Playa Blanca

Lanzarote's Sophisticated Southern Sanctuary

Playa Blanca has seriously upped its game over the past couple of decades, transforming from a sleepy fishing village into Lanzarote's most upmarket resort destination. If you're after a holiday that feels a bit more grown-up, refined, and Instagram-worthy (let's be honest, we all want those perfect holiday snaps!), then Playa Blanca is absolutely calling your name.

Perched on Lanzarote's southern tip, this gorgeous resort enjoys the most sheltered position on the island, which means calmer seas, more consistent sunshine, and stunning views across to Fuerteventura that'll have you reaching for your camera every five minutes. It's like Mother Nature created the perfect spot for a sophisticated beach holiday, and then we came along and added a marina full of million-pound yachts just to show off!

Beaches That Redefine Paradise

Now, let's talk about these beaches because they're genuinely spectacular! The main Playa Blanca beach stretches for about a kilometre and boasts gorgeous golden sand (okay, it's imported from the Sahara, but who's counting?) and crystal-clear water that's perfect for swimming. The beach has a lovely, wide promenade behind it lined with palm trees, cafés, and those essential beach bars where you can grab a cold cerveza while watching the world go by.

But the real showstoppers are Playa Flamingo and Playa Dorada - these two beaches are like something from a travel brochure, with pristine white sand, calm turquoise water, and that perfect horseshoe shape that makes them feel incredibly intimate and special. Playa Flamingo even has its own little beach bar built into the rocks, which is possibly the most romantic spot for a sunset drink in the entire Canary Islands (just saying, if you're planning any big romantic gestures!).

The beaches here are brilliant for families too - the water's much calmer than the Atlantic-facing beaches elsewhere on the island, so it's perfect for kids who are still getting confident in the sea. Plus, there's loads of space, so you won't be playing towel Tetris trying to find a decent spot.

Marina Rubicón: Where the Beautiful People Hang Out

The absolute jewel in Playa Blanca's crown is Marina Rubicón - and wow, is it impressive! This award-winning marina development is like stepping into a different world, with its beautiful white buildings, designer shops, classy restaurants, and berths full of seriously expensive boats that make you wonder what you're doing wrong with your life!

The marina hosts brilliant markets twice a week (Wednesday and Saturday) where you can buy everything from local crafts and artwork to gorgeous jewellery and clothing. Plus, there are loads of cafés and restaurants around the marina where you can grab lunch and do some serious people-watching.

The evening vibe at the marina is absolutely magical - as the sun sets, the restaurants light up their terraces, live music starts playing, and the whole place takes on this sophisticated, almost Riviera-like atmosphere. It's perfect for romantic dinners, special celebrations, or just treating yourself!

Island Hopping Made Easy

One of Playa Blanca's biggest advantages is its location - just a 15-minute ferry ride away from Fuerteventura! The regular ferry service to Corralejo means you can easily do day trips to explore a completely different Canary Island. Fuerteventura's famous for its massive sand dunes and incredible beaches, so it's like getting two holidays for the price of one.

The ferry trips themselves are quite fun - you'll often see dolphins playing in the wake of the boat, and the views back to Lanzarote as you approach Fuerteventura are absolutely stunning. It's a brilliant option for a day out, especially if you're staying for a week or more and fancy a change of scenery.

There are also boat trips to the smaller islands and secluded beaches that you can only reach by sea. These tend to be more intimate affairs - think champagne lunches on deserted beaches and snorkelling in hidden coves where the water's so clear you can see every grain of sand on the bottom.

Upmarket Accommodation Without the Attitude

The hotel and accommodation scene in Playa Blanca is definitely more upmarket than elsewhere on the island, but in a good way - we're talking about higher quality, better service, and more attention to detail rather than snobbish staff who look down their noses at you for wearing flip-flops to breakfast!

You've got some absolutely beautiful resort hotels here, many of them adults-only, which makes them perfect for romantic getaways or just peaceful holidays where you won't be woken up at 6am by someone's kids having a pool party. The spa facilities tend to be excellent, the restaurants are run by proper chefs rather than whoever was available that week, and the pools... oh, the infinity pools with sea views are absolutely Instagram gold!

Dining That'll Ruin You for Everywhere Else

You've got brilliant seafood restaurants where the fish was literally caught that morning, classy international restaurants run by chefs who've worked in some seriously impressive places, and local eateries serving traditional Canarian cuisine that'll make you understand why people rave about the food in the Canary Islands.

The marina restaurants are particularly special - there's something magical about dining al fresco with views over the boats and the sea, especially when the food's as good as it is here. The local seafood is incredible (the prawns alone will change your life), and you've got to try the local wines - yes, wine made from grapes grown in volcanic soil is actually a thing, and it's absolutely delicious!

Adventures for the More Discerning Explorer

Playa Blanca might be all about sophistication and relaxation, but that doesn't mean you have to spend your entire holiday lounging by the pool (though honestly, would that be such a bad thing?) The area's perfect for more refined adventure activities - think private boat charters, guided wine tasting tours, sunset catamaran trips, and those gorgeous coastal walks where you can explore dramatic volcanic landscapes without feeling like you're on a school geography trip.

The diving and snorkelling here is excellent, with several dive centres offering everything from beginner courses to advanced technical diving. The underwater volcanic landscapes are unlike anywhere else in Europe, and the marine life is brilliant - you might even spot some angel sharks if you're lucky (don't worry, they're about as dangerous as their name suggests - basically underwater puppies!).

Golf enthusiasts will love being close to some of Lanzarote's best courses, and there are loads of opportunities for hiking, cycling, and exploring the island's incredible natural attractions - all just a short, comfortable drive away from your luxury base in Playa Blanca.