Near the Mirador del Río you’ll find one of the most beautiful beaches on 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 truly special place that will have 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 waters and the peace you’ll struggle to find elsewhere.
What sets Playa del Risco apart is its remote location, making it a sanctuary for those seeking solitude and connection with nature.
Wherever you look, you’ll find remarkable views. Offshore, beyond the crystal-clear waters, lies the Chinijo Archipelago in all its splendor, with La Graciosa as the main attraction. And behind you, the Famara cliffs. The imposing rock faces create a spectacular backdrop.
The ideal place to relax on 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 lay out your towel and enjoy the sun, or you can cool off in the Atlantic Ocean.
It’s a 500-meter stretch of beach, perfect for enjoying with the family. It’s an ideal place to relax; it remains uncrowded precisely because it takes courage to get there. Whether you’re an experienced traveler or looking for a quiet retreat – Playa del Risco has something for everyone.
Seeking a romantic adventure for two? Playa Bajo el Risco could be the perfect spot.
Where is Playa del Risco 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 opposite La Graciosa island.
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 a 40-minute drive. Playa Blanca is the furthest point, about 72 km, so 60 minutes to the car park.
How do I get to Playa del Risco?
One reason this beach has remained a hidden gem on 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 walking trail starting from the village of Yé.
Walking the Camino de los Gracioseros
The first option is a walk on the Camino de los Gracioseros. The walking trail starts in the village of Yé, near the Mirador del Río.
You can drive to Yé or hire a private transfer and then take the walking trail; the bus (Line 8 from Arrecife) goes to the village of Yé, but not to the trailhead – you’ll need to walk an extra kilometer 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 appropriate ground clearance to avoid problems.
There’s a free marked car park at the start of the walking trail, next to some holiday apartments after Yé church, on the LZ-201, at the bend towards LZ-202.
From there you’ll need to take the Camino de los Gracioseros, a walking 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 La Graciosa island. You can book the transfer from Lanzarote airport to Órzola and then take a boat to the beach.
From Órzola the water taxi can cost 70 € for 2 people one way, 100 € return. The journey takes 20 minutes; there are daily departures but this can vary depending on weather.
The boat from La Graciosa to Playa del Risco is cheaper, 30 € per person return, and takes just 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 special needs, as the walking trail can be challenging.
What to expect on the Camino de los Gracioseros
The Camino de los Gracioseros is a walking route that takes you from the car park in Yé to Playa del Risco.
Distance, duration and difficulty
Getting to Playa del Risco requires some effort, but the journey is worth it. The walk takes approximately 40–60 minutes on a zigzag path that descends the Risco de Famara. It’s about 2 km from the car park to the beach.
Some sections can be challenging as they’re on a very steep slope, and you should be careful as the path is rocky and can be slippery. The entire descent to the beach is well-marked; some sections are exposed, so if you’re prone to vertigo it may affect you, but it’s a safe walk with views of La Graciosa.
When you reach the bottom, the beach is on your right; if you go left, you head towards Famara.
The return journey may take a bit longer, around 45 to 75 minutes. So keep in mind you should allow about 4 hours to visit this beach – getting there, enjoying it and returning.
Because of the difficulty of this walk, we recommend it only for adults; normally you shouldn’t have problems. If you’re not particularly fit, take it slow and take breaks. Remember you’ll need good 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:
- Leave the flip-flops behind and wear hiking boots. The trail to the beach can be uneven and rocky.
- Bring plenty of water; make sure you stay hydrated. Remember you’ll also need water for the walk 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 return path is not lit.
- 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 animals. This is the only way to protect the beach for the future.
What you’ll find on the beach – and what you won’t
There are no facilities on 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: snorkeling and swimming
Playa del Risco is a calm and safe beach for swimming, so you can swim without worry. Plus, it’s an ideal place to enjoy with the family. If you like water sports, bring your snorkeling gear and enjoy the underwater world; on calm days the water can be very clear.
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.
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. Keep an eye out 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 on the beach. Plus, the climate on 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, making the walk uncomfortable, and even the beach can be uncomfortable because of sand blowing everywhere.
There are zocos, a circular wall of volcanic stone, where you can shelter from the wind. When west or south winds blow, the beach is 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 on Lanzarote. Get there early in the morning so it’s less sunny and temperatures are lower for the walk on the rock slope. If you stay until late afternoon, make sure you start the climb with enough daylight.
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.
In the area there are other walking trails you can explore if you’re looking for a more active experience. A popular walk takes you to the 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 directly on the beach. The closest locations with adequate accommodation 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 cheaper 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 looking for 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.
