Lanzarote is a volcanic island, and its beaches show it. Between the famous golden coves there are stretches of jet-black sand, lava cliffs dropping into the surf and the cinder cones of Timanfaya looming inland. César Manrique, the artist who shaped the island's look, kept the development low and white, so the landscape still does the talking.
Papagayo: the golden coves
The Papagayo beaches, at the island's southern tip beyond Playa Blanca, are the ones on the postcards — a series of sheltered golden coves of fine sand and clear, calm water, set in a protected natural area down a dirt track. There are no big hotels here, just the cliffs, the sea and a couple of simple beach bars. Bring what you need for the day.
Famara: surf and drama
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On the wilder northwest coast, Playa de Famara is a vast beach of golden sand running for kilometres beneath a sheer cliff, with the island of La Graciosa offshore. The Atlantic rolls in properly here, which makes it a surf and kitesurf magnet rather than a place for a gentle paddle — but for sheer scenery it is hard to beat.
Black sand and Playa Blanca
For the volcanic side of the island, the little beach at El Golfo sits beside a vivid green lagoon ringed by black sand and red cliffs. And the resort town of Playa Blanca itself has a string of sheltered, family-friendly beaches and a promenade, making a handy base for reaching Papagayo.
Getting there
Lanzarote airport (ACE) sits between the capital Arrecife and the resorts. Playa Blanca and the Papagayo coves are around forty minutes south. A private transfer takes you straight to your hotel or villa, so you can be on the sand the same afternoon you land. Book a Lanzarote transfer or see our private transfers in Lanzarote.
