Located approximately 125 km off the coast of Africa, the Canarian island of Lanzarote is a paradise for holiday seekers, boasting an impressive volcanic landscape as well as gorgeous beaches with warm waters and a mild climate.
With a wide range of activities and entertainment options in the several resorts on the island, the decision about where to stay in Lanzarote is not an easy one to make. Discover our guide about the best places to stay in Lanzarote and the best landmarks, activities and beaches they have on offer for a relaxing, active or sun-soaked holiday.
The Best Places To Stay For Families
Playa Blanca is located in the south of the island. Geared towards tourism, it is the perfect family holiday destination to rent a holiday home in Lanzarote with attractions for all ages. Boasting pretty beaches, an attractive beach promenade lined with restaurants serving delicious local food and a water park (Aqualava), it is a good starting point for fun family excursions. Your children will be amazed by la Montaña Roja (the Red Mountain), the Los Hervidores cliffs, and Timanfaya National Park with its volcanoes.
Families with younger children should consider holidaying in Costa Teguise. Your children will love playing and paddling in the warm waters of the four natural beaches with all the amenities. Not keen on finding your Costa Teguise apartment full of sand? Not a problem, because Costa Teguise boasts its very own aqua park with lots of tubes and slides for your children’s entertainment. Furthermore, thanks to its great location, all the main attractions are easily accessible making it one of the best places to stay in Lanzarote for families.
The Best Places To Stay For Beaches
Lanzarote is synonymous with uniques beaches all across the island, from intimate rocky coves to long stretches of golden sand. Feel the Canarian warmth and enjoy a holiday close to one of the beautiful beaches of Lanzarote.
If you fancy a beach holiday in Lanzarote but are driven away by the crowds, you can visit the Papagayo beaches, a collection of beautiful, natural bays perfect for total relaxation and only a stone’s throw away from your holiday home in Playa Blanca. Close to the centre of Playa Blanca you will find more picturesque beaches such as Blue Flag Playa Blanca (perfect for families), Playa Dorada (white sand) and Playa Flamingo, all boasting several facilities.
The Best Places To Stay For Sports & Nature
Lanzarote is not only a great island for relaxing, but it is also a paradise for sports fanatics who love nature. Surfing, windsurfing, road cycling and mountain biking are some of the favourite pastimes of the locals and those seeking an active holiday in Lanzarote. Moreover, the island is also a favoured training location for professional triathletes who are preparing themselves for the yearly Lanzarote Ironman.
Lanzarote is often called the Hawaii of Europe, not only because of the volcanic landscape but also due to the local waves. The good, consistent waves make Lanzarote one of the best surf spots in Europe.
Undoubtedly, one of the best beaches for surfers in Lanzarote and one for all levels is Playa de Famara, in Caleta de Famara. Rent an apartment in Famara, jump out of bed in the morning, put on your wetsuit and go and check out the waves with your surfboard under your arm; the beach is that close and easily accessible. A long stretch of golden sand and beautiful cliffs in its surrounding, Playa Famara is the perfect beach in Lanzarote for learning to surf under the guidance of a local surf school such as Red Star Surf. More experienced surfers should head towards the epic El Quemao (La Santa), also called the pipeline of the Canary Islands. Other surf spots include Orzola, Punta de las Mujeres, San Juan, Arrieta and El Centro. Windsurfing enthusiasts will also find beaches in Lanzarote with ideal conditions. Amongst the best ones are Playa Las Cucharas, Playa Matagorda and Playa Famara.
The Best Places To Stay For Luxury
For those seeking a luxury holiday in Lanzarote rent a villa in Puerto Calero. Only a few kilometres away from bustling Puerto del Carmen, Puerto Calero boasts a charming marina lined with attractive palm trees and restaurants. Feel the high society vibe when going for an evening stroll alongside the marina where the rich and famous moor their luxury yachts. Or go on a shopping spree in the boutiques where you will surely find an exclusive item to wear during your holiday.
The Best Places To Stay On A Budget
For those who want a holiday in Lanzarote without breaking the bank, Puerto del Carmen is the best choice of the three main resorts for budget holiday homes in Lanzarote.
When you go out for dinner try the typical papas arrugadas (literally: wrinkly potatoes) which are traditionally served with a green or red mojo sauce. These potatoes are most of the time among the cheaper dishes on the menu and will fill you up quickly. There are also plenty of other options for eating out in Puerto del Carmen such as Asian food, tapas, British food and much more, all at reasonable prices.
Do not hesitate to book cheap accommodation in Lanzarote away from the attractions that you would like to see and be sure to rent a car. A car will make your life easier when you go sightseeing and petrol is reasonably cheaper in some places than in mainland Spain. Cheap petrol will help you keep to your preset holiday budget when you are exploring the island by car.
The Best Places To Stay To Disconnect
Lanzarote is a good place for those who are looking to disconnect from life back home. The village of Punta Mujeres is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the rocky coves and natural pools with warm, crystal clear water with an abundance of fish species. Enjoy a drink in one of the bars in Punta Mujeres with a view of the sea and take in the laid-back atmosphere. You could also choose to stay in Arrieta, a small unspoilt village on the east coast which is home to the wonderful Playa de La Garita.
The Best Places To Stay For Culture
If you think about culture in Lanzarote one name should pop into your head: César Manrique, a painter, sculptor, architect and all-round artist. Born in capital Arrecife in 1919, Manrique shaped the island of Lanzarote safeguarding the natural environment and culture while tourism was developing on the island. Manrique undeniably left his mark on his native island and his work can be found across the island, in museums, gardens and even roundabouts.
Jameos de Agua, the beautiful Mirador del Río viewpoint and the cactus garden are probably the most important creations of Manrique on the island and these are within easy reach if you stay in the northern part of Lanzarote. Orzola is a great place to stay to be close to the main sights designed and inspired by Manrique. Haría is another great northerly located option, since the village is home to the César Manrique House Museum. Other great places to stay in the north of Lanzarote are Arrieta, Punta Mujeres and, more towards the south, Caleta de Famara.
Another hotspot for culture lovers is the capital Arrecife where you can find the International Museum of Contemporary Art in the San José castle. Moreover, Arrecife is only a stone's throw away from the César Manrique foundation in Tahíche.
The Best Places To Stay For Nightlife
Do you fancy painting the town red during your holiday to Lanzarote? Puerto del Carmen is the place for you! It boasts a vibrant nightlife full of discos and live music bars. Head towards the Centro Atlantico on the main strip Avenida de las Playas and the old town area close to the harbour. In Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise there is also nightlife to be found, but Puerto del Carmen is widely known to be the liveliest resort of the three.
To experience authentic Spanish nightlife in Lanzarote go to Arrecife, more precisely Calle José Antonio or Avenida de Fred Olsen, near Playa del Reducto.
Lanzarote is a beautiful island with a varied offer for all ages and tastes. An interesting culture, a breathtaking natural landscape, incredible beaches … Lanzarote has it all and should be on your list of destinations to visit!