Playa Blanca is the southernmost resort on Lanzarote, known for its calm beaches, ferries to Fuerteventura and proximity to the legendary Papagayo beaches. Just 30 years ago it was a quiet fishing village — today it’s an upscale holiday resort that has managed to retain its intimate atmosphere, far from the bustle of Puerto del Carmen or Costa Teguise.
Three Beaches of Playa Blanca
The coastline of Playa Blanca forms one large bay roughly 9 kilometres wide, divided into three smaller beaches. Each has its own character, but they share one thing in common: calm, warm waters ideal for swimming with children.
Playa Flamingo
Located on the western edge of the resort, Playa Flamingo is arguably the prettiest of the three. Golden sand, crystal-clear water and excellent facilities — sun loungers, parasols, showers and bars along the promenade. The beach is sheltered by breakwaters, so the water is exceptionally calm. Nearby hotels (Flamingo Beach Resort, TUI Blue) bring a steady flow of visitors, yet the beach never feels overcrowded.
Playa Dorada
East of the centre lies Playa Dorada — the “Golden Beach” with a Blue Flag award. Its wide, gently sloping shoreline makes it perfect for families with small children. In season you can rent sun loungers and parasols, and several restaurants along the promenade offer ocean views. It’s worth coming here in the evening for sunset — the view of Fuerteventura across the strait is spectacular.
Playa Blanca (main beach)
The central beach, which gave the resort its name, sits right next to the old harbour. It’s smaller and more urban than the other two, but has its own charm — fishing boats on the shore, a nearby promenade lined with restaurants serving fresh fish. A good starting point for a walk along the entire coastline.
Gateway to Papagayo Beaches
The main reason many tourists choose Playa Blanca as their base is the proximity to Papagayo beaches (Playas de Papagayo). This cluster of hidden coves within the Los Ajaches Nature Reserve is widely regarded as Lanzarote’s most beautiful shoreline. The drive from Playa Blanca takes 15–20 minutes along an unpaved road (€3 vehicle entry fee). You can also hike there along a clifftop trail — about an hour’s walk each way.
Ferry to Fuerteventura
Ferries to Corralejo on Fuerteventura depart from Playa Blanca harbour. The crossing takes just 25–30 minutes, and operators (Fred Olsen Express, Naviera Armas, Líneas Romero) run a dozen or more services daily. The first ferry leaves at 6:15 AM, the last returns at 8:10 PM. A return ticket costs around €30–40. It makes for a perfect day trip — morning ferry to Corralejo, a visit to the Grandes Playas dunes and back in time for dinner in Playa Blanca.
Practical Information
- Getting there by bus: lines 60, 30 and 161 connect Playa Blanca with Arrecife and the airport. Line 60 is the main route to the island’s capital (approx. 40 min, ~€3.50).
- Coastal walk: the promenade links Playa Flamingo, the town centre and Playa Dorada — roughly 3 km of pleasant seaside strolling.
- Shopping and dining: Rubicón Marina shopping centre with restaurants, shops and a weekly market (Wednesday and Saturday).
- Water: some of the calmest waters on Lanzarote — ideal for snorkelling and swimming with children.
Nearby Beaches
- Papagayo Beaches — a cluster of wild coves in the nature reserve, 15 min by car.
- Playa de las Coloradas — a small beach between Playa Blanca and Papagayo, with reddish sand.
- Playa Quemada — a quiet fishing village with a pebbly beach, 20 min north.
Weather in Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca is a relaxed resort on Lanzarote’s south coast with views across to Fuerteventura. The south of the island is the warmest and driest part – ideal beach conditions prevail here almost year-round. Check the current weather in Playa Blanca.