And the winner is... Papagayo, in Lanzarote.
In the south of the island of Lanzarote, in a virgin environment of extreme beauty and protected under the protection of the Ajaches Natural Park, is the wild beach of Papagayo. With views of the neighboring island of Lobos and Fuerteventura, its fine golden sand and the quality of its waters stand out, so transparent that they sometimes take on a emerald color so intense that many Caribbean beaches would already want for themselves. Papagayo is the big winner of the vote of the Best Beach in Spain of 2019 that we launch every summer in Condé Nast Traveler Spain.
Located in a perfect semicircular cove, whose steep profile protects it from the wind, it is part of a much broader coastline known generically as Papagayo beaches, since in total there are seven coves and sandbanks that the natural park boasts: Papagayo, Puerto Muelas, Caleta del Congrio, Playa de la Acera, Playa del Pozo, Playa Mujeres and Calentón de San Marcial.
The water of the Papagayo beaches is an intense emerald color.
Although it is true that there was a time when nudism was practiced regularly on Papagayo beach, In recent years, bathers who do without textiles have been moving away to coves that are a little more isolated, such as Caleta del Congrio or nearby Puerto Muelas, both located next to Punta del Papagayo.
In any case, this sandy area of more than 120 meters in length and an average width of 15 meters, is not yet very crowded, since here there are no sun loungers, no restaurants, or any type of additional service, except for a small beach bar (called, of course, the Chiringuito de Cala Papagayo).
At the top of a cliff above the homonymous beach, on its idyllic terrace, with tables protected from the sun by parasols made of natural heather, what sticks is to combine the spectacular views of the Atlantic with such autochthonous dishes like the limpets with mojo or the Saharan squid with potatoes.
The Beach Bar of Cala El Papagayo.
HOW TO GET
In the direction of the town of Femés, from the eastern area of Playa Blanca, you must take a dirt road (perfectly signposted) through which you can access this protected natural area, which is why you will have to pay €3 to arrive with the car to the parking lot located on the beach. Not so if you go on foot or by bicycle, since the entrance in these cases is free.
WHERE TO SLEEP
The closest urban center is Playa Blanca, also in the municipality of Yaiza, but if you don't want to leave this beach paradise even to go to sleep, always you can stay at the Papagayo Camping, on the beach of Puerto Muelas (tel. 928 17 34 52).
This is the calm atmosphere of the Papagayo beaches.