Lanzarote has golden sand beaches, black sand beaches, and beaches where the sand is white because it's actually crushed shells. It has hidden coves where there isn't even a chiringuito (beach bar) and natural lava pools where the water sits still as a bathtub. And it also has some spectacular beaches where you should never swim.
That's the problem with "best beaches" lists: they show you a gorgeous photo and don't tell you there's a rip current there, or that the wind will sandblast your back, or that there isn't a scrap of shade for three kilometres.
This guide is organised by type of plan: family, surf, unspoilt coves, volcanic, urban. Pick your category and go straight there.
General warning that applies to the whole island: there's barely any shade anywhere, the trade wind blows almost constantly and the sea has real power. Bring water, a parasol and some respect. And remember the sea is warmer in September and October than in August. Best time to visit Lanzarote »
The unspoilt ones: Papagayo and the coves of Los Ajaches
The best beaches in Lanzarote, no argument there. At the southern tip, within a protected natural area, lies a string of golden coves with turquoise water tucked between ochre cliffs: Papagayo, Playa Mujeres, Caleta del Congrio, Playa del Pozo, Puerto Muelas.
No hotels. No promenade. No nothing. Just the sand, the cliff, and the Atlantic — with Fuerteventura sitting right opposite.
What you need to know:
- You get there via a dirt track, and there's a small access fee per vehicle.
- Barely any facilities. Bring water, food and a parasol.
- No natural shade. None whatsoever.
- They're sheltered from the wind, which makes them the best option on the island during the strong trade wind months (July and August).
- Go in the morning: at midday in summer there's a queue of cars waiting to get in.
- The biggest and most famous is Papagayo; if you find it packed, walk ten minutes to the next cove and you'll pretty much have it to yourself.
Getting around Lanzarote » (yes, you'll need a car; and yes, check whether your insurance covers dirt tracks)
The family-friendly ones: calm water, no surprises
Caletón Blanco (Órzola)
Our favourite for kids, and one of the prettiest sights on the island: tongues of pure white sand set among black lava flows, forming shallow natural pools of clear, warm water. Little ones can spend hours here. The black-and-white contrast is Lanzarote at its most iconic.
Playa de la Garita (Arrieta)
Golden sand, calm waters, and a fishing village right next door with great spots for fresh fish. It's the north's "settle in for the day" beach, and it works just as well with family as without.
Playa del Jablillo (Costa Teguise)
Small, protected by a breakwater, with water as flat as a plate. This is where kids learn to swim and where beginners try their first snorkel.
Playa del Reducto (Arrecife)
The capital's urban beach: golden sand, blue flag, sheltered, with the city right behind it. Perfect if you're staying in Arrecife or have a free afternoon to fill.
Punta Mujeres
Not really a beach: it's a set of natural rock pools in a charming whitewashed village. Swimming here, with the Atlantic crashing a metre away and the water dead calm, is one of those things you just have to experience.
The surf and wind spots
Playa de Famara
The most spectacular beach in Lanzarote, full stop. Six kilometres of golden sand at the foot of the Risco de Famara, a 600-metre cliff that plunges straight into the sea. It's the island's surf capital and home to one of the best sunsets in the Canaries.
⚠️ Serious warning: Famara has strong currents and a treacherous seabed. This is not a beach for a casual dip, and there have been real scares here. It's for surfing with a school, strolling, flying kites and taking photos. If you do go in, do it with care and check the flags first.
Playa de las Cucharas (Costa Teguise)
The island's windsurfing hub. Steady wind, schools, equipment hire. Fine for a swim; excellent for sailing.
Matagorda (Puerto del Carmen)
Wind, kitesurfing and planes landing right overhead. Sounds odd; it's spectacular.
Hiking routes in Lanzarote » (the Risco de Famara from up top is a whole different story)
The volcanic ones: to look at, not to swim in
Playa de Janubio
Black sand, rough seas, and right next door, the Salinas de Janubio with their pink-tinged pools. At sunset it's one of the best photos in Lanzarote. Dangerous currents: don't swim here.
El Golfo
The black sand beach next to Charco de los Clicos, that impossibly green lagoon. It's a viewpoint, not a beach day: you can't go down to the lagoon and the sea breaks hard here.
Playa de la Cantería (Órzola)
At the foot of the mountain, with views of the Risco. Wild, beautiful, and with serious swell. For strolling, not swimming.
The urban ones: everything within easy reach
Puerto del Carmen offers the island's best combo of beach + facilities: Playa Grande (the big one, with a promenade, lifeguard and restaurants), Los Pocillos (wider and quieter) and Playa Chica, tiny but the go-to spot for snorkelling and diving — there's good reef just metres from the shore.
Playa Blanca, in the south, has Playa Dorada and Playa Flamingo, both sheltered, calm and very family-friendly, with the town right there.
Both are the answer if you're travelling with young kids and don't fancy hauling a cool box out to some remote cove. Neither is spectacular; both are convenient.
And the gem: the beaches of La Graciosa
A 25-minute ferry from Órzola and you're on the eighth island: no paved roads, sandy streets, and practically untouched beaches. La Francesa and La Cocina are postcard-perfect with calm water. Las Conchas is the most stunning of all… and has very strong currents: look at it, photograph it, and don't get complacent.
The quick-reference table
If you want… Go to…
The best beach on the islandPapagayo and the coves of Los AjachesYoung kidsCaletón Blanco, El Jablillo, Playa DoradaSurfFamara (with a school)Windsurfing / kitesurfingLas Cucharas, MatagordaSnorkelling and divingPlaya Chica (Puerto del Carmen)Stunning photosJanubio at sunset, Famara, El GolfoEverything nearbyPuerto del Carmen, Playa BlancaFeeling like the only person on earthLa GraciosaVery windy daysThe south: Papagayo, Playa Blanca
FAQs
What's the best beach in Lanzarote?
Can you swim at Famara?
Are there black sand beaches?
When's the sea warmest?
Are there beaches sheltered from the wind?
Do you have to pay to get into Papagayo?
Are there nudist beaches?
Where should you stay to have them nearby?
Here's the catch: the best beaches are in the south, and the prettiest ones for families are in the north. Nobody gets them all on their doorstep. That's why it's worth choosing your base with an eye on what kind of beach you want each day — rather than the other way round.
We're gradually publishing an area-by-area guide on the blog, and little by little, our own recommendations on LanzaStay, our directory of places to stay on the island.
On an island of black lava, the best joke Lanzarote plays on you is this: golden sand, turquoise coves, and a beach made of white shells. Here you can have breakfast staring at a volcano and go for a swim in postcard-perfect water by midday. You just need to know which one's yours for the day.
What's your favourite beach in Lanzarote? And which one have we left out? 👇