The most beautiful beaches of the Canary Islands are principally found in the Gran Canaria province. It’s the eastern islands which are nearer to Africa that are sandier. As you can see from this top 10 of Lanzarote beaches where no grain of sand was left unturned in search of the finest playas the island has to offer. So, which one(s) will you be sunning yourselves on?

With our print-out-and-keep guide, we’ll provide a preview pic and beach description. You’ll also be able to see in which municipality the beaches are located plus how long they are. Your holiday planning just got a little easier thanks to a resident expert.

1. Playa Francesa

Playa Francesca

If it’s isolation you crave, hop on to a ferry from Órzola to La Graciosa, the Canary Island’s unofficial eighth isle. Allegedly the setting for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, these days you’ll find more yachts than pirate ships. Although don’t let that stop you letting out a loud “yo ho ho”, me hearties, when you first set eyes on Playa Francesa, La Graciosa’s Southern belle of a beach which is a 45-minute hike from capital Caleta de Sebo.

A capital whose locals have to sweep the bonsai metropolis’ streets clean of sand each morning. Where the only way to get round is by 4X4, bike, or Shanks’ Pony. Which option will you choose? Municipality: Teguise Beach length: 435m

2. Playa de Papagayo

Playa de Papagayo

The title’s a bit of a misnomer, as there’s not just one Papagayo beach but a series of them. However, the main Papagayo playa’s the last one you’ll reach before the Punta del Papagayo, travelling east from Playa Blanca. These out-of-the-way beaches are best travelled to by on foot or by 4×4 along a dirt track, although a water taxi’s another option.

It’s best to bring your own food and drink because although there is a chiringuito (beach shack) above Papagayo, it’s tourist-pricey rather than local-cheap. So, travelling light can turn out to be a more expensive option. Although the lone shack’s a great place to watch the sun go down in this most idylllic of settings. Municipality: Tías Beach length: 120m

3. Playa Chica

Playa Chica

Puerto del Carmen’s prettiest beach is always one of its shortest. Aka Pila de la Barrilla, Playa Chica’s a sheltered beach marked by the stillness of its waters. This makes it popular with divers, eager to catch a glimpse of the not-so-elusive Felix, a 50-kilo grouper fish. Municipality: Tías Beach length: 90m

4. Playa de Famara

Playa de Famara

What appears to be a never-ending beach does indeed extend into kilometres. The wind’s a factor if you’re planning to eat on the playa itself. Thankfully, there are bars looking out onto the beach where you’re less likely to end up with a sandy sandwich.

Playa Famara’s one of Lanzarote’s beaches which are most frequented by surfers. Indeed, Magic Seaweed offer a free 10-day surf forecast if you’re planning on riding some waves during your holiday. This covers swell and wind. Municipality: Teguise  Beach length: 6km

5. Playa Flamingo

Playa Flamingo

The palm trees and parasols will keep you cool as the heat of a year-round summer beats down on your body. Further shade’s provided by the terraces of the bars and restaurants on the promenade above this popular Playa Blanca beach. Do wear flip flops, though, to protect your feet from the white (hot) sand. Municipality: Yaiza Beach length: 200m

6. Playa de las Conchas

Playa de Las Conchas

This La Graciosa beach is more a place for acquiring an all-over tan than a spot of swimming. Just look at those waves. If you’ve never tried naturism before, this is a good a place to start as any as there are easily more shells than people on the appropriately-named Las Conchas.

If you do brave the water, it won’t be for long as the current has a boomerang effect. Best to lie back and look at the neighbouring isles of Montaña Clara, Roque del Oeste, and Alegranza. Minimize your activity and embrace slow living instead. Municipality: Teguise Beach length: 610m

7. Playa Blanca

Playa Blanca

What was once the beach of an old fishing village now lends its name to one of Lanzarote’s family-friendliest resorts. Close to restaurants galore, how about cooling off with an ice-cream from one of the parlours?And it’s a mere 10-minute stroll from the bus station to beach. Municipality: Yaiza Beach length: 40m

8. Playa Caletón Blanco

Playa Caletón Blanco

Just like on other Canarian islands such as Gran Canaria and Tenerife, Lanzarote’s north coast’s a stretch of shoreline which many visitors miss out on as they head down to the resorts in the south of the island. But how can you miss out on Órzola’s Caletón Blanco beach? Where ebony, as in the dark black lava rocks, and ivory, as in the bone-white sand, live together in perfect harmony. Note to Paul McCartney: it’s not just on your piano keyboard, matey.

Part of the malpais (badlands) belonging to La Corona volcano, this is Lanzarote gone wild. There’s no car park, meaning you can leave your vehicle on the beach itself. The natural swimming pools created by the tide are great early-learning centres for young paddlers. Municipality: Haría Beach length: 500m

9. Playa de Mujeres

Playa de Mujeres

Papagayo’s biggest beach is also its busiest. Which might have something to do with the fact it’s the first of the series of Playas de Papagayo you hit, travelling from the direction of Playa Blanca. As well as being the ideal destination for beach lovers, history buffs will love exploring the ruins of a limestone quarry and bunkers used in the Second World War. Municipality: Yaiza Beach length: 395m

10. Playa de la Cera

Playa de la Cera

A third and final Papagayo beach is also the last on our list of our top 10 beaches in Lanzarote. Again like the other Playas de Papagayo, its beauty is partly preserved by its inaccessibility. So rent out a 4×4 or dig out your old hiking boots to reach one of the island’s natural wonders by dirt track. Muncipality: Yaiza Beach length: 105m