The town of Playa Blanca holds the distinction of being the newest resort in all of Lanzarote. Despite its youth, however, it is a tourist hotspot and attracts many visitors each year.
Because of its immense popularity, Playa Blanca can get pretty pricey.
Thankfully, you don’t have to drain your bank account to have a good time in the town. There are plenty of free things to do in Playa Blanca and we’re going to be looking at the top twenty of them in today’s article.
Pack your suitcase and let’s get started!
History
1. Pechiguera Lighthouse
Also known as Faro de Punta Pechiguera, Pechiguera Lighthouse dates all the way back to 1866.
It was in operation for more than 100 years before finally being rendered obsolete in 1988. The current lighthouse stands at the same site, side by side with its predecessor.
Both towers are magnificent feats of Spanish architecture and make for wonderful photo opportunities. The walkways that will lead you to them are equally wondrous.
2. Castillo de las Coloradas
In the 1700s, Playa Blanca was often attacked and raided by pirates from nearby lands. In an effort to preempt these attacks, local authorities constructed Castillo de las Coloradas.
The stone watchtower came fitted with a bell, which would be rung by a lookout if they spied pirates approaching.
Ironically, foreigners are today permitted to visit the fortress and tour it for free!
3. The Spoon in the Concrete
The Spoon in the Concrete has long been a favourite of visitors to Playa Blanca.
Exactly what it sounds like, the spoon was dropped in concrete many years ago, while the town promenade was being paved.
Today, a portion of the spoon remains visible through the concrete, providing a surprisingly fun free challenge for those who want to try to find it.
Walks and Hikes
4. Paseo Maritimo
If you want to take a calming stroll in Playa Blanca without the stress of finding the aforementioned historic spoon, try Paseo Maritimo.
The peaceful seaside walkway offers jaw-dropping views of the Playa Blanca shoreline. With no tall buildings to obstruct the sunshine, you can take in the warmth of the island sun right up to the moment it sets.
5. Puerto Muelas
Though technically a beach, many regular Playa Blanca tourists prefer Puerto Muelas as a hiking destination.
The sandy trails that frame its golden sand lead to rocky hills on either side.
Reach the top of these hills and you can look out across the ocean and experience the ships, swimmers, and sunset from high above the town.
If you do feel like spending some money, a nearby bar offers the perfect refreshments upon your return from the hike.
6. Montaña Roja
Lanzarote is famous for its volcanoes, so it would be remiss of us to not include one of Playa Blanca’s volcanoes on this list.
The volcanic crater of Montaña Roma – translating to Red Mountain in English – looms over Playa Blanca. While it looks quite intimidating from below, it’s actually one of the most scenic and tranquil hiking trails in all of Lanzarote.
The walk is surprisingly easy, but you should still expect to spend a couple of hours on it.
We say this because the trail contains multiple craters, caves, and other fascinating sights that you’re almost definitely going to want to stop and photograph.
7. Marina Rubicon
A walk to and around Marina Rubicon is a great way to spend an afternoon, especially if you want to escape the often taxing Playa Blanca heat.
Because Marina Rubicon is so close to the island’s cool waters, the temperatures in the area are much lower than they are in the heart of the town.
You can enjoy the calm sea air as you watch the boats leave the marina and head out on whatever their next adventure may be.
If the mood takes you, you can pay for a boat trip or snorkeling sessions in the waters of Marina Rubicon.
8. Playa Blanca Market
We know you’re trying to keep costs down during your trip to Playa Blanca, but there are still some shopping locations in the town that are well worth a visit even if you don’t spend any money.
The Playa Blanca Market is one of them.
Held on Wednesdays and Saturdays at Marina Rubicon, the Playa Blanca Market is home to local vendors selling traditional food, drinks, and souvenirs.
A walk through the market is a great way to experience the vibrancy that has kept Lanzorote’s street markets alive for hundreds of years.
See the Marina village local market website
9. Centro Comercial Papagayo
Another shopping location that even the thriftiest of travellers can enjoy visiting, Centro Comercial Papagayo offers just as many opportunities for sightseeing as it does for spending.
Located right on the coast of the island, this shopping center allows visitors to do a spot of window shopping while enjoying the refreshing sea air.
On occasion, musicians, actors, and others from Playa Blanca’s arts scene hold performances in Centro Comercial Papagayo, so you might even get a free show when you visit.
Beaches
10. Playa Dorada Beach
Playa Blanca is full of beautiful beaches. One of the most popular of these beaches is the town’s Playa Dorada Beach.
The waters of Playa Dorada Beach are some of the calmest in all of Lanzarote, so this is a good spot to take your children if you’re planning a family vacation.
While there are sunbeds available to rent, the sand of the beach is soft and runs deep, so you’ll be just as comfortable lying on your own towel.
There are bars and restaurants across the beach, but there’s nothing to stop you from bringing your own refreshments if you feel so inclined.
11. Playa Flamingo
Playa Flamingo is another popular beach among young families.
Although it isn’t quite as large as some other beaches in Playa Blanca, it offers plenty of room for children to run and build sandcastles among its sunbeds and showers.
There are portions of the beach that are a little more tranquil for adults without kids, but Playa Flamingo is certainly best suited to parents trying to keep their children entertained.
12. Papagayo
While Papagayo is often recognised as being one single beach, it is, in reality, a number of beaches in extremely close proximity to each other.
The beaches are separated by mountains and hills, which makes Papagayo a great hiking spot. This segregation also means you won’t have any trouble finding a portion of Papagayo that meets your needs.
If you’re looking for a beach that is primarily adult-oriented where you can take a nap without threat of children interrupting you, you’ll find it in Papagayo. If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach where you can keep an eye on your little ones from your sunbed, you’ll find it in Papagayo.
13. Playa Blanca
Translating to White Beach, Playa Blanca gave the town its name. It isn’t hard to see why locals were so proud of the beach that they wanted to name their entire town after it.
The beach is centrally located, yet shows no signs of litter or wear and tear like other popular tourist spots. In fact, its high standards of hygiene and maintenance have earned the beach a European Blue Flag.
While we will concede that the beach is a little on the small side, it remains one of the top things to do in Playa Blanca if you want the true local experience.
Natural Wonders
14. Los Charcones
Along with its many beaches, Playa Blanca is home to a number of natural wonders, many of which provide ample sunbathing and swimming opportunities of their own.
One such natural wonder is Los Charcones. The waters of Los Charcones are a little wilder than what you’d find in more traditional beaches in the town, so be sure to wear proper gear and stay alert at all times.
Los Charcones is also a popular spot for canoeing, but you’ll likely have to pay to rent or buy the necessary equipment. If you’d prefer to stay out of the water entirely, the rocky cliffs surrounding the ocean absorb the beaming sun, which makes them a great spot to lay back and relax.
15. Los Hervideros
Los Hervideros is no place for swimming. The waters here are harsh and untamed and are a testament to the mighty power of the ocean.
Standing on the large cliffs that frame the waters of Los Hervideros, you can watch the waves crash against the rocks with a force that must be seen to be believed.
But don’t get us wrong, Los Hervideros is ultimately a place of tranquility and peace, even with the sound of its rapid waters. If you’re looking for an isolated spot to mediate during your visit to Playa Blanca, this is the place to be.
Day Trips
16. Aloe Vera Plantation
If you’re willing to travel a little beyond the town center of Playa Blanca, there are many additional free activities you can partake in.
The Aloe Vera Plantation, for example, is one of the most popular free activities in Lanzarote.
For no charge at all, you can tour the plantation and learn about the history of aloe vera and how its cultivation gives such a massive boost to the island’s economy.
17. Salinas del Janubio
Much like the aforementioned aloe vera, salt plays a great role in the economy of Lanzarote.
To understand its importance, pay a free visit to the commercial saltwork of Salinas del Janubio. Here, you’ll be surrounded by salt, with the piles reflecting the light of the sun as it sets.
This makes for a spectacular visual experience that cannot be had anywhere else on the island.
18. Timanfaya National Park
Timanfaya National Park is known for its many volcanoes, including the active volcano from which it takes its name. The entire surface of the park is composed of hardened volcanic ash, so certain portions of the park are dangerous for a lone tourist.
As a result, you can only explore this park as part of a tour group. Thankfully, tours of Timanfaya National Park are absolutely free. Just be sure to reserve your spot in advance!
19. Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura is the sister island of Lanzarote and is accessible via a 45-minute boat trip from Playa Blanca.
Once you’re on Fuerteventura, you can explore to your heart’s content.
Stroll its markets, climb its mountains, and relax on its beaches, safe in the knowledge the memories you’re making won’t cost you a dime!
20. Volcan el Cuervo
Volcanoes el Cuervo is another of the countless volcanoes scattered throughout Lanzarote. So what makes it so special, then?
Well, unlike most other volcanoes on the island, you can actually walk right up to the volcano’s crater, step inside, and experience its magnificence up close and personal.
Even if you’d rather not risk stepping into the crater itself, the hike up the volcano is peaceful and scenic and, most importantly, free!
