Travel guide – playa blanca

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Overview

This quiet resort situated in the very south of the island is named after the surrounding white sandy beaches. Although Playa Blanca has grown considerably over the last few years the old fishing village, in the centre, retains its charm and has escaped much of the commercialism that has blighted larger resorts. There is a good selection of cafés, bars and restaurants along the promenade but the main attractions are the nearby beaches; some of the best beaches in the Canary Islands are just four miles (six km) away at Papagayo. The resort is mainly geared for families and couples – those wanting a more lively nightlife will need to make the 18-mile (29km) journey to Puerto del Carmen.

Shopping

There are good supermarkets in Playa Blanca that sell all the well-known brands. Although the choice is not as good as in Puerto del Carmen, there are a fair number of electrical duty-free stores and other shops geared at tourists near the harbour. It is possible to get good bargains in the electrical duty-free stores, but shoppers should remember that they can't take purchases back to the shop once they've left the island. They should check everything works and that all batteries, cables and plugs are included; that there is a European guarantee, not an Asian one; and that all electrical items have a CE stamp. The busy Sunday Market in Teguise is worth the journey for the most dedicated shoppers; as well as the usual tourist tat a variety of locally produced goods are on sale, from pottery to tablecloths. It is around €25 each way by taxi.

Restaurants

There’s a huge choice of restaurants on the main promenade in Playa Blanca, which at night bustles with activity. The promenade overlooks the beach and harbour and the lights of Fuerteventura can be seen on the horizon. Recommended restaurants include El Varadero, Almacen Del Sal, Brisamar, Rocamar and Casa Pedro. La Rustica and Don Camillos both serve excellent Italian food while for less adventurous palates there are also plenty of places offering something and chips. Some restaurants don't take cards.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Playa Blanca is fairly limited, the entertainment is restricted to the shows organised by the hotels. There is a kids disco but those after something hardcore will need to head to Puerto del Carmen, half an hour away by car.

Activities

Watersports can be organised by the beachfront and boat trips leave regularly for the Papagayo beaches – the views of the beautiful coastline are stunning and boats can drop visitors off at the beach to be picked up by a later cruise. The Timanfaya National Park is only ten miles (16km) away where visitors can admire the dramatic volcanic scenery and even ride a camel. Ferries depart regularly from the harbour to the nearby island of Fuerteventura, just six miles (10km) away.

Attractions in Playa Blanca

Fuerteventura

If sand and sun is what you are after, then Fuerteventura, second largest island in the Canaries archipelago (but the most sparsely populated) is the place to go. Its whitewashed capital, Puerto del Rosario, is known as the place where goats outnumber its citizens by a long chalk. Other than that however there is not much to the place except for very bleak buildings, which only the most curious visitor may find interesting. What one will find when taking the ferry to Fuerteventura from Lanzarote, is a good beach. Giniginamar is a peaceful spot with black sand fringed by elegant palm trees. There is also a long stretch of golden sand at the mouth of the Juan Gomez ravine on the Jandia peninsula. La Pared in the south has a black pebbly beach with rough seas, and there is the secluded, scenic Ajuy beach near the fishing village of the same name. One can still explore Fuerteventura and find stretches of virgin sand, even in the height of summer. The name, Fuerteventura, most likely derived from the amalgamation of fuerte (strong) and viento (wind), describing the strong off-shore winds that offer cooling breezes for the sun-worshippers.

Climate

Lanzarote has a great climate throughout the year, although the sea breeze can be quite bracing. The average temperature is comfortable all year round, rarely dropping below 63°F (17°C) and more often above 82°F (28°C) during the day. During the winter it gets cool in the evenings and the sea temperature drops. Rainfall in the summer months is almost non-existent, but showers are likely between October and April.

Health

There are no health risks associated with travel to Spain, and no vaccination certificates are required for entry. Spain has a reciprocal health agreement with most EU countries, including the UK, providing free emergency health care at State run hospitals. UK travellers should take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Note that private clinics are not covered, and the scheme gives no entitlement to medical repatriation costs, nor does it cover ongoing illnesses of a non-urgent nature, so comprehensive travel insurance is advised.

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