Best Beach in Las Palmas, Spain - Map and Reviews

Playa de Papagayo is one of Lanzarote’s most beautiful beaches, known for its clear turquoise water, golden sand, and sheltered setting between volcanic cliffs. Located near the southern tip of the island, close to Playa Blanca, it is part of the protected Los Ajaches Natural Monument and offers a more natural, unspoilt beach experience than many of the island’s resort areas. The beach sits within the wider Papagayo coastline, a series of scenic coves and sandy bays stretching around Punta del Papagayo. This area includes beaches such as Playa de las Mujeres, Playa de la Cera, Playa de las Ahogaderas, Playa de las Coloradas, Caleta del Congrio, and Puerto Muelas. Each has its own character, but Playa de Papagayo is often the most recognised because of its attractive shell-shaped bay and striking views. Part of the appeal of Playa de Papagayo is its setting. The beach is backed and framed by rocky volcanic cliffs, which help protect it from stronger winds and give the cove a calm, sheltered feel. The contrast between the pale sand, dark rock, and blue-green water makes it one of the most photographed coastal spots in Lanzarote. Reaching Playa de Papagayo usually involves travelling along unpaved tracks through the protected landscape. This slightly more remote access helps preserve the area’s natural atmosphere and makes arriving at the beach feel like part of the experience. Visitors should be prepared for a more rugged approach than they would find at a typical resort beach. The water at Playa de Papagayo is often clear and inviting, making it a good place for swimming and snorkelling when conditions are calm. The rocky edges of the bay can attract small fish and marine life, while the sheltered shape of the cove makes it popular with visitors looking for a relaxed swim rather than heavy surf. Sunbathing is one of the main reasons people visit, and the beach is well suited to a quiet day by the sea. Space can be limited during busy periods, especially because Playa de Papagayo is one of the best-known beaches in the area, so arriving earlier in the day can make the visit more enjoyable. The wider Papagayo area is also popular for kayaking, coastal walks, photography, and exploring nearby coves. Some neighbouring beaches are quieter and more remote, and visitors may find that the atmosphere becomes more peaceful the farther they move from the main access points. Although Playa de Papagayo feels natural and relatively undeveloped, visitors should still plan ahead. Facilities are limited compared with resort beaches, so it is sensible to bring water, sun protection, suitable footwear, and anything needed for the day. The protected status of the area also means visitors should take care to leave no litter and respect the landscape. Playa de Papagayo is ideal for travellers who want to experience Lanzarote’s wilder coastline without travelling far from Playa Blanca. With its sheltered bay, clear water, volcanic cliffs, and protected natural setting, it remains one of the island’s most memorable beaches.

Making a name for itself in the tourism and water sports arena is Caleta de Famara in the north of Teguise. Although the village may appear sleepy, slumbering is the last thing tourists do here. Aside from the natural splendors, the exhilarating selection of activities keeps them awake. It certainly didn’t earn the label “European Hawaii” for no good reason. Famara boasts a long history that dates back to pre-Hispanic years. In fact, people unearthed many aboriginal sites here in the 1960s. Experts also believe that other aged structures still lay hidden within the stretch. La Caleta, however, is quite a young settlement. Before having inhabitants, the area only had stone warehouses for boats. Then, in 1888, several families from La Graciosa and Soo moved here. By 1909, its scanty populace grew a little to twenty-five. They occupied its only three buildings which stood along twenty-four storage places. From a lovely secluded community, it then developed into a summer dwelling. To date, its most famous resident is no other than Cesar Manrique. He for sure created the most blissful memories in the little town as he chronicled with joy: “My greatest happiness is to recall a happy childhood, five month summer vacations in the Caleta and the Famara beach, with its eight kilometers of clean and fine sand framed by cliffs of more than four hundred meters high that reflected on the beach like in a mirror. That image has been engraved in my soul as something of extraordinary beauty that I will never forget in all of my life.” Perhaps these recollections were the force behind his lifelong dedication to the fusion of art, human, and nature. Enclosed by pure nature and still with unpaved paths, La Caleta indeed has that untouched feel to it. With the absence of business establishments apart from the surf schools, bars, restaurants, and grocery shops, holidaymakers can focus and relish the beauty of Mother Earth. As a matter of fact, this devoid of usual tourist spot features is one of the reasons why they love the sandy oasis. Famara is home to two stunning, pale golden sand beaches with powerful waves. On La Caleta’s right is the lengthy Playa de Famara. At six kilometer long, it is the largest beach on the island. A bit secluded and just as pleasant is Playa de San Juan on the left. Although its small in size, the surge of the waters in its small bay is as strong. Wave riders hail them as paradise as almost all types of surfing—stand-up surfing, kite surfing, wind surfing, and even body boarding—are welcome in their azure waters. In fact, Playa de San Juan is host to an annual professional surf competition. Needless to say, swimming is not always possible in either of the two. In Famara beach, people can observe the flag to make sure it’s safe to swim. Red means a no-go, yellow is to do so with caution, and green is a thumbs up but only near the shore.

Playa Dorada is one of the main beaches in Playa Blanca and one of the most convenient places in the resort for a relaxed day by the sea. Located between the old harbour area and Marina Rubicón, it offers soft pale sand, calm water, good facilities, and easy access from the seafront promenade. The beach is around 300 metres long and has a wide, open feel, making it suitable for sunbathing, swimming, and family beach days. Its central location means visitors can reach it easily from nearby hotels, apartments, restaurants, shops, and walking routes along the coast. One of Playa Dorada’s biggest strengths is its sheltered setting. Breakwaters help protect the bay from stronger waves, creating generally calm conditions that are well suited to gentle swimming. This makes the beach especially popular with families, couples, and visitors who prefer a more comfortable and accessible beach experience. The sand is fine and light in colour, giving the beach a bright, attractive appearance against the blue water. Sun loungers and parasols are usually available to hire, making it easy to spend several hours here without needing to bring much equipment. There is also plenty of open sand for visitors who prefer to bring their own towel. Facilities at Playa Dorada are good compared with many more natural beaches on the island. Visitors will usually find toilets, showers, nearby places to eat and drink, and easy access from the promenade. During busier periods, the beach may also have lifeguard supervision, adding reassurance for families and swimmers. The beachfront has a good choice of bars, cafés, and restaurants, so it is easy to combine beach time with lunch, drinks, or an evening walk. Its position close to the promenade also makes it a pleasant stop for those walking between central Playa Blanca and Marina Rubicón. Although Playa Dorada is not as wild or dramatic as the nearby Papagayo beaches, it is much more practical for a relaxed resort beach day. Visitors do not need to travel along rough tracks or bring everything with them, as the beach is directly connected to Playa Blanca’s main tourist facilities. The beach can become busy during peak holiday periods, especially because of its central location and easy access. Arriving earlier in the day is useful for those who want a good spot, particularly if planning to hire loungers or stay for several hours. Playa Dorada is ideal for travellers looking for a clean, accessible, family-friendly beach in Playa Blanca. With its calm water, light sand, nearby restaurants, promenade access, and resort facilities, it is one of the easiest and most enjoyable beaches for a relaxed day on Lanzarote’s southern coast.

Marina Rubicón is a stylish harbour and leisure area on the south coast of Lanzarote, close to Playa Blanca. Opened in 2003, it has become one of the island’s best-known marina destinations, combining yacht services, seafront dining, boutique shopping, water activities, and relaxed coastal views. The marina has a more polished and upmarket feel than many traditional harbour areas, but it remains easy to enjoy whether you are arriving by boat or simply visiting for a walk, meal, or day out. With its waterfront terraces, moored yachts, bridges, courtyards, and sea views, Marina Rubicón offers a calm and attractive setting away from the busier parts of Playa Blanca. For sailing visitors, Marina Rubicón is a well-equipped harbour with a wide range of nautical facilities. It has hundreds of berths, sheltered waters, electricity and water connections, internet access, showers, changing areas, and boatyard services for repairs and maintenance. Its position on the south coast also makes it a useful base for exploring nearby waters around Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Isla de Lobos, and La Graciosa. The marina is also a good place for water-based activities. Visitors can find options such as sailing, diving, fishing trips, kayaking, boat excursions, and faster-paced sea adventures. Several tour and charter operators are based in or around the marina, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the coast or heading out onto the Atlantic. Shopping is another popular reason to visit Marina Rubicón. Around the harbour village, visitors will find boutiques, gift shops, jewellery stores, fashion outlets, and places selling locally inspired souvenirs. The area has a smart but relaxed atmosphere, making it pleasant to browse without the feel of a large shopping centre. One of the main highlights is the Marina Rubicón Market, also known as Playa Blanca Market. Usually held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the market brings extra life to the marina with stalls selling crafts, gifts, clothing, accessories, local products, and souvenirs. The setting beside the yachts and sea gives it a more scenic feel than a typical street market. Marina Rubicón is also well suited to a simple stroll. The harbour paths, footbridges, landscaped areas, and whitewashed buildings make the area easy to explore on foot. The design feels consistent with Lanzarote’s coastal style, avoiding the heavy high-rise feel found in some larger resort areas. There are plenty of places to eat and drink around the marina, from casual cafés and bars to restaurants overlooking the water. It is a good location for lunch, an evening meal, or a sunset drink, with many terraces offering views across the harbour and out towards the sea. Although Marina Rubicón has a refined feel, it is still family-friendly and accessible. Visitors can combine a relaxed walk with shopping, food, boat watching, water activities, or a visit to the market. It is especially useful for travellers staying in Playa Blanca, as it offers a different atmosphere from the beach and resort centre. A visit to Marina Rubicón is ideal for anyone looking for a scenic harbour setting with plenty of facilities. Whether you come for the market, a meal, a boat trip, shopping, or simply to enjoy the waterfront, it is one of Playa Blanca’s most attractive and easy-going places to spend time.

Costa Teguise is one of Lanzarote’s main resort towns, located on the island’s eastern coast. Purpose-built for tourism but designed with a more relaxed feel than some larger resorts, it offers a good mix of beaches, restaurants, water sports, family activities, accommodation, and easy access to many of Lanzarote’s best-known attractions. The resort is often seen as a quieter alternative to Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca. Its wide streets, palm-lined avenues, low-rise buildings, and whitewashed architecture help give it an open and easy-going atmosphere. Most of the main beaches, shops, restaurants, and leisure areas are within comfortable walking distance, making Costa Teguise a practical base for a holiday. Costa Teguise is especially known for its beaches. Playa de las Cucharas is the main beach and one of the best-known windsurfing spots on the island, thanks to the regular breezes and open coastal setting. It is a popular choice for water sports, beach walks, and relaxing close to the resort centre. Playa Bastián offers a calmer and more family-friendly beach experience, with golden sand, sheltered areas, and nearby facilities. Other smaller beaches and coves around the resort give visitors a choice of places to swim, sunbathe, or enjoy the coastal views. The variety of beaches is one of Costa Teguise’s biggest strengths, as each area has a slightly different character. Water sports are a major part of the resort’s appeal. Windsurfing is particularly popular at Playa de las Cucharas, with schools and rental options available for different experience levels. Visitors can also find opportunities for paddleboarding, kayaking, diving, snorkelling, and boat trips along Lanzarote’s volcanic coastline. Costa Teguise is also a strong choice for families. The resort has a relaxed pace, plenty of accommodation with family facilities, playgrounds, beach areas suitable for younger visitors, and nearby attractions such as Aquapark Costa Teguise. Many hotels and apartment complexes offer pools, entertainment, and children’s activities, making the resort easy to manage for family holidays. The dining scene is broad and accessible, with restaurants, cafés, tapas bars, seafood spots, and international options spread around the resort. Visitors can find casual beachfront meals, traditional Canarian dishes, and family-friendly restaurants, especially around the main commercial areas and seafront. Evenings in Costa Teguise are generally relaxed rather than intense. The resort has bars, pubs, live music venues, sports bars, and entertainment spaces, but it is not usually known for the same late-night party atmosphere as some busier destinations. This makes it well suited to visitors who want evening options without feeling surrounded by heavy nightlife. Accommodation in Costa Teguise ranges from self-catering apartments and budget-friendly stays to larger hotels and more luxurious resorts. Many properties are close to the beaches and resort centre, giving visitors flexibility depending on whether they prefer independence, hotel facilities, or an all-inclusive style holiday. Costa Teguise is well placed for exploring the wider island. Arrecife is a short drive away, while attractions such as the César Manrique Foundation, Jardín de Cactus, Jameos del Agua, Cueva de los Verdes, and Timanfaya National Park can all be reached on day trips. Its central-eastern location makes it a useful base for visitors who want both beach time and sightseeing. The resort is suitable throughout the year, thanks to Lanzarote’s mild climate. Summer can be warmer and windier, which suits water sports, while spring and autumn often offer comfortable weather with fewer crowds. Winter is also popular with visitors looking for sunshine and milder temperatures. Costa Teguise is ideal for travellers who want a relaxed Lanzarote resort with good beaches, water sports, family facilities, restaurants, and easy access to the island’s main sights. It may be purpose-built, but its low-rise design, coastal setting, and practical layout make it one of Lanzarote’s most convenient and enjoyable places to stay.

Playa Blanca is Lanzarote’s southernmost resort, known for its relaxed atmosphere, coastal promenades, marina, family-friendly beaches, and easy access to the Papagayo coastline. Once a small fishing village, it has grown into one of the island’s most polished holiday destinations while keeping a calmer feel than some of Lanzarote’s busier resorts. The resort sits on the southern tip of the island and is well suited to visitors who want sea views, good facilities, and a slower pace. Whitewashed buildings, landscaped walkways, waterfront restaurants, and wide pedestrian areas give Playa Blanca a clean and spacious feel. It is especially popular with families, couples, and travellers looking for a quieter base with plenty of comfort. Playa Blanca has several beaches close to the resort centre. Playa Dorada is one of the most popular, with golden sand, calm water, nearby restaurants, and easy access from the promenade. The smaller town beach, Playa Blanca, is close to the old harbour and works well for a quick swim or relaxed stop while exploring the seafront. A major highlight of the area is the Papagayo coastline, located east of the resort. These protected coves are among Lanzarote’s most scenic beaches, with turquoise water, golden sand, and volcanic cliffs. They can be reached by car, boat trip, or coastal walk, depending on conditions and how much time visitors want to spend exploring. Marina Rubicón is one of Playa Blanca’s key attractions. This modern harbour area has restaurants, cafés, shops, yacht services, markets, and waterfront terraces. It is a pleasant place for a daytime stroll, an evening meal, or a relaxed drink overlooking the boats. The marina also gives the resort a more upmarket feel without making it feel overly formal. Dining in Playa Blanca is varied, with seafood restaurants, tapas bars, international options, casual cafés, and more refined harbour-front venues. The old harbour area is a good place to find traditional fish restaurants, while Marina Rubicón offers a wider choice of contemporary dining with views across the water. The resort is also a strong base for water-based activities. Boat trips, catamaran cruises, fishing excursions, kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling, diving, and jet ski activities are all commonly available in or around Playa Blanca. Ferries to Fuerteventura also depart from the harbour, making it possible to visit Corralejo or explore another island on a day trip. Playa Blanca is well suited to families. The sheltered beaches, wide promenades, playgrounds, boat trips, and hotel facilities make it easy to enjoy with children. Aqualava Waterpark is another popular family attraction, offering slides, pools, and water-based activities close to the resort. Evenings in Playa Blanca are generally relaxed. Visitors will find bars, live music, cocktail spots, marina restaurants, and seafront terraces, but the nightlife is usually more low-key than party-focused. This makes the resort a good choice for those who prefer scenic meals, harbour walks, and quieter evening entertainment. Accommodation in Playa Blanca ranges from self-catering apartments and villas to larger hotels and luxury resorts. The area is particularly known for quality accommodation, including family resorts, spa hotels, adults-only stays, and private villas. Many properties are designed around pools, gardens, and easy access to the coast. Playa Blanca is also within reach of several natural and cultural attractions. The Papagayo beaches and Los Ajaches protected landscape are close by, while Los Hervideros, Salinas de Janubio, Charco de los Clicos, La Geria, and Timanfaya National Park can all be visited on day trips. Its southern location makes some northern attractions a longer journey, but they remain accessible by car or organised excursion. The resort benefits from a sheltered southern position, which often gives it a warm and calm feel compared with more exposed parts of the island. Lanzarote’s mild climate makes Playa Blanca suitable throughout the year, with winter sun, warm summers, and comfortable spring and autumn conditions. Playa Blanca is ideal for travellers looking for a refined but relaxed Lanzarote resort with beaches, marina dining, family facilities, water activities, and access to some of the island’s most beautiful coastal scenery. It is a strong choice for anyone who wants comfort and convenience without the busier feel of a larger nightlife-led resort.

Los Ajaches is one of Lanzarote’s most important natural landscapes, occupying much of the island’s southern region in the municipality of Yaiza. This ancient volcanic massif is considered the oldest part of Lanzarote and offers a striking contrast to many of the island’s more visited resort areas. With its dry mountain slopes, eroded ravines, rocky tracks, and wide views towards the coast, Los Ajaches is a rewarding area for walkers interested in geology, scenery, and the wilder side of the island. The landscape here has been shaped over millions of years. Unlike some of Lanzarote’s more recent volcanic areas, Los Ajaches shows the effects of long-term erosion as much as volcanic activity. Over time, wind and water have carved ravines, worn back slopes, and exposed the rugged structure of the massif, creating a terrain that feels older, drier, and more weathered than many other parts of the island. This area is not only geologically significant, but also historically important. Los Ajaches and the surrounding Yaiza المنطقة contain archaeological remains that reflect earlier human activity on the island, including caves, engravings, and traces of former farming. These features add cultural depth to a walk through the area, showing that this landscape has long been used, crossed, and understood by the people of Lanzarote. One of the most notable ways to experience the area is on foot. A popular route begins in the village of Femés and follows a roughly 6-kilometre path through the Los Ajaches landscape. The walk includes tracks, footpaths, and uneven ground, with a noticeable incline in places, making it more demanding than a simple coastal stroll. Although not an extreme hike, it is best suited to walkers with a reasonable level of fitness and suitable footwear. The route is especially appealing for those who enjoy open, arid scenery. Walkers can expect dry slopes, stony paths, exposed ridges, and wide views across southern Lanzarote. In calmer and more sheltered sections, the landscape supports hardy vegetation adapted to the island’s dry conditions, including low brushwood and species such as Canary Island spurge. Wildlife is another part of the appeal. The quiet, open terrain of Los Ajaches makes it a good place to spot birds, particularly steppe birds in the drier inland areas and birds of prey overhead. In places where the route or surrounding viewpoints approach the coast, seabirds may also be seen along the cliffs and shoreline. Visitors with an interest in nature may find the area especially rewarding in the quieter hours of the day. The scenery throughout Los Ajaches feels remote and unspoilt. This is not a landscaped or heavily developed walking area, and that is part of its appeal. The rougher terrain, muted colours, and exposed geology give the route a strong sense of place and help visitors understand Lanzarote beyond its beaches, resorts, and better-known visitor attractions. Walkers should prepare properly before setting out. The route can be hot, dry, and exposed, especially during the warmer months, with limited shade along the way. Sturdy footwear is recommended, and it is important to carry drinking water, food, and sun protection. Starting earlier in the day is usually more comfortable, particularly in summer. Los Ajaches is ideal for travellers who enjoy walking, geology, natural history, and quieter landscapes. It is also a good option for visitors staying in or near Yaiza, Playa Blanca, or Femés who want to explore a more rugged and less commercial part of southern Lanzarote. The nearby Papagayo coastline and other southern attractions can also be combined with a visit to the area. A walk through Los Ajaches offers a different perspective on Lanzarote. Rather than dramatic visitor centres or resort promenades, it provides ancient terrain, eroded volcanic scenery, native plant life, wildlife, and a strong sense of the island’s geological past. For those willing to take the trail at a steady pace, it is one of the most rewarding natural routes in southern Lanzarote.

Puerto del Carmen is one of Lanzarote’s best-known resort towns, located in the municipality of Tías on the island’s southeast coast. Once a small fishing village, it has grown into a popular seaside destination with golden beaches, a long promenade, restaurants, shops, bars, water activities, and a lively but accessible holiday atmosphere. The town played an important role in Lanzarote’s tourism history. In the 1960s, as the Canary Islands began to develop as a major holiday destination, Puerto del Carmen became home to one of Lanzarote’s first resort hotels, Hotel Fariones. From that point, the area expanded from its traditional harbour roots into a larger coastal resort, while still keeping some of the character of the old fishing port. One of Puerto del Carmen’s biggest strengths is its variety. Visitors can spend the day on the beach, walk the promenade, book a boat trip, try diving or snorkelling, browse shops, enjoy a meal overlooking the sea, or head out in the evening for live music and nightlife. It suits a wide range of travellers, from families and couples to groups of friends and those looking for a convenient base on the island. The main beach is Playa Grande, a long and popular stretch of golden sand close to Avenida de las Playas, often known as “The Strip”. This area is lined with restaurants, cafés, bars, shops, and seafront terraces, making it one of the busiest and most convenient parts of town. Playa Grande is especially popular with families thanks to its calm water, easy access, nearby facilities, and spacious promenade. Playa Chica offers a very different experience. This smaller sheltered cove is known for its clear water and volcanic rock formations, making it one of the best places in Puerto del Carmen for snorkelling and diving. Several dive operators use the area as a starting point, and the nearby underwater landscape includes volcanic channels, marine life, and deeper dive sites such as Veril de Playa Chica. Further along the coast are Los Pocillos and Matagorda, which have a quieter and more open feel than the central resort beaches. These wider sandy areas are good for long walks, relaxing by the sea, and watching the coastline change as you move towards the airport side of town. The breezier conditions can also make them suitable for wind-based watersports when conditions allow. Puerto del Carmen’s promenade is one of the best ways to experience the resort. It links many of the main beach areas and is popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists. Bike hire is available in the area, and the route offers sea views, beach access, and plenty of places to stop for food or drinks along the way. Away from the beaches, Puerto del Carmen has a good choice of activities. Lanzarote Golf is only a short distance outside the town, while Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park is one of the area’s main family attractions, combining animal encounters, shows, pools, and water slides. Boat trips, fishing excursions, jet-skiing, parasailing, and other sea-based activities are also commonly available. Shopping is centred mainly around Avenida de las Playas and the Biosfera Plaza shopping centre. Visitors will find a mix of souvenir shops, fashion stores, beach goods, local products, and everyday holiday essentials. The range is broad enough for both casual browsing and practical purchases during a stay. Puerto del Carmen also has a strong dining scene, with everything from relaxed beachfront cafés to international restaurants, seafood spots, tapas bars, and more upmarket options. The old harbour area is particularly popular for meals with a more traditional setting, while the main promenade offers a wide choice of restaurants with sea views. Evenings in Puerto del Carmen can be as quiet or as lively as visitors want them to be. The old town and harbour area offer a more relaxed atmosphere, while Avenida de las Playas has a larger concentration of bars, pubs, live music venues, and late-night entertainment. This variety makes the resort flexible for different ages and travel styles. Puerto del Carmen is ideal for travellers who want a well-established Lanzarote resort with beaches, facilities, food, activities, and nightlife all close together. With its mix of old harbour charm, resort convenience, sandy beaches, and coastal views, it remains one of the island’s most popular and practical places to stay or visit.