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 most incredible experiences on the island.
What makes Playa del Risco unique?
Lanzarote has many incredible beaches, but there’s one very special place that will make you want to come back. It’s Playa del Risco, a 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 rare tranquility you won’t find elsewhere.
What sets Playa del Risco apart is its isolated location, making it a haven for those seeking solitude and connection with nature.
Everywhere you look, you discover remarkable views. Far offshore, beyond crystal-clear waters, the Chinijo archipelago stretches in all its splendour, with La Graciosa as the main attraction. And behind you, the Famara cliff. The imposing rock walls create a spectacular backdrop.
The perfect 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 cool off in the Atlantic Ocean.
It’s a 500-metre beach, perfect for enjoying as a family. It’s an ideal place to relax; it remains unspoilt precisely because it takes courage to reach. Whether you’re an experienced traveller or looking for a peaceful retreat, Playa del Risco has something to offer everyone.
Looking for a romantic adventure as a couple? Playa Bajo el Risco could be the perfect spot.
Where is Playa del Risco located and how far from the main beach 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 the island of La Graciosa.
Distance from Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca
From Puerto del Carmen, you need to travel 55 km to reach Playa del Risco at Yé. From Costa Teguise, it’s 30 km, about 40 minutes’ drive. Playa Blanca is the furthest point, approximately 72 km, about 60 minutes’ drive to the car park.
How to access Playa del Risco?
One of the reasons this beach has remained a secret in Lanzarote is its geographical location and the difficulty of reaching it. There are only two ways to reach the beach: by boat or via a hiking trail starting from the village of Yé.
Hiking on Camino de los Gracioseros
The first option is a hike on Camino de los Gracioseros. The hiking trail starts from the village of Yé, near Mirador del Río.
You can drive to Yé or hire a private transfer, then take the hiking trail; the bus (line 8 from Arrecife) arrives at the village of Yé, but not at the trailhead – you need to walk an extra 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 road to the car park is rural. We recommend using a vehicle with appropriate ground clearance to avoid any issues.
There’s a free marked car park at the start of the hiking trail, beside a few holiday apartments after Yé church, on LZ-201, in the bend towards LZ-202.
From there, you need to take Camino de los Gracioseros, a hiking trail to the beach.
Arriving by boat from Órzola
If you choose the boat, you must take it from Órzola or from the island of La Graciosa. You can book a transfer from Lanzarote airport to Órzola, then take a boat to the beach.
From Órzola, the 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 the 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 hiking trail can be challenging.
What awaits you on Camino de los Gracioseros
Camino de los Gracioseros is a hiking trail that takes you from the car park at Yé to Playa del Risco.
Distance, duration and difficulty
Reaching Playa del Risco requires effort, but the journey is worth it. The hike takes approximately 40–60 minutes on a zigzagging trail 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 trail is rocky and can be slippery. The entire descent to the beach is well marked; some spots are exposed, so if you’re sensitive, you could experience vertigo, 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 head towards Famara.
The return journey can take slightly longer, around 45 to 75 minutes. So plan for about 4 hours to visit this beach – to get there, enjoy it and return.
Due to the difficulty of this hike, we only recommend it to adults; normally there should be no problems. If you’re not particularly fit, take it slowly and take breaks. Remember you need good hiking shoes.
What to bring for the descent
Before heading to Playa del Risco, it’s important to be prepared. Here are some tips for a safe trip:
- Forget flip-flops and wear hiking shoes. The trail to the beach can be uneven and rocky.
- Bring plenty of water; make sure you stay well hydrated. Remember you’ll also need water after the beach for the hike back.
- Bring sun protection. Protect your skin from the sun with high-SPF sunscreen and wear a hat and sunglasses.
- A headtorch is valuable if you want to stay until sunset – the return trail is not lit.
- Bring a bag for your rubbish – there are no bins at the beach or on the trail. Remember you must leave no trace.
- Take care of the beach and wildlife. Don’t disturb or feed animals. It’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 won’t find toilets, showers, bars, bins 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 place to enjoy as a family. If you like 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 venture too far. At high tide, there’s less beach sand. Don’t swim alone, it’s always safer to swim with a friend or family member.
Explore local flora and fauna
The trip 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 the right time to visit Playa del Risco. Since it’s an isolated place, you won’t find crowds at the beach. Plus, 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.
During the summer months, the heat is intense and there’s more wind, making the hike uncomfortable, and even the beach can be uncomfortable due to sand blowing everywhere.
There are Zocos, a circular wall of volcanic stone, where you can protect yourself from the wind. If west or south winds blow, the beach is exposed and conditions worsen. That’s why we recommend checking 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. Arrive early in the morning so there’s less sun and temperatures are lower for the cliff hike. If you stay until late afternoon, make sure you start the climb with enough daylight.
What else to see nearby on the same day
The path to the beach itself is 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 looking for a more active experience. A popular hike takes you to Mirador del Río, a viewpoint offering 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 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 tourist complexes directly on the beach. The closest locations offering suitable accommodation range 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 tourist complexes.
Remember this information when you visit Playa del Risco during your next holiday in Lanzarote. 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.
