Is Tías a good place for a family beach holiday?
Yes, Tías, particularly the resort town of Puerto del Carmen, is well-suited for family beach holidays. Many of its beaches, like Playa Grande and Playa Chica, have calm waters and are equipped with family-friendly amenities. Playa Grande, for example, has gentle slopes into the sea, making it safe for toddlers and young children, and offers facilities like playgrounds, toilets, showers, and lifeguard services. Playa Chica is a smaller, sheltered cove ideal for families due to its calm waters and is also popular for snorkeling.
Can you swim in the sea in Puerto del Carmen, Tías?
Yes, you can swim in the sea in Puerto del Carmen. The waters around its beaches are generally considered some of the most tranquil in the Canary Islands and are excellent for swimming. Many beaches, such as Playa Grande and Playa Chica, have calm waters, making them safe for swimming and other water sports. All beaches in Puerto del Carmen fly the Blue Flag for cleanliness.
Which beaches in Tías are best for watersports?
Several beaches in the Tías municipality, particularly in Puerto del Carmen, are great for watersports. Playa de Los Pocillos and Matagorda are ideal for windsurfing due to their windy conditions and calm waters. Playa Chica is excellent for diving and snorkeling because of its sheltered cove and interesting marine life around volcanic rock formations. You can also find jet skiing and parascending at Playa Chica. Playa Grande also offers various watersports options.
Are the beaches in Tías (Puerto del Carmen) usually windy?
Some beaches in Tías, like Playa de Los Pocillos and Matagorda, are known for being windy, which makes them popular for windsurfing. However, other beaches, such as Playa Grande and Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen, are more sheltered and generally have calmer waters. Playa Grande's geographical position helps protect it from strong winds. The trade winds do affect Lanzarote, especially in summer, so some breeze is common.
Where can I find accommodation with good beach access in Tías?
In Tías, the primary area for beachside accommodation is Puerto del Carmen. Many hotels, aparthotels, and villas are located along or very close to the main promenade (Avenida de las Playas), offering direct or easy access to beaches like Playa Grande, Los Pocillos, and Matagorda. Areas around Playa Chica in the Old Town also offer good beach access. When booking, look for properties described as 'beachfront' or those situated along the Avenida de las Playas for the most convenient access.
What's the sand like on the beaches in Tías?
The beaches in Tías, mainly in Puerto del Carmen, predominantly feature golden sand. For example, Playa Grande, the main beach, has fine golden sand. Playa Chica also has fine golden sand. Some sources mention Playa Grande having darkish sand historically, but it's now generally described as golden. Matagorda beach has white sand, while Lima beach has a mix of rock, gravel, and white sand.
How do the beaches in Puerto del Carmen (Tías) compare to Playa Blanca?
Both Puerto del Carmen (in Tías) and Playa Blanca are popular Lanzarote resorts with great beaches, but they offer different atmospheres. Puerto del Carmen has long, golden sandy beaches like Playa Grande, stretching for kilometers, and is known for a more bustling atmosphere with vibrant nightlife. Its beaches are generally well-equipped for watersports and families. Playa Blanca's beaches are often described as smaller and more intimate, with crystal-clear waters, and the area has a more relaxed, upscale, and family-friendly vibe. Playa Blanca is also home to the famous Papagayo beaches.
Are there quiet or hidden beaches in Tías?
While Tías is known for popular beaches like Playa Grande, there are quieter options. Playa La Lima, located between the airport and a housing estate, is described as uncrowded and peaceful. Generally, the further north you go from the center of Puerto del Carmen, the fewer people you'll find on the beaches. These northern beaches still offer golden sand and safe swimming conditions.
What facilities are available at the main beaches in Puerto del Carmen (Tías)?
The main beaches in Puerto del Carmen, such as Playa Grande, are well-equipped with facilities. These typically include sunbed and umbrella rentals, toilets, showers, lifeguard services, and nearby snack bars or restaurants. Playa Grande also has a sports area, a playground, and accessibility features like ramps, walkways over the sand, and an amphibious chair service for people with reduced mobility.
Is it easy to get to the beaches in Tías from where I'm staying?
Most accommodations in Puerto del Carmen, the main coastal resort in Tías, are within walking distance of a beach. The main beaches like Playa Grande, Los Pocillos, and Matagorda are easily accessible, often via a long promenade (Avenida de las Playas) that runs along the coast. This promenade is suitable for walking and cycling. Some beaches, like Lima beach or the more northern ones, can also be reached by car or bus.
What is the best time of year to visit Tías for a beach holiday?
Tías, like the rest of Lanzarote, enjoys a subtropical climate, making it a year-round beach destination with average temperatures between 19°C and 25°C. Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) often offer particularly pleasant temperatures for a beach holiday. Summer is also popular, though it can be windier due to trade winds.
Are there any beaches in Tías with Blue Flag status?
Yes, several beaches in the municipality of Tías, specifically in Puerto del Carmen, regularly receive Blue Flag awards for their cleanliness, safety, and environmental management. Beaches such as Playa Grande, Los Pocillos, Matagorda, and Pila de la Barrilla (Playa Chica) have been awarded Blue Flags.
What's the atmosphere like on the beaches in Puerto del Carmen?
The atmosphere varies across Puerto del Carmen's beaches. Playa Grande, the main beach, is lively and popular, attracting families and sunbathers, and can get crowded during peak seasons. It's backed by a bustling promenade with shops and restaurants. Playa Chica offers a more intimate cove setting, popular for snorkeling and diving. Beaches like Los Pocillos and Matagorda can have a more relaxed vibe, though they are also popular, especially with windsurfers. The 'Old Town' area near the harbor offers a more traditional charm compared to the 'Strip' along Avenida de las Playas.
Are there any clothing-optional or nudist beaches in Tías?
While the main resort beaches in Puerto del Carmen (part of Tías) such as Playa Grande or Playa Chica are not designated as nudist beaches, nudism is common on some more secluded beaches in Lanzarote. For officially recognized nudist beaches or areas where it is more accepted, you might need to travel outside the main resort areas of Tías. Papagayo beaches, near Playa Blanca, are well-known for having areas where nudism is common, though this is not within Tías municipality.
What are some local tips for enjoying the beaches in Tías?
Locals and frequent visitors often recommend exploring beyond the main stretches of Playa Grande; for instance, Playa Chica is a favorite for its sheltered waters and snorkeling opportunities. Arriving early at popular beaches can help secure a good spot, especially during peak season. While some beaches are windy (great for windsurfing), others like Playa Grande and Playa Chica are more protected. Don't miss the chance to enjoy fresh seafood at restaurants near the Old Town harbor after a day at the beach. Remember to use sunscreen and stay hydrated, as the Canary Islands sun can be strong year-round.
