Holiday rentals in Playa Blanca

Holding down the southern tip of Lanzarote in Spain’s Canary Islands, Playa Blanca used to be a relaxed little fishing village. Today, it’s much more developed, occupying an increasing amount of shoreline on Lanzarote’s sunniest coast. There are four main beach areas: the eponymous Playa Blanca, at the center of town; the sandy Playa Dorada, a hotspot for activities like banana boating and parasailing; and wide, family-friendly Playa Flamingo. All feature calm, swimmable waters; a seafront promenade, and services such as restaurants, showers, deck chairs, and sunshades. For a slightly wilder experience, explore the Papagayo beaches, a series of protected bays nestled at the base of cliffside coves.

The climate on Lanzarote is mild and pleasant all year long, but the southern coast is especially warm and sunny. The desert climate means you can expect very little rainfall, air temperatures in the 70s Fahrenheit, and water that’s just a few degrees cooler, ranging from around 64 in the winter to 73 in the summer months. Lanzarote is a famously windy island, which makes for great kite surfing and other wind-related watersports, but may be a nuisance for sunbathers. Playa Blanca’s topography shelters its beaches from the wind somewhat, relative to the other resorts on the island.

Marina Rubicón

This chic marina is among the biggest ports in the Canary Islands, capable of accommodating yachts of up to 150 feet. The village itself features a handful of bars, restaurants, shops, and a twice-weekly morning market, where stalls sell wine, souvenirs, and locally made arts and crafts.

Castillo de las Coloradas

Built in the early 18th century to protect this part of the Canarian coast from pirates, this squat cylindrical watchtower is a great excuse to take a stroll down the promenade. Accessed via drawbridge, it also makes for one of the better photo ops in Playa Blanca.

Museo Atlantico Underwater Museum

Europe’s first underwater museum consists of a series of concrete sculptures, sunk 12 meters deep off the coast of Las Coloradas beach. The artworks form an artificial reef, making the museum a favorite destination for snorkelers and divers.