Beach Life On Lanzarote
Visiting the beach has become almost synonymous with taking a holiday, as the opportunity to bask in the sun, dip into the sea and turn golden brown are universal pleasures. Which is very fortunate for anyoone who has chosen to take their holidays in Lanzarote, as there are plenty of playas to choose from on this small Spanish island.
Although relatively small, measuring some 845km2, Lanzarote has a coastline that is dotted with sandy beaches, nearly all of which are comprised of golden grains. The main resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca are all well served, with each having at least three excellent beaches.
There is also even a pretty sandy cove, Playa Reducto, in the capital of Arrecife, nestling in between the recently opened five star Gran Hotel – the only high rise hotel in Lanzarote - and the Parque de las Islas Canarias, a palm packed park that overlooks the ocean. In fact many of the seaside villages up and down the island have some form of beach or other.
Another that is popular with locals is Playa La Garita, in the northern village of Arrieta. Unspoilt and undeveloped, nevertheless it has good facilities including toilets and showers, restaurants just to the back and gently shelving sand that makes this a delightful place to swim.
Further north from Arrieta are some really wild beaches, which are simply sandy stretches that extend between the volcanic rocks along the shore. Known collectively as Caleton Blanco, the sand here is exceptionally white, having been ground down from sea shells over the centuries. This is a favourite spot with those who like to spend a day or the whole weekend at the beach, with families often turning up with caravans or at least a car full of kit.
On the other side of the island is the amazing beach at Famara. Horseshoe shaped, it extends for seven kilometres, under the cliffs of the Risco de Famara. Whilst not the best spot for swimming, as there are dangerous undertows in the water, it is a firm favourite with surfers, thanks to the impressive waves coming in off the Atlantic.
Also worthy of a visit are the six coves that make up the Playas de Papagayo. Situated right at the southern most tip of Lanzarote, close to the resort of Playa Blanca – they have crystal clear waters, soft golden sand and are pretty much still as nature created them. Access is via a dirt track road or by water taxi and there are only a couple of restaurant-cafés in the vicinity, but they make an excellent spot for a day’s sunbathing and swimming.
