The golden sand and clear, turquoise-coloured water are hard to resist when you visit this chilled-out beach town on the Spanish island of Lanzarote.
Spend your days swimming and strolling along the oceanfront promenade of Playa Blanca. When it’s time for thrill-seeking, hike through volcanic lava fields and cruise the seas on catamarans. Playa Blanca is an ideal base for exploring the island ofLanzarote, with charming restaurants and boutiques surrounding hotels to suit families, couples and adventure travellers alike.
The Canary Islands bathe in sunny days year-round and are especially popular for winter sun holidays. Time your trip with a festival in Lanzarote, including Carnival in February or March, and the Music Visual Festival in October.
Things to do in Playa Blanca
It’s almost always a great day for the beach in Playa Blanca and you’ll choose from three within steps of each other. Drift from your hotel to the resort’s namesake beach and over to Playa Flamingo for sheltered swimming between the breakwaters. Hire a sunbed at Playa Dorada or zip around on a jet ski. You’ll step straight from the sand into restaurants for fresh seafood and wine from the local vineyards.
Best of all, a contender for Spain’s best beach is just a hike or quick drive away. Playa de Papagayo is a picture-perfect cove of white sand with transparent, lagoon-like water for snorkelling. Walk the track to see the Natural Monument of Los Ajaches and change beach scenes at neighbouring Playa de la Cera.
Discover the yachting scene at Marina Rubicón and shop at the market on Wednesday and Saturday for handmade souvenirs. On any day, the marina buzzes with boutiques and waterfront restaurants. A short drive inland, visit the vineyards and wineries of La Geria, renowned for wines made from the malvasia grape.
Outdoor activities in Playa Blanca
Launch from Marina Rubicón on exciting boat trips to spot dolphins and snorkel around secluded coves. You can sign up for sailing or windsurfing lessons and hire kayaks to paddle around the dazzling coastline. Learn how to dive or book a guided dive excursion to Museo Atlántico Lanzarote. The underwater museum is a wonderland of sculptures and marine life.
The surreal black, grey and copper-coloured volcanic landscapes of Timanfaya National Park are a short drive from Playa Blanca. Take the bus tour from the visitor’s centre to see the Mountains of Fire and feel the heat of volcanic rocks. When it’s time to cool down, thrill the kids with a visit to the slides of Aqualava waterpark.
Dining and nightlife in Playa Blanca
Stroll along the Avenida Marítima promenade to find restaurants to suit all taste buds. Menus serve traditional food such as Canarian potatoes (papas arrugadas) with fresh seafood, along with all your international favourites. You’ll find many more choices at Centro Comercial Punta Limones and along Avenida Papagayo.
Dine at the elegant restaurants of Marina Rubicón and linger longer for drinks at chic bars with views of luxury yachts. Throughout Playa Blanca, you’ll find fun bars and clubs for karaoke and themed events with live music. However, if you want to dance till dawn, take a taxi to Lanzarote’s party capital, Puerto del Carmen.
Getting around Playa Blanca
César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport is about a 30-minute drive, bus or taxi ride from Playa Blanca. Rent a car at the airport if you plan to travel at your leisure across the island. Otherwise, the bus network is efficient and taxis are readily available. Playa Blanca is a walker’s paradise, with everything you need just a short stroll from the beach and hotels. Launch on island-hopping trips from Marina Rubicón.
