Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain

La Santa Beaches

Overview

Welcome to La Santa, a unique coastal destination on Lanzarote's rugged northwestern shore. This area is less about traditional beach holidays and more about embracing an energetic, sports-focused atmosphere. The coastline is defined by powerful Atlantic waves and consistent winds, making it a world-renowned hub for surfing and athletic training. Visitors are drawn to the dramatic natural scenery and the thrill of the water, creating a vibrant vibe centered on activity rather than quiet sunbathing.

The beaches here reflect the wild character of the coast. In the heart of the village, expert surfers can challenge the legendary waves of El Quemao. Just a short drive away, the magnificent Famara beach stretches for miles, offering a stunning backdrop for surfers of all levels. For a completely different experience, the iconic golden coves of Playa De Papagayo in the island's south are well worth the trip for calm, turquoise waters. Closer to La Santa, you can discover secluded shores like Playa de las Malvas, a striking hideaway with black volcanic sand.

Beyond these highlights, the coastline around La Santa is dotted with other interesting spots. Nearby, the small village of Caleta de Caballo offers a sand and gravel beach popular with local surfers seeking tranquility. Whether you are an expert looking for world-class breaks or an active traveler wanting to explore a dramatic landscape, the area has much to offer. For more ideas, be sure to explore our complete guide to the beaches of La Santa.

FAQ

Is La Santa a good destination for a classic beach holiday?

La Santa is more of a sports and activity-focused destination than a traditional beach holiday spot. While it has beaches, the area is primarily known for its world-class sports facilities, especially for surfing, windsurfing, and triathlon training. The coastline is rugged and often windy, attracting athletes and those who enjoy watching powerful waves. If your main goal is lounging on a calm, sheltered beach, other locations in southern Lanzarote might be more suitable.

Can you actually swim in the sea at La Santa?

Swimming in the open sea directly in front of La Santa village is often not recommended due to strong waves and undercurrents, which make it ideal for expert surfers but risky for casual swimmers. However, there is a man-made saltwater lagoon next to the Club La Santa resort which offers calm, protected waters perfect for safe swimming, kayaking, and for families with children. This lagoon provides the best and safest open-water swimming experience in the area.

What is the main beach in La Santa like?

The most accessible 'beach' in La Santa is an artificial one alongside a large, calm saltwater lagoon, also known as Ría de La Santa. It features fine white sand and is protected from the open ocean, making its waters calm and safe for swimming and beginner windsurfing. The beaches on the oceanfront, by contrast, are typically rocky or have dark volcanic sand and are exposed to powerful Atlantic waves, making them popular with surfers rather than sunbathers.

Is La Santa suitable for a family beach holiday?

Yes, La Santa can be great for active families. While the open ocean beaches are too rough for young children, the man-made lagoon beach offers a very safe and controlled environment for kids to swim and play in calm waters. The Club La Santa resort also offers numerous family-friendly activities, kids' clubs, and sports lessons, making it an ideal destination for sporty families who want more than just a beach.

Do I need to stay at Club La Santa to use the lagoon beach?

Access to the saltwater lagoon and its artificial beach is primarily for guests of the Club La Santa resort. The resort's facilities, including the lagoon, are a key part of the all-inclusive holiday package they offer. While the village of La Santa is public, the main, calm swimming area is part of the private resort complex.

Which is better for a beach trip, La Santa or Famara?

The choice between La Santa and Famara depends on your priorities. La Santa is centered around the Club La Santa sports resort and its protected saltwater lagoon, which is excellent for safe swimming and water sports training. The village itself has powerful surf breaks for experts. Famara, on the other hand, boasts a spectacular, long, natural sandy beach that is very popular with all levels of surfers and kitesurfers, and offers a more bohemian, surf-town vibe. For a classic, expansive beach experience, Famara is the better choice, while La Santa is superior for structured sports activities and guaranteed calm water swimming in its lagoon.

Are the beaches in La Santa sandy?

La Santa has a mix of beach types. The large artificial lagoon beach features fine white sand that was brought in. The natural beaches on the Atlantic coast, which are popular with surfers, are typically a mixture of black volcanic sand, gravel, and rocks. If you're looking for long stretches of golden sand, you'd be better off visiting beaches in other parts of Lanzarote.

What is the vibe of La Santa's beaches?

The atmosphere is energetic, athletic, and focused on water sports. You'll see more people in wetsuits than bikinis. The vibe is less about tranquil sunbathing and more about surfing, windsurfing, and training. The village itself is a quiet fishing town, but the coastal areas are dominated by the buzz from the Club La Santa sports resort and the dedicated surfers tackling the famous breaks.

People Also Ask

Are there any hidden or quiet beaches near La Santa?

Yes, the coastline around La Santa has several small, secluded coves, though they are often rocky or have coarse sand. Caleta de Caballo, a short distance away, is a small village with a sand and gravel beach popular with local surfers and those seeking tranquility. Exploring the coastal paths can reveal quiet spots, but always be cautious of the strong currents if you consider entering the water.

Is it windy on the beaches in La Santa?

Yes, La Santa is located on the northwest coast of Lanzarote, which is known for being consistently windy. These conditions are what make it a world-renowned destination for surfing and windsurfing. While the lagoon is sheltered from the waves, it is not entirely protected from the wind. You should expect breezy conditions year-round.

What are the surf breaks like at La Santa?

La Santa is famous for some of the best and most powerful waves in Europe. The main breaks, known as 'La Izquierda' (The Left) and 'El Quemao' (The Slab), are reef breaks that produce fast, hollow waves. These are strictly for experienced and expert surfers only due to their power and the rocky bottom. It's a great spot for watching high-level surfing from the shore.

Do you need a car to get to the beaches in La Santa?

If you are staying in the village of La Santa or at the Club La Santa resort, you can easily walk to the local lagoon and the nearby surf breaks. However, to explore other beaches like Famara or the more secluded coves along the coast, renting a car is highly recommended. Public transport to this part of the island is limited, and a car gives you the freedom to explore Timanfaya National Park and other attractions.

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Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

La Santa: Weather Today

📅 Saturday, July 26, 2025
It's shaping up to be a decent beach day. The maximum air temperature will be 25.4 °C. There's no rain expected, so you can leave your umbrella at home. The wind will be moderate, so it shouldn't be too disruptive. The sea temperature is 21.6 °C, and the waves will be moderate. The UV index will reach a high of 8.9, so make sure you apply sunscreen regularly.
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Air

Low / High20.7°C/25.4°C
Feels Like (High)28.8°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature21.6 °C
Wave Height1.6 m
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Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset07:12/20:50
Sunshine Hours11.6 hrs
UV Index8.9
Cloud Cover42%
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Wind

Speed14.6 km/h
Gusts26.3 km/h
DirectionNW

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