If you’re looking for an unspoilt corner of Lanzarote, Famara is it. Located on the island’s northwest coast, it’s split into two distinct parts: Playa de Famara, one of the longest and most dramatic beaches in the Canaries, and Caleta de Famara, the traditional fishing village it grew up around.
It’s best known as a surfing destination, but it’s worth the trip even if you’ve never touched a board. It’s also one of my favourite places in Lanzarote, and that’s saying something.
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Famara Beach
Playa de Famara is jaw-droppingly gorgeous — six kilometres of golden sand backed by the soaring cliffs of El Risco, with sweeping views across to the Chinijo Archipelago. This protected national park, made up of La Graciosa, Alegranza, Montaña Clara, Roque del Este and Roque del Oeste, is one of the most extensive marine reserves in Europe.
One important thing to know: swimming here is unsafe. The currents are treacherous, and lifeguards enforce this strictly; only people wearing fins are allowed in the water. Come for the walk, the views and the wind, not a swim.
About that wind. The same blustery conditions that make this a world-class surf beach mean it’s not the most comfortable place for sunbathing.
What it is extraordinary for is long beach walks and photography. The light here, particularly in the late afternoon, is spectacular.
The sunsets, thanks to Famara’s westerly position, are among the best on the island. If you can time a visit for early evening, do it.
Surfing at Famara
Famara hosts a world surfing event every October and draws wave riders year-round. The best swells arrive in winter; summer is prime for kitesurfing and windsurfing, when the trade winds are at their most reliable.
There are several surf schools and equipment hire shops in the village. When I visited, the beach was dotted with small beginner groups being put through their paces. Many schools also run yoga classes, if that’s more your speed.
Caleta de Famara
Caleta de Famara is a world away from the resort towns of Lanzarote’s south and east coasts. And it’s all the better for it.
Forget swanky all-inclusives and two-for-one happy hours. This is that rarest of things: a traditional Canarian fishing village that has largely resisted the pull of mass tourism.
The streets are unpaved and sandy, the bars are few, and the whole place has an easy, unhurried rhythm. It feels like a window into what Lanzarote was like before the charter flights arrived.
It won’t be to everyone’s taste. But if you’re after somewhere that feels real, it’s hard to beat.
How to Get to Famara
By car: Famara is off the LZ30 between Teguise and Uga. There’s plenty of parking near the beach.
By bus: Buses 31 and 33 run several times a day between Costa Teguise and Caleta de Famara via Teguise. From Arrecife, take bus 20. If you’re exploring Lanzarote by public transport, check timetables at arrecifebus.com.
From the airport: The easiest option is a taxi (around €40). If you want to use public transport, take bus 22 or 23 to the Central Bus Station, then change to bus 20.
Where to Stay in Famara
Accommodation in Famara is low-key and mostly apartment rentals. Here are a few that I would consider if I were booking a place to stay for myself.
Famara House 12 — A well-equipped beachfront house with excellent reviews | Check price
Famara Rooftop 1 — A highly-rated apartment with a rooftop terrace and magnificent views| Check price
Apartamento El Coral — A beachfront apartment with a sun terrace. Perfect for those sunsets | Check price
Final Thoughts
I’ll let César Manrique, Lanzarote’s favourite son, have the final word:
My greatest happiness is to recall a happy childhood, five month summer vacations in the Caleta and the Famara beach with its eight kilometers of clean and fine sand framed by cliffs of more than four hundred meters high that reflected on the beach like in a mirror. That image has been engraved in my soul as something of extraordinary beauty that I will never forget in all of my life.
That pretty much covers it.
More Lanzarote guides:
- Lanzarote Solo Travel: The Ultimate Guide
- 18 Best Places to Visit in Lanzarote in One Week (+ Maps & Photos)
- How to Explore Lanzarote by Bus: Essential Tips, Popular Routes and Fares
- How to Visit the Cactus Garden, Lanzarote (Jardín de Cactus)
- 10 Fabulous Things to Do in Arrecife, Lanzarote
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.