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Destination

Yaiza

Enjoy your hotel in Yaiza with Iberostar

We have all certainly heard about the infinite list of wonders to be found in Lanzarote, as its truly unique landscapes are not to be found anywhere else in the world. Often called the island of the Moon for its striking moon-like landscapes, it was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1993 and, is these days one of the most popular destinations in the Canary Islands. What is more, of all of the territory of Lanzarote, the southern area is said to be especially beautiful, which you can confirm yourself by staying at our hotels in Yaiza, Lanzarote.

If you choose Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park, you will have at your fingertips a 5-star hotel by the sea with all the comforts you need and easy access to the main attractions of this island..

However, if you do not feel like travelling a lot, we have good news for you. Yaiza and its surroundings have a lot to offer all types of visitors, to make your next summer holiday, Christmas or Easter an unforgettable experience. Why not check it out right now?

Things to see in Yaiza (Lanzarote)

The town of Yaiza, with a population of about 16,000 people, is just 22 km away from Arrecife, the capital of the island, and borders the towns of Tinajo and Tias. Along with its strategic location for arranging all types of excursions on Lanzarote, the southern coast of the town was the first European settlement on the Canary Islands in 1402, from where the Canary Islands were conquered.

The urban nucleus of Yaiza has some spectacular sights not to be missed. One of them is the House of Culture Benito Pérez Armas, dating back to the 18th century, which is considered one of the best examples of typical Canarian architecture on Lanzarote. The whiteness of its walls contrasts with the intense green of its doors, stairways and pergolas, which gives it a very particular magical touch.

The Church of Our Lady of Remedies is worth a visit too; its construction began in 1699 and was finished in 1728. The church was declared a Place of Cultural Interest, famous for its unequal naves and two side chapels. Inside there are various artworks of great value, including a canvas of Our Lady of the Rosary from the early 18th century.

About 6 km from the centre of Yaiza you will find the Salt Works “Salinas de Janubio”. The largest salt mines on the Canary Islands they display striking multi-coloured grids. And not far from there stop by and visit the rugged volcanic coastline of Los Hervideros, huge caves into which the sea penetrates with an overwhelming force.

Moreover, keep in mind that Yaiza sits on land buried under volcanic ash from eruptions which happened between 1730 and 1736 and again in 1824, and formed the Timanfaya National Park, also known as the Mountains of Fire.  The absence of vegetation, its orography and splashes of colours — red, orange, ochre, brown and black, add to the unparalleled beauty of this protected area.

Another area of outstanding natural beauty in the area of Yaiza is the Natural Monument of Los Ajaches.

Things to do in Yaiza (Lanzarote)

As you probably know, the south of Lanzarote not only boasts emblematic cultural sights and breath-taking landscapes, the coastline of Yaiza also provides you with a perfect opportunity to relax.

One of the most popular beaches is Playa Blanca. Once a fishing village, it has now reshaped its focus to uphold tourism. This enclave with an immaculate white coast, after which the place is named, allows easy access to the tiny Island of Lobos or to neighbouring Fuerteventura.

From Playa Blanca one can easily access punta de Pechiguera and punta de Papagayo. The latter is an enclave, located 8 km to the southeast, and is highly recommended, since it offers one of the best beaches on Lanzarote and the Castillo de las Coloradas, dating back to the 18th century, the only defensive structure built in the south of the island. Another advisable spot to visit is the Coast of Rubicon, that accommodates the ruins of the castle of Jean de Bethencourt (15th century), the San Marcial Well, Las Mujeres Beach and Las Coloradas Beach with turquoise waters; the latter is located just 700 m away from the Lanzarote Iberostar La Bocayna Village apartments.

The vestiges of the first settlement of European conquerors, San Marcos del Rubicon, were found at the foot of Los Ajaches. What is more, there is another notable beach on the coast of Los Ajaches Natural Park which is called Charco Verde or also referred to as Los Clickos.

However, if you are more into pristine beaches, Yaiza offers the coves of El Gulfo and Janubio, which are perfect for swimming or sunbathing.

What is more, Yaiza is also a perfect choice to take on interesting trekking routes, choosing from the following itineraries: La Geria route: from La Asomada to La Geria, from Femés to Playa Quemada, from Femés to Papagayo or from Los Charcones to the salt mines of Janubio.

And if you are planning to travel to Yaiza with children, a joint initiative of Puerto Calero and Playa Blanca invites you on an amazing submarine voyage. The journey lasts about an hour, which will allow everyone to admire the beauty of the ocean floor and at the same time to get to know the Atlantic fauna.

Book your hotel in Yaiza (Lanzarote)

If these proposals tempt you, we invite you to book your room at our hotel in Yaiza.

If you opt for Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park, you can look forward to a seafront hotel with a pool and luxurious Star Prestige facilities, our exclusive VIP area.

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The main beaches of Yaiza

Yaiza’s beaches make one of the main attractions of Lanzarote. On the south of the island, they are a heaven bathed by the sun and calm waters, inviting to relax and enjoy yourself with your family. The best beaches in Lanzarote are Blanca and its marina, Flamingo, Papagayo or Las Coloradas, in a well-preserved natural environment with comfortable facilities available.

Main beaches in Yaiza:

  • Playa Blanca: The coastal resort in the south of Lanzarote owes its name to this small beach in the centre of town, along a sea promenade. Scuba divers can enjoy the wonderful sea bottom and holidaymakers can have a refreshing drink on the outdoor terrace bars.
  • Papagayo beach: Papagayo is the best-known beach in south Lanzarote and it is considered to be the best in the area. Located to the west of Playa Blanca, it has dreamy golden sands under a bright, sunny sky. Papagayo is a safe beach for children and a nice place to spend a day in the sun with your beloved one. The calm turquoise blue sea turns Papagayo into a true paradise.
  • Flamingo beach: Flamingo too is to the west of Playa Blanca. It is 200m long and offers sunbathers soft white sands. The beach is protected from the wind by a line of lovely palm trees and from tidal currents by a breakwater. Offering all the necessary facilities and services, it is bordered by a nice promenade.
  • Las Coloradas beach: Las Coloradas is a quiet, untamed beach in the south of Lanzarote. It has dark sand in spite of being very close to Playa Blanca (meaning ‘white beach’) and spans a 400m shoreline. It has moorings as well.

Events in Yaiza

The calendar of events and popular fiestas in Yaiza is full of plans to enjoy with your family and get to know the local culture. Dance, beach parties, processions, cookouts, etc. all the year round, particularly during the summer.

Major events in Yaiza

  • February – Carnival in Yaiza: The big carnival venue of Yaiza is famous throughout the island of Lanzarote. With music, entertainment, dances and, of course, original costumes and floats, the local carnival celebrations get the streets of Playa Blanca wrapped in a cloak of joy every February. The parade departs from Playa Flamingo and takes Papagayo Avenue to end in the town square.
  • May – Feast of Saint Isidore: On this day, Uga holds its lovely local fiestas, which, together with the warmth of the local people, attract locals and out-of-towners.
  • 16 July – Feast of El Carmen: The feast of El Carmen is the big fiesta of Playa Blanca. It goes on for many days but the main feast is held on 16 July, when boats populated by flowers go on procession along the southern coast of Lanzarote.
  • Late July –Playa Quemada Festival: This celebration is very young, as it was established a decade ago by the inhabitants of this beautiful beach. With more and more visitors every year, the festival is held on the beach. Fish and wines produced in Lanzarote are served in the open air.
  • August – Our Lady of La Caridad Feast in Geria: Held in mid-August, the festival is a traditional one in Lanzarote. Besides the cookout and party, there is a peculiar activity, the grape harvest with camels in the main grape-growing village in the island.
  • September – Song Festival in Yaiza: The Song Festival is part of the programme of the Patroness feast in honour of the Virgin of Remedy. The festival lasts for many days, the main one being the 8th of September. There are sporting activities, and a water-themed party puts an end to the festival.
  • Early October – Fiesta of La Degollada: The celebrations take place in the first weeks of October. They stand out for being the fiesta that does everything to preserve and disseminate the traditions and culture of this area in the southern part of Lanzarote. There is poetry, art, music and traditional dance... A lovely festival, indeed.
  • Late October – La Pardela: The first Fiesta of La Pardela ever was held in the 90s in the picturesque village of El Golfo, which on these days attracts many locals and out-of-towners. Outstanding activities are always linked to the sea: crab races, fishing competitions, and a fish cookout at which traditional music provides entertainment.

Sports in Yaiza

Doing sports in Yaiza is a good way to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds it. In south Lanzarote, a great idea is just go hiking on Tremesana, in the heart of Timanfaya National Park, or scuba diving in the strait that separates Lanzarote from Fuerteventura. The area offers a host of adventure travel activities.

Sports in Yaiza

  • Sailing lessons in Puerto Calero: Together with the marina in Rubicón and that in Playa Blanca, Puerto Calero is one of the perfect places to learn sailing. Intensive courses for all ages and levels will enable students to sail across the Atlantic.
  • Scuba diving in the strait of La Bocaina: This area is great for underwater diving close to Playa Blanca. The quality of the water is so high that is offers excellent visibility all year round. The most usual diving spots are Las Lenguas, Coloradas, Flamingo… In some of them divers will find shipwrecks and caves. The deepest dives can be made in Punta Pechiguera.
  • Horse riding in Yaiza: Uga and its environs are great for anyone – beginners or experienced riders – wishing to experience the beauty of Lanzarote on horseback. There are guided rides too to enjoy the island wonderful landscapes with your family or friends.
  • Hiking in Timanfaya: The National Park offers an extensive network of trails of varying difficulties you can follow to discover the wonderful landscape in a new way. One of the most popular walks is Tremesana, close to El Golfo, which you can follow with the Marcha Blanca Visitor’s Centre for free.

Activities for the whole family in Yaiza

There are lots of things to do in Yaiza they hold a host of activities perfectly combining culture, tradition and entertainment. Must-see places like Playa Blanca or the picturesque fishing village are scattered all over the municipality. Lighthouses, churches, ports… The history of a town narrated by its streets.

What to see in Yaiza

  • Shrine of Los Remedios: Built in 1699, the shrine became a church years later. It is in Los Remedios square, in Yaiza, and it honours the local Patroness. Built in the Mudejar style, it has a chapel on each side and two entrances. In the interior is an altarpiece of Our Lady of the Rosary (eighteenth century).
  • Pechiguera Lighthouse: It was built in the area of Playa Blanca more than a century ago. From it, you can enjoy a fantastic view of La Bocaina strait and the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura. In the Neoclassical style, it has a beautiful courtyard and a tower that rises to a height of 10 metres.
  • El Águila castle: It was the stronghold on the coast of Rubicón. It was built in 1747 on a round floor plan and is also named the Castle or Tower of Las Coloradas, since it lies very close to this well-known beach to the south of Yaiza. Legend has it that it was built to prevent pirate attacks to La Bocaina strait.
  • San Marcial de Rubicón archaeological site: On this site archaeologists found evidence of the Norman conquest and of native settlements. There are a castle and a cathedral in El Rubicón (Femes), next to the natural monument of Los Ajaches. The Norman legacy can be seen in the holes. Only the floor and part of the walls remain from the Cathedral of San Marcial.

Yaiza experiences

At Yaiza, visitors discover a whole new world full of sensations. In a unique setting in the south of Lanzarote, they can enjoy a landscape dominated by volcanic features, watch the sun going down on a terrace in a fishing village or go by boat across La Bocaina strait to the islet of Lobos or the neighbouring Fuerteventura.

What to do in Yaiza

  • Yaiza volcano tour: The trip starts at Timanfaya National Park, on the islet of Hilario, and passes through an amazing array of craters, seas of lava, vertigo-inducing ravines, caves, lakes, etc. If you can, allow some time to visit Los Hervideros.
  • Walking across Playa Blanca: This coastal village has retained its charm in spite of being a tourist destination all year round. Walk along the streets, go shopping or have a drink on a terrace as locals do.
  • Tasting wine in La Geria: La Geria is a well preserved rural area in Lanzarote. In the past years, it has gained fame thanks to its excellent wines. The vineyards are open to visitors, who will learn how vine-growers dig a hole to plant the vine and then put up a low stone wall around it to protect it from the wind. After the stroll outdoors, a wine tasting in the winery is a must.
  • Shopping at the Uga market: The Uga market has survived to this day in Yaiza. It was modernised and expanded to sell traditional and new products, organic foods, and to host cultural activities or other traditional events. Its full name is Uga Traditional Agricultural, Cattle, Fishing and Crafts Market, and it is open on Saturday and Sunday.
  • Visit to Lobos and Fuerteventura: From the marina on Playa Blanca you can go on a day trip to the islet of Lobos and the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura. The trip is nice and safe, perfect to enjoy with the family.