Playa Blanca's town beaches are sheltered, family-friendly gems — a trio of calm golden coves strung along the seafront of Lanzarote's sunny southern resort, linked by an attractive promenade and lapped by some of the gentlest water on the island. Where nearby Papagayo is wild and remote, these beaches are easy, safe and beautifully serviced, right on the doorstep of the town's cafés and shops. For a relaxed, dependable beach day on Lanzarote, they're hard to beat.
How to get there
The beaches line the front of Playa Blanca itself, at the southern tip of the island, so if you're staying in the resort most are within a short, level stroll along the promenade. Buses connect Playa Blanca to the rest of the island, and drivers will find parking around the town, though the most popular coves fill quickly in high season. From Lanzarote's airport near Arrecife it's an easy transfer south of around forty minutes.
Photo: Luis Miguel Bugallo Sánchez(Lmbuga) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons · scaled
What it's like
There are three main beaches to choose between, each with its own character. Playa Blanca, the original town beach, is a golden crescent right by the old harbour and restaurants. Playa Dorada is a broad, well-groomed bay backed by hotels, popular with families for its calm water and full facilities. Playa Flamingo is a smaller, very sheltered cove protected by breakwaters, with especially still water. A lovely coastal promenade links them, making it easy to wander between the three and pick your favourite. All share the same warm, sunny, low-key southern atmosphere.
Playa Flamingo's breakwaters make it the calmest and shallowest of the three — ideal for young children and nervous swimmers, while Playa Dorada offers the widest sand and the best spread of facilities.
Swimming and safety
This is where these beaches shine. Facing south and partly protected by breakwaters, they offer some of the calmest, safest swimming in southern Lanzarote — gently shelving sand, clear water and little in the way of big waves on most days. Lifeguard cover is generally provided in season on the main beaches. As always, keep an eye on any flags, mind children near the water and take normal care, but for relaxed, worry-light bathing these coves are excellent.
Facilities
Facilities are plentiful and well kept. Expect sunbeds and parasols for hire, showers and toilets, and seasonal lifeguard cover, with the promenade behind lined with cafés, restaurants, bars and shops so you're never far from a cold drink, an ice cream or lunch with a sea view. Playa Dorada in particular is geared up for an easy family day out. It all makes for a beach experience where you can turn up with very little and want for nothing.
Best for whom
These beaches are ideal for families, couples and anyone who wants calm, safe swimming with plenty of comforts close at hand. They suit less confident swimmers, small children and those who like the reassurance of facilities and food nearby. If you're after wild, undeveloped scenery you'll want to head out to the natural coves beyond town — but for a dependable, sunny, fuss-free beach day, Playa Blanca's town beaches are exactly right.
Nearby
You're perfectly placed here. The wild coves of Papagayo lie just to the east within the protected Los Ajaches headland — an easy excursion for a complete change of scene. From Playa Blanca's harbour, ferries sail across to Fuerteventura, making a day trip to the neighbouring island simple, and the extraordinary volcanic landscapes of Timanfaya National Park are within reach inland. For where to stay and the best of the island, see our guides to Playa Blanca and Lanzarote.