Near Mirador del Río you’ll find one of the most beautiful beaches in Lanzarote: Playa del Risco. Here you’ll discover everything you need to know to plan one of the island’s most incredible experiences.
What makes Playa del Risco unique?
Lanzarote has many incredible beaches, but there’s one particularly special that keeps you coming back. It’s Playa del Risco, a small hidden cove offering visitors an authentic experience of Lanzarote’s natural beauty. You’ll fall in love with its golden sand, crystal-clear water, and the tranquillity you rarely find elsewhere.
What sets Playa del Risco apart is its remote location, making it a refuge for those seeking solitude and connection with nature.
Everywhere you look, you’ll find remarkable views. Offshore, beyond the crystal-clear waters, lies the Chinijo Archipelago in all its splendour, with La Graciosa as the main attraction. And behind you, the Famara cliffs. The imposing rock walls form a spectacular backdrop.
The ideal place to relax in Lanzarote
If you’re looking for a place to escape the crowds and unwind, Playa del Risco is the ideal destination. The beach offers plenty of space to spread your towel and enjoy the sun, or you can refresh yourself in the Atlantic Ocean.
It’s a 500-metre beach, perfect for enjoying with the family. It’s an ideal spot to relax; it stays uncrowded precisely because it takes courage to get there. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or seeking a peaceful retreat – Playa del Risco has something for everyone.
Looking for a romantic adventure for two? Playa Bajo el Risco could be the perfect place.
Where is Playa del Risco located and how far is it from the main resorts?
Playa del Risco is located in the far northwest 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 across from the island of La Graciosa.
Distance from Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca
From Puerto del Carmen you’ll need to drive 55 km to reach Playa del Risco in Yé. From Costa Teguise it’s 30 km, about 40 minutes’ drive. Playa Blanca is the furthest point, roughly 72 km, so 60 minutes’ drive to the car park.
How do I get to Playa del Risco?
One reason this beach has remained a hidden gem in Lanzarote is its geographical location and the difficulty in getting there. There are only two ways to reach the beach: by boat or via a hiking trail that starts from the village of Yé.
Hiking the Camino de los Gracioseros
The first option is a hike on the Camino de los Gracioseros. The trail starts in the village of Yé, near Mirador del Río.
You can drive to Yé or hire a private transfer and then take the hiking trail; the bus (line 8 from Arrecife) comes to Yé village but not the trailhead – you’ll need to walk an extra kilometre to reach the car park. The main routes are:
- From Puerto del Carmen: ~45 mins via LZ-1 → Teguise → Haría → Yé
- From Costa Teguise: ~40 mins via LZ-1 → Haría → Yé
- From Playa Blanca: ~55–60 mins via LZ-2 → Teguise → Haría → Yé
Remember the road to the car park is rural. We recommend using a vehicle with adequate ground clearance to avoid issues.
There’s a free signposted car park at the start of the trail, next to some holiday apartments after Yé church, on LZ-201, at the bend to LZ-202.
From there you’ll take the Camino de los Gracioseros, a hiking route to the beach.
Getting there by boat from Órzola
If you opt for the boat, you’ll need to take it from Órzola or from La Graciosa island. You can book a transfer from Lanzarote airport to Órzola and then take a boat to the beach.
From Órzola the water taxi costs 70 € one way for 2 people, 100 € return. The journey takes 20 minutes; there are daily departures but this may vary depending on weather.
The boat from La Graciosa to Playa del Risco is cheaper, 30 € per person return, and takes only 10 minutes. However, this route requires a minimum of 5 passengers.
The boat is the best option to reach this beach for families with children and people with special needs, as the hiking trail can be challenging.
What to expect on the Camino de los Gracioseros
The Camino de los Gracioseros is a hiking route that takes you from the car park in Yé to Playa del Risco.
Distance, duration and difficulty
Reaching Playa del Risco requires some effort, but the journey is worth it. The hike takes about 40–60 minutes on a zigzag path descending the Risco de Famara. It’s around 2 km from the car park to the beach.
Some sections can be challenging as they’re on very steep slopes, and you should be careful as the path is rocky and can be slippery. The entire descent to the beach is well marked; some spots are exposed, so if you’re sensitive to heights you may experience dizziness, but it’s a safe hike with views of La Graciosa.
When you arrive at the bottom, the beach is on your right; if you go left, you’ll head towards Famara.
The way back can take a bit longer, about 45 to 75 minutes. Bear in mind that for a visit to this beach you should allow about 4 hours – to get there, enjoy it, and come back.
Due to the difficulty of this hike, we recommend it only for adults; normally there should be no issues. If you’re not particularly fit, take it slowly and take breaks. Remember you’ll need good hiking shoes.
What to bring for the descent
Before heading to Playa del Risco, it’s important to be prepared. Here are a few tips for a safe trip:
- Skip the flip-flops and wear proper hiking shoes. The trail to the beach can be uneven and rocky.
- Bring plenty of water; ensure you stay hydrated. Remember you’ll also need water for the hike after leaving the beach.
- Bring sun protection. Protect your skin from the sun with high SPF sunscreen and wear a hat and sunglasses.
- A headlamp is valuable if you plan to stay until sunset – the way back is unlit.
- Bring a bag for your rubbish – there are no bins on the beach or trail. Remember, you should leave no trace.
- Take care of the beach and wildlife. Don’t 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 toilets, showers, bars, bins or lifeguards. So it’s a good idea to bring your own food and drinks.
Water sports activities: snorkelling and swimming
Playa del Risco is a calm and safe beach for swimming, so you can swim worry-free. Moreover, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy with the family. If you enjoy water sports, bring your snorkelling gear and enjoy the underwater world; the water can be very clear on calm days.
Watch out for the 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.
Explore local flora and fauna
The journey to the beach can also be educational. Playa del Risco is home to a variety of interesting flora and fauna. Look out for endemic plants like tabaiba and cardón, as well as unique bird species.
Best time to visit Playa del Risco
It’s always the right time to visit Playa del Risco. Since it’s a remote location, you won’t find crowds at the beach. Moreover, Lanzarote’s climate 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.
In the summer months the heat is intense and there’s more wind, making the hike uncomfortable, and even the beach can be uncomfortable because of sand blowing everywhere.
There are zocos, a circular wall made of volcanic rock, where you can shelter from the wind. If westerly or southerly winds are blowing, the beach becomes exposed and conditions worsen. Therefore, we recommend you check the weather for Yé or Haría before you go – if strong winds are forecast, reconsider your visit.
Add this beach to your list of unusual things to do in Lanzarote. Get there early in the morning so it’s less sunny and temperatures on the cliff hike are lower. If you stay until late afternoon, make sure you start the climb with plenty of daylight remaining.
What to see nearby on the same day
The path to the beach is itself an adventure that takes you along a trail with beautiful views.
There are other hiking trails in the area you can explore if you’re after a more active experience. A popular hike takes you to Mirador del Río, a viewpoint with panoramic views of La Graciosa and the Chinijo Archipelago.
Near this beach you can also visit Salinas del Río north of the beach, one of the oldest on 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 an unspoiled beach, so there are no hotels or resorts right on the beach. The nearest locations with adequate accommodation options are Órzola and Arrieta to the east or Haría inland.
There are several campsites near Playa del Risco. They offer basic facilities such as toilets, showers and electricity. It’s a more budget-friendly accommodation option than resorts.
Remember this information when visiting Playa del Risco during your next Lanzarote holiday. This beach should be on your travel list, especially if you’re seeking a moment of peace 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.
