Bathing in delight on Lanzarote’s (almost) unknown beaches
Imagine swimming and seeing your skin speckled with black and white sand. Imagine splashing about happily, closing your eyes and feeling the tickle of the sun and the breeze bringing a smile to your face. Yes, it’s beach time. Here we share some of the coves that have the power to bring you back to life.
Papagayo beaches
In the south, crystal-clear waters await you in the Los Ajaches Natural Monument, the island’s most ancient area at 14 million years old. It’s wonderful to spend a day on this three-kilometre coastline, where the term paradise takes on its full meaning. This completely virgin territory that snakes along interspersed with coves of fine white sand, each about 100 metres in length, is the treasure of Lanzarote’s southern coastline.
The jewel in the crown is Papagayo beach, bathes by a still, windless, crystal-clear lagoon that soothes body and soul with its turquoise waters.
But there are other coves: Playa Mujeres was formerly known as La Calera because a lime kiln used to be located there. Other ‘shells’, as we sometimes call these beaches, are El Pozo, a natural pool with golden sand, or Caleta del Congrio and Puerto Muelas, where naturists are welcome. At Caletón del Cobre the visual panorama is twofold. The transparency of the water allows you to appreciate the almost unreal seabed while snorkelling, and on the surface you’ll love the view of Fuerteventura and Isla de Lobos.
For those who appreciate convenience, Playa de La Cera or La Cerita can be accessed on foot or by bike, but it is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and, above all, use sun protection and stay hydrated. It is also possible to get there by car along the well-signposted road that starts at the end of the Las Coloradas area.
Remember, there is regular pubic transport from Arrecife to Playa Blanca, and by car you’ll need to take the LZ-2 road heading south. The journey takes no more than 40 minutes. There is parking in the area, but access to the coves is on foot. Entrance to the Papagayo beaches costs 3 euros, which goes towards the upkeep of the protected natural area.
A southern promenade. The town of Playa Blanca is very close to Papagayo. This old fishing village preserves its seafaring essence in the restaurants found along its seafront promenade, many of which specialise in local dishes. Take home a souvenir from one of the shops and bazaars in the village or stroll around the Marina Rubicón marina, where some of the most exclusive fashion shops are located.
Small northern coves
In the north of the island, the surprise is La Cantería beach, well known by surfers for its wind and waves, although its 300 metres of coastline are also perfect if you need a day of downtime.
The beach is located in a protected natural area a quarter of an hour’s walk from Órzola in a westerly direction. The locals call it “la playa de atrás” (the back beach). At low tide, a second cove opens up on this stretch of golden sand.
We suggest that you pack a small picnic with some Lanzarote goat’s cheese or figs, a cap, plenty of water and that book you never got round to finishing. That’s all you’ll need – not even a swimsuit is required in this beautiful spot, which is sheltered by the Risco de Famara and offers views of La Graciosa. The feeling of freedom is so intense that it is thrilling.
If you are an addict of calm and relaxation on the beach, the northern coastline offers other places where you can continue to feel sun kissed and, above all, happy. Near Órzola, less than two kilometres away, is Caletón Blanco, a spot with pure white sand and calm waters under the lee of the tongue of eroded lava that shapes it.
If your youthful soul is definitively wild, next to Caletón Blanco are the small beaches of Punta Prieta and Caleta del Mojón Blanco. Remember to always maintain a responsible attitude and avoid risking your safety in these less frequented areas of the coastline.
By the way, being so close to Órzola, you shouldn’t miss a visit to this fishing village which maintains a lively atmosphere all year round. Try the local fish tapas on the little terraces in front of the quay, while you watch the ferries to La Graciosa bustle by. In fact, maybe you’ll want to make the leap to the eighth Canary Island, an example of a sustainable community, with sandy streets and a lifestyle fully integrated into nature.
El Barranco del Quíquere
We islanders love to improvise a dip in the middle of the day. There is a reason why we live on an island surrounded by the sea, which is accessible from almost anywhere in the territory. One of the most convenient places for this is the Barranco del Quíquere, a beautiful marine spot, three kilometres south of Puerto del Carmen, which has its own rock staircase in one of its most accessible sections. You can get there by bike or, if you’re fit, on foot. The view from the top of the cliff is majestic. Still, limpid waters invite swimmers to immerse themselves in this aquatic paradise, with an enormous marine diversity that also makes it perfect for diving. There is no sand in El Quíquere, just rocks to lie on. Believe me, you won’t need anything else.
One of the advantages of this bathing area is its proximity to the tourist resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Puerto Calero and Playa Quemada. Any one of them is perfect for recharging your batteries on one of their seafront terraces.
Manual for the sustainable beach lover
Lanzarote is an island committed to the conservation of the environment and the respectful enjoyment of nature. Never leave waste on the beach or throw objects or debris into the sea. Don’t pick up stones or other natural elements or modify the aesthetics of the landscape. Also, try to avoid noise pollution. Don’t disturb the fauna or damage the sand flora (psammophilous plants). If you find an injured animal, call the emergency telephone number: 112. Remember that pets are not allowed on these beaches. Protect your skin (always) with sun creams that respect the marine environment. All of this will improve the quality of your beach experience.