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The second-largest town in Lanzarote is Playa Honda. Discover more about this hidden gem that many tourists overlook. Read on to find out everything this area has to offer.
Discovering Playa Honda
Learn the basics about this coastal town in Lanzarote, known for its relaxed atmosphere. It’s ideal for travellers with children, as its beaches are very calm. You’ll also be close to other major attractions on the island, with good connectivity.
Location and access
Playa Honda is on the southeast coast of Lanzarote, very close to the airport, located between Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote, and Puerto del Carmen. It is part of the San Bartolomé municipality.
The proximity to the airport makes it ideal for those arriving by plane. You can book affordable transfers from Lanzarote airport to your accommodation. In just 5 minutes by car on the LZ-2, you’ll be in the centre of Playa Honda.
If you’re coming from Costa Teguise, exit the LZ2 motorway at the San Bartolomé and Playa Honda sign, and you’ll arrive near the Deiland shopping centre.
A brief history of Playa Honda
Originally, Playa Honda was a small fishing village, but it has grown significantly in recent years. It has become a residential area for many workers and also attracts numerous tourists. Despite this growth, it retains its traditional atmosphere.
Its population has increased over the past 20 years, supported by migration from both Spain and South America.
Main attractions of Playa Honda
Playa Honda boasts a charming beach of the same name, stretching about 2 kilometres long and 85 metres wide. It features both sandy and rocky areas, making it a comfortable and varied spot with several services. It’s usually not very crowded, making it ideal for families.
There’s also another beach to the east of the town, Playa de La Concha, and the town itself has many attractions.
Playa de la Concha
This small, secluded beach stands out for its tranquillity. It has golden sand and clear waters. The beach is protected from the wind, as it is located in a cove, so the waves are not very strong.
Playa de la Concha is relatively small, measuring 200 metres long and 30 metres wide. There are no restaurants or bars, so you need to bring your own food and drinks.
You can reach it on foot from the centre of Playa Honda or by car, with parking available near Playa de la Concha.
Promenade
The wide promenade in Playa Honda is perfect for walking, cycling, and enjoying ocean views. It is one of the main attractions of the town, often bustling with tourists in the afternoons, featuring many bars and restaurants by the sea.
Local cuisine and restaurants
On San Borondon Street and along the promenade, you’ll find numerous bars and restaurants. According to TripAdvisor, the top-rated restaurants in Playa Honda by tourists include:
- Daniele pizza al taglio: A must-visit for great pizzas.
- La Opera bistro: A high-quality French restaurant.
- Nakai: For those who enjoy Asian fusion cuisine.
- Emmax: Located by the sea, offering fresh, local, and healthy food.
- Casa Tere: A classic on the promenade for authentic Spanish tapas.
- Erik it: An Italian restaurant by the beach.
- Patagonia Grill: A restaurant specialising in meat and grills.
- D’Tapitas: Another option for traditional Spanish food.
- Restaurant Agua Viva:Â Enjoy a unique gastronomic experience with its signature recipes.
- La Caleta: A tapas bar on Playa Honda’s promenade.
Activities and leisure in Playa Honda
Playa Honda offers activities for everyone. You can go to the beach, enjoy the promenade, shop at the shopping centre, and more.
Water Sports
The typically calm and clear waters of Playa Honda and Playa de la Concha make them ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and for children to play in.
Hiking and cycling
You can rent bikes in Playa Honda and ride along the promenade, even reaching Arrecife, which is quite nearby. This route can also be done on foot along the coastline.
There are many cycle paths in Playa Honda and its surroundings, as well as hiking trails to appreciate the island’s volcanic landscape.
Services and Amenities
Accommodation
The promenade features not only bars and restaurants, but also many seafront houses that you can rent. You can also stay in flats in La Concha, next to Playa Honda, and in Coral beach.
The area also has hotels, some of which are luxury boutique hotels for those with higher budgets.
Shopping and commerce
Playa Honda is home to Deiland, a major shopping centre on the island, the second largest in Lanzarote. In addition to a wide variety of shops, it has a cinema, bowling alley, restaurants, and cafés. It is open from 10 am to 10 pm Monday to Saturday, and from 11 am to 9 pm on Sundays.
There are also smaller shops on some streets, such as Calle del Mayor.
Public transport and connectivity
You can reach Playa Honda from the airport by bus, with routes passing through Arrecife every 30 minutes. Tickets cost 2 euros per person, making it a good option for independent tourists.
However, the most convenient option would be a Lanzarote transfer that takes you directly to your accommodation.
Staying in Playa Honda is an excellent option as a base to explore other tourist spots in Lanzarote, but without the hustle and bustle of the more popular cities like its neighbouring Arrecife.
Why Playa Honda is a Must-Visit in Lanzarote
Playa Honda is a great place to walk along the promenade. It’s not yet very popular among tourists, so if you choose to stay here, you can avoid the crowds.
Its promenade is one of its main attractions, along with the shopping centre, one of the largest on the island, and its calm beaches.
Discover more of Lanzarote.
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