Best Beaches and Resorts in Lanzarote
Tired of the Spanish mainland for your holidays abroad? Then fly off to the Canaries instead, as these seven islands combine all of the familiarity of Spain with added dashes of African and Latin influences. A legacy of its role centuries ago as a trading post between the New World and the Old.
Lanzarote has been owned by Spain since the 1400’s, but is an autonomous region boasting its own cultural identity, customs and dialect. And if you thought some Spanish resorts were laid back Lanzarote is virtually horizontal. Thanks to the fact that the weather is great here all year round too.
The island is one of the seven Canaries and can be found off the coast of Africa, quite close to the Tropic of Cancer. A long way south of Spain and the European mainland. As a result the island was of great use to Spain during the years of empire and conquest as galleons could dock and refuel here.
Today Lanzarote is all about tourism and the vast majority of visitors arrive by air rather than by sea. From countries such as the UK and Germany which are just a four hour flight away. Many book their own travel but holidays in Lanzarote are still prominent in the brochures of many tour operators and travel companies despite the advent of the internet.
Which is the best resort on Lanzarote? There are three in total, four if you also include the stylish marina of Puerto Calero, which is home to some of the best Lanzarote villas and apartments. But the bulk of the accommodation can be found in Costa Teguise, Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen. Which are all more like conventional resorts with plenty of shops, bars and restaurants for visitors to enjoy.
Puerto del Carmen is ideal for anyone planning a lively holiday as it has great nightlife alongside excellent beaches. The resort also boasts the biggest selection of apartments in Lanzarote and there are loads of complexes here. Most of them located just a short walk from the main beach of Playa Grande which as the name suggest really dominates the resort.
Playa Blanca is the second most popular destination – and little wonder – as it is home to lots of very good beaches such as Playa Flamingo and Playa Dorada as well as the superb stretches of sand at Papagayo.
Best Beaches in Lanzarote
Lanzarote in the Canaries is a real beach lover’s paradise. Boasting over 90 picturesque playas – some of which are regarded as amongst the best in the whole of Spain.
The Canary Islands are located off the coast of West Africa and enjoy great weather too. Which makes it possible to enjoy these stunning stretches of sand all year round.
Like the rest of the islands Lanzarote is located four hours flying time from the UK – but is far less touched by tourism than say Tenerife or Gran Canaria. Thanks to strict laws which govern construction and development.
As a result the island is still home to a number of beautiful, all-natural beaches which have not yet been used as a backdrop for hotels and apartment complexes. Some of these are regarded as amongst the most picturesque in Spain.
There is much debate on the island as to which is the best beach – with two main contenders slugging it out for this title, Famara in the north and Papagayo in the south. Anyone spending their holidays in Lanzarote can form their own opinion by getting out and exploring for themselves. With car hire in Lanzarote starting from as little as €15 per day.
Famara
Famara is located on the wilder North West coast of Lanzarote and is a real suffers paradise. As the wind and wave conditions combine here to great effect. Attracting surf and kite surfing enthusiasts from across Europe.
The beach itself extends for around 8km and is flanked by the majestic Famara massif range of cliffs. Which tower over one end of the beach. At the other end lies the adjacent village of Caleta de Famara. It’s sandy streets home to a selection of surf shops, restaurants and holiday apartments.
The only slight negative is the fact that this beach can only be used for swimming and sunbathing from around March through until October. As thereafter it becomes too windy and cool.
Papagayo
The same cannot be said for Papagayo though – as these five separate but inter linked beaches are all located right at the southern end of the island. Which means that they can be enjoyed all year round.
Papagayo is perfect for beach lovers as it’s possible to explore all of the different stretches of sand here easily. And can be reached on foot from the centre of Playa Blanca – the nearest resort – in around twenty minutes.