Papagayo Beaches Los Ajaches
A string of stunning golden sand coves nestled within a protected volcanic landscape, offering breathtaking views and clear waters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Serene atmosphere, fewer crowds
Papagayo Beaches Los Ajaches
Best Time
Serene atmosphere, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A string of stunning golden sand coves nestled within a protected volcanic landscape, offering breathtaking views and clear waters.
"Spectacular views and beautiful beaches, but be prepared for a bumpy ride and potential crowds!"
🚗 Drive Carefully on Dirt Track
The access road is bumpy! Go slow to protect your rental car and enjoy the ride. :car:
💰 Skip the Entrance Fee
Arrive after 7 PM to potentially avoid the €3 car entrance fee and catch the sunset. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Playa de Papagayo
Central beach
The most famous of the coves, offering golden sands and clear, calm waters perfect for swimming.
Playa Mujeres
Northernmost beach
A larger, less rocky option with ample space, ideal for families and those seeking a bit more room.
Coastal Views & Fuerteventura Glimpse
Clifftop viewpoints
Spectacular panoramic vistas of the coastline and the neighboring island of Fuerteventura.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Bumpy Road
Beat the Crowds & Currents
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Carefully on Dirt Track
The access road is bumpy! Go slow to protect your rental car and enjoy the ride. :car:
💰 Skip the Entrance Fee
Arrive after 7 PM to potentially avoid the €3 car entrance fee and catch the sunset. :moneybag:
🌊 Watch for Strong Currents
The sea can have strong currents and waves; supervise children closely. :ocean:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on sand and potentially uneven paths to reach the beaches. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Carefully on Dirt Track
The access road is bumpy! Go slow to protect your rental car and enjoy the ride. :car:
💰 Skip the Entrance Fee
Arrive after 7 PM to potentially avoid the €3 car entrance fee and catch the sunset. :moneybag:
🌊 Watch for Strong Currents
The sea can have strong currents and waves; supervise children closely. :ocean:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on sand and potentially uneven paths to reach the beaches. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture Breathtaking Views
The clifftop viewpoints offer incredible photo opportunities. Be mindful of wind! :camerawithflash:
🍽️ Pack Snacks & Water
While there are a couple of eateries, options can be limited. :ice_cream:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty and breathtaking views from the clifftop viewpoints, often highlighting the golden sands and clear waters of the beaches. However, some find the access road challenging and note that the beaches can become crowded, with occasional concerns about strong currents and limited facilities like public toilets.
"Arrived at 7pm to see the sunset. There was plenty of parking and lots of space on the beach. We swam and played in the sea for an hour and then watched a glorious sunset. The water was clean, the currents were strong (so be careful) and there were some 2ft waves so if you have smaller children, keep them close and check the tide times. The beach also has rocks either side so again be aware of the current. I can imagine during the day the beach would get crowded but there are other options close by if this is the case. Mujeres has lots of space and is less rocky. The drive to the beach is fine, the dirt track is pretty flat. As we arrived at 7pm we also didn't have to pay the €3 entrance fee. It is a lovely place to watch the sunset but be ready to leave as climbing up the path from the beach to parking area, in the dark, wouldn't be fun."
rob Fleming
"Visited here solely for the purpose of checking out the views which are highly rated.
Access road just off the roundabout is several km long and is VERY bumpy at times so you need to be careful with your driving speed. Large car parking area so no problem getting parked (we arrived at approx. 11.00am on a Tuesday). There was a €3 charge for our car entrance fee.
From the car park it's a short walk to the view point which does provide excellent views of the coastline plus you can see Fuerteventura in the distance and (presumably) a volcano or two in the opposite direction.
For the best views you can walk towards the cliff edges but be aware that there are no safety barriers and the wind can be quite strong as well.
The beaches here (which we didn't use) looked very nice with good access to the sea but getting down to them seemed a steepish walk from the car park area.
There are a couple of eating place options but strangely I didn't notice any public toilets? Maybe I just missed them but definitely not obvious from around the viewing area and outside the eateries.
Overall a nice place to visit for the views with the added bonus of good beaches. When we were leaving it was starting to get busy so obviously a popular area."
Fraser Blacklaws
"I visited this beach because it’s said to be the most popular on the island. The access road is several kilometers long and quite bumpy, so you need to drive carefully. Parking is no problem—there’s a large lot (€3 car entrance fee), and even when we arrived around 13:00 on a Monday, spaces were available.
From the parking area, it’s just a short walk to a viewpoint with fabulous views of the coastline, and on clear days you can even see Fuerteventura in the distance. For the best photos you can walk closer to the cliff edges, but be careful—there are no safety barriers and the wind can get strong.
The beach itself, however, wasn’t what we expected. The water looked dirty, it was crowded (as you can see in the photos), and getting down from the parking area involved a fairly steep walk. There are a couple of small buffets, but I couldn’t find any public toilets.
Overall, I wouldn’t say this is the best beach on the island. The cliff views are beautiful, and the sea is calmer here, but if you want to swim, I’d recommend coming early in the morning before it gets busy. Personally, I prefer Playa de Janubio."
Michal Ševčík
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The primary access is via a well-marked, unpaved dirt track off the main road near Playa Blanca. It's about several kilometers long and can be bumpy, so drive cautiously. Parking is available at the entrance to the beach area.
Yes, you can drive your rental car, but be prepared for a bumpy ride on the dirt track. Some travelers advise caution with rental agreements regarding unpaved roads.
While direct public transport to the beaches themselves is limited, you can reach Playa Blanca by bus and then potentially walk or take a taxi to the access road. mentions a shuttle for a similar beach area.
There is a large car parking area near the viewpoints and beach access points. Parking is generally not an issue, even during busier times.
Yes, there is typically a €3 entrance fee per car to access the Los Ajaches National Park where the Papagayo Beaches are located. Arriving late in the evening might allow you to bypass this fee.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The beaches are part of Los Ajaches National Park and are generally accessible during daylight hours. The park itself doesn't have strict closing times, but access via the dirt road might be less advisable after dark.
No, advance booking is not required. You pay the entrance fee upon arrival at the park entrance.
Yes, a fee of approximately €3 per car is charged for entry into the Los Ajaches National Park, which encompasses the Papagayo Beaches.
Absolutely! Sunset at Papagayo is highly recommended for its beautiful views. Arriving around 7 PM might let you avoid the entrance fee and enjoy the golden hour.
The main considerations are driving carefully on the unpaved road and being aware of the sea conditions. There are no specific entry restrictions beyond the park fee.
📸 📸 Photography
The clifftop viewpoints offer stunning panoramic shots of the coastline and Fuerteventura. Walking closer to the cliff edges provides even more dramatic perspectives, but be cautious of strong winds and lack of barriers.
While the views are spectacular, there are no safety barriers along the cliff edges. The wind can also be strong, so exercise extreme caution when taking photos in these areas.
Early morning offers soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the tranquility. Late afternoon and sunset provide warm, golden light and dramatic skies, perfect for memorable shots.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations for national parks in Lanzarote before flying a drone to ensure compliance. shows aerial views, but local rules should be verified.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views. A telephoto lens can be useful for shots of Fuerteventura. Don't forget a polarizing filter for enhancing the blues of the sea and sky.
🎫 🌊 Onsite Experience
The beaches are characterized by fine, golden sand. Some beaches, like Playa Mujeres, are less rocky than others, offering a softer experience underfoot.
The waters are generally clear and beautiful, but currents can be strong, and there can be waves. It's advisable to check tide times and be cautious, especially with children. Some reviews mention calmer seas.
Public toilet facilities are not always obvious or readily available. Some reviewers noted their absence around the viewing areas and eateries.
Swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the scenic views are the main activities. The clear waters are also good for snorkeling if conditions permit.
While not exclusively nudist beaches, some of the more secluded coves within the Los Ajaches area may be frequented by naturists. For dedicated nudist beaches, other areas of the island might be more suitable.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are a couple of small beach restaurants or buffets located near some of the beaches, offering food and drinks.
Typically, you can find local Canarian dishes, seafood, and snacks. They offer a convenient option for a meal with a view.
Prices can be moderate to slightly higher due to the prime location. It's always a good idea to check menus and prices before ordering.
Yes, bringing your own picnic is a great idea, especially if you want to save money or have specific dietary needs. There are no restrictions on bringing outside food.
There might be a small shop near one of the restaurants where you can purchase drinks and basic snacks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the walk down to some beaches can be a bit steep, it's generally manageable. The natural beauty and the chance to explore rock pools can be very engaging for kids. Arriving earlier in the day can help avoid the biggest crowds, making for a more relaxed family outing.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save further, pack your own food and drinks. While there are a couple of beachside eateries, they can be pricier due to their location. The stunning natural beauty of the beaches is completely free to enjoy once you're there.
🚶♀️ Active & Adventurous
Be prepared for the bumpy access road – it adds to the sense of adventure! If you're feeling particularly energetic, you could even consider cycling parts of the route, though the terrain is challenging. Remember to bring plenty of water and wear appropriate footwear for exploring the varied terrain.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Los Ajaches National Park
Visitors can explore various coves and beaches within the park, each with its own character. Playa de Papagayo is the most renowned, known for its sheltered bay and fine sand. Further along the coast, you'll find other gems like Playa Mujeres, Playa del Pozo, and Playa de la Barranca. Each offers a slightly different experience, from more open stretches to intimate, secluded spots. The park is also a fantastic place for coastal walks, allowing you to discover hidden corners and enjoy breathtaking views.
Remember that Los Ajaches is a protected area, so it's crucial to respect the environment. Stick to marked paths, avoid disturbing wildlife, and take all your litter with you. The park's raw beauty is its main draw, and preserving it ensures future visitors can enjoy its pristine condition. The drive itself, though bumpy, is part of the adventure, offering glimpses of the wild, untamed Lanzarote.
Navigating the Bumpy Access Road
Despite the challenging road, it serves a purpose: it helps to maintain the natural, undeveloped character of the Los Ajaches National Park. The slow pace of travel allows you to appreciate the arid, volcanic landscape surrounding you. As you navigate the track, you'll pass by various viewpoints offering tantalizing glimpses of the coastline ahead.
Tips for the drive: Go slowly, be aware of larger rocks or potholes, and don't rush. The reward at the end is well worth the effort. Some visitors have noted that arriving later in the day, around 7 PM, might allow them to enter without paying the €3 car entrance fee, which is an added bonus for those on a budget.
Photography Opportunities at Papagayo
For more intimate shots, descend to the beaches themselves. The golden sands, the crystal-clear waters, and the unique rock formations create fantastic foreground elements. The interplay of light and shadow on the volcanic rock is particularly striking. Sunset is a magical time for photography here, painting the sky with vibrant colors and casting a warm glow over the entire scene.
Important considerations for photographers: Be aware that there are no safety barriers along the cliff edges, and the wind can be quite strong. Exercise caution when getting close to the edge for that perfect shot. A polarizing filter can be very useful for enhancing the blues of the sea and sky and reducing glare.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit