beach guide
beach life on lanzarote
Obviously the most popular pastime in Lnazarote is spending hours on the beach. Many locals set up home on the beaches around the island for weeks on end. A perfect escape from the Summer heat.
Lanzarotes sense of freedom is never more apparent than on the beach. Many beaches are clothing optional, some are not and others are discretionary. We will give you our opinions as to what to expect but like everything on this wonderful island sometimes you may get a surprise.
Unlike many destinations such as Gran Canaria, Sitges and Tenerife. Lanzarote does not have any exclusively 'gay' beaches but some are locally recognised as such. We have given you our opinions of the benefits of some of our favourite coastal locations and hope you'll enjoy discovering them. There are plenty more to discover, let us know which ones' you enjoyed most because we'd like to give a star system to each one for privacy, cleanliness, swimming, facilities etc.
clothing optional
Lanzarotes sense of freedom is never more apparent than on the beach. Many beaches are clothing optional, some are not and others are discretionary. We will give you our opinions as to the general rule and at all times try to be as honest as possible.
black sand?
Contrary to popular belief lanzarote doesn't have black sand beaches. The coastline sand varies from dark gold to fine white dependent upon where you visit. Admittedly we do have a few black beaches but they are pebbled rather than sandy. They are stunningly beautiful but you will need a high factor sunscreen as it is incredibly easy to burn on these particular beaches.
Orzola (north)
Situated on the coastal road from Jameos Del Agua heading to Orzola, this stunning series of beaches can easily be found. Consisting of dazzling white sands interspersed with incredible black rock these beaches are truly beautiful in dramatic sense. You'll find plenty of stone built circles which you can settle in for the day. Swimming is not advised in the open sea , but the sheltered coves are perfect.
swimming not advisable
nudist discretionary
perfect for seclusion and natural beauty
recognised as gay not really
Jameos Del Agua (north)
A real secret! drive into the the Jameos Del Agua and through the car park into the staff parking area. You will think this is a no go area but you'll be fine. On the left hand side you'll see a small track and sign that leads to the coast and a small car park.
perfect for WIND SURFING, seclusion and natural beauty , stunning coastal walks
Arrieta (north)
You cannot miss the beach in this small yet bustling fishing community. Fantastic tapas is available directly on the beach. Warm, safe, sand based bathing in a really Spanish village. Busy on Sundays and Fiestas with families.
swimming perfect
nudist NO
perfect for safe swimming, lazy waterside lunches
recognised as gay NO
Charo de Palo (north)
An insiders knowledge is needed here. Driving through Guatiza towards the Jardin De Catus continue past the large metal sculptrue outside and continue as if going to Mala. On your right you will come to the Restaurante Don Quijote, turn right here and simply follow the road to the coast. Basically, to the left of the village is accepted as female gay friendly and to the right, all along the coast for 2 kilometers is gay male territory.
swimming only within the natural pools by the village
nudist YES!
perfect for seclusion, natural beauty, coastal walks and no attitude
recognised as gay VERY MUCH SO!
Costa Teguise (central)
One of the major coastal resorts, Costa Teguise has plenty of fine sand beaches, safe swimming and good for windsurfing. As with any resort you will will plenty of families and children. In the summer months the beaches are very busy with local residents from about 5pm until 8pm.
swimming YES
perfect for Wind surfing, relaxation with plenty of facilities recognised as gay NO
Famara (central)
3 kilometers of golden sands in probably the most dramatic of settings. Flanked by 400mtr high cliffs to the right and the village of Famara on the the left, this is the ultimate surfers paradise but perfect for a days relaxation in one of the most spectacular natural locations.
swimming be aware of the advice flags
perfect for Wind surfing, relaxation with nature to hand recognised as gay NO
La Santa (central)
Some incredible man made lagoons in front of the world class La Santa sports resort and beautiful rocky coast line behind.
swimming in the lagoons, no problem
perfect for chilling out on a hot day
Arrecife (central)
How can such a great city get better? by having it's own beach that's how! The main town beach, El Reducto, is not openly gay and frequented by by locals. However, we have noticed a great many gay couples use this beach without incident. You can shop, lunch and swim without leaving the city.
The beaches behind and around the Castillo San Gabrielle are recognised as gay zones. They are beautiful, quiet and clean.
perfect for relaxing, swimming and getting a good tan recognised as gay NO at the main beach. YES by theCastillo.
Puerto Del Carmen (central)
One of the major coastal resorts, Puerto Del Carmen has plenty of fine sand beaches, safe swimming and good for all manner of watersports. Obviously this is a family beach and very busy in school holidays.
perfect for an easy no hassle day out
Playa Honda (central)
Virtually filling in the kilometers between Arrecife and the airport the beaches at Playa Honda are a locals favourite. The new promenade between the city and Puerto Del Carmen offers a lovely walk, with plenty of bars and restaurants along the way to stop and watch the world go by. Great in early evening it is worth noting that the beach by the end of the runway is the only part recognised as gay.
nudist In certain areas
recognised as gay YES in parts
Papagayo (south)
Recognised as some of the best beaches in Spain, Papagayo is a visit you have to make. Although it is now a tourist haven it is a gay zone but discreetly so, at least before 6pm. Caleta De Congrio is the recognised gay area but expect to share your space with others.
swimming incredible
nudist YES! you won't see many white bits here
recognised as gay YES
Playa Blanca (south)
Superb, clean beaches abound in this, the islands' third holiday mecca. Our favourite is the town beach beach within the harbour. Great restaurants on the waterfront and it's a super beach with safe swimming.
Janubio (south)
Located by the Salt Pans (Las Salinas) on the way to El Golfo you will find this beach easily. It is the only black beach on the island and not really a beach as it is really mad eup of smooth volcanic pebbles.
swimming NO
nudist depends on the day, look to see what others are doing. If you are first or the only people there....go for it!
perfect for a very different beach
recognised as gay mmm, we can't decide!
Orzola
Jameo Del Agua
Arietta
Famara
La Santa
Charco De Palo
Costa Teguise
Arrecife
Playa Honda
Janubio
Puerto Del carmen
Playa Blanca
Papagayo
full index
island guide
sleep eat shop
the map
travel
feedback
contact us
join us on twitter
blog
