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If you’re looking to explore a beach with breathtaking landscapes, calm waters, and untouched nature on your next holiday, visit Playa del Risco in Lanzarote. It’s the perfect place to relax and recharge, far from crowds of tourists.
Where is Playa del Risco?
Playa del Risco is located in the northwest of Lanzarote, specifically within the Los Volcanes Natural Park, just below the famous Famara Cliff. It is very close to the village of Yé.
This unspoilt and slightly remote beach features golden sand, turquoise waters, and stunning natural beauty.
How to Get to Playa del Risco
You can access Playa del Risco either by sea or land, with the latter being the most popular route.
You can book a water taxi from Órzola or rent a private boat.
Route from Famara via the Camino de los Gracioseros
If you’re driving, head towards Famara and follow the road to the small village of Yé. From there, follow the signs to reach the rural track leading to the Camino de los Gracioseros.
The trail entrance is well signposted and has parking available. This is the most popular route to reach Playa del Risco in Lanzarote.
You’ll need to walk around 3 km to reach the beach, enjoying incredible views along the way. The path is quite steep and rocky, so be sure to take precautions.
Alternative Routes from Other Parts of Lanzarote
Getting to Playa del Risco from other areas of Lanzarote is straightforward. For example:
- From Arrecife: Take the LZ-1 to Teguise, then continue to HarÃa. From there, head to Yé via the LZ-203 and follow the signs to Playa del Risco.
- From Playa Blanca: Take the LZ-2 to Teguise, then on to HarÃa and finally to Yé.
If you don’t have your own vehicle, make sure to check how to get around Lanzarote to reach Playa del Risco.
Tips for a Safe Descent
- Wear appropriate footwear, preferably hiking shoes, as the terrain is steep, uneven, and rocky.
- Pack enough water and sunscreen, as the area is arid and offers little shade.
- The path is not suitable for llite children or people with reduced mobility.
- Although the track is in good condition, it’s best to go with a high-clearance vehicle.
What Makes Playa del Risco Special?
Playa del Risco is an unspoilt beach located just beneath the Famara Cliffs, the highest in Lanzarote.
It has golden sand, clear waters, and beautiful views of the Chinijo Archipelago and La Graciosa island.
Due to its remote location and challenging access, it’s usually not a crowded beach. It offers a peaceful setting, perfect for relaxing, escaping the tourist rush, and enjoying nature.
Its untouched state helps preserve native plant and animal species. It’s a fantastic spot for birdwatching and observing over 700 types of plants.
What to Do at Playa del Risco
Hiking and Nature Photography
If you love adventure and nature, hiking the Camino de los Gracioseros is a must.
It’s a medium-difficulty trail that takes around 1 hour to descend from Yé to Playa del Risco. You’ll enjoy spectacular views and a wide variety of local flora and fauna.
You can also book excursions in Lanzarote to the Famara viewpoint for amazing sunset views and photo opportunities.
Swimming, Picnicking, and Unplugging
Playa del Risco features 500 metres of golden sand and calm, crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming.
As the beach has no infrastructure and is a bit secluded, it’s perfect for sunbathing, having a picnic, meditating, or simply enjoying peace and quiet.
Activities Nearby
If you’re looking for things to do near Playa del Risco, we recommend:
- Visiting the Famara Cliff viewpoint.
- Exploring the Salinas del RÃo.
- Taking a trip to La Graciosa island.
- Going on a bike ride through the MalpaÃs de la Corona.
- Visiting local wineries in Yé.
What to Bring
In addition to your beach essentials such as towels and umbrellas, don’t forget:
- Footwear: Bring hiking boots or trekking shoes for the descent, and sandals for the beach.
- Sun protection: Pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and light clothing with UV protection.
- Food and hydration: Take plenty of water, snacks, and light food, as there are no facilities on the beach.
- Extras: Rubbish bags and a basic first aid kit.
Best Time and Recommended Hours to Visit
The best time to visit Lanzarote and also to enjoy Playa del Risco is spring, between April and June, or from September to November.
Avoid visiting during summer (July–August) due to high temperatures and strong winds, which can affect the sea conditions. It’s also more likely to encounter other tourists then.
You can spend the whole day there, but bear in mind that the sun and heat are strongest between 12:00 and 3:00 pm.
Rules and Safety Recommendations
- Avoid swimming alone and be cautious of the currents, as there are no lifeguards.
- The beach is a protected area, so take your rubbish with you and do not disturb the wildlife.
- Keep a close eye on children.
- If it’s very windy or the weather is poor, avoid entering the water.
Is Playa del Risco Suitable for Everyone?
Access to the beach is challenging, as it’s only reachable on foot or by boat.
The hiking trail is medium to high difficulty, with steep, rocky, and slippery sections. Therefore, it’s not suitable for people with reduced mobility or small children.
If you want to visit Playa del Risco with the whole family but find the hike too demanding, we recommend arriving by boat — this is a great option for children and the elderly.
Conclusion: A Hidden Gem Worth the Walk
Although reaching Playa del Risco in Lanzarote is not easy, once you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views, natural landscapes, golden sand, and crystal-clear waters. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this hidden and unspoilt gem.
This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)