Hidden near the Mirador del Río, you’ll find one of the most charming beaches in Lanzarote: Playa del Risco. Here we will tell you what you need to know to prepare to have one of the most amazing views of the island.
What Makes Playa del Risco Unique?
Lanzarote is full of incredible beaches, but there is one in particular that will make you want to come back. It’s Playa del Risco, a hidden stretch of sand that offers visitors a truly authentic experience of Lanzarote’s natural beauty. You’ll fall in love with its golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and a sense of tranquillity that is hard to find elsewhere.
What sets Playa del Risco apart is its remote location, making it a haven for those seeking solitude and connection with nature.
Wherever you look, you’ll find a remarkable view. Facing the coast, beyond the crystal-clear waters, is the Chinijo Archipelago in all its splendour, with La Graciosa as the main star. And behind you is the Famara cliff. The towering cliffs provide a stunning backdrop.
The Perfect Getaway Spot in 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 space to spread out a towel and soak up the sun, or you can take a refreshing dive in the Atlantic Ocean.
It’s a 500-metre-long beach, perfect for enjoying with family. It’s a great place to relax; it stays uncrowded precisely because it takes effort to get there. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Playa del Risco has something to offer everyone.
Looking for a romantic getaway with your partner? 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 Lanzarote’s far northwest in Haría municipality. Also known as Playa de Bajo el Risco, it is at the foot of the impressive Risco de Famara in front of Isla La Graciosa.
Distance from Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca
From Puerto del Carmen, it is a 55 km drive to the nearest access to Playa del Risco in Yé. From Costa Teguise it is 30 km, around a 40-minute drive. Playa Blanca is the furthest point, around 72 kms, a 60-minute drive to the parking.
How to Get to Playa del Risco?
One of the reasons this beach has remained a secret gem in Lanzarote is its location and the difficulty of getting there. There are only two ways to reach the beach: by boat or via a hiking trail that starts in the village of Yé.
Hiking down the Camino de los Gracioseros
The first option is to walk via the Camino de los Gracioseros. The trailhead is in the village of Yé, near the Mirador del Río.
You can drive or hire private transport to Yé and then take the trail; the bus (line 8 from Arrecife) reaches Yé village but not the trailhead — you would need to walk an extra kilometre to reach the parking area. The main routes are:
- From Puerto del Carmen: ~45 min by LZ-1 → Teguise → Haría → Yé
- From Costa Teguise: ~40 min by LZ-1 → Haría → Yé
- From Playa Blanca: ~55-60 min using the LZ-2 → Teguise → Haría → Yé
Keep in mind the trail to get to the parking lot is rural, so we recommend you use a certain height vehicle to avoid any trouble.
There is free signposted parking at the start of the trail, next to some tourist apartments past the Church of Yé, on the LZ-201, taking the turnoff towards the LZ-202
Once there, you will need to take Camino de los Gracioceros, a hiking route to the beach.
Arriving by boat from Órzola
If you decide to go by boat, you should take it from Órzola or La Graciosa Island. You can book the service of Lanzarote airport transfers to Órzola and then take a boat to the beach.
From Órzola the water taxi can cost 2 people one way 70 €, and two ways 100 €. The route is 20 minutes; there are departures every day, but it can vary depending on the weather.
The boat from La Graciosa to Playa del Risco is cheaper, 30 € per person two ways, and it takes just 10 minutes. Though this route requires a minimum of 5 passengers.
By boat is the best way to get to this beach for families with kids and for people with special needs, because the trail can be challenging.
What to expect on the Camino de los Gracioseros
Camino de los Gracioseros is a hiking route that will get you from the parking lot in Yé to Playa del Risco.
Distance, time and difficulty
Reaching Playa del Risco requires a bit of effort, but the journey is well worth it. The hike takes about 40-60 minutes along a zigzagging path descending the Risco de Famara. There are around 2 km from the parking to the beach.
Some areas can be challenging because they’re on a very steep slope, and you should be careful, as the trail is rocky, so it can be slippy. The entire descent to the beach is well-marked; some parts are exposed to heights, so if you are sensible, it can get you vertigo, but it is a safe hike with views to La Graciosa.
Once you reach the bottom, the beach is on your right hand; if you take to your left, you will walk to Famara.
Going back can take a little bit longer, around 45 to 75 minutes. So keep in mind, for visiting this beach, you will need around 4 hours to get there, enjoy the beach and go back.
Because of the difficulty of this hike, we recommend it for adults only; normally there will be no trouble. If you are not particularly fit, just take it steadily and rest. Remember you will need good shoes.
What to bring for the descent
Before embarking on your trip to Playa del Risco, it’s important to be prepared. Here are a few tips to ensure a safe journey:
- Forget about flip-flops, and wear hiking shoes. The hiking trail to the beach can be uneven and rocky.
- Bring plenty of water; make sure to stay hydrated. Remember you will need water for the hiking after the beach.
- Bring sun protection. Protect your skin from the sun by applying sunscreen with a high SPF and wearing a hat and sunglasses.
- A head torch is worth packing if you plan to stay until sunset — the path back up is unlit.
- Bring a bag for your rubbish — there are no bins on the beach or the trail. Remember you should leave no trace.
- Take care of the beach and the wildlife. Do not disturb or feed any animal. This is the only way to protect the beach for the future.
What you will find at the beach — and what you won’t
There are no facilities at the beach, you will not find bathrooms, showers, bars, litter or lifeguards. So it’s a good idea to bring your own food and drinks.
Water Activities: Snorkeling and Swimming
Playa del Risco is a calm and safe beach for swimmers, so you can swim without worries. Additionally, it’s an ideal visit to enjoy with the family. If you like water sports, bring your snorkelling gear and enjoy the underwater views; the water can be very clear on the days where there is no wind.
Be aware of the tides. They can change quickly, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and avoid swimming too far out. When the tide is high, there is 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 trip 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
Any time is a good time to visit Playa del Risco. Since it’s an isolated place, you won’t find crowds on the beach. Additionally, the weather in Lanzarote is pleasant all 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 is less wind and fewer tourists. Avoid July and August if possible.
In the summer months, the heat is intense, and there is more wind, so the hiking can be uncomfortable, and even the beach can be uncomfortable because of the sand blowing all around.
There are zocos, a round wall made of volcanic rocks, where you can take shelter from the wind. When westerly or southerly winds blow, the beach becomes exposed and conditions worsen. Therefore, we recommend checking 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 activities in Lanzarote. Get there the first time in the morning so there is less sun and lower temperatures to do the trail off the cliff. If you stay until late afternoon, make sure you start the climb back up with enough daylight remaining.
What to see nearby on the same day trip
Getting to the beach is an adventure itself that takes you along a trail with beautiful views.
In the surrounding area, there are other trails you can explore if you’re looking for a more active experience. One popular hike takes you to the Mirador del Río, a scenic viewpoint that offers panoramic views of La Graciosa and the Chinijo Archipelago.
Nearby this beach you can also visit Salinas del Río in the north of the beach, one of the oldest in the Canary Islands (15th century), and Caleta de Famara (20 min drive). Visit La Graciosa from Órzola as well.
Accommodation Options Near Playa del Risco
Playa del Risco is a virgin beach, so there are no hotels or resorts located on the beach. The closest bases with a reasonable choice of accommodation are Órzola and Arrieta to the east, or Haría inland
There are several campsites located near Playa del Risco. These offer basic facilities, such as toilets, showers, and electricity. These are a more affordable accommodation option than resorts.
Keep in mind this information when visiting Playa del Risco on your next trip to Lanzarote. This beach should be on your travel list, especially if you are looking for a moment of peace away from crowds.
Our company seeks to deliver the best service you can find on the island today. We seek to optimise our clients’ time and resources, which is why we respect the schedules and offer the best prices for different transfers.
