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Wednesday, 19. August 2026
Lanzarote Travel Guide

Playa de Papagayo named among Europe’s 14 most unusual beaches

The sheltered cove in southern Lanzarote made the list drawn up by flight and hotel search site Jet Cost, thanks to its clear water and setting in the Los Ajaches nature park. Access by car or scooter is charged.

It’s just a small bay. Yet Playa de Papagayo on Lanzarote is one of the best in Europe. This is according to a ranking by a travel operator. The awards recognised beaches across Europe that offer not only sun and the sea, but also plenty to do in the surrounding area.

The flight and hotel search service „Jet Cost“ has selected the 14 most extraordinary beaches in Europe. As well as good water quality, they must also offer historical attractions or excellent cuisine nearby. Many of the selected beaches are situated on the Mediterranean coast, framed by impressive cliffs, fine sand and secluded coves.

Papagayo Beach is situated in the south of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands and is considered one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. The small, crescent-shaped bay captivates visitors with its white sand and emerald-green, crystal-clear water. The sea there remains calm all day long. And Playa Papagayo has something else to offer:

Lanzarote’s Playa Papagayo is popular for snorkelling

Experts particularly recommend Playa de Papagayo for beginner snorkellers, as the underwater world is teeming with marine life. Access is via a small path; the cove is sheltered from the wind and lies almost untouched within Los Ajaches Natural Park. Thanks to its beauty and impressive surroundings, it ranks among the best beaches in Spain.



Other selected beaches include Playa Elafonisi in Crete, Cala Mariolu in Sardinia, Cala Macarella in Menorca and Praia da Marinha in the Algarve.

Playa Elafonisi in Crete is often described as the ‚Caribbean of the Mediterranean‘ and is renowned for its white sand with a pink sheen and its turquoise waters. The small offshore island of Elafonissi can be reached via a sandbank, depending on the tides. The bay offers a particularly stunning display of colours at sunset.

Lanzarote: Playa de Papagayo – a favourite at sunset

At Playa de Papagayo on Lanzarote, the Monumento Natural de Los Ajaches nature reserve is situated in a mountain basin. It can be reached in a few minutes via a short footpath. Los Ajaches is sheltered from the wind.

There is a small kiosk near the monument. You can buy drinks and snacks there. The spot is particularly popular at sunset. There is a charge for access by car or scooter. Parking spaces and a campsite are available.

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