Salinas de Janubio
Dramatic black sand beach and vibrant salt pans, a testament to volcanic power and traditional salt harvesting.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Salinas de Janubio
Best Time
Golden hour magic

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic black sand beach and vibrant salt pans, a testament to volcanic power and traditional salt harvesting.
"Nature and the elements have created something unique here. Best sunset ever."
📸 Perfect for Photography
The black sand and colorful salt pans create stunning photo opportunities, especially at sunset.
⚠️ Swimming Not Advised
Strong currents and waves make this beach unsafe for swimming. Enjoy the views instead!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Black Sand Beach
Atlantic Coast
Striking black volcanic sand meets the powerful Atlantic Ocean. A photographer's dream!

Salinas de Janubio Salt Pans
Adjacent to the beach
Vibrant, mosaic-like salt pans producing natural sea salt for centuries. A unique sight!

Dramatic Coastal Views
Along the coastline
Witness the raw power of nature with rugged cliffs and crashing waves. Unforgettable scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Volcanic Beauty
Timing is Key for Sunsets
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect for Photography
The black sand and colorful salt pans create stunning photo opportunities, especially at sunset.
⚠️ Swimming Not Advised
Strong currents and waves make this beach unsafe for swimming. Enjoy the views instead!
🚗 Easy Access
Accessible by car with parking available. Ideal for a scenic stop on your island tour.
🛍️ Local Salt Products
Look for local shops selling gourmet salt products and cosmetics made from island ingredients.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect for Photography
The black sand and colorful salt pans create stunning photo opportunities, especially at sunset.
⚠️ Swimming Not Advised
Strong currents and waves make this beach unsafe for swimming. Enjoy the views instead!
🚗 Easy Access
Accessible by car with parking available. Ideal for a scenic stop on your island tour.
🛍️ Local Salt Products
Look for local shops selling gourmet salt products and cosmetics made from island ingredients.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning black sand and the unique, colorful salt pans, calling it a 'beautiful and striking' natural wonder. The dramatic coastal views and the opportunity for incredible sunset photography are major highlights. However, the strong waves and currents make the beach unsafe for swimming, which is a common point of caution.
"Beautiful views and striking black sand. The waves are strong, and the shore is quite rocky, making it less ideal for swimming. Families might enjoy exploring the rock pools, but the current can be noticeable due to the wave conditions."
Marek Dusza
"I did not have big expectations prior visiting but I changed fast my opinion. Nature and the the elements of it have created here something unique. Best sunset ever."
F P
"Playa del Janubio is a stunning black sand beach located on the island of Lanzarote, part of Spain’s Canary Islands. This beach is famous for its dramatic volcanic landscape and proximity to the Salinas de Janubio, traditional salt pans where salt has been harvested for centuries. Here are a few highlights:
Features:
1. Black Sand and Volcanic Beauty
The beach is composed of black volcanic sand, a result of Lanzarote’s volcanic origins, creating a striking contrast with the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
2. Wild and Untamed Vibes
Playa del Janubio is not typically ideal for swimming due to strong currents and waves, but it is a perfect spot for photography, walking, or simply soaking in the raw beauty of nature.
3. Proximity to Salinas de Janubio
The nearby salt pans are one of Lanzarote’s most iconic features, producing natural sea salt and offering a beautiful mosaic of colors, especially during sunset.
4. Peaceful Atmosphere
It is less crowded than other beaches on the island, making it ideal for those seeking tranquility."
Matúš Komarňanský
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Salinas de Janubio is easily accessible by car on the LZ-2 highway in Lanzarote. There is parking available near the salt pans and the beach. It's a popular stop for those exploring the island's volcanic landscapes.
While direct bus routes might be limited, you can often reach the general area via public transport and then take a short walk or taxi. Checking local bus schedules is recommended for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, many Lanzarote island tours include a stop at Salinas de Janubio, often combined with other popular sites like Timanfaya National Park. This is a convenient way to see the highlights.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to the Salinas de Janubio salt pans and the black sand beach is generally free. You can wander around and take photos without any admission fee.
Salinas de Janubio is an outdoor natural attraction and is accessible at all times. However, the best experience for photography and appreciating the colors is during daylight hours, especially around sunset.
While there isn't a formal ticketed tour for the entire area, some local vendors or guides might offer insights into the salt harvesting process. It's best to inquire locally if you're interested.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hour just before sunset offers the most spectacular light, illuminating the salt pans with vibrant colors and casting a warm glow on the black sand.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscape. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the colors of the water and salt pans.
The viewpoints overlooking the salt pans are excellent. The black sand beach itself offers dramatic foregrounds with the crashing waves. Experiment with different angles to capture the unique textures.
🎫 🌊 Onsite Experience
No, swimming is strongly discouraged due to powerful currents and large waves. The beach is best enjoyed for its scenic beauty and photography.
You can walk along the black sand beach, explore the edges of the salt pans (respecting any barriers), and enjoy the dramatic coastal scenery. It's a place for appreciation and photography.
Facilities are minimal. You might find a small visitor center or shop associated with the salt pans, but expect limited public restrooms. It's advisable to use facilities before arriving.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during daylight hours when the colors of the salt pans are most vibrant. The nearby El Golfo, with its natural arch and calmer waters (though still not ideal for swimming), is often visited in conjunction with Salinas de Janubio and might offer more engaging activities for younger children.
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
Plan your visit for the late afternoon to capture the magical golden hour light, which transforms the landscape. The salt pans, in particular, become a canvas of stunning colors. Don't miss the chance to explore the coastline and capture the dramatic waves crashing against the shore.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Ecology of Salinas de Janubio
Visitors can observe this fascinating process from designated viewpoints. While direct interaction with the salt pans is restricted to protect the delicate balance, the visual spectacle is immense. The contrast between the dark volcanic sand of the adjacent beach and the shimmering salt pans is particularly striking, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
This natural wonder is a testament to the island's volcanic heritage and the ingenuity of its inhabitants. It's a place where nature's power and human tradition converge, offering a unique glimpse into a centuries-old craft.
Photography Tips for Salinas de Janubio
The best time for photography is undoubtedly during the golden hour leading up to sunset. As the sun dips lower, it casts a warm, ethereal glow over the salt pans, intensifying their colors and creating long shadows. Experiment with different compositions, focusing on the geometric patterns of the salt ponds, the textures of the black sand, and the power of the crashing waves. A polarizing filter can be very effective in cutting glare and enhancing the saturation of the colors.
Remember that the beach itself is not safe for swimming due to strong currents. However, its rugged beauty makes it an excellent subject for dramatic coastal shots. Look for interesting rock formations and the patterns left by the receding waves.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit