Playa Blanca Beaches

Overview

Playa Blanca, situated on the southern tip of Lanzarote, is a popular destination for those seeking a relaxing beach holiday. Renowned for its beautiful, sheltered beaches with calm, clear waters, it's an excellent choice, particularly for families and couples. The resort offers a variety of beaches, ensuring there's something for everyone, and the sea is generally very calm and clear, making it ideal for swimming. While it's a fantastic spot for unwinding and enjoying the sun, those seeking high-adrenaline water sports might find it more laid-back compared to other destinations.

Among the highlights are the stunning, unspoilt coves of Playa De Papagayo, offering a truly scenic and natural beach experience. For those prioritizing convenience and a traditional town beach atmosphere, the centrally located Playa Blanca beach is ideal. Families with young children will appreciate the calm, sheltered waters of Playa Flamingo. If you're looking for golden sands and a wide array of watersports and amenities, Playa Dorada is a lively hub of activity. For a quieter escape, Playa de Montaña Roja offers a more secluded and peaceful experience.

Many visitors wonder about the accessibility of the famed Papagayo beaches; they can be reached by car via an unpaved road, by water taxi, or by a coastal walk. While the main town beaches can get busy, especially during peak seasons, their spaciousness and the option to explore the numerous coves of Papagayo mean you can often find a quieter spot. For more options, be sure to explore our longer list of beaches in Playa Blanca.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Playa Blanca a good destination for a beach holiday?

Yes, Playa Blanca is renowned for its beautiful, sheltered beaches with calm, clear waters, making it an excellent choice for a relaxing beach holiday, especially for families and couples seeking sun and gentle seas.

Playa Blanca

Which is the best beach in Playa Blanca for families with young children?

Playa Flamingo is often cited as the best beach for families with young children. Its breakwaters create a very calm, shallow lagoon-like area with soft golden sand, making it safe and enjoyable for toddlers. Playa Dorada is also a good, calm option with more space.

Playa Flamingo

Can you swim in the sea in Playa Blanca? What is the water like?

Absolutely. The sea in Playa Blanca is generally very calm and clear, particularly at the main resort beaches like Playa Dorada and Playa Flamingo, making it ideal for swimming. Water temperatures typically range from around 18°C (64°F) in winter to 23°C (73°F) in late summer.

Playa Flamingo

How do you get to the Papagayo beaches? Is it a difficult journey?

The Papagayo beaches can be accessed in a few ways: by car via a bumpy, unpaved toll road (a small fee per vehicle applies), by water taxi from Playa Blanca harbour, or by walking along coastal paths from the eastern end of Playa Blanca (this can take 30-60+ minutes). The drive is manageable for most cars but is slow and uneven.

Playa De Papagayo

Are there any beachfront hotels or accommodations right on the sand in Playa Blanca?

Several hotels in Playa Blanca are located very close to the beaches, offering direct or easy access, such as those along the promenades near Playa Dorada or Playa Flamingo. While not all rooms will be literally 'on the sand,' many provide a beachfront location or are separated only by the walkway. It's best to check specific hotel descriptions for 'beachfront' or 'seafront' access.

Playa Flamingo

Are there nudist beaches in Playa Blanca?

Yes, some of the more secluded coves within the Papagayo beaches Natural Monument are known for being naturist-friendly, particularly Playa del Pozo and parts of Playa Mujeres. Nudism is not practiced or permitted on the main town beaches like Playa Dorada or Playa Flamingo.

Playa del Pozo

Playa Mujeres

Playa Flamingo

What's the best time of year to visit Playa Blanca for beaches? Is it very windy?

Playa Blanca offers pleasant beach weather year-round. For the warmest sea temperatures, visit between June and October. While Lanzarote can experience wind (the 'alisios' trade winds), Playa Blanca is generally one of the more sheltered resorts on the island. However, breezy days can occur any time of year.

Playa Blanca

Are sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent on Playa Blanca beaches? How much do they typically cost?

Yes, on the main beaches such as Playa Dorada and Playa Flamingo, you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas. The cost is usually around €10 to €15 for a set of two loungers and an umbrella for the day, though prices can vary. The Papagayo beaches do not have these facilities.

Playa Flamingo

Which is better for beaches: Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise, or Puerto del Carmen?

Each resort offers different beach experiences. Playa Blanca is favored for its calmer, golden sand beaches and coves, ideal for relaxation and families. Puerto del Carmen has long stretches of sand and a livelier atmosphere. Costa Teguise has several beaches, some of which are popular for windsurfing. For picturesque, sheltered coves, Papagayo near Playa Blanca is often considered unique.

Playa Blanca

Playa De Papagayo

Are Playa Blanca's beaches usually crowded?

The main town beaches like Playa Dorada and Playa Flamingo can get busy, especially during peak holiday seasons (summer, Easter, Christmas). However, they are quite spacious. The Papagayo beaches can also be popular, but due to their number and spread, you can often find quieter spots, especially if you walk further.

Playa Flamingo

What are the main differences between Playa Dorada and Playa Flamingo?

Playa Dorada is a larger, wider beach with golden sand, located centrally and offering many amenities. Playa Flamingo is a smaller, crescent-shaped beach enclosed by breakwaters, creating very calm, lagoon-like conditions ideal for small children. Both have promenades with shops and restaurants.

Playa Flamingo

Is it easy to walk between the main beaches in Playa Blanca?

Yes, a well-maintained, scenic coastal promenade connects Playa Flamingo, the small central Playa Blanca beach, and Playa Dorada. This makes it very easy and pleasant to walk between them. You can also walk further east along coastal paths towards the Papagayo beaches, though this is a more rugged and longer trek.

Playa Flamingo

Playa Blanca

What kind of holiday is Playa Blanca best for if I love beaches? Is it more for relaxing or adventure?

Playa Blanca is primarily suited for relaxing beach holidays. Its calm, clear waters and well-maintained sandy beaches are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and families. While you can find some gentle watersports, it's not an adventure-focused beach destination known for surfing or intense activities. Exploring the Papagayo coves offers a mild sense of discovery.

Playa Blanca

Playa De Papagayo

Do I need special shoes for any of the beaches in Playa Blanca?

For the main town beaches like Playa Dorada and Playa Flamingo, which have soft sand, special shoes are not generally necessary. However, if you plan to walk the coastal paths to Papagayo or explore the rockier areas between coves, sturdy footwear like trainers or walking sandals is advisable. Water shoes can also be useful if you are sensitive to pebbles or rocks when entering the sea in some more natural spots.

Playa Flamingo

Are the Papagayo beaches suitable for people with mobility issues?

Access to the Papagayo beaches can be challenging for those with mobility issues. Reaching them by car involves a bumpy track, and from the car parks, there are often uneven paths and steps down to the sand. The walk from Playa Blanca is also over rugged terrain. Water taxis might be an option to get close, but disembarking onto the beach could still be difficult. The main town beaches like Playa Dorada and Playa Flamingo are much more accessible.

Playa De Papagayo

Playa Flamingo