Playa Blanca is one of the most popular places in Lanzarote, and no wonder. Situated at the southern end of the island, with its beaches of turquoise waters the stars of the show, it still has the charm of a fishing village whilst at the same time offering all services and amenities required by tourists, making it one of the island’s finest gems.
Historically, Playa Blanca has been fundamental to the economic development of the island of Lanzarote, becoming the most populated town within the Municipality of Yaiza. One of the key historical landmarks in the area is the Castillo de Las Coloradas. This castle, declared a Site of Cultural Interest, was built between 1741 and 1744 as a defence tower for protection against raids by Barbary pirates.
We are Guacimara and Pedro and we were born in the Canaries, this small archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic, which we are in love with and which, since 2016, we’ve been showcasing through our project, Tenerifelicidad.
What to see in Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca owes its reputation to its wonderful beaches, in particular. So, if you’re visiting this town, make sure you don’t miss:
Playa Blanca
With the same name as the town, this small but very pretty beach is calm and safe, and has all the necessary facilities, as well a promenade full of restaurants and shops.
Playa Papagayo
This beach has become one of the iconic spots in Lanzarote. Whilst more remotely located, the stunning colour of its waters and its golden sands have turned Playa de Papagayo into one of the main attractions on the island.
We would recommend you go by car, as it’s fairly remote. You also need to take into account that, being situated within a natural reserve, there is an entrance fee of €3 per vehicle. A price that’s totally worth paying as, although Papagayo is the most famous, the nearby beaches and the landscape as a whole are nature at its most beautiful.
Playa Flamingo
Another quiet and very safe beach, ideal for families or those wishing to relax with all the necessary amenities, as it’s surrounded by large hotel complexes, Playa Flamingo has a promenade full of shops and restaurants, and from there you can reach the centre of Playa Blanca, and it also has numerous landscaped areas.
All of this also makes it one of the most popular beaches in the municipality.
Playa Dorada
This is an artificial beach created in 1991 and very similar in nature to Playa Flamingo, with lots of food and drink options, shops and very calm and safe waters to enjoy the pleasant climate in Lanzarote all year round.
Playa Blanca beyond its beaches
Los Hervideros
If you love wild enclaves, visiting this volcanic landscape to witness the force of the ocean as it crashes against the lava and its cavities is a must in Playa Blanca. A truly spectacular sight that’s well worth seeing, and you won’t be able to resist taking a few photos.
Montaña Roja
Whenever we talk about Lanzarote, we say that one of the things that make this island magical is the energy you feel through its volcanoes. And if you’re near Playa Blanca, we recommend you visit Montaña Roja, the southernmost volcano in Lanzarote, where you can feel that magic up close…
Things to do in Playa Blanca
Enjoy the sun and sand
Surrounded by beaches that have nothing to envy of the Caribbean, one of the best things is of course to relax and enjoy the sun and the crystal-clear waters, lying on their fine, golden sands.
The wide range of food and drink options available also enables you to combine your relaxation with a nice dining experience at any time of day.
Diving in Playa Blanca
If you prefer to be more active and like water sports, one of the most popular activities is diving.
And beneath the waters of these crystal-clear beaches, you’ll find several coral reefs that help to create a spectacular array of underwater life well worth discovering and enjoying.
Other water sports in Playa Blanca
But diving isn’t the only water sport to be enjoyed. Playa Blanca is an ideal destination for lovers of windsurfing and kitesurfing, due to the constant winds in the area.
Walking in Playa Blanca
And for those who prefer to lose themselves and explore, there are also various options for hiking in the surrounding area.
If you’re interested in following a route, we recommend the one that leads to the Pechiguera lighthouse. The views of the coast from there are stunning.
Immersing yourself in the local culture
If you like learning about local traditions and are visiting Playa Blanca in July, it may be a good idea to take part in its local festivities in honour of the patron saint of the town and sailors, the Virgen del Carmen.
How to get to Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca is well connected to the rest of the island. There are several ways of getting to Playa Blanca, depending on where you’re coming from.
Lanzarote airport is 35km away. From there, you can take a taxi, a bus (known locally as a guagua) or hire a car to reach your destination.
If you’re coming from somewhere else on the island, you can also take a taxi or bus to get to Playa Blanca. There are several bus routes that connect the area with other parts of the island, such as Arrecife or Puerto del Carmen. You can consult the interactive map of the route on Google Maps.
Whilst Playa Blanca is very well connected by public transport, hiring a car will certainly give you more freedom to explore, particularly when it comes to the more remote areas, away from the tourist resorts and towns.
So are you ready to discover this paradise hidden in the south of the island of volcanoes? And if you need any more reason to visit the spectacular island of Lanzarote, you can also read our articles on the island’s volcanic wines and on local artist César Manrique.
