Lanzarote, Not Just About the Beaches

Usually when people talk of Lanzarote, belonging to the Canary Islands, it is the perfect beaches that come to mind. Endless relaxing days of sunbathing and sea bathing is what a holiday in Lanzarote means to most.

However, a holiday in not only about soaking up the sun so those who prefer more activity need not worry. The Rancho Texas is a Western Theme Park which has an Indian Village, a Nature Park and theme restaurants. Visitors can see the variety of animals and birds at the Nature Park, such as iguanas, crocodiles, racoons, fallow deer, cougars, armadillos, prairie-dogs and many types of birds. There are tepees and canoes in the Indian Village for children to play in. Plus Rancho Texas' legendary Western Night is guaranteed to keep the entire family entertained with line dancing and live music, BBQ and desserts, beer, soft drinks and special entertainment for kids.

Also in Lanzarote is the Guinate Tropical Park situated at the foot of the extinct volcano Mount Carona. This is a perfect day out destination as it has small animals, waterfalls, gardens and lakes. If travelling with kids the mongoose, capybaras, meerkats and wallabies at the park will be a delight. There are also fish and reptile to see. Right throughout the park thoughtfully placed information signs help make the visit fun and educational. Take a walk along the cactus walk on the hillside and be serenaded by the sound of the free flowing water on its way down the hill to the Flamingo pool below.

Lanzarote is the windsurfer's paradise! People travel from all over to enjoy the perfect windsurfing conditions. Costa Teguise and Papagayo would be the places for windsurfers to head to. Costa Teguise has a shallow reef where waves can reach 2 or 3 meters and more advanced surfers can ride the waves that appear in the middle of the reef. There are jetties that shelter the beach which make it the perfect place for beginners to practice.

Golfers too are beginning to appreciate Lanzarote as a golfing haven though it has had a golf course for nearly 30 years. Knowing the potential Lanzarote is constructing a number of new courses to compliment its year round near perfect golfing weather.

With Lanzarote golfing holidays becoming popular hotels in Lanzarote will cater even better to visitor needs, if that is possible. Lanzarote hotels, apartments and villas are so popular due to their ability to cater to the needs of different guests and satisfy all. They vary according to different budgets but the basic customer care does not change as it is part and parcel with Lanzarote's appeal as a tourist destination.

If the beach and the sea are your thing, then enjoy close encounters with fish such as angel shark, barracuda off the small island of Los Lobos. Also enjoy the many underwater caves and wrecks located around the coast of Lanzarote as well as the reefs which offer hordes of marine life such as cuttlefish, sea horses, corals and octopuses.

Lanzarote has so much to offer a visitor and after so much activity there are always the soft, warm, sand beaches to relax on and rejuvenate.

A Guide to the Best Beaches of Lanzarote

Beaches of the Arrecife Area

About half of the island's population of 100,000 lives in the urban capital of Arrecife - the best beach in the city is Playa del Reduction, which has warm, golden sand, and safe waters. The beach has a great central location and has the European Blue Flag for safety and beach infrastructure. All family activities are catered for here, and an enjoyable time is guaranteed!

The second beach in Arrecife lies to 2km west of del Reducto. This beach is 300m long and offers good bathing.

Puerto del Carmen Beaches

Puerto del Carmen is the main holiday resort on the Island's south coast. It has three wonderful beaches. The yellow sand beach of Playa Grande is widely popular. Both this beach and Playa de los Pocillos lie over 1km long, and all the beaches offer typical facilities including safe bathing, watersports and good warm sand. To the east of Puerto del Carmen lies Playa de Matagorda, which is an attractive beach less frequented possibly as it is close to the airport and the jet noises!

The beaches in this area are man made - making them very easy to access and being family friendly. The beaches run along the 6km long Avenida de Las Playas, which is the wonderful sea promenade of the town, which is lined with restaurants, nightclubs, bars, cafes, shops and arcades.

Playa Blanca Beaches

Playa Blanca is located on the south coast, and its safe, sandy and calm water beaches have made it a big hit with families. There are three main beaches in the area - Playa Blanca is the longest. This is located towards the foot of the town harbour. To cater for the demand, there has been two man made beaches recently constructed - to the west Playa Flamingo and to the east Playa Dorada.

The beaches here offer wonderful views of Fuerteventura Island, yellow sands, calm and sparkling waters for safe bathing, and plenty of watersport activities. Like many resorts, the beaches are connected by a promenade, which in itself offers plenty to see and do!

Punta del Papagayo

If you want more seclusion and privacy, then head for the scenic beaches of Punta del Papagayo, which is near the Playa Blanca area to the south. Papagayo's beaches are widely regarded to be the best natural beaches of the island. Playa Mujeres is the longest, at 90m long! Beaches in this area are popular with divers and snorkellers.

Beaches of Costa Teguise

This resort, to the east coast of Lanzarote, has five wonderful beaches that stretch for 5km long and lined by an attractive and typical seaside town promenade. The best beach in this area is Playa de las Cucharas, which is 640m long and offers plenty of family friendly facilities. The water is clear and the sand is warm here - leading to a great day out for the family!

If you are into windsurfing - this area is perfect for you - due to the east coast breezes. You can enjoy plenty of watersports here.

Famara Beaches

The beaches to the north of La Caleta de Famara are of white sand, and are very scenic. The darkened cliffs of Riscos de Famara provide a stunning backdrop. The beaches here are widely regarded as being the most scenic of the island. The strong wave breaks make them an attractive proposition for surfers.

There are strong sea currents to be found in the waters however - so it is best advised to swim and bathe at your own level. The Playa Ensenada is to be found on the shoreline of the village and is another sandy beach well frequented by sun worshippers.

La Santa Beaches

If you are into windsurfing and other watersports such as scuba diving, then La Santa is the best beach destination for you! The International Sports Hotel and Training Centre Club de Santa is located here, and it has a wonderful 900m lagoon of white sand and safe water. Near to the lagoon is a rocky beach, which has waves perfect for surfers. Swimming is not recommended due to the currents there. To the east, there is a small beach called Caleta de Caballo, which is also perfect for surfing.

Isla Graciosa Beaches

Isla Graciosa is an islet located off the northern point of Lanzarote. It is home to some wonderful long and unspoilt beaches, and has wonderful white sand dunes. The beaches here are secluded, and many can only be reached on foot, however when there you will have wonderful scenic views, glowing white sand, crystal clear water and above all, peaceful seclusion!

The most popular beach here is the 500m long Playa de las Conchas to the northwest. The Village of Caleta del Sebo also has a popular beach, along with Playa Francesa and Playa La Cocina to the south and Playa Lambra to the north.

Conclusion - What is the best beach in Lanzarote?

If you ask anyone from Lanzarote what is the best beach there most would tell you its either the Papagoya or Famara beaches that are the most easy on the eye - due to their natural beauty, scenic views, and wonderful beach setting!

Both beaches as we have discussed in this article have their differences - Papagoya is a scenic amalgamation of coves whereas Famara boasts a sandline that is 9km long! Perhaps for the outside visitor Papagoya gets the nod as it usually gets the better weather being in the southern part of Lanzarote. Famara is to the north and probably is not the most popular place to sunbathe in during the winter! However, if you are into windsurfing and kite flying the winds of Famara make it in ideal place at certain times of the year.