If white-sand beaches are your thing, look no further than Playa Blanca (White Beach) on the island of Lanzarote. This former fishing village offers several small sandy coves and white beaches on Punta del Papagayo, as well as harbor-front restaurants, a buzzing nightlife scene, and a twice-weekly arts and crafts market at Marina Rubicón.
The Basics
White-sand beaches are Playa Blanca’s main draw, and you can visit them on a day trip from neighboring Fuerteventura, along with other island attractions such as Montañas del Fuego (Fire Mountains), Ruta de los Volcanes (Route of the Volcanoes), and the vineyard Bodega La Geria.
Playa Blanca also serves as a base to explore the surrounding region, with day trips departing for the rolling sand dunes and volcanic landscapes of Fuerteventura just a short boat ride away. Timanfaya National Park, Salinas de Janubio (Janubio salt flats), and El Golfo Lagoon all lie within a few minutes of Playa Blanca.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Playa Blanca is a must-visit for beach lovers and families.
- Don’t forget to bring a towel, swimsuit, and sun protection.
- A day tour from Fuerteventura to Lanzarote that includes Playa Blanca can last upwards of eight hours.
How to Get There
The nearest airport to Playa Blanca is the Lanzarote Airport in Arrecife, about a 30-minute drive away. It’s also possible to arrive by ferry from nearby Fuerteventura.
When to Get There
The best times to visit Playa Blanca are spring and autumn, when the weather is cool enough for outdoor activities and exploring island attractions yet still warm enough for a day at the beach. Visit on a Wednesday or Saturday morning to shop at the arts and crafts market.
Best Beaches in Playa Blanca
Visitors to Playa Blanca have no shortage of beautiful beaches to choose from. Dorado Beach and Flamingo Beach are the most convenient to the main resort area, but the crown jewels are the white-sand coves of Papagayo, best visited by bike or car.
