Are there any beaches directly in Guatiza?
Guatiza itself is a small inland village and doesn't have beaches directly in the main village. However, the municipal area of Guatiza extends to the coast, where you can find some coastal spots like the small cove known as El Bañadero de Guatiza or Playa de Guatiza near Los Cocoteros, and the Cueva del Agua natural pool. These are more rugged and natural than typical tourist beaches.
How far is Guatiza from the main sandy beaches like Costa Teguise or Arrieta?
Guatiza is relatively close to several popular sandy beaches. Costa Teguise, known for beaches like Playa de las Cucharas and Playa Bastián, is about a 10-15 minute drive (around 8-12 km) to the south. Arrieta, with its popular Playa de la Garita, is about a 10-minute drive (around 6 km) to the north.
What are the closest swimming spots to Guatiza if I don't want to go to a big beach?
Near Guatiza, in the coastal area of Los Cocoteros (part of Guatiza's municipality), you'll find natural swimming spots. Cueva del Agua (also known as La Olla) is a notable natural volcanic pool. There's also a small cove called El Bañadero de Guatiza (or Playa de Guatiza), which offers calmer waters. These are more rustic and natural than developed beaches.
Can you swim in the sea near Guatiza? What's the water like?
Yes, you can swim in the sea at the coastal spots near Guatiza, such as El Bañadero de Guatiza and the natural pools like Cueva del Agua. The water is generally clear. El Bañadero is a small cove, often sheltered from strong winds, making for calmer waters. Natural pools like Cueva del Agua offer a unique swimming experience in seawater, but it's advisable to wear water shoes due to rocks and sea urchins. Always be mindful of sea conditions, especially in more exposed natural areas.
Is Guatiza a good place to stay for a beach holiday?
Guatiza offers a quieter, more rural Canarian experience away from the main tourist resorts. While not directly on a major sandy beach, it can be a good base if you have a car and prefer a peaceful retreat after a day at the nearby beaches (like those in Costa Teguise or Arrieta, both a short drive away). It's ideal for those who want to combine some beach time with exploring the cultural and natural attractions of northern Lanzarote, such as the Cactus Garden.
What's the best way to get to the beaches from Guatiza?
The most convenient way to reach beaches from Guatiza is by car. Car rentals are widely available in Lanzarote and give you the flexibility to explore various beaches. Public buses (guaguas) also operate, connecting Guatiza to places like Arrecife (where you can transfer to Costa Teguise) and Teguise town. For Arrieta, you might need to check specific local bus routes or consider a taxi if not driving.
Are the beaches near Guatiza good for families with children?
Playa de la Garita in Arrieta (approx. 10 min drive north) is generally considered family-friendly, with golden sand and relatively calm waters, plus amenities like a play park and restaurants. Beaches in Costa Teguise (approx. 10-15 min drive south), such as Playa Bastián and Playa Jablillo (a smaller, sheltered cove), are also popular with families. Playa de las Cucharas is larger and good for older children interested in water sports.
Are there any nudist beaches or areas near Guatiza?
Yes, Charco del Palo, located a short drive north of Guatiza (near Mala), is a well-known naturist village with several rocky coves and natural pools where nudism is common and accepted throughout the village. Some Airbnb listings also mention that nudism is welcome in parts of Charco del Palo.
Which is better for beaches: staying in Guatiza or a coastal town like Costa Teguise?
If your priority is direct beach access and a resort atmosphere with many amenities, Costa Teguise is a better choice as it's a coastal town built around its beaches. Guatiza offers a more tranquil, rural Canarian experience. It's a good base for exploring the island and accessing various beaches by car, but you won't be able to walk to a major sandy beach from your accommodation.
What are some quieter or hidden beach spots accessible from Guatiza?
For quieter options, explore the coastline north of Arrieta towards Órzola, where you can find smaller coves like Caletón Blanco, known for its white sand and black lava rocks. Playa de la Cantería (Orzola Beach) is more remote. Nearer to Guatiza, El Bañadero de Guatiza and Cueva del Agua offer more secluded, natural swimming experiences away from large crowds, though they are not traditional sandy beaches.
What is the sand like at the beaches closest to Guatiza?
The closest sandy beach is Playa de la Garita in Arrieta, which has fine golden/dark golden sand. Beaches in Costa Teguise, like Playa de las Cucharas and Playa Bastián, generally have golden or light sand, some of which can be a bit coarser or have small pebbles mixed in. The natural coves directly on Guatiza's coastline, like El Bañadero, are small and can be a mix of dark sand and pebbles/rocks.
Are there any local beach quirks or things to know about the coastal areas near Guatiza?
The coastline near Guatiza, particularly around Los Cocoteros and Charco del Palo, is characterized by its volcanic origins, featuring natural pools and rocky inlets rather than long sandy stretches. Some areas, like Charco del Palo, are naturist-friendly. It's also common to see small fishing boats. When exploring natural pools like Cueva del Agua, be aware that access can be tricky over uneven rocks, and wearing water shoes is recommended.
If I'm staying in Guatiza, what are the must-visit famous Lanzarote beaches I can drive to?
From Guatiza, you're well-positioned to drive to several famous Lanzarote beaches. Besides the nearby Playa de la Garita (Arrieta) and Costa Teguise beaches, consider Famara beach (around 15-20 min drive) for dramatic cliffs and surfing, or the Papagayo beaches in the south (around 45-50 min drive) for stunning coves with golden sand and clear turquoise waters, though these require a small entrance fee as they are in a protected natural park.
Is it usually windy at the beaches near Guatiza, and does it affect swimming?
Lanzarote can be windy, especially on the north and northeast coasts where Guatiza is located. Beaches like Famara are known for wind and are popular for windsurfing. Playa de la Garita in Arrieta is somewhat sheltered, especially at its northern end. Costa Teguise beaches can also experience wind, with Playa de las Cucharas being a windsurfing spot. Smaller coves like Playa Jablillo in Costa Teguise or El Bañadero de Guatiza can offer more protection. Wind can create choppier water, so always check conditions before swimming.
Are there accommodations in Guatiza with easy beach access?
While Guatiza itself is inland, some holiday rentals are located in the coastal extension of Guatiza, like Los Cocoteros, or advertise themselves as 'beachfront' or having 'beach access'. These would typically be closer to the natural coves and pools like El Bañadero de Guatiza or Cueva del Agua, rather than large sandy beaches. For easy access to sandy beaches, you'd look for accommodation directly in towns like Arrieta or Costa Teguise, though Guatiza is a short drive away.
