Blessed with a 259km-long coastline comprised mainly of towering cliffs, headlands and spectacular rock formations (created by volcanic eruptions and erosion), Lanzarote boasts more than 90 mainly golden-sand beaches.
Several beach resorts offer a wide range of bars, restaurants and accommodation options making Lanzarote a great place for a honeymoon at any time of the year.
Lanzarote’s dramatic coastline is indented with secluded, unspoiled natural beaches as well as highly organised beaches that edge the three main coastal resorts of Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise.
The best beaches on Lanzarote, include…
Choose from a series of six golden-sand beaches that stretch along the southwest tip of Lanzarote, separated only by wind-sculpted rounded cliffs and rocky outcrops that provide sheltered swimming and snorkelling in turquoise waters.
The beaches to the north are backed by rolling sand dunes, while the southernmost beach is almost enclosed by soaring cliffs and therefore the most secluded and a favourite of naturalists.
There are no facilities here so you need to take all your own provisions. The best way to access the Papagayo beaches is by water taxi from the nearby resort of Playa Blanca.
Alternatively, take the coastal road and pay the three euro entrance fee.
Playas de Papagayo are located south of Playa Blanca on the south coast between Castillo de las Coloradas and Punta de Papagayo.
(Costa Teguise) – Relax on this 640m-long crescent of golden sand that faces the turquoise waters of a sheltered cove perfect for swimming and windsurfing once the wind freshens.
This small beach is lined by a palm-fringed promenade flanked with bars, restaurants, several hotels and a nearby water park. Facilities include parasols and sun loungers for hire.
Come for a day or stay longer at the Hotel Coronas Playa or Barcelo La Galea Apartments.
The Costa Teguise is located on the southeast coast of Lanzarote.
(Famara) – Discover this famous surf beach – a 9km-long stretch of golden sand that sits beneath the towering Riscos de Famar mountain range on the northwest coast.
Go surfing, kite and windsurfing. Behind the beach sit several surf schools, bars and restaurants.
Strong sea currents make this beach dangerous for swimming; swimmers should head to the nearby village of La Caleta, home to the 70m-long Playa Ensenada.
(Orzola) – Escape the crowds and pick your own spot to sunbathe amid the unspoiled sand dunes of this gorgeous golden-sand beach that faces a turquoise bay framed by rugged volcanic rock formations.
There are no facilities here so you need to take your own food and drink.
Several other pristine and secluded beaches lie scattered along this coastline, with easy access from the nearby Calle Princess Ico (or LZ1 road).
Playa Caleton Blanco is located on the northeast coast close to the town of Orzola.
(Puerto del Carmen) – Relax on this man made, 1km-long yellow-sand beach that stretches in front of the beach resort of Puerto del Carmen.
A choice of cafes, bars and restaurants are just a short stroll away on the 6km-long Avenida de las Playas, which also connects the nearby beaches of Playas de los Pocillos and Playas de Matagordo.
Facilities include parasols and sun loungers for hire.
Puerto del Carmen is located on the southeast coast of Lanzarote.
This tiny golden-sand beach sits in front of the resort of the same name and offers safe swimming with views across to Fuerteventura Island.
The beach is linked to the neighbouring man-made beaches of Playa Dorada and Playa Flamingo by a garden-fringed promenade, flanked by cafes, restaurants and luxury beachfront hotels, such as the Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort, Hotel H10 Timanfaya Palance and the Hotel Gran Melia Volcan Lanzarote.
Playa Blanca is located on the south coast of Lanzarote.
(Arrecife) – Unwind on the golden sands of this perfect family beach, which shelves into a sheltered cove that offers safe swimming.
A range of cafes and restaurants are nearby, centred around the seafront promenade.
Unwind after a morning of touring the sights of Arrecife or stay longer at a choice of excellent accommodation, including the beachfront Hotel Lancelot and Hotel Miramar.
Head to the island’s top surfing beach, Famara on the north coast, sunbathe on the secluded sun-kissed white sands of Papagayo to the south.
Unwind in comfort at a choice of accommodation options in the beach resorts of Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise.
Tour the desolate and wild volcanic landscape of Parque Nacional de Timanfaya, a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve in the southwest of Lanzarote.
Discover more than 1000 species of prickly plants at the Jardin de Cactus (photo) and admire modernist paintings and sculptures at the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, located in the 18th century fortress of Castillo San Jose in Arrecife.
Then visit the natural lava-formed grottos of Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos de Aqua, since styled by Lanarote’s most famous artist, Cesar Manrique, to provide visitors with a surreal underground experience.
The best time to visit Lanzarote for a beach holiday is from late-June to late-September.
For city tours and excursions to the interior of the island, it's best to go in April, May and the first half of October so avoiding the summer heat.
However, Lanzarote is considered a year-round destination, with plenty of sunshine and a mild climate.
Lanzarote – the most north-eastern of the Canary Islands – experiences a desert climate, with mild winters and warm, sunny summers.
Lanzarote enjoys year-round sunshine with daily summer temperatures averaging 27°C (81°F); peaking around 30°C (86°F) during the warmest months of July and August.
More information on Lanzarote weather…
Lanzarote is located in the Canary Islands approximately 125km (78mi) off the north coast of Africa and 1000km (621 miles) from the Spanish mainland.
The most convenient route to Lanzarote is by air to César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport (ACE), commonly known as Lanzarote Airport, located 5km (3mi) southwest of the island's capital, Arrecife.
From many overseas destinations this may require first flying into Gran Canaria Airport (LPA), also known as Gran Canaria - Las Palmas Airport, located 19km (12mi) south of the capital, Las Palmas, followed by a connecting flight to Lanzarote.
By sea, there are frequent interisland ferry, hydrofoil and jetfoil services to and from Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura.
The Canary Islands comprise seven large and six smaller islands, including Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro, plus many small islets.
More information on how to get to Lanzarote…
Latest update: Lanzarote Honeymoon Guide: 22 January, 2023
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