Orzola is located right at the northern tip of Lanzarote and is the gateway to the neighbouring island of La Graciosa and the other islets that make up the Chinijo Archipelago, a protected marine reserve.
Beaches
Playas Caletones
Along with its role as the ferry gateway to the small neighbouring island of La Graciosa Orzola is best known for its dramatic white sand beaches.
Which are comprised of much brighter grains than the golden or black sand beaches found in other parts of the island and which are some of the most impressive on Lanzarote. Creating a vivid contrast with the black lava and turquoise waters that surround these playas.
There are in fact three separate main beaches here, along with a couple of sandy coves - which are collectively called the Caletones.
Charca de la Laja
The most popular of these is the Charca de la Laja, which is the last on the right (if driving towards Orzola from Punta Mujeres) before reaching the village itself.
And boasts powdery white sands and a natural shallow lagoon created by volcanic outcrops where you can enjoy year round bathing in bath water temperatures - a rarity on an island lapped by the often-chilly Atlantic.
Caleta del Mero
Other popular small beaches in this collective coastal strip are Caleta del Mero, Las Cocinitas and Caleton Blanco. To find these just park up in one of the small car parks located on the left hand side of the road, or tag onto one of the rows of cars parked tightly up against the roadside.
These beaches are especially popular with the locals at the weekend and during public holidays such as the upcoming Semana Santa week.
So expect plenty of caravans and campfires if visiting then. This is also a great spot for a picnic - so head into Orzola and stock up at the local supermarket. Or enjoy a meal at one of the excellent fish restaurants located in the village in and around the harbor.
Playa La Canteria
Just north of Orzola lies Playa de la Canteria, also known as Playa de Atrás, another beautiful beach but with big breakers, making it dangerous for swimmers but a firm favourite with local surfers.
It's quite easy to find - head into Orzola and at take a left just after passing the supermarket on your left hand side. Follow this road as it turns into a dirt track and this will bring you to Playa de la Canteria.
Playa El Risco
Further north, beneath the Mirador Del Rio, lies Playa El Risco, This is probably the wildest beach on the island and it is difficult to access – by boat from Orzola or by coming down a cliff path just close to Guinate Tropical Park. Which is a serious one-hour hike that feels twice the distance on the uphill return.
La Graciosa
The ferry crossing takes just twenty minutes but visiting the island is like stepping back in time. As La Graciosa - or the 8th Canary Islands as it is sometimes referred to - seems to exist in a different age.
With no roads, no cars (other than 4×4 taxis) and just 600 inhabitants. All of whom live in the small waterfront town of Caleta del Sebo, which is also the islands ferry port and harbour.
A visit to La Graciosa makes for an excellent day trip as there are some really superb beaches here, such as Playa de Las Conchas, which is widely regarded as one of the most stunning stretches f sand in the Canaries.
Ferry Timetable
The daily service (between 1st November and 30th June) from Orzola runs at:
10.00, 11.00, 12.00, 13.30, 16.00, 17.00 , 18.00
The return ferry from Caleta del Sebo runs at:
08.00, 10.00, 11.00, 12.30, 15.00, 16.00, 17.00.
Between 26th March and 4th April, an additional Easter service will depart from Orzola at 19.00 and an additional service from Caleta del Sebo at 18.00.
Chinijo Archipelago
The Chinijo Archipelago is composed of the islands of La Graciosa, Alegranza, Montaña Clara, Roque del Este and Roque del Oeste.
Montaña Clara and Alegranza are actually privately owned but because they have been classified part of the Marine Reserve, the families who own them are not permitted to build on either nor in any way modify the terrain.
Overnight stays are also prohibited. Visitors are only allowed to explore them by prior arrangement or by joining the Chinijo excursion and must stick to the pathways that already exist.
Roque del Este and Roque del Oeste are not suitable to visit as they are sheer promontories with little in the way of embarkation points.
Pardelas Park
Pardelas Park is located just 1km outside of Orzola and is an ideal spot for families with young kids. As here they can enjoy donkey rides, pottery lessons and a children's play area. As well as petting the farm animals.
Whilst adults can stroll through the small cactus garden, visit the restaurant serving local dishes and browse a library of books and maps of Lanzarote.
Pardelas Park is open from 10.00 to 18.00 and admission costs €3 for adults and €2.40 for children. With donkey rides costing an additional €3.
Malpais
The area surrounding the village features some of the most pristine lava fields anywhere on the island. Which were created by the eruption of Monte Corona, the large volcano which dominates the scenery in this part of the island in 1824.
Location & How To Get There
Orzola is located at the northern end of the LZ1 which runs from Tahiche, through Arrieta and Punta Mujeres. View our map of Lanzarote.
Free parking for the ferry port and anyone planning to explore the village is located just to the left of the harbour.