8 Incredible Towns & Hotels

Grab your snorkeling goggles and hiking shoes and let’s start this guide on where to stay in Lanzarote!

To make your life easier, I’ve done my research on this Spanish island, comparing all the options and came up with this list on the 8 best towns to stay in Lanzarote. In each area, I’ve also included the best hotels listed from most to least expensive so that you can easily find your favorite.

I handpicked all the hotel options and included only those with the most amazing reviews, so you’ll surely find your dream spot! 

In short, Playa Blanca is the best place to stay in Lanzarote as that’s where you’ll find some incredible beaches and stunning hotels. But the island is big, so if that’s not your scene then I’ve also included 7 other towns. 

I do recommend booking your hotels in advance! Lanzarote is sought by many tourists from all over the world, and the good hotels always sell out fast here!

If you are in a hurry

If you want to book now, then waste no more time, quickly browse this list with the best hotels in Lanzarote all located in Playa Blanca:

Here’s a map showing Lanzarote that will help you visualize all the best areas to stay in that I will be talking about in this post:

Top beaches in Lanzarote

There are so many beaches on this island and I know you’ll want to check the best and most unique ones!

That’s why I made this table with the top beaches in Lanzarote, which I ordered from the highest number of reviews to the lowest!

That way you can easily decide which one to pick.

1. Playa Blanca – best place to stay for first-timers

No better place to start your adventure on this Canary island!

Located on the southern part of the island, just a 30 min drive away from the airport, Playa Blanca has gorgeous beaches with crystal-clear water, and a laid-back feel that will put you in a holiday mood the moment you arrive!

Lanzarote is so warm and sunny that on average, it has approximately 16 days of rain per year!

And the sun is super strong here, which you might not realize at first because of the strong winds. So make sure you wear some sunblock. 

Start your mornings with a walk on the sea-front promenade before hitting one of the beaches around like Playa Flamingo (map) or Playa Blanca (map). You’ll definitely want to stay near the beach if you choose to stay in this area.

This town is a pretty big tourist spot (it has lots of modern facilities too) so definitely expect to run into big crowds. This is especially true around the bars and restaurants, which usually get packed around sunset with everyone wanting to indulge in some yummy seafood and drinks! If you’re looking for a place to start, check out Restaurante Brisa Marina (map). 

Since the town is so popular, there are lots of big hotels here (which I’ll talk about in a second). 

Besides its sandy shores, Playa Blanca has lots of fun attractions that will suit everyone’s taste! Aqualava Water Park is a great spot for the kids and if you like shopping definitely go to Centro Comercial Rubicón Shop & Fun (map).

And let’s not forget about the beautiful Castillo de San Marcial de Rubicón de Femés (map), which you should definitely see!

Another perk is that Playa Blanca offers easy access to some iconic sites in Lanzarote like the famous Timanfaya National Park where you can see an active volcano. You can also explore the Salinas de Janubio, El Golfo fishing village (map). and many other places. Don’t forget to check out the famous Papagayo Beach (map), you will need to pay a parking fee if you take a car here.

Other accommodation options in Playa Blanca

Things to do in Playa Blanca

• Visit the Los Hervideros volcanic coast sea caves (map)
• Learn about history at the Castillo del Águila o de las Coloradas
• Enjoy the sun on Flamingo beach or Playa Dorada (map)
• Have fun with the kids Aqualava Water Park 
• Take a trip to visit the wineries in La Geria (map)
• Explore the beautiful Timanfaya National Park
• See the stunning Los Hervideros sea caves (map)
• Snap some pics at Roja Mountain (map)
• Go diving and see the Atlantico Museum, the only underwater museum in Europe

2. Puerto del Carmen – where to stay in Lanzarote for nightlife

Located between Playa Blanca and Arrecife, just a 10 min drive away from the airport this bustling town is known for its long beaches and lively nightlife. 

Yep, Puerto del Carmen is a hotspot for party people as there are lots of beach bars and nightclubs where you can drink, dance and be merry!

Las Playas Avenue (map) has the largest concentration of bars and if you’re looking for some spots to start the night I’d recommend The Dubliner Live Music Lounge (map), California Bar (map), or heading to the Gran Casino de Lanzarote (map) and trying your luck!

And don’t worry if you party too hard! Luckily, even hangovers feel good while on holiday somewhere on an island, since you can spend that time lying on a beach somewhere. 

One of the biggest attractions in Puerto del Carmen is Playa Grande (map) which as you can tell by the name is pretty large. It has numerous bars and restaurants where you can bide from the sun and cool off with a drink!

There are more beautiful beaches in the area though, like Fariones Beach (map) and Playa Chica (map) which are also super nice, just perfect for a long day of swimming and trying different water sports like windsurfing, scuba diving and deep-sea fishing.

Make sure you catch a sunset at one of the beaches in Puerto del Carmen, they are gorgeous! 

If you need a break from all the beach time and want to do something else you can go shopping at Puerto del Carmen Shopping Mall (map), play some golf at the Lanzarote Golf Course (map), or spend a fun day with the kids at the Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park.

There are also some cool festivals like the Carnival Parade, which takes place in February, and the Our Lady of Carmen Festival that starts at the end of July to check out.

Other accommodation options in Puerto del Carmen

Things to do in Puerto del Carmen

• Go snorkeling or scuba diving at beach Playa Chica
• Check out Puerto del Carmen mall 
• Get a drink and dance at The Dubliner Live Music Lounge
• Spend a whole day golfing with the sea views at Lanzarote Golf
• Try your luck at Gran Casino de Lanzarote
• Go to the nearby Playa de Matagorda (map)
• Sunbathe all day long on Playa Grande or Los Pocillos beach (map)
• Try different water sports with Paracraft Lanzarote

3. Costa Teguise – best place to stay for families

Set on the east coast of Lanzarote, just a 15 min drive away from the airport, this resort town is perfect for your family getaway to Lanzarote! 

Boasting many lovely beaches with crystal clear waters and white sand, Costa Teguise sort of combines what both Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen offer but definitely has a more relaxed vibe, which is great for those traveling with their kids and toddlers.

Still, that doesn’t mean you won’t find lots of fun activities and things to do! While here you can chill on the lovely beaches, try all sorts of water sports! Kite surfing is super popular here since the winds are strong! 

Some parts of the island (including this one) get super windy at times so if you want to avoid that, you can check out some of the not so windy parts like Playa Blanca. 

Some really amazing beaches here are Bastian Beach (map), which is famous for its calm waters and soft sands, Playa del Jablillo (map) where everyone goes to snorkel and there’s also Playa de las Cucharas (map) which also offers lots of water sports! 

After a day at the beach, head to the Marinero area and check out all the restaurants there, you’ll find so many! El Patio Restaurante (map) is a great one for a family dinner.

Most of the beaches in Costa Teguise have parking areas so if you’re renting a car, to explore the island you should be all good! And actually I would definitely recommend setting a base here if you have a car.

As I mentioned, this town has many attractions that I’m sure all family members will enjoy visiting, like the Lanzarote Aquarium, Aquapark Costa Teguise and the César Manrique Foundation, where you can learn more about the famous artist and nature activist, who was born here on the island. 

If you want to dive deeper into the island’s culture you can head to Teguise town, which is a 15 min drive away from the coastal area. This is a different area from Costa Teguise, so make sure you don’t get them confused. 

There are some amazing things to see there like the historic center and the Santa Bárbara Castle (map).

Other accommodation options in Costa Teguise

Things to do in Costa Teguise

• Go windsurfing on Cucharas beach
• Visit the famous César Manrique Foundation
• Have a perfect day at the family-friendly Bastian beach
• See tons of different fishes at Lanzarote Aquarium
• Go shopping and enjoy the local vibe of the Teguise Market
• Cool off during a hot day at the Aquapark Costa Teguise
• Go snorkeling at Jablillo beach in Costa Teguise
• Visit other villages like Arrieta and Orzola on the Northeast coast 

4. Arrecife – prettiest part of Lanzarote for history

Welcome to the capital town of Lanzarote! 

Arrecife is located on the east coast of the island between Costa Teguise and Playa Honda beach, and it is home to the island’s airport, which is only a 10 min drive away.

This town is a focal point as it grants easy access to other parts of the island by public transport. So if you’re traveling without a car and want to explore multiple towns or several beaches, then this town might be perfect for you!

Arrecife was at first just a small fishing village but it slowly grew and became its capital.

There are lots of things to do and see here like the harbor area which has some unique and tiny volcanic formations spread across the sea.

Then there’s the San Gines Church (map), built in 1600, that has an interesting architecture and design, the International Museum of Contemporary Art, which has the most amazing location, inside the fortress of San Jose Castle (map) built in the 1700s.

And of course Castillo de San Gabriel (map) which is set on an island connected by a bridge with mainland Lanzarote. Definitely a place that you’ve got to see!

Because it’s such a popular area, you’ll find tons of local boutique shops filled with souvenirs, and if you’re into high-end stores, don’t worry, there are plenty!

Since this is a more urban town, you’ll only find 1 beach here, Playa Reducto (map), which is not so big, but still is super nice and perfect for a break from all the town adventures!

Other accommodation options in Arrecife

Things to do in Arrecife

• Catch a sunset by the Charco de San Ginés lake (map)
• Learn about the history of this town at Parroquia de San Ginés church
• Admire the local architecture of the Casa Amarilla
• Visit the Cultural Center El Almacén on the east coast of the island
• See one of the most scenic views in town by the Puente Bridge (map)
• Go shopping for local souvenirs in all the boutique island shops
• Enjoy the beaches of Lanzarote at Playa del Reducto
• Listen to a piano concert and admire the art at the Casa De La Cultura Agustín De La Hoz

5. Playa Honda – where to stay near the Lanzarote airport

I know that some of you don’t like all the fuss that comes with car transfers from the airport and long drives to the final location. That’s why I’ve found the best area to stay in town for you. 

Playa Honda doesn’t only have super easy access to the airport, but it’s also very close to Arrecife, the capital town of the Lanzarote island (just a 9 min drive away).

This residential area is super popular among the local people of the island, and it’s filled with amazing beach houses. 

The best way to explore Playa Honda is to walk on foot along the beach promenade Avenue Playa Honda (map) which offers tons of restaurants where you can stop to grab a bite. Goliath Terraza (map) is a great one, set right by the ocean. 

If you keep walking you’ll get to the capital center of the island Arrecife, you can stop there, go visit some attractions and make an entire day trip out of it!

Besides the many stores and restaurants, you’ll also find two cool beaches, Playa Honda which I just mentioned and Guacimeta Beach (map) where you can see the most amazing thing that I’ve always wanted to do: watching the airplanes landing right above your head! Now that’s an unmissable experience!

There are some good hotels and places to stay here that have even better prices, and if you want to go shopping in this area, you have the ​​Deiland Shopping Center (map) very close by. 

Other accommodation options in Playa Honda

Things to do in Playa Honda

• Enjoy the sun on Playa Honda (map)
• Watch the airplanes land right above your head on Guacimeta Beach
• Treat yourself and buy some new things at the Deiland Shopping Center (map)
• Visit Arrecife, the island’s capital city 
• Grab a bite at Goliath Terraza

6. Caleta de Famara – best place to stay for surfers

Set on the West coast of the island, a 25 min drive away from the airport, this town is a paradise for all surfers and water sports lovers!

Part of the Chinijo Archipelago National Park, this town is home to Famara Beach (map), one of the most famous beaches on the island, which looks incredible! Surrounded by brown tall cliffs, this beach offers the most incredible sunsets!

Especially when the tides are low, and you can see the cliffs reflected on the wet sand! What a sight!

This town, which used to be a fishing village, is perfect for those who want to enjoy the island’s natural environment! The beach is pretty wild, and there are no umbrellas or beach chairs. 

You’ll still find lots of restaurants and bars! La Hamburgueseria (map) is a great spot, where you can grab a yummy burger. And since surfing is so big here, you’ll also find lots of surf schools around! 

Other accommodation options in

Things to do in Caleta de Famara

• Surf all day long and chill on Famara Beach
• Enjoy some drinks at Beach Bar Surfer Food (map)
• Go for a swim at Piscina natural Caleta de Famara (map)
• Grab a bite at La Hamburgueseria on the West coast
• Catch a sunset at Mirador de El Risco de Famara (map)

7. Haria – best place to stay for budget travelers

Set on the North coast of Lanzarote, you’ll find this lovely authentic Spanish town filled with whitewashed houses, palm trees and colorful flowers that’s located a 30 min drive away from the airport. 

Haria is a great place to stay on the island for those traveling on a tight budget. The small town is not so popular with tourists, hence you’ll find lots of cheap hotels.

There are many green spaces, hills, and a cute Saturday Market (map) where you can buy fresh fruits, vegetables and also some souvenirs. 

Its location on the map makes Haria one of the best areas to set your base and explore other parts of the islands and beaches. You can rent a car and go on day trips if you’re staying for a longer period, plus the island is kind of small and easy to drive, so you don’t have to worry about traffic or all that!

And although there is a bus system, the buses can’t get you to the more remote sites which are definitely worth exploring!

Plus, if you rent a car you can stay somewhere between the cities, maybe in a place like El Islote (map) which has a stunning beach and some hotels, and just use the car to get anywhere! 

Haria is set in a valley that’s surrounded by mountains and is known as the “Valley of 1000 palm trees”! Apparently they used to plant a palm tree everytime a baby was born!

I love finding cheap accommodations in an area and then using it as my base to see the whole island in just a few days! 

I would recommend going to Caleta de Famara to see the Famara cliffs (map) or the Cueva de Los Verdes (map), a volcanic tube that will blow your mind!

But definitely check out the attractions in town as well, Casa Museo de César Manrique where the famous artist César Manrique lived until his death and the Barranco Elvira Sánchez hiking area (map).

Other accommodation options in Haria

Things to do in Haria

• Explore the world of Cesar Manrique at the House Museum in Haria
• Visit La Graciosa Island or the Punta Mujeres town
• Go shopping for local fruits in the Market
• Check out the gorgeous Jameos del Agua volcanic tunnel (map)
• Take some photos from the Rincon de Haria viewpoint (map)
• Eat some delicious food at Puerta Verde (map)
• Rent a car and explore areas like Monte Corona and San Bartolome

8. Puerto Calero – where to stay in Lanzarote for relaxation

Set not too far from the airport (only a 15 min drive away) this town is famous for its exclusive marina and chill vibe!

I’d definitely recommend Puerto Calero for those of you who want to relax, take it easy and just enjoy the time here!

Although there are no sandy beaches in the area, you do have the marina and its promenade (map) where you can go in the morning and enjoy a walk while admiring all the yachts.

And if you want to chill somewhere on a beach, you can head to Playa Quemada (map) which is a 15 min drive away by car or go to Puerto del Carmen, which is a 10 min drive away and check out the beaches there. 

This town is perfect for those of you who want to take lots of boat tours and explore at sea rather than on dry land! And if you do want to explore on dry land there are some buses that go to the main towns like Arrecife, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca. But if you want to explore other parts I’d recommend renting a car.

You’ll find lots of fancy restaurants near the marina (probably the most lively area in town), that offer amazing views! Amura (map) is set right by the water and serves such delicious food!

Other accommodation options in

Things to do in Puerto Calero 

• Enjoy the seafront dining at Amura
• Visit the town of Yaiza 
• Go on a walk on the promenade and admire the views 
• Join a boat tour from Puerto Calero marina
• Head to Puerto del Carmen and check out the beaches

FAQS about where to stay in Lanzarote

🏖️ Is Lanzarote a nice place to go on holiday?

Yes, Lanzarote is a beautiful destination for a holiday, known for its stunning volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and year-round warm weather.

🌅 Which resort in Lanzarote is best?

Meliá Salinas Resort is an amazing resort in Lanzarote, it’s near the beach, it has a spa center, and it’s located in Costa Teguise, one of the best areas on the island.

🛑 Where should you not go in Lanzarote?

Although all the resort towns are safe you shouldn’t walk alone at night, especially in secluded areas where there aren’t a lot of people.

💕 Where should a couple stay in Lanzarote?

Playa Blanca is one of the best places to stay in Lanzarote for couples. Here you can enjoy romantic walks on the beaches and stay at the Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park, an amazing hotel.

👩‍👧 Which hotels on Lanzarote are good for families?

💯 What are some popular places to stay in Lanzarote?

The most popular areas to stay in Lanzarote are Costa Teguise, Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Caleta de Famara. These resort towns have some of the best hotels like Meliá Salinas Resort and La Isla y el Mar.

🛫 What are the best hotels on Lanzarote near the Lanzarote airport?

❄️ Where to stay in Lanzarote in winter?

If you are planning to visit Lanzarote in November, December, or January, the best place to stay is Playa Blanca, since it’s set in the southern part of the island. Some great accommodation options in this area are Meliá Salinas Resort and Hipotels Natura Palace.

🌊 Which part of Lanzarote has the best beaches?

The South and North parts of Lanzarote have some of the best beaches. 

🚌 Where to stay in Lanzarote without a car?

Arrecife, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca are some of the best areas to stay in Lanzarote without a car as they have bus connections to other places on the island.

🧭 North or south Lanzarote: which is better?

The Southern part is much warmer and sheltered from the strong winds while the Northern side is colder, but both sides have amazing resort towns and great beaches.

⚖️ Is Playa Blanca better than Costa Teguise?

Both towns are great, Costa Teguise is much tranquil and suited for families while Playa Blanca attracts lots of tourists and is bigger than Costa Teguise, so there are more things to do!

📅 How many days is enough in Lanzarote?

I’d recommend spending 4 to 5 days in Lanzarote, that way you can explore around and visit all the cool towns and wild beaches.

Conclusion

You can’t never get enough of the Canary Islands and beach holidays, right?

I hope you enjoyed this guide on where to stay in Lanzarote! I’d recommend booking your hotels here in advance as this island is a major holiday destination! 

If you’re still not sure which hotels to pick, here are my top 2 favorite places below, both set in Playa Blanca resort town:

There you have it!

Enjoy your Spanish adventures and if you’ve got any questions about Lanzarote don’t shy away from leaving them in the comment section below, I’d be happy to help you out!

Viajes Seguros, 

Victoria

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