Black-sand guide · Lanzarote
16 verified beaches of dark volcanic sand in Lanzarote — the archipelago's signature shore, with swimming and access notes for each.
Curated by the Beach Atlas team · Updated July 2026
On Lanzarote, black is the default. Born from the island's Atlantic volcanoes, its shores are dark volcanic sand ground fine from lava and basalt — the signature of the Canaries. This guide gathers every beach on Lanzarote that our verified inventory records as dark, volcanic or black-sand, with the swimming, surf and access notes each one needs. Browse the full Lanzarote beach list to compare them all.
This is an honesty-first list: a beach appears only when its own description records the black or volcanic sand. Conditions vary by coast — the northeast trade winds build swell on Lanzarote's exposed north and west shores, while south- and east-facing bays sit in the lee and stay calmer, so let the wind pick your beach on the day. Black sand also heats up fast under the Canary sun, so pack sandals and arrive early. For the wider picture, see the best Canary beaches and our other beach guides.
Black sand is why these Lanzarote beaches look the way they do, and the island's shape decides how each one swims. The northeast trade winds (los alisios) build Atlantic swell on the north and west coasts, so those beaches run wilder, while south- and east-facing shores sit in the wind's lee and stay calmer. Bring sandals — dark sand gets hot under a Canary sun of about 20 to 26 °C — and check each beach page for how you actually get down. Compare surface, surf and access across the full Lanzarote beach list, or widen out to the best Canary beaches.
Showing #1 – #10 of 16 beaches
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Sand: The beach consists of dark volcanic sand and is exposed to the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in moderate to rough surf.
Caleta de Caballo is a small cove beach on the rugged northwest coast of Lanzarote, near the village of Órzola. The beach consists of dark volcanic sand and is exposed to the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in moderate to rough surf.
Sand: It features dark volcanic sand and is generally sheltered from the prevailing trade winds, resulting in moderate sea conditions.
El Barranquillo is a small beach on the east coast of Lanzarote. It features dark volcanic sand and is generally sheltered from the prevailing trade winds, resulting in moderate sea conditions. The beach is located near residential areas and has roadside parking, making it a convenient local spot.
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Sand: La Caleta is a small cove beach on Lanzarote's west coast, characterised by dark volcanic sand and rocky headlands.
La Caleta is a small cove beach on Lanzarote's west coast, characterised by dark volcanic sand and rocky headlands. Its sheltered position often results in gentle to moderate waves, making it suitable for swimming. The beach features roadside parking and offers a tranquil setting away from larger resort areas.
Sand: The shoreline consists of dark volcanic sand and rocks, with roadside parking available.
La Peña del Dice is a beach on the northeast coast of Lanzarote, exposed to the prevailing trade winds and Atlantic swell. The shoreline consists of dark volcanic sand and rocks, with roadside parking available. Conditions are typically wavy, making swimming potentially hazardous.
Sand: Its volcanic sand and rocky surroundings create a tranquil setting away from larger tourist areas.
Los Charcos is a small, sheltered beach on Lanzarote's east coast, known for its natural rock pools that form during low tide. The beach is protected from the prevailing winds, resulting in calm waters suitable for swimming.
Sand: The shoreline features volcanic sand typical of the island's geology.
Playa is a beach on the west coast of Lanzarote, where Atlantic swells and trade winds create moderate wave conditions. The shoreline features volcanic sand typical of the island's geology. This exposed stretch offers consistent surf, though not typically large enough for advanced surfing.
Sand: The beach features dark volcanic sand and is known for its energetic sea conditions.
Playa de Barlovento is a beach on the north coast of Lanzarote, exposed to the Atlantic Ocean and prevailing trade winds. Its consistent waves and strong winds make it a popular spot for windsurfing and surfing. The beach features dark volcanic sand and is known for its energetic sea conditions.
Sand: Playa de los Boluditos is a remote sandy beach on Lanzarote's exposed west coast, characterized by dark volcanic sand and rugged surroundings.
Playa de los Boluditos is a remote sandy beach on Lanzarote's exposed west coast, characterized by dark volcanic sand and rugged surroundings. Its open Atlantic location often produces moderate to rough surf, making swimming potentially hazardous.
Sand: Playa de los Clicos is a striking black volcanic sand beach on Lanzarote's west coast, nestled within a volcanic crater beside the vibrant green lagoon of Charco de los Clicos.
Playa de los Clicos is a striking black volcanic sand beach on Lanzarote's west coast, nestled within a volcanic crater beside the vibrant green lagoon of Charco de los Clicos. Its sheltered location and calm waters make it suitable for relaxing, though swimming is often restricted due to safety and environmental…
Sand: Playa del Paso is a black sand beach on the southwestern coast of Lanzarote, near the Janubio salt flats.
Playa del Paso is a black sand beach on the southwestern coast of Lanzarote, near the Janubio salt flats. It is open to the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in wavy sea conditions that attract surfers occasionally. The beach is backed by volcanic cliffs and offers a natural, less crowded setting with roadside parking.
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