A 10 Year Guide to What Is New, What Has Changed and Why I Still Love It Best time to visit: Early November
Playa Blanca is one of my favourite places for winter sun and relaxed holidays. I first visited over ten years ago and loved how calm and easy it felt compared to the busier parts of Lanzarote. I have watched it grow, modernise and change, mostly for the better. It still has that relaxed, safe, sunny vibe that makes people return year after year.
If you last visited a decade ago, you’ll notice the difference straight away. If you’re heading there for the first time, this guide will help you get a feel for what Playa Blanca is really like in 2026, what’s new, what’s improved and what you can do while you’re there.
This guide includes affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you book through them.
Getting to Playa Blanca
Flying into Lanzarote Airport is simple and the onward journey is even easier. We always hire a car at the airport because the drive down to Playa Blanca is one of the most straightforward routes you can do abroad.
The road you take is the LZ 2. It is basically one long straight run down the island and takes around 30 minutes on a good day. No complicated junctions and no stressful city driving. Just volcanic scenery and a smooth drive all the way to the resort.
Car hire is usually good value and having a car makes it easy to explore the rest of Lanzarote.
What Is New in Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca has changed a lot in ten years and most of the changes have been positive.
Barceló Playa Blanca at Marina Rubicón
The area around Marina Rubicon has grown massively in recent years. The new Barceló Playa Blanca hotel has completely changed the feel of this end of the resort. It is a large, modern hotel with a polished look and it has brought more restaurants, more shops and a livelier atmosphere.
The whole marina area now feels more upmarket and more developed than it did ten years ago.he marina has doubled in popularity. You’ll now find:
- Designer shops
- Waterfront restaurants
- Weekly artisan markets
- Catamaran and dolphin‑spotting tours
It’s become a must‑visit even if you’re not staying nearby.
The Promenade Expansion
The seafront walkway now stretches seamlessly from the lighthouse all the way to Marina Rubicón. It’s wider, smoother, and lined with cafés, cocktail bars, and boutique shops. Sunset walks are now one of the best things to do in Playa Blanca.
Playa Dorada & Playa Flamingo Improvements
Both beaches have seen upgrades:
- Better sunbed areas
- Improved breakwaters
- Cleaner, calmer swimming conditions
- More lifeguard coverage
Playa Dorada is now the go‑to for families, while Playa Flamingo remains the quieter option.
Aldi opening
Aldi has been a game changer for anyone self catering or wanting to keep costs down. It is within walking distance for many people and the prices are brilliant. The boxed white wine for 99 cents is a holiday win.
More choice for eating and drinking
Newer, cheaper bars have opened and there is a wider mix of places to eat. You can go budget or you can go upmarket. Playa Blanca now suits every type of traveller.
Better Transport Links
The bus service is more frequent, taxis are easier to get, and the coastal road has been improved. Getting around is much simpler than it was ten years ago.
What Has Changed Over the Years
Not everything has grown in the same direction. Some of the older, more traditional restaurants have struggled.
La Rustica
This used to be a larger pizza restaurant but it has now reduced back to its original smaller size. It still has charm but it reflects how the dining scene has shifted. Still my favourite pizzas.
Units for sale
A few units one street behind the seafront near the church are up for sale. It shows how the resort is modernising and how the focus has moved more towards the marina and the newer developments.
Cheaper bars replacing older restaurants
Some long standing restaurants have closed and been replaced by more casual bars. It changes the feel slightly but it also means more affordable options for families and couples.
What Has Stayed the Same (In the Best Way)
Despite the growth, Playa Blanca has kept its charm:
- It’s still quieter than Puerto del Carmen.
- It retains that relaxed, safe, family‑friendly feel.
- The beaches remain some of the calmest on the island.
- The views across to Fuerteventura are still unbeatable.
The resort has grown, but not in a way that feels overwhelming.
Top Things To Do in Playa Blanca in 2026
1. Visit Papagayo Beaches
These protected coves are still the crown jewel of Lanzarote. Expect:
- Turquoise water
- Golden sand
- Snorkelling opportunities
- A wild, untouched feel
You can reach them by car, bike, or boat from Marina Rubicón.
2. Explore Timanfaya National Park
Only a short drive away, Timanfaya offers:
- Volcanic landscapes
- Guided tours
- Geothermal demonstrations
- Dramatic photo spots
It’s one of the most unique natural attractions in Europe.
3. Walk to the Lighthouse
The Faro de Pechiguera walk is peaceful, scenic, and perfect at sunset. The path is now smoother and safer than it was years ago.
4. Enjoy the Marina Rubicón Markets
Held twice weekly, these markets offer:
- Handmade jewellery
- Local crafts
- Art
- Gifts
- Clothing
It’s one of the best places to pick up souvenirs.
5. Take a Day Trip to Fuerteventura
The ferry from Playa Blanca to Corralejo takes around 30 minutes. You can:
- Visit the sand dunes
- Explore Corralejo Old Town
- Enjoy a beach day on a different island.
6. Try a Catamaran Cruise
Catamaran tours from the marina often include:
- Lunch
- Drinks
- Snorkelling
- Swimming stops
- Dolphin spotting
They’re ideal for families and couples.
Book popular Playa Blanca activities •
Papagayo boat trips • https://gyg.me/0IFSsyI0
Timanfaya tours • https://gyg.me/7j0kLPl3
Fuerteventura ferry tickets https://gyg.me/KLshnzeD
Where to Stay in Playa Blanca
One of the best things about Playa Blanca is the variety of accommodation.
New luxury hotels
The Barceló Playa Blanca is the newest and most modern addition. It is ideal for people who want a resort style stay with everything on site.
Private villas
There are hundreds of villas across Playa Blanca. Many have private pools and are perfect for families or groups.
Apartment and bungalow complexes
These are great for people who want space, a kitchen and a quieter atmosphere. They are usually good value and well located.
Something for everyone
Whether you want luxury, budget, family friendly or peaceful, Playa Blanca has it.
Compare Playa Blanca hotel prices •
Adults‑only hotels near the lighthouse •https://expedia.com/affiliates/yaiza-hotels-secrets-lanzarote-resort-spa-adults-only.lkZlvQu
Family resorts
Beachfront hotels at Playa Dorada https://expedia.com/affiliates/yaiza-hotels-dreams-lanzarote-playa-dorada-resort-spa.fT1a5A6
Eating and Drinking
You can eat as cheaply or as extravagantly as you like, from fast food, to premium restaurants.
Self catering
Aldi makes it easy to keep costs down. Fresh bread, fruit, snacks and wine are all great value.
Restaurants
There is a huge range of places to eat. You can go for tapas, seafood, Italian, grills or simple cafes. The marina area has plenty of choice and a lovely atmosphere.
Marina Rubicón Dining
The marina has become a foodie hotspot with:
- Stylish wine bars
- Sushi restaurants
- Steakhouses
- Ice‑cream parlours
Budget‑Friendly Choices
Playa Blanca still has plenty of affordable options:
- Cafés serving full English breakfasts
- Tapas bars
- Takeaway spots near the beaches
A little local moment
Stop at Lani’s Cafe at Marina Rubicon. They give you bread so you can feed the fish and it is a simple but lovely thing to do, especially with children.
Why Early November Is My Favourite Time to Visit
The weather is warm, the sea is still comfortable and the resort is quieter. Prices are better, restaurants are easier to get into and the whole place feels relaxed. It is the perfect time for winter sun without the crowds.
Who Is Playa Blanca Perfect For?
Playa Blanca is ideal for:
• Families
• Couples
•Older travellers
• Anyone who wants a calm, easy holiday
• People who enjoy a mix of walking, eating and relaxing
• Teachers who need a break in November or February
Final Thoughts After 10 Years
Playa Blanca has changed but it has kept its charm. The new developments have added more choice and more comfort. Some older places have faded but the overall feel of the resort is still warm, friendly and familiar.
It is one of those places that keeps pulling you back. Easy, sunny, safe and reliable. After ten years of visiting, I still look forward to going back. AND I’ll probably be back again this November.
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