Matagorda Beach

Playa de Matagorda sits just 15 minutes by car from Arrecife and five minutes from Puerto del Carmen — it's one of the most straightforward beach arrivals on Lanzarote. César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport (ACE) is only 0.4 km away, which makes this an unusually convenient first or last stop on any trip. Parking is available in a mix of street spaces along the hotel road and some paid car parks near beach access points — no specific app or ticket system is documented, so carry coins as a precaution. Ferries operated by Naviera Armas connect Lanzarote to the wider Canary Islands network, with crossing times ranging from 35 minutes to over five hours depending on your origin.

The continuous promenade to Puerto del Carmen is the obvious starting point — hire a bike or simply walk the 2 km to the Old Harbour, a historic fishing port lined with seafood restaurants and dive operators. Windsurfing conditions at Matagorda attract enthusiasts who know the trade winds can be an asset when you're on a board rather than trying to swim through them. A short drive brings you to the Fundación César Manrique, 8.2 km away — the artist's former home built into volcanic lava bubbles is one of the most distinctive museum experiences in the Canary Islands. Lanzarote Golf (rated 4.1/5) and the historic Castillo de San Gabriel (rated 4.3/5) are both within 5.3 km for days when you want to step off the sand.

Mesana Cosas del Mar, 0.8 km from the beach, is the closest option for Spanish seafood — a logical post-swim choice. Cervecería Gambrinus at 0.9 km covers a wider range with tapas, burgers, pasta, and salads, making it a flexible stop for mixed groups. If you want to venture a little further, Pizzeria il Faro (Italian, 1.2 km) and Wambo (burgers, 1.4 km) round out the options without requiring a taxi.

Most hotels are clustered a few kilometres from the beach rather than directly on it — options include Las Mimosas and Costa Marita, both around 3.9 km away. Apartamentos Flamboyant (Adults Only) at 3.8 km suits couples looking for a quieter base, while Playa Alhambra II and Lapa offer alternatives at a similar distance. The low-rise hotel strip along the beachfront itself provides a pleasant backdrop without dominating the skyline.

Shoot early morning when the golden sand catches the low Atlantic light and the promenade is quiet — the long, straight perspective of the cycle path makes for a strong leading line toward Puerto del Carmen. Late afternoon, position yourself near the waterline facing west to capture the blue water against the warm Lanzarote sky before the trade winds roughen the surface.

Dogs are generally prohibited on this beach during peak season, so leave four-legged companions at the accommodation. Sun loungers are available through hotel concessions along the promenade rather than from independent vendors, so check with your hotel first. The afternoon trade winds are a real factor here — conditions can turn choppy quickly, so plan your swim for the morning when the water is at its calmest. July and August bring the strongest winds and the highest visitor numbers, so if your schedule is flexible, aim for June or September instead.