Órzola is the northernmost village on the island. Down to the volcanic rocks it is used by locals as a destination during the weekend. The arm of the sea between Lanzarote and La Graciosa, called El Río, is considered to be an area with the highest fish population.
The life and hustle and bustle in the small fishing village of Orzola is characterised by the ferry service to the small neighboring island of La Graciosa. There are 2 ships from different companies departing daily at the small port. Between 8 am and 8 pm you can go back and forth between Orzola and La Graciosa every half hour. Please note summer and wintertime timetables.
Via the LZ 701 you reach Playa Blanca, the most southern town of Lanzarote.
This former fishing village has become a regular tourism centre especially for English tourists.
The “Marina Rubicón” port is a good starting point for an excursion because it has a wealth of free and easily accessible parking spaces.
Take a look at the marvellous yachts that have docked in the harbour and enjoy the touch of luxury that is in the air and in the surroundings of Marina Rubicón with its sporting and culinary offerings.
The beach promenade takes you directly to the tourist centre of Playa Blanca passing through hotels of the upscale category that line the path. One or the other park bench invites you to linger.
The artificial sand beach Playa Dorada is ideal for a short break and a jump into the cool water and offers with a multitude of free play devices also enough space for the little ones.
In Playa Blanca itself you will find a big variety of international restaurants and shopping possibilities.
At the old port are only a few small fishing boats to be found. Instead, large ferries navigating to Fuerteventura or the Playas de Papagayo now dominate the image of the port.
Especially if you want to see Lanzarote apart from your holiday apartment and the adjacent beach of Playa Blanca, you should rent a car.
You can find a holiday accommodation in Playa Blanca right here.
Within Playa Blanca, close to larger hotels and apartment complexes, there are the two sandy beaches Playa Dorada and Playa Flamingo, particularly suitable for families.
You can reach the famous Papagayo beaches by bike or by an extensive walk from the town centre about 7 km to the north-east or via a convenient toll road by car (€ 3,- / car).
In order to visit the places, beaches and sights to the north of Playa Blanca, you should rent a car anyway, at least a few days. We can gladly arrange for you from particularly reliable and nevertheless cheap car hire companies.
In only approx. 15 – 30 minutes driving time or within approx. 12 – 25km you reach the salt works of Janubio and the black beach with the same name. Via Los Hervideros you get to the fishing village El Golfo with the green lagoon and some good fish restaurants. Romantic sunsets by the sea are included. More targets are the beautiful village of Yaiza, where the municipal administration of Playa Blanca is situated, the famous fire mountains or a wine tasting in the nearby La Geria wine-growing area.
In order to enjoy the beaches of Puerto del Carmen, Arrecife or the former capiatal Teguise or in the north of the island, in the valley of the 1000 palm trees, Haría, and other places of interest, you should at least count half a day or even better several day trips. The car hire offers you a map showing the most important sights you should not miss on your Lanzarote holiday.
From Playa Blanca you can also reach mostly well-visible neighbouring island Fuerteventura. You get there by ferry (Lineas ARMAS or Fred Olsen line) in about 25 – 35 minutes. The ferries leave daily several times from the signposted port of Playa Blanca.
La Graciosa is usually only viewed from Mirador del Rio and not planned as an excursion. However if you’re planning a longer stay on Lanzarote, you should visit the “little sister”.
From the small fishing village of Órzola, two companies – Lineas Romero and Biosfera Express, travel daily to La Graciosa, a 30 minute journey. Make yourself comfortable on the 2 decks. Crossings may be a little rough depending on the weather. Below deck is especially interesting for children. Though the glass bottom of the ship one can observe the sea life.
The ferry births at the port of Caleta del Sebo, one of two inhabited villages on La Graciosa. Tourism is still in its infancy, however Caleta del Sebo has restaurants, a bakery, a guest house and even a small nightclub. The locals sunbathe in the beautiful sandy cove of Caleta de Arriba not far from the pier. Awaiting the arrival of ferries are locals with Jeeps. This a good way to travel and also to find out firsthand about life on the island. A one way trip to the beach – Playa de las Conchas costs € 10 or a little bit less. The beach is also accessible on foot, but on hot days, one should consider whether to walk both ways or take a Jeep.
Playa de las Conchas – the beach of shells has a Caribbean feel – white, warm sand and turquoise clear blue water. Spread your towel, make yourself comfortable and enjoy your picnic. Souvenirs of this heavenly place are easy to come by. Take a walk and you’ll find plenty of interesting shells. Long-distance swimming is not recommended at Playa de las Conchas, due to the strong currents. However there’s no problem with surfing with the huge waves.
The walk back to Caleta de Sebo takes about one and a half hours and passing jeeps tend to swirl the sand on the road, so you’re likely to return a little dusty.
Recommend is the last ferry at 6pm during the summer months. When the last tourists leave the island, the hustle and bustle goes with them. The ferry journey back to Órzola is something to sit back and enjoy, as the sun goes down and you gaze at the changing colours on the horizon. For those who decide to stay over night on La Graciosa, a dream experiences awaits – utter peace and tranquility, evening walks along the beach in the setting light of the orangy sun.
Back in the port of Órzola as you disembark and make you’re back to civilisation, provision for the 700 inhabitants of La Graciosa are loaded, giving a feeling that they live a world far apart from hectic western society.
La Graciosa is usually only viewed from