Playa Blanca is situated on the south side of Lanzarote and through the years has become the third largest tourist area on the island. Awarded on various occasions for its beauty, this peaceful and pleasant spot is the ideal place for the whole family to relax in.

Playa Blanca has a wide range of hotels surrounded by a flourishing service sector: bars, restaurants, businesses... and one of the best recreational ports in Lanzarote. It is also close to the Papagayo Beaches where white sand and crystalline waters wash lap against the rocks.

You can find all kinds of restaurants, shops and bars along the Playa Blanca boardwalk, and the streets running parallel to it, at the edge of the old town. Another area that’s a must to visit is the recreational port, replete with newly constructed facilities of high quality. It also boasts a new shopping centre.

Playa Blanca is generally less windy than the rest of the island, due to its Southern location on the island.

Get in

The LZ2, a main motorway, links the resort to the Island's International Airport in Arrecife.

Get around

It's easy to walk the whole town on foot, so no need to worry about transportation. There are taxis easily available, if needed.

There is a bus service every half an hour around the town. Bus number 31.

To connect to Arrecife, the bus leaves on the hour from early morning until mid evening - number 60

To connect to Puerto del Carmen, which is around 45 km away, the bus leaves on the half hour from early morning until mid evening - number 61

See

• Playa Blanca is also home to the beautiful 'Papagayo Beaches', which are secluded beaches known for their outstanding natural beauty.

Playa Blanca is situated at the southernmost tip of the island, and seems to have its own unique weather, away from the rest of island. Flanked by the Femes mountains on one side... and with Montana Roja imposing at the other side, it is sheltered from some of the higher winds, and also claims the highest temperatures on the island. With beautiful white sandy beaches framing the town, edging round to Papagayo (a series of coves with shallow clear waters), it's also an ideal place to bring the children. With all the variety of tourist shops that you would expect, there are many bars offering low-key entertainment throughout the evening. It's a little quieter than other resorts in Lanzarote, which suits the visitor seeking a more laid back holiday experience.

The most recent development is the Marina Rubicon. A development of designer shops, and restaurants in beautiful surroundings, positioned right next to the beautiful Marina. take a stroll, and see some of the most spectacular yachts. The promenade in Playa Blanca is host to many top quality cafes and restaurants, where you can sit back and sample either the local or international menu on offer. The view across to Fuerteventura is beautiful, and at night you can see Corralejo's lights twinkling back at you, whilst listening to the waves lapping at the shore.

Do

Take a tour to see the island's landmarks, like Timanfaya natural park, Jameos del agua, Cueva de los verdes, Mirador del Rio, Jardín de Cactus, Museo del Campesino, Fundación César Manrique, etc

• Playa Blanca Market. Wednesdays and Saturdays from 09.00 to 14.00 

Buy

A holiday home there, if you possibly can.

Eat

Seafood, especially the prawns and the local squid. There is one Burger King in town and plenty of Italian restaurants.

Marina Rubicon has some great restaurants that cover most price ranges from inexpensive pasta restaurants to more formal dining establishments. It even has a few Lani's (if you like the real tourist traps).

There are a number of good restaurants in the old town of Playa Blanca on the coastline. Some are much better than others.

Drink

• Simon Richards. For the best views of the Marina Rubicon, Playa Dorada, Fuerteventura and the mountains of Femes, then All Sports Tavern´s outside bar and terrace is where to see them from, even better under the night sky with some soft music in the background. 

Often, the climate is very warm and dehydration is a hazard.

For some good banter the Irish Anvil in Punta Limones is hard to beat. They also do an excellent breakfast.

There are many bars in Playa Blanca which offer sports viewing, karaoke and live entertainment. Alternatively, travel to local local for a more lively atmosphere.

Sleep

Unlike the resort of Puerto del Carmen - which is dominated by apartment complexes - Playa Blanca's more controlled and recent development means it is home to a large selection of new four and five star hotels and a good range of quality holiday villas.

• Club Calimera Royal Monica, Carretera Playa Blanca a Faro Pechiguera, Playa Blanca, ☏ +34 51 77 77. built in traditional island style, is situated in a quiet location in Southwestern Lanzarote. It is located on a cliff-lined coast, which features a small nature beach. 
• Casa Nimbara. (updated Jan 2019)

Go next

Surrounding Playa Blanca is the Timanfaya National Park

It is also possible to catch a ferry to the neighbouring Island of Fuerteventura, the trip taking around 1/2 hour.

There are two ferries, Fred Olsen and Armas. You can get tickets for both on the spot. About 10€ per person. Fred Olsen is about 10 minutes faster but more expensive. You can board with your rent a car and take it over with you. They run about once per hour.

Coaches run to all the main tourist attractions from Playa Blanca. There is a newly-completed Bus Station. To see the Timanfaya it is best to take a bus as cars are not allowed in some areas.

The Yaiza Princess Hotel has an excellent children's play area and you don't need to be resident to use it. It also has fantastic restaurants.