Discover a side to one of the EU’s most-visited group of islands with this stunning seaside town that’s a melting point of golden sand, crystal clear waters and rugged black mountains
It’s hard to believe this tranquil resort is just a stone’s throw from a party-mad region loved by Brits. Last year, a whopping 3.4 million tourists visited Lanzarote – the fourth largest island in the insatiably popular Canary Islands.
Many flocked to Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote’s largest resort town home to golden beaches, lively nightclubs, and endless restaurants. It has gained a bit of a rowdy reputation over recent years, leading more tourists to visit the buzzing but less hectic town of Playa Blanca. Here, you’ll find a slew of shops, eateries, pubs, and a large yacht marina. However, located not so far up the west coast lies a hidden gem left off most tourists’ radar. Welcome to Caleta de Famara – a tiny resort with so much to offer.
“This little village in the Chinijo Nature Park is considered to be one of the prettiest on the island, with its unpaved streets, white houses and spectacular views over the Chinijo archipelago and the Risco de Famara,” says Hello Canary Islands. “Its vertical walls rise over one side of the village and stretch out to the Playa de Famara, one of the most popular beaches on the island.”
Due to its location, Caleta de Famara is the ideal place to watch the sunset paint the sky red, while sitting back with a cocktail. The underappreciated area is also renowned for its slew of restaurants offering fresh seafood dishes and local delicacies, and is one of the best places to surf in Lanzarote.
“Small resort centred around the surfing community with a lovely sandy beach/dunes and beautiful dramatic scenery,” one holidaymaker raved on TripAdvisor. “Ideal resort to escape the typical busy resorts of Lanzarote.” Another tourist agreed, commenting: “What a place perfect, lovely perfect beach – not a bad thing to say. Would go back in a heartbeat,” while a third added: “Great little place, fab restaurants, not too touristy.”
You can fly directly to Lanzarote from a slew of major UK airports, including Manchester, Bristol, Glasgow, Belfast, and London Gatwick. If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab return fares for as little as £46 in April. Caleta de Famara is just a half-hour drive from Lanzarote Airport in Arrecife.
Despite its small size, there is a wide range of accommodation in the town to suit all budgets. A week’s stay (Monday, April 7-14) in a two-bedroom holiday home just 400 yards from the beach will set you back £867. However, a three-bedroom apartment costs £589 on the exact same dates.
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Prices based on Skyscanner and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.
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