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If you are planning your next holiday in Lanzarote, you must already know that it is famous for its incredibly beautiful beaches and paradisiacal landscapes. One of the wonderful places that should not be missing from your itinerary is Famara Beach. Keep reading, in this guide, you will find everything you need to know to make the most of your experience.
Discover Famara Beach
Location and Access
Famara Beach is located in the northwest of Lanzarote, in the municipality of Teguise, in the Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park. This famous coast is one of the longest in the Canary Islands, extending for more than six kilometres, from the village known as “La Caleta de Famara” to the foot of the Famara cliff.
When you leave Lanzarote airport, you can reach Famara Beach by taxi, transfer, or car rental, and you can head to the village of Caleta de Famara, which is right next to the beach.
If you are staying in Puerto del Carmen, you can request a transfer Lanzarote Airport to Puerto del Carmen, and once there, you can reach Famara Beach in 30 minutes.
General Description of the Beach
Playa de Famara stands out with its 6 km stretch of golden sand, along a coastline of crystal-clear waters that make it a true paradise. The strong winds and waves are another characteristic, turning it into a very popular destination for water sports.
The beach is surrounded by cliffs, giving the landscape a wild appearance. It also offers one of the best sunsets in Lanzarote.
There are no major infrastructures on the beach, but nearby lies the village of Caleta de Famara, where you will find restaurants and accommodation options.
Best time to visit and climate
Lanzarote enjoys good weather all year round, so you can visit Playa Famara at any time. However, the best time to visit Playa de Famara is between September and March, when the average temperature is around 20 °C and there is daily swell.
For kitesurfing and windsurfing, the best months are from May to September, when constant winds are present. And if you are looking for peace and quiet, the least crowded times are between May and June and between September and October.
Things to do at Playa de Famara
Surfing and Other Water Sports
Its long and powerful waves and constant wind have made this beach a perfect spot for water sports enthusiasts. Those who engage in surfing, kitesurfing, bodyboarding, and windsurfing consider Famara Beach to be the ideal setting.
You can plan in advance the activities you want to do during your visit to Playa de Famara.
Sign up at schools that run classes throughout the year to learn or improve your water sports skills, especially surfing. They offer everything from intensive courses to just a few basic lessons, depending on what you want, the time you have available and your budget.
You can also enjoy surf camps there, both for adults and children, as well as equipment hire services.
Air sports
The winds of Playa Famara also make it ideal for practising air sports. This is one of the favourite spots in Lanzarote for paragliding and hang gliding. From the air, you will enjoy incredible panoramic views including La Graciosa, the cliffs, Puerto Calero and the beach itself.
Flights take off from the cliff that gives Famara its name. Routes can last from 15 to 45 minutes and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The only requirement is that the person must weigh between 40 and 110 kilos.
Hiking and viewpoints
While at Famara Beach, you can go on excursions on the trails that surround it. There are options for beginner routes and more complex ones, all with remarkable views. You can also rent bicycles and explore the surroundings, as well as nearby villages and beaches.
The Risco de Famara route runs along the coast and begins as a sandy terrain that turns into a rocky path as it ascends. It is a challenging hike that goes from the village of Famara up to the cliff, rewarding you with beautiful panoramic views. There is also the Playa del Risco trail, among other routes.
In addition, around this area you can enjoy the view from several viewpoints. The main one is the Mirador del Risco de Famara, but nearby you will also find the Mirador del Río and El Bosquecillo.
Sunsets and photography
Famara is also one of the visitors’ favourite spots to admire the sunsets of Lanzarote. The views from the cliff and from the beach make it a perfect setting to capture some of the island’s best images.
Services and Facilities
Nearby Accommodation Options
A few metres from the sea, at Famara Beach, you can find the so-called “surf houses” where you can stay comfortably and enjoy all the wonders this beach has to offer without the need for transfers. These are large, fully equipped houses where you can rent shared or private rooms.
Another option is to rent a luxury flat near the beach in Costa Teguise. In Caleta de Famara, there are also options such as hostels, villa resorts, flats, or bungalows, like the Surfhouse Hostel Famara or the Sunset in Hostel.
Restaurants and Local Gastronomy
The gastronomy you will find at Famara Beach is distinguished by dishes containing fresh seafood products, both fish and shellfish. One of the most popular and acclaimed restaurants in the area is Restaurante El Risco, designed by the famous Lanzarote architect César Manrique, where you can taste quality dishes made with local ingredients.
Restaurante El Sol also offers a spectacular fish menu, which you can enjoy very close to the seashore. And Restaurante Costa Famara boasts incredible views and a variety of dishes, with its specialities being fish and seafood rice.
Transport and Parking
To get to Famara Beach, you have the option of doing so by car. It has vehicle access and there is free parking; however, during high season it tends to fill up very quickly, and you will have to opt for paid options located around the beach.
You can also reach the beach by taxi from anywhere on the island. If you are in Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote, you will be just 20 kilometres from Famara Beach.
If you have a more limited budget, you can also take a bus. Many routes pass through Famara Beach.
Practical tips for visitors
What to bring
Make sure to bring everything you need to enjoy your trip to the beach. This includes sunscreen, comfortable clothing and suitable footwear, especially if you plan to go hiking in the surrounding area.
Even though there are restaurants in Caleta de Famara a short distance away, it is always best to be prepared. Bring food and water as well.
If you are going to practise any water sport, there are companies where you can hire the necessary equipment.
Sea safety
In general, swimming at Playa Famara is not recommended due to the strong waves and current. If you decide to do so, it is important to respect the designated bathing areas, check the sea conditions before entering the water, and not venture far from the shore.
Importance of the Beach for Biodiversity
Respecting the species of fauna and flora you find on the beach is essential to preserving this natural space, which is of great importance for the biodiversity of the area.
You should not invade protected areas, litter, or take plants or species, as this disrupts the ecosystem.
Recommended Experiences
Sunsets at Famara
One of the most incredible sunsets in Lanzarote can be seen at Famara Beach. The sun sets over the Atlantic, painting the sky with orange, pink, and purple tones, making this time of day a wonderful and unforgettable experience.
One of the most popular places to enjoy the sunsets is the Mirador del Risco de Famara.
Yoga and Meditation on the Beach
If you are looking for a tranquil activity, at Famara Beach you can do yoga or meditation. It offers a relaxed and peaceful environment, perfect for these outdoor practices. There offer classes, usually in the mornings and at sunset.
As you can see, Famara Beach is an impressive destination where you can enjoy a variety of activities, from water and aerial sports for the more adventurous to yoga and meditation for those seeking more relaxing experiences. Additionally, you can enjoy delicious cuisine and unique landscapes and views that will make this visit an unforgettable memory.
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