Lanzarote has many spectacular beaches and bays all along its coastline. The Canary Island is often referred to as "The Island of Fire" and is noted for its volcanic features. Its beaches have white or golden sand and its crystalline waters have turquoise tones. Although the best beaches in the Canary Islands are usually located in the south of the islands, the north also has a lot to offer. 

Discover the best surfing beaches, the best natural pools in the area, the wild coves and bays and the spectacular panoramic views in the north of Lanzarote. And, above all, the paradisiacal coastline near the island of La Graciosa, located just a few kilometres from Lanzarote. 

Discover the best beaches in the north of Lanzarote

Lanzarote is a very special destination in the Canary archipelago due to its landscape covered in volcanic lava and the spectacular Timanfaya National Park. It’s, in essence, a sun and beach destination, with a unique environment and incredible views of its coasts and cliffs. In this article, we’re going to show you the best beaches in the north of Lanzarote, less crowded and with more peculiarities than the beaches in the south.

1. Famara Beach

Famara is the best beach for surfing in Lanzarote and probably the best known beach in the north of Lanzarote. This spectacular bay consists of 6 km of sand and is surrounded by dunes. Its main attractions are its unbeatable panoramic views of the island of La Graciosa, as well as the cliffs of the north of the island. 

It’s situated in a small surfers' village with several small surf shops and restaurants. As it’s suitable for surfers, it’s very windy, which makes it the perfect beach for lovers of water sports such as surfing, bodyboarding, kitesurfing and windsurfing. Caution when swimming because of the strong underwater currents and big waves.

Visit the paradise of water and wind sports! And if you're not into sports, you can always sunbathe on the long golden sandy coastline or take a long walk while enjoying the spectacular views of the neighbouring island.

2. Caletón Blanco Beach

In the vicinity of the fishing village of Órzola, in the north of Lanzarote, there are several attractive beaches. One of them is Caletón Blanco, another popular beach in the north of Lanzarote. It’s very quiet with white sand and crystal clear water, surrounded by volcanic rocks. It looks like a large natural swimming pool, and is considered one of the cleanest beaches on Lanzarote. It’s a good beach to go with the family and children, although it’s usually very windy. It’s a very beautiful paradisiacal beach, and we recommend going when the tide is low to enjoy the natural lakes that are formed.

Located in the Volcán de la Corona Natural Monument, it’s, without a doubt, a paradisiacal cove. If you visit Los Jameos del Agua, the Cueva de Los Verdes or the Timanfaya National Park, don't miss the Caletón Blanco beach and enjoy half a kilometre of white sandy beach, natural pools and its black volcanic rocks. Fall in love with the mixture of colours and elements of one of the best beaches in the north of Lanzarote.

3. La Cantería Beach

Another wild beach next to the village of Orzola is La Cantería or Playa de Atrás. It has golden sand and turquoise waters, and is perfect to escape from the more crowded beaches of the south. Enjoy its wild, pure and romantic landscape. However, it does have strong underwater currents, so even experienced swimmers are advised to exercise caution. It’s well worth the visit though. 

It’s also a good option for surfers who want to get away from the crowded beach of Famara. La Cantería is ideal for those who want peace and quiet and enjoy spectacular views, with the Famara cliff to the left. 

4. Los Caletones

Los Caletones is the name given to a series of small coves or bays of white sand and volcanic rocks. It’s the ideal option for romantic people. Its access is somewhat difficult, as it cannot be reached by car, only on foot. To reach it, arrive at the fishing village of Punta Mujeres and, from there, follow a narrow path along the edge of the coast for approximately 2 km. If you go further, you’ll reach the natural area of Jameos del Agua.

Of all the unspoilt coves (La Caleta, Playa de Punta Pietra or Las Cocinitas and Caleta del Mojón), the most suitable for bathing is probably Caleta del Mojón. We recommend visiting it at low tide, following a path of rock and sand for about 100 metres from the roadside car park.

Los Caletones has a rockier bottom, stronger waves and less sand. If you like wild beaches without tourism, you’ll find your favourite place here. Enjoy the contrasting colours left by the last volcanic eruptions.

5. Risco Beach

Playa del Risco is located on the coast closest to La Graciosa. It’s probably the beach with the best views of La Graciosa, although its access is very complicated. To get to Risco beach, you’ll have to go down the cliff of Famara along the path Sendero de los Gracioseros. This path, with a drop of almost 300 m, takes about an hour. But the effort is worth it, as the Risco beach is located in a spectacular setting and is a very quiet beach. The use of hiking shoes is compulsory to avoid accidents.

6. La Garita, Arrieta

La Garita, located in the town of Arrieta, the neighbouring village to the north of Mala, can be considered the most urban beach in the north of Lanzarote. It’s a wide, quiet and safe beach, perfect for children. The depth of its waters increases progressively and, in its surroundings, there’s a children's playground and two bars where you can enjoy delicious specialities and tapas by the sea. Arrieta is a perfect fishing village for tasting the fish of the day prepared in the Lanzarote method. 

La Garita stretches for almost a kilometre and its waters are calm. Its golden sand and its location protected from the currents and wind make it the ideal beach for swimming and for families with children. It has all the essential services such as showers and changing rooms. In front of La Garita there’s an artificial stone island connected by a wooden walkway where you can fish and enjoy spectacular views. Nearby is also the pier of the village of Arrieta. 

If you’re looking for an urban beach that isn’t too crowded, with calm waters to spend a quiet day with the family, La Garita is a good option for you.

7. Natural pools of Punta Mujeres

The Canary archipelago has many natural pools where you can enjoy swimming by the sea. Lanzarote has Punta Mujeres in its north, a small fishing village located to the northeast of Lanzarote, has some of the best natural pools in the north where you can swim in the sea and be protected from the current and waves. 

Along almost two kilometres of coastline, you can find numerous natural pools perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Here anyone, of any age, can come and take a dip without worrying about the waves. Access is via stone steps. There are also areas for sunbathing or walkways to move among the rocks.

The area is also interesting for snorkelling fans, so take your diving goggles and discover the marine life of Lanzarote. The fishing village has several restaurants with some of the best fish in town, so don't miss out! To avoid slipping, we recommend wearing appropriate footwear to not slip.

Enjoy paradisiacal beaches in the north of Lanzarote

Lanzarote's beaches are unique and are, without a doubt, a natural treasure. Remember to take your rubbish, including cigarette butts, with you and put it in the litter bin. It’s also forbidden to remove volcanic rocks etc. from the environment, and please do not remove starfish and other animals from the water or disturb them, as this may harm them.

If you’re looking for accommodation in Lanzarote we recommend the HD Beach Resort & Spa, considered one of the best hotels for families in Lanzarote. It’s located in Costa Teguise, a few kilometres from the most important places in Lanzarote. It’s located on the beachfront of Costa Teguise, perfect for beach and nature lovers who want to explore the fiery island, explore the best beaches in the north of Lanzarote and don't miss any of them!