Playa de la Garita is a relaxed golden-sand village beach at Arrieta, on the quieter north-east coast of Lanzarote. Away from the big resorts, this is where local families come at weekends: a wide, easy-going bay with calm water, a low-key seafront and a genuinely Canarian feel. If you want to see the everyday, unhurried side of Lanzarote — and swim somewhere lovely without the resort crowds — La Garita is a little gem.
How to get there
La Garita sits in the small seaside village of Arrieta, on the north-eastern coast towards the island's volcanic north. It's an easy drive up the coast road from Arrecife or the eastern resorts, and it makes a natural stop when you're heading to the famous sights nearby. There's usually roadside and village parking near the beach, and the compact village means the sand, a handful of shops and a few restaurants are all within a short stroll. Public transport is limited on this quieter side of the island, so a hire car is the simplest way to reach it.
Photo: Frank Vincentz · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons · scaled
What it's like
The beach is a broad crescent of soft golden sand — a pleasant surprise on a coast better known for black volcanic rock — backed by a low seafront and the whitewashed houses of Arrieta. The pace is gentle and local: children playing, families picnicking, and a scattering of seafood restaurants along the front rather than rows of bars. It's the kind of place that feels lived-in and real rather than laid on for tourists, which is much of its charm. On a sunny day it's simply a happy, easy-going village beach.
Arrieta is well known for its seafood restaurants. Time your visit around lunch and enjoy fresh fish with a sea view before or after a swim — it's part of what makes the trip up here worthwhile.
Swimming and safety
The bay is reasonably sheltered and the golden sand shelves gently, so on calm days swimming here is relaxed and family-friendly. Being on the north-east coast, though, it can catch more breeze and swell than the sheltered southern beaches, so conditions vary from day to day. Lifeguard cover is limited, so check the sea before going in, keep an eye on children, and take normal care if the water is choppy or there's any pull. On a typical calm day it's a lovely, gentle swim.
Facilities
Facilities are simple and in keeping with the village setting. You'll usually find a few restaurants and cafés along the front, some parking, and basic amenities, but this isn't a fully serviced resort beach with long rows of sunbeds and every convenience. That low-key quality is exactly why people like it. Bring water, sun cream and your own shade to be comfortable, and plan on the village's restaurants for lunch rather than a big beach-bar scene.
Best for whom
La Garita suits travellers who want a calm, authentic, local beach rather than a busy resort strip — families, couples and anyone touring the north who fancies a proper swim and a seafood lunch. It pairs perfectly with a day exploring Lanzarote's volcanic north. It's less suited to those who want a big serviced beach with watersports, bars and sunbeds on tap. But for a genuine taste of village life by a golden bay, it's a delight.
Nearby
Arrieta is the gateway to some of Lanzarote's most spectacular sights. Just up the coast lies Jameos del Agua, César Manrique's magical volcanic grotto with its underground lake and concert cave, while the lava tube of Cueva de los Verdes and the clifftop viewpoint of Mirador del Río are all within easy reach. The market town of Teguise and the island capital Arrecife make good onward stops. For where to stay and the best of the island, see our full guide to Lanzarote.