The longest seafront promenade in Europe is in the Canary Islands
Lanzarote is home to the longest seafront promenade in Europe, offering more than 26 kilometres of uninterrupted coastal pathway and a unique opportunity to explore one of the continent’s most striking volcanic shorelines.
Stretching from Puerto del Carmen to Costa Teguise, and passing through Playa Honda and the capital, Arrecife, the promenade began as a series of independent coastal sections. Over time, these were connected and upgraded, resulting in one of Spain’s most impressive coastal infrastructures.
Walking the entire length takes around five to six hours at a normal pace, and many runners now use it for endurance training. Yet its main appeal lies in the experience itself: strolling beside the Atlantic, the sound of the waves, dramatic black-lava cliffs, and beaches that tempt you to stop for a refreshing dip.
Until 2016, Coruña held the record for Spain’s longest promenade at around 15 kilometres. Lanzarote surpassed it by linking sections between municipalities and improving areas outside the main urban centres. The result is a smooth, continuous route designed to be enjoyed without interruptions.
Many people begin the walk in Puerto del Carmen, one of the island’s main tourist resorts. From here, the path heads east along Avenida de las Playas towards Playa Lima. Aviation enthusiasts can pause here to watch aircraft landing and taking off at Lanzarote Airport, a consistently popular viewpoint.
The promenade continues past the beaches of Guasimeta and Matagorda into Playa Honda. The coastal path then reaches Playa de la Concha, skirting a volcanic plateau that forms a striking rocky landscape.
The next stretch leads into Arrecife. Playa del Reducto, sheltered by the islet of Fermina, is a perfect spot for a rest. The walkway then continues parallel to the shoreline, offering views of the Castle of San Gabriel, the Muelle de la Cebolla, its lighthouse, and the Islote del Francés, before reaching the city’s port.
From there, the final segment begins and extends to Costa Teguise, ending near Playa del Jablillo.
What sets Lanzarote’s promenade apart is its continuity. Unlike many waterfront walkways interrupted by roads or port areas, this one offers wide pedestrian zones, cycle lanes, and viewpoints seamlessly integrated into the route. Its purpose has been both touristic and practical: to improve local mobility, connect neighbourhoods, beaches, residential zones, and shopping areas, and make it easier to move between municipalities on foot or by bicycle rather than relying on cars.
More Than a Seafront Walk
The promenade also serves as a gateway to many of Lanzarote’s iconic attractions. Close by are the Timanfaya National Park with its extraordinary volcanic terrain, the Jameos del Agua, where César Manrique transformed a lava tunnel into an art-and-nature landmark, and the Cueva de los Verdes, one of the archipelago’s most remarkable volcanic tube systems. Numerous beaches nearby offer the chance for a swim at any time of year, even in winter.
For residents and visitors alike, Lanzarote’s record-breaking promenade offers both a practical connection between communities and a stunning way to enjoy the island’s unique coastal scenery.
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