Lanzarote provides a broad range of beaches that include black and white sand with calm and ruffled water and they are exactly as you would expect them to be scattered across the entire coastline on the Island.

The additional articles that I’m publishing will provide more details on the most beautiful beaches within every one of seven towns (articles 11-17) and form part of a larger collection of information that I’m offering to aid holidaymakers.

Then, where is the most beautiful beach ?

My “home from home” is located in the southern part of the island, in Playa Blanca in the municipality of Yaiza I am a bit predisposed to know the most beautiful beach and for me , it’s undoubtedly, Papagayo. Based on my research conducted on the Internet I’m not alone in this view regardless of the place you’re staying I’d suggest you shouldn’t overlook this beach.

Punta de Papagayo (to give it its full title) is situated near the southernmost point of Lanzarote. It is surrounded by volcanic ash, crystal-clear water , and the finest white sand, this section of the coastline, which includes a number of tiny coves and bays is absolutely stunning. It is accessible by taking a dirt roadway (quite bumpy) and then paying the toll (it’s amazing it costs only a small fee to enter) and walking along the sand banks until the beach since there is no artificial path.

Before you head along the banks, make sure to buy everything you need from the sole cafeteria in the region, because you don’t wish to continue walking across the river, I’ve been there and done it. The hassle of getting there is definitely worth it. If you choose to walk along the beach and look at other bays be aware that some bathers bathe naked at this spot since it is allowed. This should not be a problem at the beach by the cafeteria.

If you look up this beach on the Internet more extensively you’ll find phrases like “wild sometimes’ and the waves may be strong at times’ therefore, your instinct will just as it should, advise you to be vigilant about the kids.

I’d like to devote the remainder of this introduction piece to a full day’s worth of Papagayo in the spring of 2005.
In this particular excursion my wife and I chose to remain on the high point of the cliff, near the cafeteria as we did not plan to stay there for long. My two sons and I walked down to the nearby bay because the kids were constantly begging me to allow them to have fun in the sand, and then take an enjoyable dip in the pool (as kids do). I did what parents generally do when they are on vacation and gave in to their requests for a tranquil life.

My oldest child (who had turned 11 in the year) thought he’d like to be a bit braver than his brother who was just 6 years old, and who was in the “ankles only” region of the ocean with me. He ventured to a place where each wave broke in the neck to chest area and he could jump up when the wave broke , he would be safe from eating salt water.

Every child does this, and, I’m sure by now, you’ll know what’s to come …. Well, it didn’t happen !

It was clear that there was a large wave behind him at sea. I began to yell at him to return within a short time. He was not able to comprehend my gestures toward him, so I walked towards the guy (instructing the younger child to return up the beach as soon as possible and to’stay there’). At last, the younger one did what was instructed, and as I walked closer, the younger one heard me and began moving toward me. I was less than 5 metres from him before the waves crashed 15 feet over his head!

For what seemed like an length of time at the moment I lost all the sight. He came back, spluttering and about 30 meters away from me. This will give you a sense of the strength of the waves. My son waited for my reaction, before breaking out laughing (I believe he was thinking that I’d be mad at him, as if!). He was covered from head to toe in sandand had consumed at least a pint of salty water and, despite his brave face it was clear that he was shaken and even to this day, we remember that slap at Papagayo however, he’d learned his lesson and now continues to drink salt water again.

It is important to note that both my children are extremely proficient swimmers, and have attended swimming lessons from a young age. The reward they receive for this is more freedom on vacation especially in the pools in the event that we are able to be able to see them. I didn’t for a second (you realize that I am saying it when I say that) think that he’d not be back however, please keep in mind my experience in your visit to Papagayo since the warning about’strong waves sometimes can be ignored by visitors who visit the area on occasion.

Don’t allow this to deter you because this truly is an amazing location, and we often return on our trips on the island.

I’ll conclude this piece to an end with an important safety message swimming and playing in the ocean is a great way to have fun, but be aware of risks and take care to be aware of flag warnings.
In this regard to achieve this, you must :

1. Then swim parallel to shore ;
2. You should swim to the depth you are comfortable with (it can be difficult to return to the Beach because currents can be powerful) ;
3. Don’t swim right away after eating ;
4. Never swim alone , or at night;
5. Be aware of the local conditions (currents etc.) Get advice when in doubt, Be aware of jet skis and boats when they are within the vicinity and do not swim in areas that are designated to them ;
6. Be aware that Red Flags Red Flag means “Dangerous Conditions, do not enter the water” ;
7. Keep in mind that the term Yellow Flag means “Dangerous Conditions, exercise caution” ; and
8. Be aware that the Green Flag means its “Safe for swimming”.

It’s a shame… also, for those who are in doubt this was an Green Flag at the time of the incident with my son, but it was changed to Yellow when we reached the highest point of the cliff.

Are we lucky ? We were fortunate !