Near Mirador del Río you’ll find one of Lanzarote’s most beautiful beaches: Playa del Risco. 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 special place that will make you want to return. It’s Playa del Risco – a hidden little cove that offers visitors an authentic experience of Lanzarote’s natural beauty. You’ll fall in love with the golden sand, crystal-clear water, and the rare peace and quiet you won’t find elsewhere.
What sets Playa del Risco apart is its remote location, making it a retreat for those seeking solitude and connection with nature.
Everywhere you look, you’ll discover stunning views. Seaward, beyond the crystal-clear waters, stretches the Chinijo Archipelago in all its splendour, with La Graciosa as the main attraction. And behind you, the Famara cliff face. The imposing cliffs 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 spread out your towel and enjoy the sun or cool off in the Atlantic Ocean.
It’s a 500-metre long beach, perfect for family enjoyment. It’s an ideal spot to relax; it remains little-visited, precisely because it takes effort to reach. Whether you’re an experienced traveller or seeking a quiet getaway – 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 from the main beach resorts?
Playa del Risco lies in the far northwest of Lanzarote in Haría municipality. Also known as Playa de Bajo el Risco, it sits at the foot of the impressive Risco de Famara and overlooks the island of La Graciosa.
Distance from Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca
From Puerto del Carmen you 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, about 72 km, so 60 minutes to the car park.
How do I get to Playa del Risco?
One of the reasons this beach on Lanzarote has remained a hidden gem is its geographic location and the difficulty in reaching it. 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 along the Camino de los Gracioseros. The hiking 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) arrives in the village of Yé, but not at the trailhead – you’ll need to walk another kilometre to reach the car park. The main routes are:
- From Puerto del Carmen: ~45 min via LZ-1 → Teguise → Haría → Yé
- From Costa Teguise: ~40 min via LZ-1 → Haría → Yé
- From Playa Blanca: ~55–60 min via LZ-2 → Teguise → Haría → Yé
Remember that the access to the car park is unpaved. We recommend using a vehicle with adequate ground clearance to avoid issues.
There’s a free, marked car park at the start of the hiking trail, next to a couple of holiday homes after Yé church, on the LZ-201, in the bend to the LZ-202.
From there you take the Camino de los Gracioseros, a hiking trail to the beach.
Arriving by boat from Órzola
If you choose 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 the boat to the beach.
From Órzola a water taxi can cost €70 one-way for 2 people, €100 return. The crossing takes 20 minutes; there are daily departures, but this can vary depending on weather conditions.
The boat from La Graciosa to Playa del Risco is cheaper, €30 per person return, and takes just 10 minutes. However, this route requires at least 5 passengers.
The boat is the best way to reach this beach for families with children and people with special needs, as the hiking trail can be difficult.
What to expect on the Camino de los Gracioseros
The Camino de los Gracioseros is a hiking trail that takes you from the car park in Yé to Playa del Risco.
Distance, duration and difficulty
Reaching Playa del Risco takes effort, but the journey is worth it. The hike takes around 40–60 minutes on a zigzag path descending the Risco de Famara. It’s about 2 km from the car park to the beach.
Some areas can be challenging as they’re on a very steep slope, and you need to be careful as the path is rocky and can be slippery. The entire descent to the beach is well-marked; some sections are steep, so you might experience vertigo, but it’s a safe hike with views over La Graciosa.
When you reach the bottom, the beach is on your right; if you head left, you’re heading towards Famara.
The return journey may take a bit longer, around 45 to 75 minutes. So plan for about 4 hours for this beach visit – for the walk and enjoying the beach.
Due to the difficulty of this hike, we recommend it only for adults; normally there should be no 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 setting off to Playa del Risco, it’s important to be prepared. Here are some tips for a safe journey:
- Skip the flip-flops and wear hiking shoes. The path to the beach can be uneven and rocky.
- Bring plenty of water; make sure you stay well hydrated. Remember, you’ll need water for the hike after the beach too.
- Bring sun protection. Shield your skin with quality sunscreen and wear a hat and sunglasses.
- A headlamp is valuable if you’re staying until sunset – the return path is unlit.
- Bring a bag for your rubbish – there are no bins on the beach or along the path. Remember, you must leave no trace.
- Take care of the beach and wildlife. Don’t disturb animals or feed them. That’s 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’ll find no 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 without worries. Plus, it’s an ideal spot for family fun. If you enjoy water sports, bring your snorkelling gear and enjoy the underwater world; the water can be crystal clear in calm weather.
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.
Discover local flora and fauna
The path to the beach can also be educational. Playa del Risco is home to a wide 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. As it’s a remote location, you won’t find crowds at 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.
In the summer months the heat is intense and there’s more wind, which makes the hike uncomfortable, and even the beach can be uncomfortable as sand blows everywhere.
There are zocos, a circular wall made of volcanic stone, where you can shelter from the wind. When westerly or southerly winds blow, the beach is exposed and conditions worsen. We therefore recommend checking the weather forecast for Yé or Haría before you leave – if strong winds are forecast, reconsider your visit.
Add this beach to your list of unusual things to do on Lanzarote. Arrive early in the morning so it’s less sunny and temperatures are lower for the hike down the cliff face. If you’re staying until late afternoon, make sure you start your descent with enough daylight.
What else to see nearby on the same day
The path to the beach is itself an adventure, taking you along a trail with beautiful views.
There are other hiking trails in the area you can explore if you’re looking for a more active experience. A popular hike takes you to Mirador del Río, a viewpoint with panoramic views over 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 a pristine beach, so there are no hotels or resorts right on the beach. The nearest places 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 like toilets, showers and electricity. This is a cheaper accommodation option than resorts.
Don’t forget this information on your next visit to Playa del Risco during your Lanzarote holiday. This beach should be on your travel planning 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.
