Friday, 23 August 2013 02:27

Lanzarote, part of the Canary Islands archipelago, is undoubtedly one of the most popular summer destinations for Brits. It’s not hard to see why – the fantastic year-round sunshine, golden-sand beaches, lively nightlife and accessible resorts make for the ideal family break away in the sun. There’s something for everyone.

The island’s wide variety of beaches are probably the biggest draw, from the idyllic white-sand beaches, which are perfect for sunbathing, surfing spots and secluded coves, which are ideal for getting it away from it all. What’s more, the water temperature rarely gets colder than a balmy 19 degrees Celsius, making for very pleasant bathing, scuba diving and watersports.

The best part is that they are so accessible from the UK – it’s a four-hour flight from most UK airports – and there are a huge amount of all inclusive packages and cheap flights to make the most of all year round. 

Here’s some of the best beaches – away from the crowds:

Papagayo beach
One of the nicest beaches on the island is Papagayo beach, located around six kilometres from Playa Blanca. It is known to be one of the best in the whole of the Canary Islands due to its turquoise waters, fine sand and secluded location. It’s a perfect spot for getting away from the hustle and bustle of the main resort of Playa Blanca for a picnic and a splash around in the tranquil sea. It’s protected from the wind, as it’s surrounded by tall cliffs, so perfect for sunbathing. You’ll have to bring everything for the day, however as there are no amenities nearby (but for many this is the appeal!). Although remote, you may have to share the perfect crescent of sand in the high season as unfortunately it’s no longer quite such a well-kept secret, but you can also reach the neighbouring bays of Las Mujeres or Pozo easily by car or water taxi.

Famara beach
Famara is another of Lanzarote’s best beaches – a six kilometre stretch of sand in the north of Lanzarote with a backdrop of the imposing Le Risco de Famara cliffs. Sometimes referred to as the ‘European Hawaii’, this coastal strip boasts fantastic waves, making it a very popular surfer hangout. Attracting stiff breezes (it bears the brunt of the trade winds sweeping in from the Atlantic), the beach isn’t ideal for sunbathing but is perfect for watersports, surfing and long afternoon walks. This means you’ll be able to find wide stretches of sand just to yourself and with the surfers taking to the waves in front of you, there’s some good live entertainment! There’s also a host of other activities on offer, from horse riding to windsurfing and even yoga. After an active day on the beach, Caleta de Famara – the small coastal village by the beach – is well worth a visit. With a chilled out vibe, there’s lots of low-key, but great, seafood restaurants and bars to choose from.