Playa de Famara

Playa de Famara, Teguise (Lanzarote)

At the far northwest of Lanzarote opens one of the most imposing sights of the archipelago: a vast golden beach several kilometres long that runs at the foot of the Risco de Famara, the great wall of cliffs that drops almost sheer to the coast. Playa de Famara is part of the Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park and keeps a wild character, with no development along the shore, which sets it apart from the rest of the island's beaches. Beside it sits the fishing village of La Caleta de Famara, the access point and reference for those visiting this corner.

A wild beach beneath the cliffs

Famara is a wide beach open to the Atlantic, of fine golden sand, where the tide completely shapes the landscape. At low tide the water leaves a very thin film over the sand that mirrors the sky and the cliffs, creating a mirror effect that has made it famous among photographers and sunset lovers. The backdrop is the Risco de Famara, from whose summit paragliding and hang-gliding flights are launched, with views towards the islet of La Graciosa and the rest of the Chinijo.

Surf, wind and water sports

It is one of the most renowned surf destinations in the Canaries and in Europe, thanks to a constant Atlantic swell and reliable winds that also make it a regular setting for windsurfing, kitesurfing and bodyboarding. The central area of the beach offers more approachable waves for beginners, which is why numerous schools based in La Caleta de Famara gather here. The wave season lasts practically all year.

Safety: currents and bathing

Famara is not a beach for carefree swimming. The strong swell and currents can drag even experienced swimmers out to sea, so a red flag is often flown. Always respect the instructions of the lifeguards and the flags, do not stray far from the shore and take extra care with children. It is not a calm-water beach, and the appeal of the pools left by the low tide should not be mistaken for safe swimming out at sea.

Services and how to get there

• Sand: golden and fine, on a wide beach shaped by the tides.

• Services: parking, showers and toilets, plus restaurants and beach bars in La Caleta de Famara (such as El Risco).

• Surveillance: lifeguard service in the summer season (approx. June to October); outside that period there is no surveillance, so take extra care.

• Access by road: about 25 minutes from Arrecife via Teguise, with free parking at the beach access points.

• Public transport: buses to La Caleta de Famara, such as line 20 (from Arrecife) and line 31 (from Costa Teguise), operated by Arrecife Bus.

You can find more information on the official Canary Islands tourism portal, Hola Islas Canarias.