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 Playa Blanca Maps .. [1] .. [2] Map of Yaiza (Lanzarote South) |
 Playa Blanca viewed from the harbour |
| Two things are particularly impressive about Playa Blanca - it's coastline and it's sea view. |
| Coastline | ||
One gigantic 9 kilometre bay shelters three bays each of which is extensive in itself. These, in turn, contain smaller bays. Together, they stretch from the lighthouse at Pechiguera Point in the west to Papagayo Point in the east. Most of this length of coastline, perhaps three quarters, is occupied by Playa Blanca - the remainder by the beaches and rugged coastline of Papagayo. Most activity is at present centred around the old fishing village, but the town is now expanding rapidly eastwards and westwards. Many regard the beaches of Papagayo - virtually a continuation of Playa Blanca - as some of the best in the whole of Spain and the Spanish Islands. You can view a sequence of 55 photographs, which I took whilst walking from one end of this coastline to the other, by clicking here. | ||
| Seascape | ||
Nobody can say that about Playa Blanca. It's seascape provides a touch of enchantment and mystery. Some 10 kilometres to the south across a narrow stretch of the Atlantic Ocean lies the island of Fuerteventura (second largest of the seven Canary Islands) and, just in front of it, the tiny island of Lobos. This panoramic view takes up about half the horizon. The light conditions are forever changing. Sometimes it seems as though one could almost swim across, whilst at others it may be half hidden in cloud or completely invisible. On most nights, the lights of Corralejo can be seen twinkling gayly across the water. | ||
| The Beaches | ||
Alternatively, the Papagayo beaches can be reached by sea taxi - an unusual and pleasant way to get there. The sea taxis take about half an hour (and they depart regularly from the harbour just across the road from our Casas del Sol estate). |
| Walking Country |
| This is great walking country. The town centre of Playa Blanca is located almost halfway along the 9km. coastline. From here, the walks to the lighthouse, in the west, and to Papagayo, in the east, each take about an hour and are full of interest. Spectacular views accompany you all the way. Take a "virtual" walk along this coastline. Eventually, a promenade will run from the lighthouse in the west to beyond Punta del Aguila and the Castillo de las Coloradas in the east - the start of Papagayo. Much of it is already completed. Those who like something a little more energetic can take a hike inland to the enchanting mountain village of Femés. Situated 450 metres above sea level, Femés looks down on Playa Blanca and out across to the neighbouring islands of Fuerteventura and Lobos. Lanzarote has it's fair share of wonderful sunsets and the view of the setting sun as seen from this mountain village is a sight worth seeing. |
| Eagles About ? |
| One of the prominent sights of Playa Blanca is the Castillo de las Coloradas on Punta del Aguila - the castle on Eagle's Point. I have never seen any eagles flying over Playa Blanca, but Barbary Falcons and Egyptian Vultures have been spotted off the north of the island (see the pages of this web site dealing with the birds of Lanzarote). The Castillo de las Coloradas was built on the instructions of King Carlos III of Spain in 1769 to give the south of the island early warning of approaching pirates (the inscription can be seen on the wall of the castle). Marauding pirates were the scourge of the island for four centuries. |
| It's All Happening ! |
It is little wonder that the hoteliers have turned their eyes towards Playa Blanca. The secret is out. It seems only a few years ago that very few people one spoke to knew where Lanzarote was, never mind Playa Blanca. Now everyone knows.
The concave nature of this southern coast with it's beautiful bays, both large and small, provides a unique setting for the luxury hotels and the marina.
In addition to the small harbour which already exists, and which provides a constant source of interest, a new marina has been constructed between the centre of Playa Blanca and the Papagayo beaches. View photographs of the marina. Marina Rubicón provides more than 400 berths for luxurious leisurecraft and is located within a total area of 120,000 square metres. It is one of the most beautiful marinas in Spain. Integrated into this unique setting alongside the marina, and overlooking it, is a 5 star premium class hotel - the Gran Melia Volcan. |
| The Guiding Hand |
| Playa Blanca comes within the administrative municipality of Yaiza (one of seven on the island) and the Yaiza Council is the local authority responsible for Playa Blanca's development. The Yaiza Council started late in the development race, and this has been a distinct advantage. Although it is now catching up quickly, it has had the benefit of seeing what mass tourism can do in some circumstances. The council has put the knowledge which it has gained to good use. The emphasis is on providing high quality tourist facilities in a beautiful environment. The Yaiza Council's own headquarters are located in the village of Yaiza itself. This village is an outstanding example of what can be achieved by an organisation concerned with all things beautiful. Yaiza has won the title of Most Beautiful Village in the Whole of Spain - not once, but twice. |
| The Sounds of Playa Blanca |
| So much for some of the sights of Playa Blanca. What about the sounds? Apart from the sound of the sea and the wind in the trees, there is one other which no tourist or resident will ever forget - the three raucous blasts of the ferry's horn as it reverses into the harbour after ploughing it's way back from Fuerteventura. |
 Ferry Returning From Fuerteventura |
| Fortunate Town |
| Is there any wonder that this is my favourite place. It can surely be described as a fortunate town on a 'fortunate island'. It has everything - unless, that is, your view of 'everything' includes a hectic night-life. If you want a hectic night-life, then Puerto del Carmen is the place to be - not Playa Blanca. |
| Thinking Of A Holiday In Playa Blanca? |
| Before you book, be sure to read user reviews of Lanzarote accommodation to gain impartial opinions about the hotels & apartments.
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