Playa Blanca Holidays

Playa Blanca has a good balancing act going on – it’s home to a high number of hotels, but still has a calm, away-from-it-all atmosphere. Low-rise hotels mean the Canary Island countryside’s still in full view, and the simple whitewashed colour scheme keeps things traditional. Contemporary streaks crop up close to the shoreline – the modern Marina Rubicon’s flanked by a modern shopping mall and a handful of bars and restaurants.

This part of Lanzarote, close to the southern tip, is a real natural beauty. You get glimpses of the volcanic mountains as you look inland, and once you reach the edge of town it gets even more impressive. A 15-minute drive across the Martian-like plains gets you to the wind-and-surf-battered Los Hervideros cliffs. On the opposite coast, pokey villages are hidden away among the dusty peaks. Among them is Femes, which is famous for its goat’s milk and cheese.

Shortbread-coloured sands are Playa Blanca’s forte. Playa Dorada Beach and Playa Flamingo Beach are the stretches closest to the centre, and both come with a backing of sea-facing hotels. If you’re really committed to tanning time, make a beeline for the Costa de Papagayo beaches. These out-of-the-way sands are 20 minutes’ drive from Playa Blanca, but offer some of the most peaceful sunbathing conditions on the entire island.