Costa Teguise does not try to be everything to everyone, and that is exactly what makes it one of the most rewarding parts of the island to explore. Sitting on Lanzarote’s east coast, roughly ten kilometres north of the capital Arrecife, this purpose-built resort has a noticeably different atmosphere from the busier strip at Puerto del Carmen or the quieter southern calm of Playa Blanca. The trade winds blow reliably here, the beaches are varied, and the crowd skews toward active travellers, families and windsport enthusiasts rather than late-night party-goers.
If you are still putting together the full picture of your trip — where to stay, what to see and how to get around — the Lanzarote travel guide covers all of that in detail. This article focuses specifically on the beaches of Costa Teguise: what each one offers, which suits your travel style, and everything practical you need before you set off.
Best Beaches in Costa Teguise
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Table of Contents
Costa Teguise: What Kind of Resort Is This?
Costa Teguise was developed in the 1970s with a more planned, low-density feel than some of Lanzarote’s other resorts. The result is an open, relatively uncrowded seafront with good infrastructure but without the wall-to-wall bars and neon signage of Puerto del Carmen’s main strip. César Manrique, the Lanzarote artist and architect whose philosophy shaped the island’s visual identity, had involvement in the resort’s early development — and his influence is still visible in the measured way it sits within the landscape.
The resort suits families who want reliable beach access, active travellers drawn to windsurfing and kitesurfing, and couples who want a quieter base while still having restaurants and supermarkets nearby. It is not the island’s most atmospheric corner — for that, you head to Teguise village or the volcanic interior — but as a beach base it is genuinely well-set-up.
Playa de las Cucharas
Playa de las Cucharas is the heart of Costa Teguise’s beach scene, and for windsport fans it is one of the most exciting stretches of sand on the entire island. The beach runs for around 500 metres, curving gently in a bay that funnels the northeast trade winds into consistent, reliable conditions. The name translates loosely as “spoons beach,” a reference to the curved shape of the bay rather than anything culinary.
The sand is golden and reasonably fine, with a wide flat shoreline that gives plenty of room even on busy afternoons. Several watersports operators line the back of the beach, offering windsurf and kitesurf hire and lessons at various levels. For anyone who has never tried either sport, Las Cucharas is one of the more forgiving places to start on the island — the shallow water near the shore gives beginners a manageable entry point before the wind picks up further out.
For swimmers, the picture is slightly more mixed. On calm mornings, the water is pleasant and reasonably gentle close to shore. As the day progresses and the trade winds strengthen — typically from mid-morning — conditions become choppier, and the beach feels more like a watersports arena than a quiet bathing spot. Families with young children who want calm, flat water should arrive early or consider Playa del Jablillo instead (more on that shortly).
Facilities: Sunbed hire, beach bars and restaurants, showers, toilets, watersports rental. Lifeguards are present during peak season. Parking is available nearby.
Best for: Windsurfers, kitesurfers, confident swimmers, anyone who wants a lively beach atmosphere with good infrastructure.
Playa del Jablillo
A short walk north from Las Cucharas, Playa del Jablillo is a completely different proposition. A cluster of natural volcanic rock formations creates a semi-enclosed bay that shelters the water from the open ocean swell and reduces the wind considerably. The result is one of the calmest, most reliably gentle swimming spots in the resort — and one of the best beaches in the whole of Costa Teguise for families with small children.
The beach itself is modest in size, roughly 150 metres across, with sand that is slightly coarser than Las Cucharas but perfectly comfortable. Because it is tucked behind the rocks, the water stays shallow and clear well into the bay, and the natural barriers make it feel almost like a large, open-air pool on calmer days.
It is rarely as busy as Las Cucharas, partly because it has fewer watersports operators and partly because it does not attract the windsurf crowds. That relative quiet is part of its appeal. On a busy summer afternoon, you will still find space here when the main beach is packed.
Facilities: Showers and some nearby restaurants, though fewer amenities than Las Cucharas. No dedicated sunbed hire. Lifeguard cover in peak season.
Best for: Families with toddlers or young children, swimmers who prefer flat calm water, anyone wanting a quieter beach atmosphere.
Playa de los Charcos
Playa de los Charcos sits at the northern end of the Costa Teguise resort area, and it offers something neither Las Cucharas nor Jablillo can match: a series of natural volcanic rock pools that collect warmer water as the tide fills them. The beach itself is a mix of sand and volcanic rock, and it requires a slightly more adventurous approach than the manicured resort beaches further south.
The rock pools are the draw here. They are sheltered from open ocean swell, and the water inside them can be noticeably warmer than the surrounding sea. For snorkelling, this stretch of coast is rewarding — the volcanic rock creates varied habitat, and fish are more numerous here than at the sandy beaches. You will not need specialist equipment; a basic mask and fins will do well.
This is a local favourite that most package tourists never discover. There are no sunbed operators and no beach bars directly on the shore, though you are still within walking distance of the resort’s restaurants. Bring your own water and sun protection.
Facilities: None on the beach itself. Parking nearby. A short walk from resort amenities.
Best for: Snorkellers, rock pool explorers, those wanting a quieter, more natural beach experience.
Playa Bastián
Playa Bastián is a smaller, less-visited beach that sits closer to the centre of the Costa Teguise resort, adjacent to the Las Cucharas area. It is sheltered enough for comfortable swimming on most days and provides a decent alternative when Las Cucharas feels too windy for families.
The beach is not particularly large, and it lacks the dramatic setting of Famara or the pristine quality of Papagayo, but it is a convenient and unpretentious option. Restaurants and shops are just steps away, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it a good choice for a morning swim before exploring the rest of the resort or heading inland for sightseeing.
Facilities: Nearby restaurants and shops, easy road access, some sunbed hire in season.
Best for: A convenient, low-effort beach morning, particularly for visitors based in the central part of the resort.
Comparing the Beaches at a Glance
| Beach | Best For | Swimming Conditions | Facilities | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Playa de las Cucharas | Windsports, lively atmosphere | Moderate (can get choppy) | Full resort facilities | Busy |
| Playa del Jablillo | Families, calm swimming | Excellent (sheltered) | Basic | Moderate |
| Playa de los Charcos | Snorkelling, rock pools | Good in pools | None | Quiet |
| Playa Bastián | Convenience, casual swimming | Good | Basic | Moderate |
If you want to explore more of Lanzarote’s coastal variety beyond Costa Teguise — from the golden coves of Papagayo to the dramatic surf beach at Famara — the full guide to the best beaches in Lanzarote gives you a comprehensive overview of the entire island’s coastline.
Watersports and Activities at Costa Teguise Beaches
Costa Teguise has built its reputation as a watersports hub on the back of one simple geographical fact: the northeast trade winds blow reliably and consistently across this stretch of the east coast, particularly from spring through to autumn. That makes it one of the most dependable locations in the Canaries for wind-powered sports.
Windsurfing is the most established discipline here. Several schools operate from Playa de las Cucharas offering courses from beginner to advanced level. Board and sail hire is available by the hour or the day, and the shallow entry point makes it accessible even if you have never stood on a board before.
Kitesurfing has grown significantly in recent years and now shares the beach with windsurfers. The same consistent wind that suits windsurfing makes Las Cucharas an excellent learning environment for kitesurfing too. Lessons typically begin on the sand with kite control before progressing to the water, and most schools offer packages that span several days for a more structured progression.
Scuba diving is well-represented in Costa Teguise. The volcanic seabed around Lanzarote creates genuinely interesting dive sites, with lava formations, tunnels and a varied mix of Atlantic and Mediterranean marine species. Several dive centres operate from the resort, and the water clarity on the east coast is generally good. The PADI website is a useful resource for finding certified dive operators and checking course requirements before you travel.
Snorkelling needs no certification and no specialist operator — a mask and fins are enough to explore the rock formations around Playa de los Charcos and the edges of Playa del Jablillo. The volcanic reef structures harbour wrasse, parrotfish, sea bream and, if you are patient, the occasional octopus tucked into a crevice.
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has become increasingly popular across the resort. Calmer mornings at Jablillo or Bastián are ideal for it, and hire is available from operators on Las Cucharas.
Getting to Costa Teguise Beaches
From the airport: Lanzarote Airport (ACE) sits just south of Arrecife, and Costa Teguise is approximately 12–15 kilometres north. By hire car, the drive takes around 15–20 minutes along the LZ-2 and LZ-34. By taxi, the fare runs to approximately €15–20 depending on traffic and the time of day.
By local bus: The Arrecife–Costa Teguise route (Line 1) is operated by Intercity buses and runs regularly throughout the day from Arrecife bus station. Journey time is around 20–25 minutes, and the fare is very reasonable. From Puerto del Carmen, direct services also connect to Costa Teguise. Bus timetables are worth checking locally as they can vary seasonally.
By hire car: Most visitors to Lanzarote hire a car, and Costa Teguise is well-served by parking. There is roadside parking near all the main beaches, though spaces close to Las Cucharas can fill up quickly during peak summer afternoons. Arriving before 10am gives you the best chance of a convenient spot.
Walking between beaches: The beaches of Costa Teguise are all within comfortable walking distance of each other along the seafront promenade. From Las Cucharas to Jablillo is around five minutes on foot; from Jablillo to Los Charcos is another ten minutes or so heading north. The promenade is flat, well-maintained and entirely walkable, making it easy to sample more than one beach in a day.
Tips for Visiting Costa Teguise Beaches
Go early if you want calm water. The trade winds typically build through the morning and peak in the early-to-mid afternoon. If you are there to swim or want quieter, calmer conditions, arriving at the beach before 10am gives you the best of the day. The water is still and clear, the light is beautiful for photography, and the beach is noticeably less crowded.
Bring sun protection and keep it topped up. The Canarian sun is more intense than many northern European visitors expect, and the breeze at Costa Teguise can mask how quickly you are burning. Factor 30 or 50 is not excessive, and reapplication after swimming is essential.
Wind is not a problem — it is part of the experience. Some visitors are surprised by how breezy Costa Teguise feels compared to, say, the southern beaches at Playa Blanca. That wind is consistent and refreshing rather than unpleasant, and it keeps temperatures from feeling oppressive. Embrace it — or head to Jablillo or Bastián if you prefer more shelter.
Pack snorkelling gear. Even a basic set of mask and fins is worth throwing in the bag. The rock formations around Los Charcos and the edges of Jablillo reward a look beneath the surface, and gear hire on-site is not always available at the quieter beaches.
Check the flag system. All manned beaches in Lanzarote use the standard flag system — green for safe swimming, yellow for caution, red for no swimming. On windy days at Las Cucharas, the flag can change quickly, so keep an eye on it if you are in the water with children.
Eating and drinking: Las Cucharas has a good line of beachfront restaurants and bars serving everything from fresh fish to sandwiches. Standards vary — the best approach is to walk the promenade and pick somewhere with a menu that suits you rather than defaulting to the first place you see. For a more local feel, the residential streets just back from the seafront have smaller, less tourist-oriented restaurants with better value menus del día.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the beaches in Costa Teguise good for families?
Yes, Costa Teguise is one of the better resort areas in Lanzarote for families with children. Playa del Jablillo in particular offers sheltered, calm water that is ideal for young swimmers. Playa Bastián is another reasonable option for families who want easy access to facilities. Playa de las Cucharas can be suitable for older children and teens, especially those interested in watersports, but it gets choppy in the afternoons and is less ideal for toddlers.
Is Costa Teguise better for watersports than swimming?
It is genuinely strong at both, depending on which beach you choose and what time of day you visit. Las Cucharas is undeniably a watersports beach first — the wind conditions that make it brilliant for windsurfing and kitesurfing also mean afternoon swimming can be choppy. However, Jablillo, Bastián and the rock pools at Los Charcos all offer more sheltered, swimmable conditions. The key is matching the beach to your activity rather than treating all four beaches as interchangeable.
What is the best beach in Costa Teguise for beginners to windsurf?
Playa de las Cucharas is the standard answer, and for good reason. The shallow water near the shore gives beginners room to find their feet before the wind pushes them further out, and several established schools with qualified instructors operate directly from the beach. The consistent northeast trade winds mean you are rarely waiting for conditions to improve — the challenge is more about managing the wind than wishing there was more of it. Most schools offer beginner group sessions that span two or three days, which is generally enough to reach a basic level of independence on the water.
Are there facilities like sunbeds and lifeguards at Costa Teguise beaches?
Playa de las Cucharas has the most comprehensive facilities — sunbed hire, beach bars, restaurants, showers, toilets and lifeguard cover during peak season. Playa del Jablillo and Playa Bastián have more limited facilities but typically have showers and seasonal lifeguard presence. Playa de los Charcos has no on-beach facilities, so you should bring everything you need. Lifeguard coverage across all beaches can vary outside of peak summer months, so if you are travelling in shoulder season it is worth checking locally.
How far is Costa Teguise from the airport?
Lanzarote Airport (ACE) is approximately 12–15 kilometres from Costa Teguise. By hire car or taxi, the journey takes around 15–20 minutes in normal traffic. The LZ-2 road connects Arrecife to the resort directly, and the route is straightforward with no complex navigation required. It is one of the closer resort areas to the airport on the island, which makes it a convenient first or last stop if you are on a tighter schedule.
Is the Costa Teguise beach area walkable, or do you need a car?
Within the resort itself, the beaches are very walkable. A flat, well-maintained promenade connects the main beaches from Bastián in the south through Las Cucharas and up to Jablillo and Los Charcos in the north — the full walk from one end to the other takes around 20–25 minutes at a relaxed pace. For exploring beyond the resort — visiting Teguise village, the Timanfaya volcanic park, or beaches elsewhere on the island — a hire car makes the difference. Lanzarote is a compact island, but public transport coverage outside of the main routes between resorts is limited.
Costa Teguise may not have the dramatic black-sand beaches of Lanzarote’s volcanic interior or the postcard-perfect coves of Papagayo in the south, but it offers something arguably more practical: a genuinely varied collection of beaches within easy walking distance of each other, solid watersports infrastructure, and reliable wind that gives the whole resort its distinctive energy. Whether you are there to learn to windsurf, find a sheltered corner for a family swim, or snorkel over volcanic rock at a beach that most visitors never find, Costa Teguise delivers.
