Exploring the stunning Canary Island of Lanzarote is a worthwhile experience that should not be missed.
Sun, Sand, and Surf: A Guide to the Best Beaches in Tías, Lanzarote
The municipality of Tías, one of Lanzarote’s seven administrative regions, is home to the island’s primary tourist hub, Puerto del Carmen.
Stretching along six kilometres of southern coastline, this area boasts a remarkable succession of beaches. Separated only by short, rocky headlands, they form a nearly continuous ribbon of golden sand. This guide explores seven of the best beaches in Tías, catering to everyone from families and first-time windsurfers to those seeking a quieter slice of paradise.
1. Playa Grande: The Bustling Heart of Puerto del Carmen
As the name suggests, Playa Grande ("Big Beach") is the most central and expansive beach in Puerto del Carmen. This man-made stretch of golden sand extends for nearly a kilometre and is 100 metres wide, backed by a magnificent promenade lined with bustling bars and restaurants.
- Highlights: Its calm, placid waters are ideal for swimming and windsurfing. A constant stream of beach sellers adds a lively atmosphere, offering drinks, ice cream, and fresh fruit.
- Amenities: Fully serviced with lifeguards, showers, changing areas, restrooms, and rentals for sunbeds, parasols, boats, and water sports equipment.
- Good to Know: Reached easily by guaguas (local buses), but parking is extremely limited in this vibrant area. It's one of the island's most popular beaches, so arrive early to secure a spot.
2. Playa de la Barrilla: A Diving Haven
Located slightly east of Playa Grande, Playa de la Barrilla is a more modest beach, measuring 90 metres in length and 22 metres in width. It features fine golden sand and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Highlights: It is a notable hub for scuba diving, with a dedicated centre located right on the beach.
- Amenities: Features good parking, lifeguard supervision, on-site first aid, and is accessible by bus.
3. Playa de Fariones: A Picturesque Cove
Tucked away beside the hotel of the same name, Playa de Fariones is a charming, intimate cove. Measuring just 60 metres long and 5 metres wide, it offers a sense of seclusion while still being close to the resort's amenities.
- Highlights: Its small size and fine toasted sand create a picturesque setting. The waters are typically very calm.
- Amenities: Accessible by bus, it’s a perfect spot for a quiet swim away from the largest crowds.
4. Playa de los Pocillos: An Exclusive Stretch of Sand
Situated at the more exclusive, eastern end of Puerto del Carmen, Playa de los Pocillos is a sprawling beach. It extends for over 1.2 kilometres and is an impressive 150 metres wide.
- Highlights: The beach is known for its fine golden sand and flat surface, which at high tide leaves behind shallow pools of seawater. It's noticeably quieter than Playa Grande but still offers a good selection of quality bars and restaurants nearby. It’s another popular spot for windsurfers when the wind picks up.
- Amenities: Excellent facilities include sunbed/parasol rentals, ample parking, clear signage, a boardwalk, showers, litter bins, wheelchair accessibility, first aid, and restrooms.
5. Playa de Matagorda: A Windsurfing Paradise for Beginners
Part of the Matagorda development, this windy beach stretches 850 metres in length and is 40 metres wide. Its consistent wind and calm waters create ideal conditions for windsurfing, particularly for beginners and those of limited capability.
- Highlights: Due to its proximity to Lanzarote’s airport, it is occasionally subject to the sound of planes taking off and landing. This minor drawback means it is often less crowded than its neighbours, making it well worth a visit for the excellent water sports conditions.
- Amenities: Offers rentals for sunbeds, parasols, and a variety of water sports equipment.
6. Playa de Lima: A Windswept Stretch
Located alongside the Matagorda development, Playa de Lima is a 900-metre-long beach, 50 metres wide. Its sand is a mix of fine golden sand and small picón (the dark volcanic gravel typical of the island).
- Highlights: Like its neighbour, it is a windy beach with calm, shallow waters, making it another excellent choice for beginner windsurfers and kitesurfers.
7. Peña Grande: A Small Cove with Big Amenities
Despite being the smallest on our list, this cove at Peña Grande punches above its weight. Measuring only 40 metres long and 5 metres wide, it consists of fine white sand interspersed with the occasional pebble.
- Highlights: Don’t let its size fool you; it still benefits from the area’s characteristic wind and calm waters. What truly sets it apart is its comprehensive range of facilities.
- Amenities: Fully serviced with lifeguards, showers, first aid, nearby bars and restaurants, parking, public telephones, and a small promenade.
A Note on the Beaches of Tías
All the beaches listed above are easily accessible via Lanzarote’s reliable guagua (bus) service. While parking can be a challenge in the very centre of Puerto del Carmen (especially near Playa Grande), the beaches further east like Los Pocillos and Matagorda offer more extensive parking facilities. Whether you’re seeking a lively day with full services or a quiet spot to catch the trade winds, the coastline of Tías has a beach to match your mood.
Lanzarote Canary Island
Discover the allure of Lanzarote, an enchanting Canary Island that stands out as an essential destination for any traveler. With its unique volcanic landscapes, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture, Lanzarote offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors to enjoy. Whether you're exploring the otherworldly Timanfaya National Park, relaxing on the golden sands of Papagayo Beach, or discovering the artistic legacy of local icon César Manrique, this island has something for everyone.
Lanzarote can be found on the eastern side of the Canary Islands, measuring just 13 miles wide and 40 miles long. This compact size allows visitors to easily explore every corner of the island without long travel times. One of the most attractive features of Lanzarote is its pleasant climate, with consistently warm temperatures and minimal rainfall throughout the year. This makes it an ideal destination for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Lanzarote's volcanic origins are evident throughout the island, creating a landscape that is both rugged and beautiful. The iconic volcanic cones, known as "volcanoes," dot the horizon, offering a stark contrast to the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can witness the power of nature at work in places like the Fire Mountains, where volcanic eruptions have shaped the land for centuries.
In addition to its natural wonders, Lanzarote boasts a rich cultural heritage that is evident in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. The influence of César Manrique, a local artist and architect, can be seen in the island's unique buildings and sculptures, which blend seamlessly with the natural environment. Visitors can explore Manrique's former home, now a museum dedicated to his life and work, or visit the Jameos del Agua, a stunning cave complex transformed into a cultural center.
When it comes to leisure activities, Lanzarote offers a wealth of options for visitors to enjoy. Whether you prefer land, sea, or air activities, Lanzarote has something for everyone. From cycling and golf to horse-riding and jeep safaris, there are plenty of options to stay active. On the water, you can enjoy boat cruises, fishing trips, or even explore the underwater world in a submarine. For adrenaline junkies, flight tours, hand-gliding, and parasailing are also available.
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Overall, Lanzarote offers a diverse range of activities for visitors to enjoy, making it a perfect destination for those seeking adventure and relaxation in a stunning natural setting.
If you have a preference for the more cultural facets of a destination, then a visit to 'paradise' is a must. This part of Lanzarote is most notably characterized by the legacy of one individual - Cesar Manrique, whose influence is evident throughout the island at locations like San Jose Castle, Los Verdes Cave, Manrique Foundation, Jameos Del Agua, Cactus Garden, Rio Viewpoint, Peasant Museum, and the impressive Timanfaya Volcano.
In Lanzarote, you can enjoy a unique dining experience at a cafeteria situated on an active volcano, where the volcanic heat is used to prepare your meal. Additionally, you can explore a remote cavern that houses a large amphitheater for live concerts and transforms into a nightclub twice a week. For those seeking a beautiful beach, Lanzarote offers one that rivals the finest in the world.
In conclusion, Lanzarote is a destination that captivates the imagination and leaves a lasting impression on all who visit. Its natural beauty, cultural richness, and endless opportunities for exploration make it a must-visit location for anyone seeking a truly unforgettable travel experience.
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