YAIZA
Municipality of Lanzarote
Yaiza Lanzarote, volcanoes, pristine beaches and the best of the south of the island
Yaiza Lanzarote is one of the municipalities with the highest concentration of attractions in Canary Islands. Within its territory you'll find the Timanfaya National Park, the beaches of Papagayo, the cliffs of Los Hervideros, the green lagoon of El Golfo, the Salinas de Janubio and the tourist hub of Playa Blanca. All set within a protected volcanic landscape declared a Biosphere Reserve.
The village of Yaiza itself is also a perfect example of traditional Lanzarote architecture: white houses no more than two storeys tall, green wooden doors and windows, and total integration with the surroundings. Thanks to the CanariasLife webcam in Playa Blanca you can watch live the sea state and the conditions on the south coast.
Timanfaya National Park in Yaiza Lanzarote
A large part of the Timanfaya National Park lies within the municipality of Yaiza. The Fire Mountains, formed by the eruptions of the 18th century, create a lunar landscape where the underground heat can still be felt.
It can be explored on the guided bus route through the park. There is also the Echadero de los Camellos , where you can take a camel ride across the volcanic slopes. It's a must-see visit, and it's a good idea to book tickets in advance in high season.
Playas de Papagayo
The beaches are the most famous in the south of Lanzarote: unspoilt coves of golden sand and turquoise water, undeveloped and protected as a Natural Monument. Access is via a dirt track from Playa Blanca.
They are perfect for snorkel thanks to the clarity of the water and the rocky seabed. You can also get there on foot from Playa Blanca along a coastal path with spectacular views. However, there are no facilities in the coves themselves, so it's a good idea to bring water and food.
Los Hervideros and El Golfo
The Hervideros are lava cliffs where the sea rushes in through caves and tunnels, creating an impressive natural spectacle. It's a short but very visual stop.
Next to the fishing village of El Golfo is the Green Pool (also called Lago Verde), an emerald-coloured lagoon half-hidden inside a volcanic crater. It's one of the most photographed spots in Lanzarote. At the restaurants of El Golfo you can eat fresh fish (parrotfish, sama) with Atlantic views.
Salinas de Janubio
The Salinas de Janubio are the largest in Canary Islands and are still in operation. Their ponds, pink, white or greenish depending on the light, create a unique landscape. They are also an important spot for bird watching, since flamingos and other migratory birds rest in their pools.
Playa Blanca in Yaiza Lanzarote
Playa Blanca is the main tourist hub of the municipality of Yaiza Lanzarote. It has an urban beach with pale sand and calm water, the Marina Rubicón (marina with restaurants and shops) and a pleasant seafront promenade.
From the port of Playa Blanca there are ferries to Fuerteventura (35-minute crossing) and whale watchingexcursions. In fact, it's the fastest sea link between the two islands.
The village of Yaiza and heritage
The centre of Yaiza is one of the most beautiful villages in LanzaroteThe Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios (18th century) presides over the Plaza de los Remedios, surrounded by palm trees and white houses. The whole municipality follows the low-rise, all-white building code, giving it a unique visual coherence.
In the upland area, the village of Femés offers panoramic views over the south of the island and Fuerteventura. It's a good spot to eat conejo al salmorejo at the local taverns.
Gastronomy in Yaiza
The municipality's cuisine is rooted in Lanzarote tradition. Wrinkled potatoes with mojo, Canarian sancocho, conejo al salmorejo, fresh fish in El Golfo and island cheeses are the must-try dishes. All washed down with Malvasía wine from La Geria, the wine-growing area that starts at the edge of the municipality.
In fact, the village of Yaiza as well as Playa Blanca and El Golfo all have restaurants with good food and views of the sea or the volcanic landscape.
Festivals and traditions
The Festivities of Our Lady of Los Remedios (September) are the village's main celebration. In Playa Blanca, the Fiestas del Carmen (July) include a maritime procession. And in Femés, the pilgrimage in honour of San Marcial draws residents from all over the south of the island.
How to get to Yaiza
Since the Lanzarote airport you reach Playa Blanca in about 25 minutes via the LZ-2. There are Intercity Bus services (lines 30 and 60) from Arrecife. You can also arrive by ferry from Fuerteventura straight to the port of Playa Blanca.
Frequently asked questions about Yaiza
What to see in Yaiza Lanzarote in one day?
The Timanfaya National Park in the morning, the cliffs of Los Hervideros and the Green Pool from El Golfo at midday, and in the afternoon the beaches or a walk around Playa Blanca. Dinner of fresh fish in El Golfo or at the Marina Rubicón.
How do you get to the Papagayo beaches?
From Playa Blanca you can reach them by dirt track by car or on foot along the coastal path. The coves are unspoilt, with no facilities, so it's a good idea to bring water and food. They are ideal for snorkel thanks to the clarity of the water.
Can you visit Timanfaya from Yaiza?
Yes, a large part of the Timanfaya National Park lies within the municipality. The main entrance and the bus route through the Fire Mountains are very close to the village of Yaiza. In high season it's a good idea to book tickets in advance.
What is the Charco Verde in El Golfo?
It's an emerald-coloured lagoon half-hidden inside a volcanic crater, next to the fishing village of El Golfo. It's one of the most photographed spots in Lanzarote. Next to it, the restaurants serve fresh fish with Atlantic views.
Can you go to Fuerteventura from Yaiza?
Yes, from the port of Playa Blanca there are ferries to Fuerteventura with a crossing of about 35 minutes. It's the fastest sea link between the two islands.
Is there a webcam in Yaiza?
Yes, in CanariasLife you can see the webcam of Playa Blanca live, with a view of the beach and the sea state in the south of Lanzarote.