Playa Blanca has developed rapidly and recently to become second only to Puerto del Carmen in popularity.
The island’s newest resort is on the southernmost tip of the Spanish island of Lanzarote looking out over the Bocaina Straits to the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura.
Largely thanks to the tireless work and influence of local artist and architect the late César Manrique, this one-time fishing village has grown with a unique blend of architecture and ecology, and so manages to retain an unspoilt, traditional feel and village atmosphere. Most new buildings are no more than two storeys high and are built to strict guidelines on design and finish, so that the new blends seamlessly with the old.
Playa Blanca
Beach Life
Playa Blanca now stretches along 7.5 kilometres of uninterrupted coastal walkway from Las Coloradas as far as the Faro de Pechiguera lighthouse. The whole coast is developed, but is all about low-rise bungalow and villa developments rather than intrusive and inappropriate urban sprawl.
A nine kilometre wide bay divides into three smaller bays with sheltered beaches that are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Of the three, the most central is Playa Blanca itself. From here, walk west to the quieter Playa Flamingo, where locals fish for octopus and barracuda, or east to Playa Dorada, great for water sports.
Things to do
The Marina Rubicon sea-front development is typical of the quietly sophisticated style of the resort – a cluster of upmarket restaurants, souvenir shops and designer boutiques have been created next to a stylish Marina where luxury yachts are berthed.
Of course, Playa Blanca still has its bustling port where you catch the ferry to Fuerteventura.