Playa de Janubio, Dark sand beach in Lanzarote, Spain
Playa de Janubio is a beach on Lanzarote's southwestern coast featuring black volcanic sand and strong Atlantic waves. The shoreline extends for several kilometers and includes active salt-making facilities that shape the landscape.
Salt-making at this location began in the 16th century and became an important source of preservation supplies for fishing communities across the Canary Islands. This long tradition of salt production has defined the place as a working site through the centuries.
The salt-making operation beside the shore shapes how locals and visitors experience this coastline, blending working traditions with natural surroundings. You can watch salt harvesters going about their craft during the day, making this a place where industry and nature coexist visibly.
The beach lacks facilities, so bring water and supplies before heading out. The closest shops and services are located in the nearby town of Yaiza.
The black sand is actually volcanic rock fragments that change how light and water interact, making the waves look remarkably different from typical light-colored beaches. From higher vantage points, you can also see the geometric patterns of the salt ponds that add another layer to the landscape.
Address: Playa del Janubio, 35570, Las Palmas, Spain
GPS coordinates: 28.93460,-13.83064
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:47
Lanzarote is an island in the Canaries shaped by its volcanic past. Timanfaya National Park spreads across a large part of the island, showing black lava fields, craters, and colored rock formations. Volcanoes like El Cuervo, Montaña Colorada, and Caldera Blanca can be hiked. Underground caves such as Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua lead through lava tunnels formed thousands of years ago. Along the coast, rocks and hardened lava shape coves like Los Hervideros and El Golfo with its green lagoon. Beaches range from the protected bays of Papagayo with pale sand to the long stretch of Famara Beach backed by tall cliffs. In La Geria, vines grow in small hollows covered with volcanic ash, a farming method adapted to the dry conditions. The Cactus Garden near Guatiza displays hundreds of species in a former quarry. Museums like the César Manrique Foundation and LagOmar merge architecture with the landscape. Museo Atlántico sits underwater off Playa Blanca. Traditional sites include Santa Bárbara Castle and San Gabriel Castle, along with the Janubio Salt Flats where salt is still harvested today.
Timanfaya National Park
9.9 km
Playa Blanca
7.9 km
Los Hervideros
2.2 km
Papagayo Beach
10.5 km
Volcano grill of Lanzarote
10.9 km
Volcán del Cuervo
15 km
Montañas del Fuego
10.9 km
Hacha Grande
7.2 km
Monte Roja
7.8 km
Pechiguera Lighthouse
9.7 km
Museo Atlántico de Lanzarote
7.9 km
Castillo de las Coloradas
9 km
Iglesia de San Marcial de Rubicón
5.5 km
Mirador Salinas de Janubio
1.5 km
Museo de Cetáceos de Canarias
12.6 km
Visitor Center Salinas de Janubio
1.4 km
Paso
7 km
Caldera Blanca
14.7 km
Montaña Roja 2018
7.8 km
Yaiza Windmill
7.4 km
Casa Natal de Benito Pérez Armas
6.6 km
Church of Our Lady of Carmen
8 km
Playa Blanca Port
8.4 km
Playa del Papagayo
11.1 km
Tribute to the Canarian Wrestling School of Playa Blanca
8 km
Tribute to the Camel
8.7 km
Charco de los Clicos
4.5 km
Playa Quemada
11.8 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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