Beachs

White unspoilt sand, almost deserted coastlines and gripping flora and fauna gives this cove a ‘secluded’ feel in the Canary Islands, away from the maddening throngs of tourists

Thousands of Brits will be heading to the crystal waters of the Canaries this summer to admire the area’s stunning coastline and temperate climate.

The best part? Apart from the popular hotspots that everyone and their mother knows, the archipelago also has several secret spots that are situated away from the maddening throngs of tourists, just waiting to be explored. One such hidden gem with unspoilt sands, almost deserted coastlines, and a ‘secluded’ feel is Lanzarote’s Playa de Papagayo.

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Due to its location deep inside a nature reserve — which makes it even more exciting to discover — this ‘secret cove’ of white sand with its unique flora and fauna will make travellers feel like they’re in their own personal paradise.

Away from the noise of large resorts and crowded beaches, Playa de Papagayo offers the perfect respite. However, before heading out in search of this cove, it’s important to make sure you’re carrying the necessary equipment: comfortable walking shoes to traverse the rocky patches, water, food, and sunscreen, as well as any essential beach accessories you may require. Since hidden locations are usually not well equipped with sun loungers and too many cafés or restaurants, it’s vital to ensure your own comfort.

In the south of Lanzarote lie the Papagayo beaches, widely recognised as the most beautiful in Lanzarote. There are a set of six beaches in total at Papagayo, and Playa de Papagayo belongs to that set. Together, they make up the Los Ajaches Natural Monument.

Playa de Papagayo is situated in a secluded gully, so one has to go down some steps (offering spectacular views of the beach) to get there. And while Playa de Papagayo is the most well-known in the region, it is surrounded by several uncrowded coves and caves on either side.

Located in a wild area on the southern tip, Playa de Papagayo is nature’s paradise. Access to the beach is either via a bumpy track (cars can be parked at one of the nearby parking lots for £2.5), on foot, or by boat.

Shaped like a shell and situated in a hollow, Playa de Papagayo is extremely well sheltered from Lanzarote’s prevailing winds and will win you over with its pristine, soft sand and crystal clear, emerald green water — perfect for snorkelling and laid-back marine adventures. Ensure that you’re carrying snorkeling goggles or any other necessary equipment in order to enjoy your time to the hilt.

Due to its local popularity, Playa de Papagayo has a couple of beach bar restaurants perched on the hillside overlooking it, giving travellers the opportunity to grab something to eat, drink, and get some respite from the sun.

Leaving the beach without seeing the gorgeous sunset would be a travesty, so make sure to stick around and catch the magical moment.

Tripadvisor reviews warns Playa de Papagayo can get quite packed during the peak summer months of June, July, and August, however it’s still recommended for its breathtaking scenery and opportunities for snorkelling and swimming. But there’s more to Papagayo than just lounging on the beach. The surrounding area boasts hiking trails that offer awe-inspiring views of Lanzarote’s unique volcanic landscapes.

Just a short drive away, the charming town of Playa Blanca beckons visitors to browse its quaint shops and indulge in tasty cuisine at local restaurants.

Lanzarote is conveniently accessible from the UK, with nonstop flights available from numerous airports. It takes roughly four hours to reach this sun-drenched destination, so you know where to head next.

The UK’s favourite amusement park has had a big new addition to its line-up this week, as one of its iconic attractions was officially unveiled with a new look – and a brand new name

It’s been a bumper year for UK theme parks, with Universal Studios announcing its arrival and major new attractions popping up at Alton Towers and Thorpe Park. Closer to Greater Manchester, Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach Resort has also been making waves, particularly this week with the grand reveal of its revamped and rebranded Launch Pad.

I was among the first to test the ride on Wednesday morning (May 7), just hours before it officially opened its doors to the public, writes the Manchester Evening News’s Adam Maidment. It’s a heart-pounding adrenaline rush as riders are catapulted 210ft into the air at a blistering 80mph.

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A word of advice – keep breakfast light before hopping on. If you’re a regular at Pleasure Beach Resort, you might already be acquainted with Launch Pad, albeit under a different guise.

Since its debut in 1997, it’s gone through several name changes – starting life as Playstation: The Ride and later becoming known as Tango Ice Blast and then simply Ice Blast.

But 28 years after its initial unveiling, bosses told me on opening day that it’s been given a ‘new lease of life’. In fact, it’s undergone such a transformation that it’s best considered a brand new ride.

There’s a fresh theme, vibrant new colours, a catchy new soundtrack and even a new cylinder. Diving into the mechanics without getting bogged down in jargon, the thrill of the ride is largely due to the pressure cylinder operating at a whopping 105 PSI, exerting a force of 105 pounds.

Karl Murphy, Pleasure Beach Resort’s engineering director, has previously remarked: “We’ve increased the force, which means the acceleration is greater.”

As someone who’d never experienced the ride’s earlier incarnations, I was essentially going in blind, save for the anticipation of being catapulted skywards. Its longstanding popularity hinted at an extraordinary experience awaiting.

The ride’s space theme is a perfect match, easily conjuring images of being aboard a rocket about to blast off. A brief countdown from mission control and suddenly, it’s lift-off time.

The immediate surge of speed is electrifying, prompting involuntary shouts of excitement (or terror). The sensation of the G-force is palpable, offering a taste of astronaut life without leaving Earth.

And if you manage to regain your composure while suspended 210ft high, do take a moment to appreciate Blackpool’s beauty on a clear day – the sandy stretches, the iconic Tower, and the expansive views are truly breathtaking.

The new attraction may be brief, but it is so engaging that you’ll likely fancy multiple rides if the queues are manageable.

Beyond Launch Pad, visitors can enjoy other attractions such as Valhalla, previously crowned the best water ride in Europe, and the legendary The Big One roller coaster which, at 213 feet tall, has endured admirably for 31 years.

Pleasure Beach Resort recently refreshed Valhalla two years ago – a move that has seen it reclaim its title as the best water ride in Europe – and is maintaining its momentum by updating classic attractions, with River Caves next in line.

At the Launch Pad debut gathering, Pleasure Beach Resort CEO Amanda Thompson OBE underscored the significance of these revitalisations: “Re-imaginings like this one are fantastic for our industry. Not only do they create a new and incredibly powerful ride experience, they’re sustainable, and they allow us to re-invent beloved attractions for generations to come.”

Even to newcomers who missed the ride’s earlier versions, the care and investment poured into reimagining Launch Pad is evident; the attraction has been reborn with abundant new features that almost render it a brand-new experience.

Pleasure Beach Resort is certainly pulling out all the stops to maintain its standing as one of the top theme parks in the UK, and perhaps even further afield.

They’re also gearing up to unveil a brand-new Gyro Swing next year, with a hefty price tag of £8.72m, set to be the largest of its kind on these shores.

You’d do well to add Launch Pad to your itinerary for your next jaunt to Pleasure Beach Resort – it’s sure to sweep away the cobwebs.