Major city · Spain
Playa Blanca
Give Playa Blanca 3–5 nights as a beach base, not a sightseeing stop: swim in the morning, drive or ferry out in the afternoon. Check ferry timetables and allow time for boarding.
Playa Blanca is Lanzarote's southern resort and ferry port, 40 km from the airport by the LZ-2, with three sheltered sandy beaches in a 9 km bay and a marina at Marina Rubicón. It is low-rise, walkable in the centre and spread out at the edges, and it works best as a base for the island's south plus a day trip to Fuerteventura. Most visitors come for a week of sun; three nights is the minimum that justifies the transfer.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov
- avoid Jul–Aug (peak heat and crowds), Christmas and New Year
- Airport
- ACE
- Nights
- 3–5
Rules in force · 9Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Iberia ↗Plan meals on the Iberian clock: Spanish kitchens serve lunch from about 13:30–14:00 and dinner from 20:30–21:00; Portugal eats an hour or so earlier. Early evenings are for tapas or petiscos, not full meals.
- Iberia ↗Inland Spain and Portugal (Seville, Córdoba, Madrid, the Alentejo) pass 40 °C in heatwaves from late June to August: sightsee before 11:00 and after 18:00, and keep July–August for the coasts and the green north.
- Iberia ↗Andorra and Gibraltar have their own border and customs rules and are reached only through Spain (or France for Andorra); read their pages before adding them, especially if you hold a limited Schengen visa.
- Spain ↗Spain is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- Spain ↗High-speed trains have airport-style baggage screening at the station and boarding gates that close a few minutes before departure: arrive early.
- Spain ↗Carry your passport or ID: police may ask for it, and hotels must register every guest's document.
- Spain ↗The Alhambra in Granada and the Sagrada Família in Barcelona sell timed tickets that sell out weeks ahead in season; book on the official sites before you fix your dates.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Playa Blanca112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Playa Blanca, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).Spain-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckEU and EEA plans roam at home prices; UK and other plans may charge — check before you land.Spain-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe across the mainland; it tastes of chlorine in some coastal areas.Spain-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Round up or 5–10% for good service; service is not usually added.Spain-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Spain-wide
- SafetyThe main risks here are the Atlantic: rip currents and swell at the open beaches and rock pools, sunburn in the middle of the day…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFew public toilets; use bars and cafés (buy a coffee).Spain-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All services (police, fire, ambulance) · 091 National police · 062 Guardia Civil (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysSmall shops close about 14:00–17:00 and on Sundays; big chains and department stores open all day.Small shops close about 2:00 PM–5:00 PM and on Sundays; big chains and department stores open all day.Spain-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportACE Lanzarote (Arrecife) Airport (Bus 161 runs from T1 and T2 to the Playa Blanca ferry pier via Puerto del Carmen and Yaiza, about €3.30 (≈ US$4)…
- Getting aroundThe centre is compact and walkable, but the resort stretches about 8 km (5 mi) east to west.The centre is compact and walkable, but the resort stretches about 5 mi (8 km) east to west.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€1.50–2.50 (≈ US$2–3)
- Beercaña at a bar / supermarket can€2–3.50 (≈ US$3–5)€0.80–1.50 (≈ US$1–2)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi across town€5–10 (≈ US$6–12)
- Metro or bus rideBus 30 within townCash to the driver, change up to €10.€1.40 (≈ US$2)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€10–20 (≈ US$12–25)
- Museum or sight ticketAqualava Water Park adult entryChild about €16, daily 10:00–17:00Child about €16, daily 10:00 AM–5:00 PM€23 (≈ US$30)
- Budget bedSelf-catering apartment (up to 4), a night, per room€90 (≈ US$110)
- Mid-range bedHotel double room, a night, per room€130 (≈ US$160)
- High-end bedHotel double room, a night, per room€260 (≈ US$350)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €55 (≈ US$65) · Mid €110 (≈ US$130) · High €200 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ACE Lanzarote (Arrecife) Airport (Bus 161 runs from T1 and T2 to the Playa Blanca ferry pier via Puerto del Carmen and Yaiza, about €3.30; taxi or hire car is faster with bags.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Feb
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Mar
not flagged
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Apr
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jul
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Aug
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Oct
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Nov
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Dec
not flagged
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jan (14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C) low), wettest Dec (4 rain days), driest Jun (0). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Playa Blanca: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3 rd
Feb
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3 rd
Mar
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
2 rd
Apr
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
1 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
1 rd
Jun
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
0 rd
Jul
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
0 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
0 rd
Sep
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
1 rd
Oct
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
2 rd
Nov
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
3 rd
Dec
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is compact and walkable, but the resort stretches about 8 km east to west. Bus 30 crosses town every 30 min from Montaña Roja via the ferry pier and bus station to the east end, about €1.40 cash to the driver (change up to €10). Taxis are easy to find. E-scooters are available by app, about €1 to unlock plus €0.30 per minute. A hire car is the practical choice if you want Papagayo, the national park and the west coast.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Corralejo, Fuerteventura
goDoor to door: About 30 min crossing plus boarding
Fred Olsen car ferry or Líneas Romero fast ferry from Playa Blanca port
Fred Olsen takes cars and sails hourly, about €32 per adult foot passenger; Líneas Romero is foot-passenger only, about €20 (2023 figures, check current fares). Check the operator's timetable and allow time for boarding; take your passport.
Timanfaya National Park and Yaiza
goDoor to door: About 20 min to Yaiza; park entrance time check
Car or organised tour on the LZ-2 north, about 10 km (6.2 mi) to YaizaCar or organised tour on the LZ-2 north, about 6.2 mi (10 km) to Yaiza
The volcanic badlands are the island's headline sight; go early.
Puerto del Carmen
goDoor to door: About 30–40 min
Bus 161 towards Arrecife, or car on the LZ-2
Bigger resort with a long beach strip; useful for a change of scene.
Arrecife
cautionDoor to door: About 45–60 min
Bus 60 or 62 from the bus station, or car on the LZ-2
The capital has two castles, one a museum and one a contemporary art gallery; half a day is enough.
La Geria wine country
goDoor to door: About 25–35 min
Car on the LZ-30 towards Yaiza and Uga
Vineyards in volcanic ash pits and a gin distillery; you need a car or a tour, and a designated driver.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre (Playa Blanca beach and Av de Papagayo)
Walk to the central beach, supermarkets, restaurants and the bus station; best for a short stay without a car.
Playa Flamingo and Montaña Roja (west)
Calmer, near the lighthouse and the western hotels; 20–30 min walk or a short taxi to the centre.
Playa Dorada and Papagayo side (east)
Bigger hotels and the eastern beaches; the far east end is 2 km (1.2 mi) from the centre, so a car helps.Bigger hotels and the eastern beaches; the far east end is 1.2 mi (2 km) from the centre, so a car helps.
Marina Rubicón
Marina restaurants, shops and the castle; quieter at night, 3 km (1.9 mi) east of the centre.Marina restaurants, shops and the castle; quieter at night, 1.9 mi (3 km) east of the centre.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €55–85 (≈ US$65–100) excl. bed
- Mid
- €90–150 (≈ US$110–180) excl. bed
- High
- €160 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel double room1 × 4 nights × €130 | €520 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 4 days × €110 | €880 |
| Bus 161 airport to Playa Blanca, one way2 × €3 | €7 |
| Ferry to Corralejo, return on foot2 × €40 · Fred Olsen and Líneas Romero fares differ | €80 |
| Hire car, one day, small class1 × €45 · Fuel and tolls extra | €45 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €156 |
| Trip total≈ €215 per person per day, bed included | €1,718≈ US$2,000 |
2026 estimate in euros; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €1.50–2.50 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Menu del día at lunchUsually weekdays only. | €12–18 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Beer: caña at a bar / supermarket can | €2–3.50 (≈ US$3–5) / €0.80–1.50 (≈ US$1–2) |
| Taxi across town | €5–10 (≈ US$6–12) |
| Bus 30 within townCash to the driver, change up to €10. | €1.40 (≈ US$2) |
| Aqualava Water Park adult entryChild about €16, daily 10:00–17:00Child about €16, daily 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | €23 (≈ US$30) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €10–20 (≈ US$12–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The resort is long and low-density: check the walk from your hotel to the beach and to restaurants before booking.
- Papagayo coves sit behind a toll road (about €3 (≈ US$4)) and the last stretch is a dirt track; the track past the abandoned hotel is closed to vehicles.
- Los Charcones rock pools are exposed to swell and urchins: only enter in calm conditions.
- Beachfront restaurants face the midday sun and get stifling at lunch; eat there at dusk instead.
- The Canary Islands run one hour behind mainland Spain.
Emergency numbers
- All services (police, fire, ambulance)
- 112
- National police
- 091
- Guardia Civil
- 062
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Playa BlancaPlaya Blanca
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- All services112
- National police091
- Guardia Civil062
Embassy
No embassy in Playa Blanca; the US has a consulate in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and embassies are in Madrid. UK, Irish and most EU nationals can get consular help via their embassy in Madrid.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Playa Blanca → Corralejo, Fred Olsen: about €32 (≈ US$40) per adult foot passenger, 30 min (2023 figure, check current fare)
- Playa Blanca → Corralejo, Líneas Romero: about €20 (≈ US$25) per adult, foot passengers only, 30 min (2023 figure, check current fare)
- Bus 161 airport → Playa Blanca ferry pier: about €3.30 (≈ US$4), every 30 min Mon–Fri, hourly Saturday, every 2 h Sunday (2023 figure, check current timetable)
- Bus 30 across town: about €1.40 (≈ US$2), every 30 min (2023 figure, check current fare)
Say or show
- Hola — Hello (OH-lah)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-syas)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (la KWEN-tah por fah-VOR)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (PWEH-doh pah-GAR kon tar-HEH-tah)
- ¿Dónde está la playa? — Where is the beach? (DON-deh es-TAH la PLAH-yah)
- Dos cervezas, por favor — Two beers, please (dos ser-VEH-sas por fah-VOR)
Tipping: optional, round up or 5–10% for good table service.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Playa Blanca. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov · avoid Jul–Aug (peak heat and crowds), Christmas and New Year · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for ACE: last bus 161 departure, taxi fallback and the transfer time to each sleep area.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: central beach and Av de Papagayo, Playa Flamingo, Marina Rubicón, Playa Dorada and Papagayo.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Aqualava, Museo Atlántico, Castillo de San Marcial, Montaña Roja) and eat pages with last orders.
- Ferry-day fixture for Corralejo with passport, boarding and return-sailing cutoffs.
Sources
- officialTurismo de Lanzarote — official island tourism site
- officialAyuntamiento de Yaiza — municipal site
- officialArrecife Bus — Lanzarote bus network timetables
- officialFred Olsen Express — Lanzarote–Fuerteventura ferry
- officialLíneas Romero — ferry operator
- secondaryWikivoyage: Playa Blanca, revision 5152214 (CC BY-SA 4.0)