Playa Famara

Playa Famara faces out into the waters of Bahia de Penedo on Lanzarote’s northwest coast. Part of the Chinijo Archipelago Nature Park, it offers excellent views of La Graciosa island, which sits off Lanzarote’s northern tip.

Stretching for an incredible five kilometres, Playa Famara’s yellow sands never get crowded, though in places they are mixed with ancient volcanic pebbles from the massif of rock that overlooks the shore.

Sometimes called the Hawaii of Europe, Playa Famara is a well-known surfing and bodyboarding spot. Generally speaking, the waves are best during the winter months, while the northern end of the beach has the fastest, most powerful waves. It’s also the northern end of the beach where naturists tend to sunbath.

The strong surf means swimming any distance from the shore isn’t recommended. The wind that creates this surf can make the beach breezy, but you’ll find low stone-built U-shaped walls called zuco that provide protection.

At low tide, the water can withdraw quite a way, leaving behind a thin layer of water that perfectly reflects the sky. A walk along at least one stretch of Playa Famara to take this in is recommended, although visitors should avoid walking close to the base of the cliffs as small rock falls are not uncommon.

At the southern end of the beach is the traditional fishing village of Caleta de Famara, along with its not so traditional surf school.