5 Top beaches of Lanzarote for 2023

Playa Bajo el Risco

This is one of the most secluded beaches of Lanzarote. It is located on the coast of Yé, which is a small village in Haría, in the north west of the island, and not visited by many! It is not the easiest beach to access, which accounts for its quietness, but you can reach it via the trail of The Gracioseros, or by water taxi and then be rewarded with bright golden sands, deep blue waters and stunning views of the island La Graciosa, across the Atlantic.

Getting here: The Gracioseros pathway leads you from Yé and will take you about an hour. The boat you can get from Órzola.

Puerto del Carmen

For those interested in the marine life that lies beneath the surface, Puerto del Carmen is for you. It is one of the more developed beach towns, so gets pretty busy, however, this means it is home to a good range of dive schools and scuba sites. Playa Grande is the main beach and is a large stretch of dark sand, with plenty of sun loungers and parasols for hire.

Getting here: The town of Puerto del Carmen is on the southern coast and Playa Grande lies just to the east of the town.

Las Cucharas

Not the quietest of beaches, this one is the main beach of the resort Costa Teguise. It is popular for a reason though - it is the most scenic of the Costa Teguise beaches and is nicely sheltered with generally calm waters for families with little ones (though please remember winds and currents can change quickly!). There is also a pleasant promenade running parallel to the sea with good facilities and restaurants.

Getting here: There is a number of little bays in Costa Teguise. The Avenue Arenas Blancas runs parallel to Las Cucharas and you can find parking in the Plaza las Gaviotas or off Avenue de las Islas Canarias.

Papagayo

The southern point of the island is home to the beaches of Papagayo, a series of rocky coves and fine sand that is wonderfully untouched. Located in the protected area of Los Ajaches Nature Reserve, you'll find there are stunning views across to Fuerteventura. Because of its unspoilt status, there is an entrance fee and public facilities are limited. The stunning location is surrounded by volcanic hills and the beaches are a little walk away from the car park.

Getting here: Head down towards the southern tip of the island for Costa de Papagayo. There should be signs pointing you in the right direction along the dirt road. You'll come to a reasonably sized car park and from here you'll need to walk down to the beach.

Famara

On the north-west coast of the island is the long curving bay of Famara. It's the longest beach of the island and has lovely golden sand. This beach is a great one for those who enjoy water sports, but is not great for swimming! There are strong waves and swells and the undercurrents can be very dangerous. It is a surfer's and windsurfer's dream. The beach is situated at the base of the mountains, which gives a dramatic backdrop and, thanks to its position, the sunsets seen from this beach are absolutely stunning – an orange glow melting over the rocky points of distant silhouettes.

Getting here: You can reach Caleta de Famara on the LZ410 or the LZ402 and the beach lies just to the east of the town.