Playa Blanca

If white-sanded beaches are your thing, then look no further than Playa Blanca (quite literally meaning “white beach”) in Lanzarote. This once-humble fishing village offers more than just a beach, though, but several beaches, as well as a lively restaurant and shopping scene. 
Though the southern town is home to a cluster of resorts, it still retains a low-key vibe, minus much of the nightlife buzz found in Puerto del Carmen. It is, however, ripe with restaurants, bars and harbor-front seafood establishments eager to satisfy visitors’ cravings for the kind of mellow but swanky beach holiday that comes along with some good eats.
If beaches are indeed what you came for, though, head just a little west of the harbor and you’ll be rewarded by attractive shores, including those found at Playa Dorada and Playa Flamingo. Meanwhile, if you’d prefer something a little more remote, travel eastward toward the Costa de Papagayo, where you’ll find several less-populated beaches via a dirt track and walking paths.
Playa Blanca’s location on the southern tip of Lanzarote also places it within convenient distance of other major island sights, including Los Hervideros – a geological masterpiece of caves and lava tubes -- and El Golfo with its Lago Verde, the vibrant-green, ocean-side lagoon. Those in search of nature beyond just sandy coastlines can also head north to Timanfaya Natural Park, a veritable wonderland of volcanic discovery.

Practical Info

If you head to the beaches of Papagayo, keep in mind that there are limited facilities. Also, if you prefer to skip overland access to Papagayo, water taxis and other boat excursions are available.