Where is the best area to stay in Lanzarote?
By Tara Rance . January 11, 2024
Lanzarote has been one of the most popular holiday destinations in Spain for decades. The island is the most northern of the Canary Islands and just off the coast of Morocco. This gives it a year-round climate that rarely sees below 20 degrees during the peak of the day.
Popular tourist destinations in Lanzarote include Playa Blanca, Puerto Del Carmen, Costa Teguise, Tias, Puerto Calero, Playa Honda, Famara and the island’s capital, Arrecife.
Playa Blanca is a new and quiet resort that’s perfect if you’re after a more sophisticated holiday. For a louder holiday, your best option is Puerto Del Carmen. If you’re heading to Lanzarote with the family then you may want to look at staying in Costa Teguise, there’s plenty for the family in this part of the island.
You can head to Tias for relaxation further inland. You may want to stay in Puerto Calero with views of the beautiful marina. For a relaxing beach holiday where you won’t be surrounded by tourists, Playa Honda is your best option. If you’re after an adrenaline fuelled holiday, then Famara is the perfect resort. Otherwise, Lanzarote’s capital, Arrecife, will have something for everyone, whether you’re travelling with friends or family.
If you are interested in where to stay in Lanzarote, you may also be interested in where to stay in Fuerteventura, where to stay in Gran Canaria and where to stay in Tenerife.
Best places to stay in Lanzarote
Playa Blanca
Relaxation / Restaurants / Sunbathing
Playa Blanca is the perfect destination for all things relaxing. You can treat yourself to a spot of sunbathing during the day and then a stroll on the promenade, followed by a spot of Tapas in the evening.
The best part about staying in Playa Blanca is the restaurants. The small town has something for everyone, whether you fancy some signature tapas, an Indian curry or even a Thai dish. As you walk along Playa Blanca’s long Promenade, you’ll discover just how difficult it is to decide where to eat. The enticing smell of food coming from each restaurant will be enough to draw you in, and you’ll probably end up going to a different restaurant each night.
If you’re after something livelier than just sunset walks and tapas, then Playa Blanca may not be the best resort for you. You should also bear in mind that in peak season, the promenade can become very busy.
Puerto Del Carmen
Nightlife / Beaches / Friends Holiday
If you’re heading to Lanzarote with a lively set of friends, then Puerto Del Carmen may be the best area to stay thanks to its wide selection of nightlife. After one walk down the bustling promenade, you may find it hard to believe the town used to be a quiet fishing town. Now, it’s full of karaoke bars, Irish bars and nightclubs.
During the day, you can relax on Puerto Del Carmen’s stretch of golden beach, taking a dip in the ocean to cool off from the heat of the sun. If you feel like something more action-fuelled during the day, then you can take a trip to the nearby volcanoes for some incredible views.
Puerto Del Carmen isn’t a resort for everyone. You should avoid staying here if you’re after a quiet holiday. The resort can become busy, especially with the younger generation who will be heading out for the night.
Costa Teguise
Families / Water Sports / Lively
Costa Teguise is best suited to those who love to always be doing something during the day. The resort is very family-oriented with a waterpark, an aquarium and even a golf course. Of course, the golf course may be an option if you’re wanting to escape the family for a couple of hours.
The long stretch of sandy beach is a great spot for water sports. Costa Teguise’s beach is more sheltered compared to its neighbouring resorts, making it perfect for jet skiing. You may also want to plunge yourself into the depths of the Atlantic Ocean and see how you get on with scuba diving.
Costa Teguise is a family-friendly resort that caters to just about everyone. However, if you’re not too keen on children and would prefer a quieter resort then somewhere like Playa Blanca may be your best option.
Tias
Relaxing / Views / Inland
Tias is a small town situated further inland than any other resort. It’s the perfect spot for anyone after a peaceful holiday. Part of the town’s charm is that it’s not widely known to tourists, meaning you’ll be able to escape the loudness of Puerto Del Carmen.
You’ll have some incredible views from Tias that sweep all the way from Puerto Del Carmen to the airport. Don’t think just because you’re further inland that there are no views of the ocean, you’ll be able to see for miles.
There’s also a great supermarket to pick up any food, along with cafes, bars and a spot for tapas. It’s also a great area to stay if you love wildlife. Tias is close to Rancho Texas, Lanzarote’s Zoo. You can even swim with sea lions here. However, if you want to stay somewhere within walking distance of the beach, then you may be better off staying in another area.
Puerto Calero
Sophisticated / Excursions / Quiet
Puerto Calero is one of the most beautiful tourist spots thanks to its charming marina. If you want to stay somewhere with sophistication, then Puerto Calero is the perfect spot. It has yachts in the marina, five-star hotels and a selection of restaurants, bars and designer clothes shops.
If you want a holiday filled with activities, then Puerto Calero has a vast selection of options. There are catamaran excursions, the chance for private whale and dolphin watching and jet skiing. You can always take a sunset walk to Puerto Calero’s small lighthouse on the marina for incredible views.
With something for everyone, Puerto Calero is a great resort for people of all ages. However, it’s more suited to those who want a quiet holiday filled with sunsets and a glass of wine in the evening. If you’re heading to Lanzarote with a large family or group of friends, then Puerto Calero may not be the best area.
Playa Honda
Beaches / Restaurants / Off the Beaten Track
Playa Honda is close to Arrecife. It’s Lanzarote’s second largest town, but not many know about it. So, if you want to stay somewhere that’s off the beaten path, but still with plenty to offer then Playa Honda will be the best destination for you.
Playa Honda is home to long, golden beaches. The town also has plenty to offer tourists thanks to its array of restaurants and bars. Just a short walk down the bustling promenade and you’ll find everything from traditional Spanish restaurants to Japanese Cuisine. Then after, you can sit with a drink, looking out to the ocean and watching the world go by.
If you want a tourist hot spot, then Playa Honda isn’t the best place. It’s best suited to those looking for somewhere that isn’t packed with tourists. Because Playa Honda is a newer town, it’s where many people who live in the resorts work.
Famara
Beaches / Surf / Adventure
Famara is north of the island and further away from the hustle and bustle of tourist resorts. If you’re an avid surfer, then Famara is the place you need to stay. The golden beach has a jaw dropping view of the volcanic landscape. Thanks to its swell and windy area, the beach is where you’ll be surfing the waves or having a go at windsurfing.
For an adventure-packed holiday in Lanzarote, you’ll want to stay in Caleta de Famara, which is the town next to the beach. Here, you’ll have access to supermarkets and restaurants to keep you refuelled in between surfs. You can choose from tapas restaurants, pizzas or fresh seafood.
As Famara is a resort for those wanting a holiday full of action, it isn’t somewhere to choose if you want relaxation. As it’s so windy here, it’s not recommended for sunbathing and may even become a little chilly.
Arrecife
Sightseeing / Restaurants / A Weekend
This resort is the perfect option for anyone after a more traditional stay on the Canary Islands. Its history dates all the way back to the 17th Century. Even after just a short walk, you’ll stumble across old Spanish churches, houses and bell towers.
If you really want to plunge yourself into the city’s history, then you can book a guided tour to show you its best parts.
As Arrecife has something for everyone, including great hotel options, restaurants and beaches it’s hard to find a con to the resort. However, it may be best to avoid it if you want a quieter holiday. Due to it being the capital, Arrecife can become busy.
Our recommended hotels in Lanzarote
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in LanzaroteNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
