy location to spend the day, isn't it?

Good to know:

• To reach the beach, you can either walk for under 1 hour (partly in the sand) along the water and lagoon like area or take one of the 4WD taxis
• There are no roads on La Graciosa
• There are no facilities and nothing at the beach. Take all you need
• Bring plenty of water, there is absolutely no shade there or on the way.

5. Playa Amarilla

Why visit Amarilla beach?

This is the most sheltered beach on La Graciosa. IT is right at the foot of Montana Amarilla with its yellow/orange rocky side shaped by the wind and water.
The contrast of the water and the volcano is mesmerizing.

Good to know:

• You have to walk up and down from Playa Francesa to reach this beach. Wear proper shoes because the walk down is a little slippery
• No facilities at all
• Bring plenty of water, there is absolutely no shade there or on the way.
• The 4WD cannot take you there. It stops at Playa Francesa

6. Playa de las Conchas 

Why visit La Conchas beach?

If you are looking of an even wilder beach with lots of space, I recommend going to La Conchas at the North West end of La Graciosa.
Hire a 4WD taxi to get you there.
There is a vast expanse of golden sand facing Isla de Montana Clara. 
Photographers will love the sand dunes and the intense colours.

Good to know:

• For those looking for a peaceful environment
• No facilities at all
• If you don't take the 4WD taxi, the walk will be very long under the harsh sun!

Staying in La Graciosa

If you want peaceful holidays, far from the crowds and easier access to those beaches, you can spend the night in La Graciosa; There are a few accommodation options to choose from. Check them out.

Don't like the big crowds? Looking for the quietest beaches in Lanzarote?
Well, because of the low number of beaches, there is always people everywhere, especially in high season. But below are a few options where you can feel a bit more quite.

7. Quemada Beach

Why visit Quemada beach?

Quemada is a small fishing village on the East Coast of Lanzarote, South of Puerto del Carmen.
The main area is black peeble, but if you walk of the South side, under the hills, you can find some black sand to settle on.
The area is great for a lunch break with good fish and tapas rich by the sea.

Good to know:

• The sandy are is sheltered from the wind, which is a great bonus in the Canary islands
• No facilities but there are restaurants in the small village

8. North Caletones

Why visit the North Caletones?

On the North shore of Lanzarote, is an area mixing white sand with black lava rock. It is quite fascinating. There are several areas where you can park and walk down by the water. The contrasts of colours are great and there is hardly anyone.
Most of them are not really practical to lay down or swim because of the volcanic rock, but you can stop at Caleton Blanco where you can find a shallow lagoon which is great to refresh on a hot day.
A hidden gem off the beaten track (see my list).

Good to know:

• Small parking areas by the road on the way to Orzola (often opposite the sea) and a large carpark at the lagoon
• The GPS coordinates of all those spots are in my eBook: Explore and Photograph Lanzarote
• No facilities
• Shallow waters at the lagoon great for soaking

If you are looking for sandy area ideal for sunbathing and without the people walking around in the middle of the town, the best beaches in Lanzarote would be the neighbours to Papagayo (which I mentioned in #1): the main one is Playa Mujeres, and then you have a series of other coves

9 & 10. Playa Mujeres,  Playa del Pozo and neighbours

Why visit Playa Mujeres beach?

Playa Mujeres is a long stretch of golden sand with great emerald waters. 
It is between Playa Banca and the famous Papagayo Beach. 

Next to it are another sandy coves. The biggest one is Playa del Pozo

Good to know:

• There is a carpark at Playa Mujeres, but none for the other beaches until Playa de Papagayo
• You have to pay to reach it by car
• You can easily walk from Playa Blanca to this beach
• No facilities
  Not much shade of protection from the sun
• Those beaches are shared with nudists
• Learn more on my Papagayo beaches article

Staying in Lanzarote near the Papagayo Beaches

Papagayo is a wild beach. There are no hotels at the beaches
The closest places to stay are in the resort town of Playa Blanca. Check out the best rated accommodations in Playa Blanca.

If you want to have all the facilities nearby and don't mind the crowds, then the best beaches in Lanzarote for you are the ones in the resort towns.
I thought the most beautiful ones were in Playa Blanca, which is one of the great places to stay in Lanzarote

11. Beaches in Playa Blanca

Playa Blanca has a few sandy areas, some are really not big.
The most famous ones are Playa Flamingo and Playa Dorada.
They are right by the promenade that goes all the way along the waterfront to the Rubicon Marina.
And then you can walk to the Papagayo beaches

 See best rated accommodations in Playa Blanca

12. Beaches in Puerto del Carmen

Puerto del Carmen is the largest resort town in Lanzarote. It has the biggest beaches right in town.
It is very crowded at high season but you can find some great options at other times.
You can opt for big sandy area that is Playa Grande, or little rocky coves depending on your preferences.

• Playa Grande is 1.2km of sand with normally calm water and amenities
• Playa Chica is a very small coves with volcanic rocks on each side, so it is great for snorkelling
• Smaller coves, just walk along the water front and take side streets
• To the North of Puerto del Carmen is a large expanse of sand: Matagorda Beach I did not find it very enjoyable, but it might be better during high season

See best rated accommodations in Puerto del Carmen

13. Beaches in Costa Teguise

Costa Teguise is a smaller town resort North of the Capital City. It is a great location to explore the whole island. And it has a couple of enjoyable beaches with large carparks.

• Playa Cucharas is the main beach - you have all amenities and restaurants around. Nice sand and easy swimming area. It is also appreciated by windsurfers
• Los Charcos is another cove to the North. It has no facilities but that means it is less crowded...
• Playa Jabillo is protected by volcanic rock, so it feels almost like a natural pool

See best rated accommodations in Costa Teguise

14. Beaches in Arrecife

I would not go to Arrecife just to go to the beach. But if you are staying there, the central beach is really great with shallow waters and fine sand.

Beach + Sunset is really fantastic.

So let's go back for a minute to Famara beach, our #2. I want to show you why it is worth visiting at sunset time, especially at low tide.
If you look towards the North, the cliffs are reflecting on the sand and turning pink and orange

And if you look towards the South, you can see the sun setting on the volcanoes....

Lanzarote Beaches - Map & video

Lanzarote is actually not the best of the Canary Islands for beaches since a lot of the coast is covered by volcanic soil and sand is not prominent on the island.
But it is a great place to combine beaches with nature, architecture and art. This is why I love Lanzarote.
Below is a map to help you understand the location of most of the main beaches in Lanzarote:

Here is a short video to give you a snapshot of touring the best Lanzarote beaches:

Want to stay right by the beach in Lanzarote? Below are a few options for you:

Resorts

There are many resorts that are located right by beaches in the the towns. For example: 

• Princesa Yaiza Suite Resort in Playa Blanca - Fantastic location and stunning design right by the most beautiful beach in Playa Blanca - Check out photos and latest prices
• Barceló Teguise Beach right by La Cucharas beach, dinner inclusive, great facilities - Check out photos and latest prices

Appartments

Lanzarote has a lot of apartments to rent; it is a great option when staying for a week and looking the save some money and eat more reasonably 🙂 For example:

• Apartamento Blue Turtle by Playa Grande in Puerto del Carmen - Check out photos and availability
• Casa Linda, right by La Cucharas in Costa Teguise - Check out photos and availability

Villas

The seafront is often more with larger buildings, so villas tend to be a few minutes more away from the beach. But you can still be very close. For example:

• Villa Sontrobat in Puerto del Carmen - Check out photos and availability
• Villa Caracoles, by the sea in the South of Costa Teguise - Check out photos and availability

Or check out my complete guide on where to stay in Lanzarote.

Nudist beaches in Lanzarote

Apart in the towns, most of the wilder beaches in Lanzarote are shared with naturists : Papagayo area, Famara,...
There is one 100% nudist resort in Charco del Palo in the North East coast: Finca del Mar.
More info here

Dangers

There are no animal dangers on the Lanzarote beaches. Jellyfishes are a rare occurence.
Your main danger is the sun, any time of the year. Lanzarote is often windy, so you don't always realise how harsh the sun is. Protect yourself and don't spend all day on the beach. And keep hydrated!

You can have never ending discussions about going to Fuerteventura or Lanzarote.

My opinion is that for an overall great time with nature, architecture and beaches, Lanzarote is the best destinations.
But if you want a pure beach holiday, then Fuerteventura has the best beaches. Below are a few:

Jandia Lagoon (South)

In the South east coast is the impressive Jandia area with large expanse of fine sand and a beautiful lagoon. 

El Cotillo (North West)

North West are the popular beaches of El Cotillo. Great sand and safe area to stay with the kids. Close of a small town with restaurants.

Corralejo Sand dunes (North East)

And you also have, of course, the famous Corralejo sand dune park in the North East. The road goes though the dunes. Sometimes you have to walk to reach the sea, but sometimes (as in the photo above), the beach is right by the road.

Want to see more of the CANARY ISLANDS?