Playa Blanca, families and comfort in south Lanzarote

Staying in Playa Blanca means choosing Lanzarote's newest resort, in the south of the island facing Fuerteventura: pool resorts, an elegant marina and easy access to the Papagayo coves.

In a nutshell

  • The island's newest and most upmarket resort, in the south.
  • Marina Rubícón: restaurants, boutiques and boat hire.
  • The starting point for boat trips to the Papagayo coves.
  • Ferry to Corralejo (Fuerteventura) from the Playa Blanca harbour.

Playa Blanca, the island's newest southern resort

Playa Blanca is the most recently developed resort on the whole of Lanzarote, on the island's southern tip, facing Fuerteventura. It has kept a smarter feel than Puerto del Carmen: large pool resorts, villas and an elegant marina, Marina Rubícón, home to restaurants and boutiques.

The atmosphere here is calmer than in the north of the island, which makes it a popular base for families and couples after comfort rather than nightlife.

Marina Rubícón and the Papagayo coves

From Playa Blanca's harbour, ferries reach Corralejo (Fuerteventura) in around half an hour, and boat trips run out to the Papagayo coves a few kilometres to the east. Staying in Playa Blanca makes reaching these coves far easier, since they can be tricky to reach overland outside off-peak hours.

Marina Rubícón, on the west side of the resort, brings together yachts, restaurants and shops in a smart setting, within walking distance of several hotels and residences.

Sailboats and motorboats in a marina at Playa Blanca, with the mountains of Fuerteventura in the background
The Marina Rubicón, in Playa Blanca

Where to stay: resorts, villas or apartments

Large resorts, such as Princesa Yaiza or Volcán Lanzarote, focus on pools and all-inclusive packages, often right on the seafront or a short walk from the main beach. Larger families or longer stays will also find a wide choice of villas with private pools and apartments, particularly around the marina.

To compare with the island's other areas before booking, head to our Lanzarote accommodation guide, higher up this page.

To go further, explore our Lanzarote guide or head back to the Canary Islands guide to compare the islands.

Frequently asked questions

Is Playa Blanca good for families?

Yes, one of the best areas on the island for families: calm, well-kept beaches, pool resorts, a quieter feel than Puerto del Carmen.

How do you reach the Papagayo coves from Playa Blanca?

By boat trip from the harbour, or via a dirt track east of the resort (seasonal toll); staying in Playa Blanca cuts the journey considerably.

Can you reach Fuerteventura from Playa Blanca?

Yes, a ferry links Playa Blanca's harbour to Corralejo (Fuerteventura) in around half an hour.

What kind of accommodation is there in Playa Blanca?

Mostly upmarket resorts with pools, villas with private pools, and apartments, particularly around Marina Rubícón.

Is Playa Blanca lively at night?

Less so than Puerto del Carmen: the mood is calmer, centred on the marina's restaurants rather than nightlife.