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Playa Blanca, Lanzarote is one of the top tourist destinations on the island, so I recommend spending at least one day exploring the area. For me, Playa Blanca is the perfect combination of relaxing beaches and exciting water activities that allow you to discover unique marine life. So, you’ll have no trouble finding fun things to do with friends, your partner, or kids. In addition, there is a wide range of hotels in Playa Blanca, so consider spending the night!
Another charming thing about this small town is its fishing tradition, which is still alive and well today. As a result, Playa Blanca is one of the best places to visit in Lanzarote, and it’s well-connected to other popular destinations around the island. You may even want to make this town your home base while you explore this Canary Island since you’ll find all the services you’ll need here.
In this guide, I’ll tell you all the best things to do in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, as well as the nicest accommodations, where to eat, and how to get around.
1. Visit El Castillo de las Coloradas, a must-do in Playa Blanca
El Castillo de las Coloradas, also known as the Torre del Águila or Castillo de San Marcial de Rubicón, is one of the best places to visit in Playa Blanca. This old fortress was built to protect the city from pirate attacks, although these days it’s a beautiful spot to watch a peaceful sunset.
1. Visit El Castillo de las Coloradas, a must-do in Playa Blanca
Due to its age, the castle is heavily preserved, so you can’t go inside it. Even so, it’s worth seeing the exterior since the fortress is surrounded by a lovely natural environment. The entire scene creates a stunning photo opportunity, too!
Moreover, El Castillo de las Coloradas is one of the most important symbols of Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, so it’s a must-see.
2. Atlantic Museum of Lanzarote, a unique thing to do in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote
Out of all the interesting activities in Playa Blanca, one of the most unique is visiting the Atlantic Museum of Lanzarote. What makes this museum stand out from any other is that it’s about 50 feet under the sea.
2. Atlantic Museum of Lanzarote, a unique thing to do in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote
If you’re a fan of diving, then swimming through the gallery of the Atlantic Museum is a must-do in Playa Blanca. Hiding beneath the water’s surface are hundreds of sculptures by artist Jason de Caires Taylor. To see them, and the native marine flora and fauna around them, book this tour, which includes three guided dives to see these marvelous works of art.
Even if it sounds scary, I highly recommend this activity in Playa Blanca, which will probably end up being your favorite!
3. Playa Blanca, the main beach in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote
There are several amazing beaches in Playa Blanca, but its namesake beach is the most popular, and it’s one of the best beaches in Lanzarote.
Playa Blanca has transparent blue water and fine white sand, so it’s a great sunbathing spot. What makes it stand out is that it’s in the middle of the city, so if you’re looking for a place to disconnect, this isn’t the most ideal option. Also, since the beach is so popular, it’s usually crowded, so be aware of that.
3. Playa Blanca, the main beach in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote
On the other hand, Playa Blanca is a good place to visit with children since there are lifeguards on duty and convenient amenities. There is also a promenade full of shops and restaurants, so you’re never far from air conditioning or a bathroom.
In any case, this beach is one of the most famous places to visit in Playa Blanca, so I recommend stopping by at least once during your trip.
4. Marina Rubicón, a famous market in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote
One of the most picturesque parts of the town of Playa Blanca, Lanzarote is the Marina Rubicón. This area serves as the city’s port and tourism center, as well as a hub for Playa Blanca’s nightlife.
4. Marina Rubicón, a famous market in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote
Here, you can take an oceanfront stroll on the wooden walkway, watch the boats and luxury yachts, and go to one of the nightclubs. Without a doubt, this marina in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote has something for everyone.
Moreover, this area is known for its market, which is held every Wednesday and Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm. It’s the perfect place to pick up some local products and handmade crafts to bring back home.
5. Playa Dorada, one of the best beaches in Playa Blanca
While Playa Blanca is the most popular beach in town, I consider Playa Dorada to be the best beach in Playa Blanca.
5. Playa Dorada, one of the best beaches in Playa Blanca
With its calm, turquoise water and pristine, white sand, Playa Dorada is an incredible place to visit in Playa Blanca. Besides, it’s centrally located, so there are lots of nearby resorts and convenient services like bathrooms, showers, beach bars, umbrella rentals, and lifeguards. For all these reasons, it’s a nice place to go with kids, especially since you won’t have to worry about huge, crashing waves.
In the center of Playa Dorada, there is a small stone island, and, when the skies are clear, you can see Fuerteventura and Isla de Lobos in the background. There’s no denying that this beach is gorgeous; however, it’s an urban beach, so if you’re looking for something more secluded, check out the next beach in this guide.
6. Visit Papagayo Beach, the best thing to do in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote
Papagayo Beach is considered one of the best beaches in Spain, thanks to its white sandy coastline, emerald waters, and paradisical scenery. It’s located in the Natural Monument of Los Ajaches, a gorgeous area full of hidden coves, many of which are popular with nudists.
It takes about 20 minutes to get to Papagayo Beach from Playa Blanca. After driving for about 2.5 miles along a dirt road, you’ll have to pay the entrance fee (USD $3.15). It’s well worth it since this is one of the best beaches in Playa Blanca, hands down.
6. Visit Papagayo Beach, the best thing to do in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote
If you’d rather not drive, you can take this tour from Playa Blanca, which includes a kayaking and snorkeling session. With a little luck, you’ll see all kinds of marine life, from starfish and manta rays to schools of colorful fish.
Another option is this sailboat excursion from Playa Blanca to Papagayo, which includes lunch and an open bar.
7. Climb the Montaña blanca, an exciting thing to do in Playa Blanca
Another incredible activity in Playa Blanca is hiking to the crater of Montaña Roja, the southernmost volcano in Lanzarote.
This 2.5-mile hiking route is an adventurous thing to do in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, and one of the most popular hikes in Lanzarote. The trail isn’t too difficult and zigzags up the hillside, which is made of lava and volcanic ash. As you navigate this desolate, desert-like environment, check out the black and red stones, which contrast perfectly with the blue tones of the Atlantic Ocean.
7. Climb Montaña Roja, an exciting thing to do in Playa Blanca
Not only that, but you’ll get amazing views of Isla de Lobos and Fuerteventura, making this one of the most spectacular places to visit in Playa Blanca.
After stopping to admire the scenery, take a look at the huge volcanic crater, which has a diameter of nearly 1,150 feet. Up here, you’ll be over 650 feet over the town, so you’ll have a stunning view of Playa Blanca and beyond, including the peaks of the Natural Monument of Los Ajaches.
8. Aqualava waterpark, a fun place to visit in Playa Blanca with kids
If you’re taking a holiday to Playa Blanca, Lanzarote with kids, I recommend visiting the Aqualava waterpark. This themed waterpark has several wet and wild attractions, including a wave pool, a lazy river, and waterslides of varying sizes.
8. Aqualava waterpark, a fun place to visit in Playa Blanca with kids
As its name suggests, the waterpark’s theme is inspired by the island’s volcanoes, and you can even visit on colder days because the pools are heated. Aqualava has earned sustainability awards for its conservation efforts, which include using geothermal energy from the volcanic landscape to heat the pools.
Without a doubt, visiting this waterpark near Playa Blanca, Lanzarote is a fun way to spend the day with family. To ensure you have a worry-free visit, I recommend you buy your tickets in advance.
9. Playa Flamingo, another white sand beach in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote
Playa Flamingo is a centrally-located artificial beach in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote that’s surrounded by restaurants, beach bars, and shops. It stands out for its cove of golden sand and turquoise waters, making it a lovely place to go with family.
9. Playa Flamingo, another white sand beach in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote
At just over 650 feet long, this small beach is protected by two breakwaters. This makes the water super calm and perfect for snorkeling. Scuba diving is also a popular activity here, thanks to the good visibility and the variety of marine life swimming just a few feet beneath the water’s surface.
The beautiful scenery combined with the excellent diving conditions make visiting this beach a must-do in Playa Blanca, so don’t miss it!
10. Los Charcones, the natural swimming pools of Playa Blanca, Lanzarote
Los Charcones de Lanzarote is the perfect place to visit in Playa Blanca if you want a less-crowded beach or coastal area. These natural pools form when the tide rises and the water fills the volcanic craters, creating a set of beautiful lagoons of various sizes.
Keep in mind that if you visit this spot at high tide, you won’t be able to see these pools since the waves will completely submerge them. Your best bet is to check the tide table to figure out the best time to visit.
10. Los Charcones, the natural swimming pools of Playa Blanca, Lanzarote
Another thing is that getting to Los Charcones and finding the pools isn’t easy. They’re 20 minutes from the center of Playa Blanca, and you must go along a poorly-marked road that’s full of potholes and rocks. The only point of reference is the abandoned hospital near the Red Mountain, west of the Pechiguera lighthouse.
The most impressive natural pools are to the north of the hospital, so bring some good shoes and make the trek to find them. You’ll be glad you did!
Tours from Playa Blanca
In addition to all the beautiful places to visit in Playa Blanca, this town is also a popular starting point for excursions through Lanzarote.
For those who are short on time and want to make the most of their stay, I recommend this day trip to the most famous attractions on the island. You’ll visit Timanfaya National Park, the Cueva de los Verdes, the Jameos del Agua, and other sites, making it one of the best tours from Playa Blanca.
Tours from Playa Blanca to other Canary Islands
If you stay in Playa Blanca, you have lots of tour options to explore other Canary Islands:
- Fuerteventura: Playa Blanca is on the southern end of Lanzarote, just a short distance from Fuerteventura. You can hop on this ferry to visit the best places in Fuerteventura, like the Dunes of Corralejo or Cofete Beach. Another easy option is this day tour, which takes you directly to the most iconic sites on the island.
- Isla de Lobos: Isla de Lobos is off the coast of Fuerteventura, so you can find lots of tours from Playa Blanca to this small islet. I recommend this excursion, which includes a dolphin-watching speedboat tour. After learning about and spotting these incredible animals, you’ll get some free time to explore Isla de Lobos.
- La Graciosa: I consider Lanzarote to be the best island of the Canary Islands because not only can you visit Playa Blanca, but you can also see La Graciosa. While La Graciosa is on the northern coast of Lanzarote – the opposite of Playa Blanca – it’s well worth the trip. To get there, you can make the drive to Órzola to catch the ferry to La Graciosa, or book this excursion from Playa Blanca with bus transportation to Órzola. Once in La Graciosa, you will sail along its beautiful coast and visit Playa de la Francesa, one of the best things to do in La Graciosa.
Best hotels in Playa Blanca
There are many great places to stay in Lanzarote, and one of the best is the H10 Rubicón Palace, which is among the top all-inclusive hotels in Lanzarote. This hotel in Playa Blanca offers views of La Mulata Beach, as well as an outdoor pool, a terrace, and 10 restaurants and bars. There is even a spa, making it one of the best values for the money.
Best hotels in Playa Blanca
Another great Playa Blanca resort is the Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park, which has four pools, a gym, and one of the most beautiful locations just a few steps from Playa Flamingo. There is also a spa with a sauna, hammam, and hot tub, which you can access for an extra fee.
Finally, the Dreams Lanzarote Playa Dorada Resort & Spa is one of the best 5-star hotels in Lanzarote. It’s about 650 feet from Playa Dorada and has 7 pools, a bar, a restaurant, a shared lounge, and a gorgeous garden. This resort is perfect for the whole family and has a kids’ waterpark and a nightly entertainment program.
If you prefer to have more privacy, then check the best apartments in Playa Blanca.
Where to eat in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote
If you’re wondering where to eat in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, and you want to taste the local cuisine of the Canary Islands, here are some places I recommend checking out.
First, the Michelin-star La Cocina de Colacho is the best gourmet restaurant in Playa Blanca. The prices aren’t the cheapest, of course, but everything on the menu is exquisite, especially the meat dishes.
Another option is Restaurante Los Hervideros, which is popular with both locals and tourists. This restaurant focuses on Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine, specifically fresh fish. It’s the best restaurant in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote if you want to eat seafood, especially since it’s just a few feet from the sea. Not only that, but the establishment is managed by a local family. If you want to eat here, be sure to reserve a table in advance.
La Casa Roja, in the Marina Rubicón, is another nice place to get fresh fish and seafood. Last but not least, Avenida 55 is another great restaurant by the sea that serves Italian dishes like pizza and pasta.
How to get to Playa Blanca
There are several ways to get from Lanzarote Airport to Playa Blanca. The most common way is to rent a car, although you can also book a private transfer to your hotel if that’s more comfortable for you.
You can also get to Playa Blanca by public transport, specifically Bus Line 161, which departs from Airport Terminals 1 and 2. It runs every 20 minutes on weekdays and every hour on weekends. The trip takes about 50 minutes and bus tickets cost about €3.
Map of Playa Blanca, Lanzarote
To help you plan your vacation, here is a tourist map of Lanzarote, as well as a map of Playa Blanca with all the attractions, hotels, and restaurants I recommend.
I hope you feel better prepared to organize your perfect holiday to Playa Blanca, Lanzarote. Don’t hesitate to leave me your questions or suggestions in the comments below. And of course, have a wonderful vacation!
