Papagayo Beach (Playa de Papagayo)

The Basics

Papagayo is a top choice for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports. You can also combine a visit to Papagayo Beach with stops at four other beaches—Mujeres, Cera, Muerto Muelas, and Caleta del Congrio—often collectively referred to as Papagayo beaches. Walk from one to the next via a coastal walk, which runs from Punta Papagayo to Playa Blanca to experience fine sands, warm waters, and exotic fish; or see them on a beach-hopping catamaran cruise.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Expect only basic amenities on this beach; bring your own beach chairs and umbrellas.

• Don’t forget to pack a bathing suit, beach towel, and sunscreen.

• The southern Papagayo Beaches tend to be popular with nudists, so plan accordingly.

• Bring some euro coins with you to pay the toll along the dirt road to the beach.

How to Get There

Papagayo Beach is located on Lanzarote’s southern coast, just east of the resort town of Playa Blanca. It can be reached by bike or car via a dirt track off the Playa Blanca or by boat from Playa Blanca.

When to Get There

While temperatures on Lanzarote are warm enough for enjoying the beach throughout the year, the best season to visit is between April and October, when you can avoid the scorching hot afternoons and summer crowds. Rain tends to be more common between December and March.

Best Beaches on Lanzarote

Papagayo Beach offers an appealing stretch of beachy real estate, but each Lanzarote beach has its own draws. Playa Chica is both one of the smallest and prettiest beaches on the island, thanks to calm waters and lava rock formations dotting the sand. Playa de Famara—backed by towering sea cliffs—is the most dramatic, popular with surfers for its consistent waves. Finally, calm waters and a gentle slope make Playa Flamingo a good bet for families with smaller children.