Hidden near Mirador del Río, you’ll discover one of Lanzarote’s most beautiful beaches: Playa del Risco. We’ll tell you everything you need to know to prepare for one of the island’s most spectacular views.
What makes Playa del Risco unique?
Lanzarote is packed with incredible beaches, but there’s one you’ll always want to return to. It’s Playa del Risco, a hidden stretch of sand that offers visitors an authentic experience of Lanzarote’s natural beauty. You’ll fall in love with its golden sand, crystal-clear waters and a sense of peace rarely found elsewhere.
What makes Playa del Risco special is its remote location, making it a haven for those seeking solitude and nature.
Everywhere you look, you’ll find remarkable views. Towards the sea, beyond the crystal-clear waters, lies the Chinijo archipelago in all its splendour, with La Graciosa as the main attraction. Behind it stretches the Famara cliff. The imposing cliffs offer a breathtaking backdrop.
The perfect escape destination in Lanzarote
If you’re looking for a place to escape the crowds and unwind, Playa del Risco is the perfect destination. The beach offers plenty of space to spread a towel and sunbathe, or you can cool off in the Atlantic Ocean.
It’s a 500-metre-long beach, perfect for enjoying with family. It’s a wonderful place to relax; it remains unspoilt because it takes effort to get there. Whether you’re an experienced traveller or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Playa del Risco has something for everyone.
Looking for a romantic getaway with your partner? Playa Bajo el Risco could be the perfect spot.
Where is Playa del Risco located and how far from major resorts?
Playa del Risco is located at the far north-west of Lanzarote in the municipality of Haría. Also known as Playa de Bajo el Risco, it sits at the foot of the impressive Risco de Famara facing La Graciosa island.
Distance from Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca
From Puerto del Carmen, you drive 55 km to the nearest access point to Playa del Risco at Yé. From Costa Teguise, it’s 30 km, approximately 40 minutes’ drive. Playa Blanca is the furthest point, about 72 km, a 60-minute drive to the car park.
How to get to Playa del Risco?
One of the reasons this beach has remained a hidden gem of Lanzarote is its location and the difficulty of accessing it. There are only two ways to reach the beach: by boat or via a hiking trail that departs from the village of Yé.
Hiking the Camino de los Gracioseros
The first option is to hike via the Camino de los Gracioseros. The trail starts in the village of Yé, near Mirador del Río.
You can take a private transfer to Yé then take the hiking route; the bus (line 8 from Arrecife) reaches the village of Yé but not the trail start – you’ll still need to walk about a kilometre to reach the car park. The main routes are:
- From Puerto del Carmen: ~45 min by LZ-1 → Teguise → Haría → Yé
- From Costa Teguise: ~40 min by LZ-1 → Haría → Yé
- From Playa Blanca: ~55-60 min using the LZ-2 → Teguise → Haría → Yé
Remember that the road to the car park is rural, so we recommend using a vehicle with appropriate ground clearance to avoid problems.
There are free marked parking spaces at the start of the hiking route, next to a few tourist apartments behind the church in Yé, on the LZ-201, at the junction with the LZ-202.
From there, you’ll take the Camino de los Gracioseros, a hiking trail leading to the beach.
Arriving by boat from Órzola
If you prefer to travel by boat, board from Órzola or La Graciosa island. You can book the Lanzarote airport transfer to Órzola service then take a boat to the beach.
From Órzola, the water taxi for 2 people costs €70 one way, €100 return. The journey takes 20 minutes; there are daily departures but these can vary depending on the weather.
The boat from La Graciosa to Playa del Risco is cheaper, €30 per person return, and only takes 10 minutes. However, this route requires a minimum of 5 passengers.
The boat is the best way to reach this beach for families with children and people with disabilities, as the hiking trail can be demanding.
What to expect on the Camino de los Gracioseros
Camino de los Gracioseros is a hiking route that will get you from the parking lot in Yé to Playa del Risco.
Distance, duration and difficulty level
Reaching Playa del Risco requires some effort, but the journey is well worth it. The hike takes about 40-60 minutes along a zigzagging path descending the Risco de Famara. It’s around 2 km from the parking to the beach.
Some areas can be challenging because they’re on a very steep slope, and you should be careful, as the trail is rocky and can be slippery. The entire descent to the beach is well-marked; some parts are exposed to heights, so if you’re susceptible, it can cause vertigo, but it’s a safe hike with views of La Graciosa.
Once you reach the bottom, the beach is on your right; if you go left, you’ll walk towards Famara.
The return journey can take a little longer, around 45 to 75 minutes. Keep in mind that visiting this beach will take around 4 hours total – getting there, enjoying the beach and coming back.
Because of the difficulty of this hike, we recommend it for adults only; normally there will be no trouble. If you’re not particularly fit, just take it steadily and rest. Remember you’ll need good shoes.
What to bring for the descent
Before embarking on your trip to Playa del Risco, it’s important to be prepared. Here are a few tips to ensure a safe journey:
- Forget about flip-flops, and wear hiking shoes. The hiking trail to the beach can be uneven and rocky.
- Bring plenty of water; make sure to stay hydrated. Remember you’ll need water for the hike after the beach.
- Bring sun protection. Protect your skin from the sun by applying sunscreen with high SPF and wearing a hat and sunglasses.
- A head torch is worth packing if you plan to stay until sunset — the path back up is unlit.
- Bring a bag for your rubbish — there are no bins on the beach or the trail. Remember you should leave no trace.
- Take care of the beach and wildlife. Do not disturb or feed any animals. This is the only way to protect the beach for the future.
What you’ll find at the beach – and what you won’t
There are no facilities at the beach; you won’t find bathrooms, showers, bars, litter or lifeguards. So it’s a good idea to bring your own food and drinks.
Water activities: snorkelling and swimming
Playa del Risco is a calm and safe beach for swimming, so you can swim without worry. Plus, it’s an ideal destination for enjoying with family. If you love water sports, bring your snorkelling gear and enjoy the underwater world; the water can be very clear in calm weather.
Watch out for tides. They can change quickly, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and not swim too far out. At high tide, there’s less sand space on the beach. Don’t swim alone; it’s always safer to swim with a friend or family member.
Exploring local flora and fauna
The journey to the beach can also be educational. Playa del Risco is home to an interesting variety of flora and fauna. Stay alert for endemic plants like tabaiba and cardón, as well as unique bird species.
Best time to visit Playa del Risco
It’s always a good time to visit Playa del Risco. Since it’s a remote location, you won’t find crowds at the beach. Plus, the weather in Lanzarote is pleasant year-round.
If you must choose the best time to visit Playa del Risco, the mildest temperatures are between April and June and September and October; there’s less wind and fewer tourists. Avoid July and August if possible.
During the summer months, the heat is intense and there’s more wind, so hikes can be uncomfortable and so can the beach because of sand blowing everywhere.
There are zocos, circular walls made of volcanic stone, where you can shelter from the wind. When westerly or southerly winds blow, the beach is exposed and conditions deteriorate. Therefore, we recommend checking the weather for Yé or Haría before you go – if strong winds are forecast, reconsider your visit.
Include this beach in your list of unusual activities in Lanzarote. Get there first thing in the morning so there’s less sun and lower temperatures to do the cliff trail. If you stay until late afternoon, make sure you start the climb back up with enough daylight remaining.
What to visit nearby on the same day
The journey to the beach is an adventure in itself that takes you along a trail with beautiful views.
In the surrounding area, there are other hiking trails you can explore if you’re looking for a more active experience. A popular hike takes you to Mirador del Río, a viewpoint with spectacular views of La Graciosa and the Chinijo archipelago.
Near this beach, you can also visit the Salinas del Río north of the beach, one of the oldest in the Canary Islands (15th century), and Caleta de Famara (20 minutes’ drive). Also visit La Graciosa from Órzola.
Accommodation options near Playa del Risco
Playa del Risco is a pristine beach, so there are no hotels or resorts directly on the beach. The nearest bases with suitable accommodation options are Órzola and Arrieta to the east or Haría inland.
There are several campsites near Playa del Risco. They offer basic facilities like toilets, showers and electricity. It’s a cheaper accommodation option than resorts.
Keep this information in mind when visiting Playa del Risco on your next trip to Lanzarote. This beach should be on your travel list, especially if you’re looking for a quiet time away from the crowds.
Abdel Samouh is a tourism professional specialising in the Canary Islands, with a solid track record in visitor experience management on Lanzarote. His career has centred on promoting the island's landmark attractions and enhancing transfer and excursion services across this volcanic destination.
