Hidden near Mirador del Río, you’ll find one of Lanzarote’s most charming beaches: Playa del Risco. Here we tell you everything you need to know to prepare yourself for one of the island’s most impressive views.
What makes Playa del Risco unique?
Lanzarote is full of incredible beaches, but there’s one that will keep bringing you back. 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 water and a sense of peace you’ll struggle to find elsewhere.
What makes Playa del Risco special is its remote location, which makes it a refuge for those seeking solitude and connection with nature.
No matter where you look, you’ll find remarkable views everywhere. Out to sea, beyond the crystal-clear water, lies the Chinijo Archipelago in all its splendour, with La Graciosa as the main attraction. Behind it sits the Famara cliff. The imposing cliffs offer a breathtaking backdrop.
The perfect escape on Lanzarote
If you’re looking for a place to escape the crowds and relax, Playa del Risco is the perfect destination. The beach offers plenty of space to spread out a towel and sunbathe or you can take a refreshing dip in the Atlantic Ocean.
It’s a 500-metre-long beach, perfect for enjoying with the family. It’s a great place to relax; it remains unspoiled because you have to make an effort to get there. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or simply looking for a quiet retreat, Playa del Risco has something for everyone.
Looking for a romantic getaway with your partner? 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 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 opposite the island of La Graciosa.
Distance from Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca
From Puerto del Carmen you’ll drive 55 km to the nearest access to Playa del Risco in Yé. From Costa Teguise it’s 30 km, about 40 minutes’ drive. Playa Blanca is the furthest point, around 72 km, a 60-minute drive to the car park.
How do you get to Playa del Risco?
One of the reasons this beach has remained a hidden gem on Lanzarote is its location and the difficulty in getting there. There are only two ways to reach the beach: by boat or via a hiking route that starts in the village of Yé.
Hiking along the Camino de los Gracioseros
The first option is to walk the Camino de los Gracioseros. The trailhead is located in the village of Yé, near Mirador del Río.
You can take a private transfer to Yé and then take the hiking route; the bus (line 8 from Arrecife) reaches the village of Yé, but not the trailhead – you’ll still need to walk about a 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 road to the car park is rural, so we recommend using a sufficiently high-clearance vehicle to avoid problems.
There are free marked parking spaces at the beginning of the hiking route, next to some tourist apartments behind the church of Yé, on the LZ-201, at the junction with the LZ-202
From there you’ll need to take the Camino de los Gracioseros, a hiking route to the beach.
Arriving by boat from Órzola
If you’d like to travel by boat, you should take it from Órzola or the island of La Graciosa. You can book the Lanzarote airport transfer to Órzola service and 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 takes just 10 minutes. However, this route requires a minimum of 5 passengers.
By boat is the best way to reach this beach for families with children and people with special needs, as the hiking route can be demanding.
What to expect on the Camino de los Gracioseros
Camino de los Gracioseros is a hiking route that takes you from the car park in Yé to Playa del Risco.
Distance, time and difficulty level
Reaching Playa del Risco takes some effort, but the journey is worth it. The hike takes about 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 areas can be difficult as they sit 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 to heights, so you may experience dizziness if you’re sensitive, but it’s a safe hike with views of La Graciosa.
Once you reach the bottom, the beach is to your right; if you go left, you’ll head towards Famara beach.
The return journey can take a bit longer, around 45 to 75 minutes. So bear in mind that you’ll need about 4 hours to visit this beach, including the walk there, enjoying the beach and walking back.
Due to the difficulty of this hike, we recommend it only for adults; normally there will be no problems. If you’re not particularly fit, take it slow and take breaks. Remember that you’ll need good shoes.
What to bring for the descent
Before you set off on your journey to Playa del Risco, it’s important to be prepared. Here are some tips for a safe trip:
- Forget flip-flops and wear hiking boots. The hiking trail to the beach can be uneven and rocky.
- Bring plenty of water; make sure you stay hydrated. Remember that you’ll need water for the hike after the beach.
- Bring sun protection. Protect your skin from the sun by applying high SPF sunscreen and wearing a hat and sunglasses.
- A headlamp is worth packing if you’re planning to stay until sunset – the return path is not lit.
- Bring a bag for your rubbish – there are no bins at the beach or on the trail. Remember you should leave no trace.
- Look after 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 without worries. Moreover, it’s an ideal destination to enjoy with the family. If you like water sports, bring your snorkelling gear and enjoy the underwater world; the water can be very clear on windless days.
Be aware of 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.
Exploring the 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 such as tabaiba and cardón, as well as unique bird species.
Best time to visit Playa del Risco
Any time is a good time to visit Playa del Risco. Because it’s a remote location, you won’t find crowds at the beach. Plus, the weather in Lanzarote is pleasant year-round.
If you have to 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, so hikes can be uncomfortable and the beach can also be uncomfortable due to sand blowing everywhere.
There are zocos, a round wall made of volcanic stones, where you can shelter from the wind. When westerly or southerly winds blow, the beach is exposed and conditions worsen. So we recommend you check the weather forecast for Yé or Haría before you go – if strong winds are expected, reconsider your visit.
Include this beach in your list of unusual things to do in Lanzarote. Get there first thing in the morning so there’s less sun and lower temperatures for the walk down the cliff. If you’re staying until late afternoon, make sure you start the climb with enough daylight.
What else you can visit 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 surrounding area that you can explore if you’re looking for a more active experience. A popular hike takes you to Mirador del Río, a scenic viewpoint with panoramic views of La Graciosa and the Chinijo Archipelago.
Near this beach you can also visit the Salinas del Río to the north of the beach, one of the oldest in the Canary Islands (15th century), and Caleta de Famara (20 min 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 adequate accommodation options are Órzola and Arrieta to the east or Haría inland
There are several campsites near Playa del Risco. These offer basic facilities such as toilets, showers and electricity. This is a cheaper accommodation option than resorts.
Keep this information in mind when you want to visit 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 moment 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.
