Located on the southern tip of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, Playa Blanca is an idyllic spot that caters perfectly to families in this upmarket resort. From its beautiful beaches, great choice of hotels to fun activities, here’s why Playa Blanca should be your next family holiday destination.
Weather
WeatherIt’s an ideal destination for sun-seekers at any time of year with an average 23C in March, rising to an average high of 29C in August and its cooling wind makes this location much more tolerable than other European destinations where summer temperatures and humidity can be draining. Its also perfect for winter sun with temperatures in November and December averaging 22C. Playa Blanca is also said to be the least windy of the main resorts in Lanzarote, although during our visit here the winds were pretty gusty.
Where to Stay
There’s a really good range of accommodation in Playa Blanca, from luxurious resorts to self catering apartments
We stayed at the brand new Barcelo Playa Blanca, a stunning new property on the coast close to the marina which opened its doors in December 2023. At this hotel are multiple pools, including water slides for the kids, an incredible spa, sports facilities, kids and teen clubs and high-end accommodation – including its exclusive high end Royal Level experience for adults.
Other popular options include the Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort which is renowned as one of the best luxury family friendly hotels in the Canary Islands with its luxurious setting, including multiple pools, spas, and great dining.
Another popular option is the 5 star Dreams Lanzarote Playa Dorada, located in-between the Barcelo and the Princess Yaiza and has newly refurbished rooms (club level would be my pick) and an incredible choice of facilities for adults and children including nine swimming pools, a fully equipped gym and a stunning spa.
The LIVVO Hotels Volcan Lanzarote is another worth considering, with its incredible lobby designed to resemble an actual volcano and its prime location on the seafront at the Marina Rubicón area of Playa Blanca. There are three restaurants, four pools and plenty of family-friendly facilities, including a kids’ club.
Another popular option in a central location and close to Playa Flamingo beach is the 5 star all-inclusive Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park. This family-friendly property features modern rooms, a kids’ club, stunning spa, three horseshoe-shaped pools, and a range of fitness facilities.
Slightly further out is H10 Rubicón Palace, a family-friendly resort with five different dining venues, multiple pools and spacious rooms for families in resort styled like a Canarian village atmosphere.
We checked all of these properties out, but our pick would be the Barcelo Playa Blanca – its new, fresh and modern.
If hotels aren’t for you there are plenty of villas and apartments available for rent, offering the comforts of home with the added benefit of stunning ocean views.
Beautiful Beaches and Coastline
Playa Blanca boasts some of the most stunning beaches in Lanzarote:
Playa Blanca Beach
Located right in the town of Playa Blanca, this blue flag beach is one of the smallest beaches but its location is superb, close to lots of shops, bars and restaurants. On this sandy beach you’ll find all the amenities that you would expect from sunloungers to hire to a lifeguard.
Playa Flamingo
This gorgeous golden sand beach is a little further out from the heart of the resort but it’s a popular choice for families especially if your hotel is in this part of Playa Blanca. The water here is so clear and its calmer waters are great for swimming .
Playa Dorada Beach
This family-friendly beach known as The Golden Beach was our favourite, located just off the promenade next to the Princess Yaiza Hotel and the Dreams Lanzarote Playa Dorada. Known for its golden sand and calm, crystal clear turquoise waters, so its great for swimming and snorkelling – you can literally see the fish swimming around your feet.
The beach here is sheltered from the winds often associated with Lanzarote and comes with plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas. Being close to some of the most popular family friendly hotels in Playa Blanca means this is a popular choice for families and has a promenade with shops and restaurants nearby and a cafe right on the beach.
Papagayo Beaches
Papagayo BeachesA short drive away from Playa Blanca are the beaches at Papagayo which are some of the most spectacular in the Canary Islands. Located via a long, dusty road, you’ll find a collection of five, secluded beaches within a natural reserve.
These beaches are famous for their emerald waters and picturesque surroundings, making them great for snorkelling and relaxation.
Dining and Shopping
Playa Blanca has a vibrant dining scene, there are so many great restaurants here to choose from. We were on a half-board basis but there is so much choice in Playa Blanca, its well worth considering if you need a half-board dining plan
Marina Rubicón
Marina RubicónThis gorgeous marina was a favourite of ours and home to a variety of restaurants and bars, offering everything from fresh seafood, Tex Mex to international cuisine – popular options are El Mirador and La Casa Roja. It has a lovely boardwalk with views over the yachts in the marina and its the perfect spot for dinner and shopping, with lots of independent shops, boutiques, supermarkets and a small indoor mall with chain stores.
Lasal
Lasal This is the latest upscale shopping and dining area to open in Playa Blanca and our personal favourite. Located in a new promenade area as part of the new Barcelo development and close to Marina Rubicon. At Lasal you’ll find a range of independent and high end stores including Ralph Lauren and Boss to one of the kids favourites La Playa – its very similar to Ale Hop, which is located in the old town of Playa Blanca.
There are some great restaurants here, at Roma Italia you will find some of the best pizzas in the area and at Restaurante Namasté they serve some incredible Indian food. There is also La Gang Nan a Chinese restaurant and for a cooling treat, the ice creams at Amorino next door are fab.
Playa Blanca Old Town
The seafront promenade here is well worth visiting, with lots of shops, bars and restaurants. The main shopping area runs parallel to the promenade and is pedestrianised with a number of shops here including Mango, Desigual, Ale Hop and lots of independent stores.
Playa Blanca was once an old fishing village, there is still reference to its past on one of the main roundabouts in the town, but away from the main shopping street, in the old quarter there are lots of little streets to explore with beautiful whitewashed buildings.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor ActivitiesFor those who love the outdoors, Playa Blanca doesn’t disappoint:
Water Sports
The calm, clear waters are ideal for snorkelling, diving, and paddleboarding. Equipment rental and lessons are readily available.
There is also the Aqualava waterpark which is popular with families with a wide range of slides, pools and a lazy river to choose from – a cool fact is that the water here is heated via geothermal energy.
Walk the coastal path
Walk the coastal pathWalk the coastal walkway which connects the Faro de Punta Pechiguera lighthouse to Playa Blanca’s bustling marina where there are lots of bars and restaurants to choose from to sit and relax after your walk.
Visit an active Volcano
Explore the incredible Timanfaya National Park, known for its volcanic landscapes which is around a 20 minute drive away from Playa Blanca. This is the bucket list experience on the island, and in particular is their volcano tour which is still active (although its last eruption was in 1730).
A coach (it’s the only to see this) takes you around a narrow road where you get to travel through a terrain of red-rust dunes, frozen lava and crags that wouldn’t look out of place on the planet Mars. There are a number of tour companies that do day trips by coach, with prices starting from £48.00 for a half day tour.
El Golfo
El GolfoThis is another worthy stop to take in Lanzarote’s dramatic landscape. At this fishing village, you’ll find a green lake situated within a volcanic crater, forming a small bay of emerald green water due to the high concentration of algae – its incredible and just a short drive away from Playa Blanca.
Boat Excursions
Take the ferry trip to nearby Corralejo on the north coast of Fuerteventura (it takes 30-40 minutes) using the ferries that run constantly throughout the day from the harbour in Playa Blanca old town. Another popular option is to sail on a catamaran to Papagayo beach that sails from Playa Blanca to Marina Rubicon, with its luxury yachts, shops and restaurants and on to the crystal-blue waters of Papagayo Beach.
Other attractions
Castillo de las Coloradas
A historic fortress form the 18th century offering panoramic views of the coastline. It’s a short walk away from Marina Rubicon and the coastal views from here are incredible.
Local Markets
Visit the Marina Rubicón market, held twice a week 9am til 2pm, where you can buy local crafts, jewellery, and souvenirs. Another hidden gem is the market held in the La Plaza area of the Princess Yaiza hotel.
Art and Museums
The island of Lanzarote is known for its connection to artist César Manrique. His work and influence can be found sprinkled throughout all of Lanzarote. The late artist and architect worked closely with the government to ensure the authentic spirit and natural beauty of the island remained intact, reflected in the low rise whitewash buildings – a total contrast to the buildings of Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
How to get here
Travel to and from Lanzarote from the UK takes between four and four-and-a-half hours and Lanzarote Airport is just a 30-minute drive from Playa Blanca. The drive down into Playa Blanca is spectacular where you pass through lava fields, salt flats and more.
We booked a transfer through our travel company which is a stress free way to start your holiday, but taxis, and public buses are easily accessible from the airport. If you plan on hiring a car then every major supplier has a stand here but local recommendations to us were AutoReisen.