Playa de La Laja
A stunning urban beach with unique dark sand and powerful Atlantic waves, offering both thrilling surf and peaceful relaxation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter beach, easy parking
Playa de La Laja
Best Time
Quieter beach, easy parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning urban beach with unique dark sand and powerful Atlantic waves, offering both thrilling surf and peaceful relaxation.
"Amazing beach with strong waves and black sand. Perfect for surfing or jumping on waves."
🌊 Ride the Waves
Perfect for surfing and bodyboarding, but be mindful of strong currents. Lifeguards are on duty!
🧺 Pack a Picnic
No restaurants or bars here! Bring your own food and drinks for a full day of sun.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Powerful Waves
Main beach area
Experience the thrill of strong waves, perfect for surfing and bodyboarding. A true natural spectacle!
Calm Waters for Families
Right side, near stone barricade
A safe haven for little ones, with tranquil waters protected from the main surf.
Dark Sand Serenity
Entire beach
Relax on unique, dark volcanic sand that stretches for 1.5 km, offering a peaceful sunbathing spot.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Waves & Sun
Family-Friendly Zones
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌊 Ride the Waves
Perfect for surfing and bodyboarding, but be mindful of strong currents. Lifeguards are on duty!
🧺 Pack a Picnic
No restaurants or bars here! Bring your own food and drinks for a full day of sun.
🚗 Easy Free Parking
Convenient free parking is available, but it can get crowded on weekends.
👨👩👧 Safe for Kids
The right side near the stone barricade offers calmer waters for families.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌊 Ride the Waves
Perfect for surfing and bodyboarding, but be mindful of strong currents. Lifeguards are on duty!
🧺 Pack a Picnic
No restaurants or bars here! Bring your own food and drinks for a full day of sun.
🚗 Easy Free Parking
Convenient free parking is available, but it can get crowded on weekends.
👨👩👧 Safe for Kids
The right side near the stone barricade offers calmer waters for families.
☀️ Tan on Dark Sand
Enjoy the unique black volcanic sand for a relaxing sunbathing experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Playa de La Laja is praised for its unique dark sand, powerful waves ideal for surfing, and surprisingly peaceful atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the free parking and the calmer section safe for children, though the lack of amenities means packing your own food and drinks is essential. The strong currents require caution.
"Amazing beach with strong waves and black sand. Perfect for surfing or jumping on waves. However the current can be strong so be very careful. Water shoes are not needed due to sandy bottom. Safeguards are on duty. No bars or restaurants so bring your own food and beverages. Locals visit the beach often. It’s close to the road but you can’t hear anything. Actually that’s great as free parking is very close by."
Jarosław Skupiński
"One of the beaches outside Las Palmas. The sand is dark colored, the waves are great and you can spend couple of hours to catch a good tan. The parking lot is unfortunately too small, especially during the weekend."
Radu Herciu
"Lovely place. Not crowded at all. Just off the highway. A lifeguard present"
Sagy Cohen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Playa de La Laja is conveniently located just off the highway towards Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. It's easily accessible by car, with free parking available nearby.
While not explicitly mentioned in reviews, its proximity to Las Palmas suggests that local bus routes might serve the area. Check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.
The beach is a short distance from the city center, making it an accessible option for a quick getaway.
Despite being close to the road, visitors report that you can't hear the highway noise, making it a peaceful spot.
The beach extends from the statue of Exordio El Tritón towards natural pools.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Playa de La Laja is a public beach and entry is free for everyone.
As a natural beach, Playa de La Laja is accessible at all hours. Lifeguards are typically on duty during daylight hours.
No booking is required to visit Playa de La Laja. It's a public space open to all visitors.
There are no entrance fees for any part of Playa de La Laja, including the natural pools.
The beach is easily accessible from the nearby highway, with free parking available.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Yes, lifeguards are on duty at Playa de La Laja, ensuring a safer experience for swimmers.
The waves can be strong and powerful, making it ideal for surfing and bodyboarding. For swimming, especially with children, the calmer waters on the right side are recommended.
It's generally not crowded, especially on weekdays. Weekends can see more visitors, particularly in the parking area.
The beach features unique dark, volcanic sand.
Water shoes are not needed as the bottom is sandy.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no bars or restaurants directly on Playa de La Laja. Visitors are advised to bring their own food and beverages.
Absolutely! Bringing your own food and drinks for a picnic is highly recommended.
Given its location near Las Palmas, you'll find numerous dining options in the city center or along the coastal road. A restaurant called El Soco is mentioned for its buffet breakfast near the beach.
There are no facilities for purchasing food or drinks directly at the beach. It's best to come prepared.
Las Palmas offers a wide range of culinary experiences, from local Canarian cuisine to international dishes. Exploring the city center will reveal many cafes and restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic dark sand against the powerful waves, the natural pools, and the coastal views. The contrast of the dark sand with the blue ocean is striking.
The beach faces the ocean, offering potential for beautiful sunset views, especially with the dramatic wave action.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing photographic opportunities. The strong waves are a constant visual element.
The stretch along the highway offers a good vantage point, and walking along the beach itself provides various perspectives of the waves and sand.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the beach and waves. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections and enhance the colors of the ocean and sand.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
This makes it a great option for a day trip where you can enjoy the unique black sand and ocean views, with a dedicated safe zone for the little ones. The easy access and free parking are also significant advantages for families.
🏄♀️ Surfers and Wave Enthusiasts
Be prepared for strong currents and always prioritize safety. The dark sand bottom is a plus, and the sheer energy of the ocean here is an attraction in itself. It's a place where you can truly connect with the raw power of the Atlantic.
🧘♀️ Peace Seekers and Relaxation
If you're looking for a quiet escape to sunbathe, read a book, or simply enjoy the ocean breeze without the hustle and bustle of more developed beaches, La Laja is an excellent choice. Just remember to pack everything you need, as amenities are minimal.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Surfing and Wave Riding
For those new to wave riding, it's recommended to check conditions and perhaps consider lessons if available in the wider Las Palmas area. The dark sand bottom is a unique feature, and unlike some rocky shores, it offers a more forgiving landing if you wipe out. The sheer energy of the ocean here is a major draw for water sports enthusiasts.
Family-Friendly Access
Even though the main beach can be dynamic, this designated section provides peace of mind for parents. The beach is clean, and the proximity to free parking makes it convenient for families with strollers or lots of gear. It's a great example of how a beach can cater to different needs, offering both adventure for surfers and a tranquil spot for younger visitors.
The Unique Black Sand
Unlike beaches with fine white sand, the dark sand here can absorb more heat, so wearing sandals or water shoes might be comfortable when walking on it during the hottest parts of the day, though many find it comfortable enough without. The texture is generally smooth, and it's a distinctive element that adds to the beach's appeal.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit