Playa Blanca, Spain; and Lanzarote’s newest, white sandy beach resort
Spain’s Canary Island of Lanzarote is the most southerly of the Canaries and is best known for its volcanic black beaches. This isn’t so in the new resort of Playa Blanca where a relaxing atmosphere has been created around the yachting marina with restaurants, bars and shops. Here, the extensive white beach fully lives up to its name. There are over five miles of beaches. They are family friendly and predominantly and attractively, white in colour. The resort, generally, has an air of relaxed sophistication and is less noisy than some of its Lanzarote siblings.
Jump in at the deep end with Marina Rubicon
Undoubtedly, one of the prime feathers in the cap of Playa Blanca is the new Marina Rubicon, known as MR. Many hotels in Playa Blanca are within easy reach of the beaches and within walking distance of MR. It’s a hotbed of activities ranging from diving to shopping, eating or just people watching. Take a trip round the bay on a luxury speedboat and you’ll be back well in time for tea! MR provides sea excursions, fishing trips and even paragliding. If you’ve never dived or sailed before, there are beginners’ courses that all the family can get involved in. You can really spend all day here and of course they’d love you to do just that. It may be a bit of a hike from your hotel in Playa Blanca to this attraction, but it’s time well spent. On arrival, you’ll discover swimming pools for adults and kids, tennis courts, shops, restaurants – and lots of parked up boats! There are even regularly staged markets here, featuring authentic Canary clothing, pottery and art. MR should not be missed.
Relaxation in Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca is part of Yaiza, one of Lanzarote’s seven municipalities. It is very much to the south of the island and virtually year-round sunshine is the norm. Nearby attractions include the underground grottos of La Cueva de los Verdes, the Cactus Garden and Timanfaya National Park. You can get there via one of the many organised excursions on offer. One very popular pastime is just sitting in the sunshine and gazing across the sea to another Canary Island; Fuerteventura. If you are staying in one of the larger Playa Blanca hotels, they may keep you occupied with occasional evening entertainment. Otherwise, life is quieter here than in other resorts. For clubs, discos and nightlife generally, you can invest in a taxi for the half-hour journey to Puerto del Carmen. Hotels in Playa Blanca will, though, happily direct you to the resort’s bars, restaurants and fairly limited shopping facilities. Otherwise, whilst Playa Blanca is constantly expanding, it’s still the place to come, relax and ease away from life’s pressures; just for a while.
Celebrating your stay in Playa Blanca
Your Playa Blanca hotel will happily tell you that while fiestas, festivals and other regular events don’t bypass the resort, they are rather small-scale. Enthusiasts need to travel 26 miles to witness Arrecife’s town carnival celebrations. They go on for days. These are replicated throughout Spain and this particular occasion is held at the beginning of Lent. If you want to be hit with a dried fish bladder, don’t miss the Parranda de Los Buches event. Arrecife is also where the island’s main airport is located. The colourful Corpus Christi carnival hits Arrecife during early June. Immediately prior to the carnival, stunning displays are created by adding coloured dyes to many tons of salt from the island’s salt beds. They don’t last long though as, in typical local authority fashion; the council is quick to clear them away. Mid-July is a busy time for every hotel in Playa Blanca. It marks the town’s maritime procession in celebration of Nuestra Señora del Carmen, Our Lady of the Sea.
Play-time in Playa Blanca
The beach is the focal point of all seaside holidays and it is never far from your hotel in Playa Blanca. The glorious, year-round weather is another unquestionable attraction. Visitors and locals flock to the resort’s central beach, so it can get a bit crowded sometimes. There are some spectacular alternatives though and any Playa Blanca hotel will furnish you with detail. The best beaches tend to be to the east. Papagayo is a spectacular favourite. You can drive there along a track and you’ll need to pay to gain beach access. Playa Flamingo and a few small coves are to the west. Beach taxis will take you from Playa Blanca to a number of these alternative beaches. There’s more organised family fun at Aqualava. It’s all in the title, with swimming pools heated by the effects of volcanic lava. Themed slides and play features keep kids occupied for hours. Shops and restaurant features complete the visit here.