Many first time visitors to the Canary Islands expect to find themselves sunbathing on black sand beaches. Thanks to the volcanic origins of the island. But on the eastern most Canary Island of Lanzarote this type of beach is the exception rather than the rule. As golden grains predominate. Making them much harder to seek out.
Playa Quemada
Playa Quemada, which translates literally as burnt beach, is one of the best known of Lanzarote´s black sand beaches. And is located on the more sheltered south east coast of the island, making it ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
In reality there are two beaches here, not one. Separated solely by the sea so when the tide is low it’s possible to walk between the two.
The village of the same name is also home to some of the best fish restaurants in Lanzarote. So this is an ideal location for a long leisurely lunch followed by a spot of sunbathing.
El Golfo
El Golfo is the best-known black sand beach on Lanzarote. As this is also home to the islands well known green lagoon – which has starred in a number of futuristic films such as One Million Years BC. Which memorably featured Raquel Welch in an animal skin bikini.
There are none of the facilities here that you’ll find at the beaches in the main resorts and the sea on this coast can be extremely rough at times. Making swimming impossible at times.
However on the plus side both the beach and lagoon are very close to the village of El Golfo nearby. Where visitors can find a fantastic selection of seafront restaurants, serving some of the best quality seafood on Lanzarote.
Follow these restaurants towards the end of the village and you’ll find another small black sand beach there too.
Tinajo
Anyone looking to get right off the beaten track should head for the stretch of coast north of the village of Tinajo. As this is a spot which tourists rarely encounter. But which offers plenty of natural beauty and tranquility as a result.
Four black sand beaches can be found here; Playa La Madera, Playa Las Malvas, Playa Teneza and Playa Aboca de Abajo. But as they are located on the wilder North West coast conditions here can be windy at times and often unsuitable for swimming.
Mala
There are a couple of small black sand coves along the Mala coastline – one of which is protected by a set of rocks, so forming a natural pool.
The coastline here is often characterized by strong waves that come crashing in to the volcanic shore, creating quite a spectacle much like the ‘boiling pots’ at Los Hervidores.
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