Lanzarote is a magical place with stunning landscapes, including different types of beaches, caves, and volcanoes. Depending on the area, you may feel like you’re in the Caribbean or the Sahara desert, due to Lanzarote’s proximity to the northwestern African coast. You may even think you’re on the moon or Mars while you tour the Timanfaya National Park, one of the island’s main attractions. If you are looking for the best areas to stay in Lanzarote, you have come to the right place.
Located in the Atlantic Ocean, Lanzarote, like the rest of the Canary Islands, is a paradise where the rest of the world can go almost all year round to soak up the good weather. During the winter, many American, Northern, and Eastern European visitors escape the cold in one of the many resort and 5-star hotels in Lanzarote, even if it’s only for a few days. Lanzarote also stands out from other islands like the party mecca Gran Canaria because of its laidback vibe.
When travelling to Lanzarote for a romantic getaway, to go to the beach, or just to unwind? Keep reading to learn more about the best areas to stay in Lanzarote, Spain.
Accommodation Options in LanzaroteThe Best Areas to Stay in Lanzarote: A Summary
If you’re in a hurry, here’s a summary of our recommended areas to stay in Lanzarote. Keep reading to find out more about each area.
- Best area for sightseeing: Arrecife | Playa Blanca
- Best area for nature lovers: Yaiza
- Cheapest area to stay: Puerto del Carmen | Costa Teguise
- Best beach area: Playa Blanca
- Best area for families: Costa Teguise
What’s the Best Area to Stay in Lanzarote, Spain?
The best area to stay in Lanzarote is Playa Blanca, especially for a first-time visit to the island. This area, which name translates to “White Beach”, is in the southern part of Lanzarote and is surrounded by beautiful beaches, restaurants, and shops. Playa Blanca is also somewhat close to attractions like the Timanfaya National Park and is home to most of the best-rated hotels on the island.
Find Available Accommodation in Playa Blanca.
Best Hotels in Playa Blanca
- Best 5-star hotel: Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park
- Best 4-star hotel: Hotel Casa Del Embajador
- Best 3-star hotel: Relaxia Lanzasur Club
- Best budget hotel: Grupotel Flamingo Beach
- Best resort: Hotel LIVVO Volcán Lanzarote
- Best tourist apartments: Blancazul Alto Brisa
Where to Stay in Lanzarote for Sightseeing, Nightlife & Nature Lovers
Although the entire island is beautiful, the different towns in Lanzarote have unique vibes, attractions, and hotels for different budgets. These are some of the most interesting areas to stay in Lanzarote:
- Playa Blanca is the best area for first-time visitors to Lanzarote. This town is on the southern end of the island and is home to Playa Dorada, Playa Blanca, and Playa Flamingo, three beaches that are perfect for sunbathing and swimming during most of the year. Some of the best hotels in Playa Blanca include CalaLanzarote Suites Hotel and our number one pick Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park.
- Located on the southeastern coast of Lanzarote, Puerto del Carmen is another beach area that is perfect for kitesurfing, parascending, and windsurfing. Puerto del Carmen is also a cheap area to stay in Lanzarote, but you can still find some highly rated hotels such as the Hotel Lava Beach and La Isla y el Mar, Hotel Boutique.
- Arrecife is the capital of Lanzarote and the main gateway to the island since it hosts the airport. Located in the centre of Lanzarote, Arrecife has a lot of restaurants and bars that make it one of the best areas to stay in Lanzarote for nightlife. Some of our favourite properties here are Arrecife Gran Hotel & Spa and more budget-friendly options, like Hotel Lancelot.
- Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a great area for families in Lanzarote, Costa Teguise is the place for you. In this town, there’s Aquapark Costa Teguise water park with several pools and slides, as well as family-friendly beaches. Costa Teguise has a lot of luxury resorts and hotels, including the Barceló Lanzarote Active Resort and the Paradisus Salinas Lanzarote.
The Best Areas for Tourists in Lanzarote, Spain: Best Towns
Booking.com (function(d, sc, u) { var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0]; s.type = ‘text/javascript’; s.async = true; s.src = u + ‘?v=’ + (+new Date()); p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p); })(document, ‘script’, ‘//cf.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js’);1. Playa Blanca: Best Location in Lanzarote for Sightseeing
Home to beautiful, white sand beaches and resorts Playa Blanca is the best area to stay in Lanzarote to enjoy a relaxing trip to the island.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Lanzarote:
- Beaches and natural pools
- Water parks
- Resorts and luxury accommodations
- Restaurants and bars
- Underwater museum
- Shopping centres and shops
- Connected by bus and taxi to the rest of the island
- Connected by ferry to Fuerteventura
Playa Blanca is on the southern tip of Lanzarote and it is one of the main tourist hubs of the island.
The name of this town translates to “white beach” and it refers to the beautiful white sand beaches that you can find here. Among these beaches, the name of the most central is also Playa Blanca, but Playa Dorada (“golden beach”) is the most beautiful one. Playa Dorada is only a 10-minute walk east of the town centre, and it is perfect for a swim or activities such as parascending.
Besides beaches, Playa Blanca is one of the best areas to stay in Lanzarote because it is a short drive to some of the island’s main attractions. For example, you can get to the entry of the Timanfaya National Park in less than 30 minutes by car.
The park, which is over 50km² large and 100% covered in volcanic soil, is a must-visit for anyone travelling to Lanzarote. That said, although there are several bus stops throughout this area, it’s better to hire a tour to the Timanfaya to fully understand this impressive volcanic wonder.
Playa Blanca is also a great area for a family trip to Lanzarote since it hosts water parks and the Museo Atlántico, an underwater museum. In the museum, you’ll be able to dive in and see underwater sculptures mixed with the marine life of the area. If you don’t have a diving license, you can take basic lessons next to the museum. Afterward, you’ll be allowed to see the sculptures with the help of an instructor.
Being one of the main tourist hubs in Lanzarote, Playa Blanca also has a lot of accommodation options. From luxury resort hotels to affordable guesthouses and apartments, there’s a place to stay in Playa Blanca for all budgets.
Likewise, there are also plenty of restaurants and bars in this part of Lanzarote.
Playa Blanca is also one of the best areas to stay in Lanzarote if you’re looking to visit other islands. After all, you can easily hop on a ferry and be in Fuerteventura in less than 35 minutes!
Best Hotels in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote
Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park
This beachfront hotel is situated a short walk from the bay of Playa Flamingo, enjoying impressive views of the Atlantic Ocean around Lanzarote. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
Hotel Mirador Papagayo by LIVVO
Set in the Playa Blanca area of southern Lanzarote, Hotel Mirador Papagayo by LIVVO offers 3 swimming pools, a modern gym, and a wellness centre including a sauna, experience shower, and hot tub.
Relaxia Lanzasur Club – Aqualava Water Park
Relaxia Lanzasur Club is located just 200 m from Flamingo Beach, in southern Lanzarote. Surrounded by gardens, this attractive complex offers a 24-hour reception, fitness centre and 4 outdoor pools.
Grupotel Flamingo Beach
With Flamingo Beach reachable at 300 metres, Grupotel Flamingo Beach provides accommodation, a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, and a garden.
Gran Castillo Tagoro Family & Fun Playa Blanca
Located in the district of Playa Blanca, Gran Castillo Tagoro Family & Fun Playa Blanca offers luxurious accommodations with views of the Atlantic Ocean. Set in a Moorish-style building, it features 6 pools, including a children’s pool with slides.
Blancazul Alto Brisa
Set 90 m from Playa Blanca and 400 m from Playa Dorada, Blancazul Alto Brisa in Playa Blanca offers air-conditioned accommodation with views of the sea and free WiFi.
2. Puerto del Carmen: Best Location in Lanzarote for Nightlife
Puerto del Carmen is on the southeastern coast of Lanzarote and is the island’s party town par excellence, with many bars and clubs.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Lanzarote:
- Great area for nightlife
- Beaches and water sports
- Cheap accommodation
- Good area for shopping
- Restaurants and hotels of all kinds
- Boat tours
- Taxi and bus stations
Like Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen is an important tourist area in Lanzarote.
This town, which is on the southeastern coast of the island, stands out. among other things, for its nightlife. When the sun goes down, the many bars on Avenida de las Playas, Puerto del Carmen’s promenade, fill up both with tourists and locals. There’s also a handful of nightclubs in this area that are the busiest in Lanzarote during the weekend.
But Puerto del Carmen is more than a party town. The beaches in the area, such as Playa Chica (“small beach”) are great for scuba diving, with several diving schools nearby. Other beaches like Playa Grande (“big beach”) are more family-friendly, with calm waters for swimming and plenty of space for sunbathing.
You can also practice parascending, kitesurfing, and windsurfing in some parts of Puerto del Carmen.
From the harbour, there are several boat tours daily. Hence, you can choose between going to the neighbouring Isla de Lobos, watching dolphins at sunset, and many other experiences.
Puerto del Carmen is also one of the best areas to stay in Lanzarote to go shopping. Besides the many shops and boutiques along Avenida de las Playas, there’s also the Biosfera Plaza shopping centre. Inside the shopping centre, you’ll also find a minigolf course and even a few clubs.
Accommodation in Puerto del Carmen includes many tourist apartments and more budget-friendly options than Playa Blanca. Yet, you can also find luxury hotels in this part of Lanzarote.
Best Hotels in Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote
Hotel Lava Beach
Set in Puerto del Carmen, Hotel Lava Beach offers 5-star accommodation with a fitness centre, a garden, and a terrace. Boasting a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a restaurant. The tour desk is available to assist guests in planning their days out.
R2 Bahia Kontiki
Situated just 250 m from Playa Grande, the R2 Bahia Kontiki offers an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by gardens and a sun terrace. All accommodation features a balcony.
Hotel THB Flora
An attractive holiday resort located in a peaceful area of Puerto del Carmen, THB Flora is just 800 m from the beach and 500 m from the shopping centre.
Plaza Azul
Located on Lanzarote’s glorious Fariones Beach and near Puerto de Carmen centre, these apartments have bright and airy interiors, as well as free WiFi. The property features an outdoor pool and bar-restaurant.
Villas Alondra
Set in a large garden, Villas Alondra features private outdoor swimming pools and furnished sun terraces. They also offer free Wi-Fi, parking and stylish kitchens with dishwashers.
Apartamentos Acuario Sol
This smart and well-equipped apartment complex is well situated in the centre of the popular resort of Puerto del Carmen, a short walk from some of the best beaches on Lanzarote. The apartments are located in 2 different blocks within the complex.
3. Costa Teguise: Best Location in Lanzarote for Families
Costa Teguise is on the eastern coast of Lanzarote and it is a great place to stay with kids since it hosts the island’s aquarium and largest water park.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Lanzarote:
- Great area for families
- AQUAPARK Costa Teguise
- Aquarium Costa Teguise
- Surfing area
- César Manrique Foundation
- Pueblo Marinero
When it comes down to choosing a place to stay in Lanzarote for a family trip, Costa Teguise, on the eastern coast, is the best option.
In this part of the island, you’ll find attractions such as the Aquarium Costa Teguise and the largest water park in Lanzarote. In the park, called AQUAPARK Costa Teguise, there are several slides and rides that the whole family can enjoy.
The beaches in Costa Teguise are windier than those in the areas mentioned before. So, places like Playa de las Cucharas (which translates to something like “beach of the spoons”) are very popular among surfers.
But, perhaps, the epicentre of Costa Teguise is the Pueblo Marinero, a complex that resembles a fishing village in traditional Canarian architecture. In this “pueblo,” you’ll find a lot of restaurants, bars, and shops. Pueblo Marinero also hosts a lot of street markets, concerts, and festivals.
This area’s creation was under the supervision of César Manrique, an artist from Lanzarote who loved to mix architecture and nature. Over time, Manrique would become a reference because of how he used natural resources responsibly.
In Lanzarote, there are several attractions related to the artist, including the César Manrique Foundation, just outside Costa Teguise. The foundation is on the house Manrique called home and is a great way to get familiar with his work. A taxi can get you to the foundation in only 10 minutes.
Being one of the main tourist areas of Lanzarote, Costa Teguise also has a wide range of hotels.
Best Hotels in Costa Teguise, Lanzarote
Paradisus Salinas Lanzarote
This adults-recommended hotel with 5-star Grand Luxury, is surrounded by 2 white sandy beaches, and it is ideal for enjoying all that Lanzarote has to offer – year-round sunshine, tropical gardens, and great local art.
Barceló Lanzarote Active Resort
Refurbished January 2022, this all-inclusive resort is set in the relaxing town of Costa Teguise, on the island of Lanzarote. Located on the beachfront, this hotel offers great sea views.
Hotel Club Siroco
Offering an outdoor swimming pool, Hotel Club Siroco is an adults-only complex located a 4-minute walk from Playa de las Cucharas Beach. All apartments feature a private balcony with pool or garden views.
4. Arrecife: Most Central Location in Lanzarote
Arrecife is the capital of Lanzarote and it is close to the island’s airport. This area stands out because it offers a more authentic experience, with restaurants and bars loved by locals.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Lanzarote:
- César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport
- Great restaurants and bars
- Good area for shopping
- San Ginés church and lagoon
- Museums
- Castle of San Gabriel
- Good area for business travellers
Arrecife is the main entrance to the island. This town is the capital of Lanzarote and hosts the airport, so it is the first thing most tourists see.
Likewise, Arrecife is in a central location on the eastern coast of the island, almost midway between the northern and southern points.
Yet, this town is not the most popular choice to stay in Lanzarote, which has a lot to do with its lack of beautiful beaches.
Though there are beaches in the area, they’re not that visually appealing and are full of rocks. Both visitors and local people prefer to go to Playa Blanca or Costa Teguise to swim and practice water sports.
That said, there are many other things to do in Arrecife. For starters, the restaurants and bars in the area are the local’s favourites. So, if you’re looking for a more authentic, less touristy experience in Lanzarote, you may want to book a hotel in Arrecife. The shops in Arrecife are also some of the best on the island, including boutiques by local designers.
Arrecife has accommodations of all kinds, including some famous ones. For example, the Arrecife Gran Hotel & Spa, the tallest building on Lanzarote, is in the area. This hotel has a restaurant with some of the best views in Lanzarote.
Attractions in Arrecife include the San Ginés church and “charco,” a lagoon filled with seawater from the Atlantic. The San Gabriel Castle, the archeological museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, which is on another castle, are also worth a visit.
Best Hotels in Arrecife, Lanzarote
Arrecife Gran Hotel & Spa
Arrecife Gran Hotel & Spa is next to Arrecife’s El Reducto Beach, on the island of Lanzarote. This 5-star hotel offers a spa, indoor pool, free Wi-Fi, and panoramic views.
Hotel Lancelot
Located in the centre of the city of Arrecife, opposite the Reducto beach and 6 km from the airport, the hotel provides the ideal setting for a successful business meeting or a pleasant holiday.
Hostal Residencia Cardona
Hostal Residencia Cardona is located 100 m from Reducto Beach, right in the heart of Arrecife. Every room is equipped with a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, and a TV.
Apartamentos Islamar Arrecife
These seafront apartments are 50 m from Reducto Beach. They offer bright accommodation with free Wi-Fi and a balcony with views of Arrecife Bay and the Parque Islas Canarias Botanic Gardens.
5. Yaiza: Best Location in Lanzarote for Nature Lovers
Yaiza is the best area to stay in Lanzarote for outdoor activities since it is very close to the Timanfaya National Park.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Lanzarote:
- Close to Timanfaya National Park
- El Golfo and Charco Verde
- Budget-friendly accommodation
- Best area for nature lovers
Though every area on the island is beautiful in its way, Yaiza is the best area to stay in Lanzarote for nature lovers.
For starters, Yaiza is close to the Timanfaya National Park, a one-of-a-kind landscape created by volcanic eruptions that took place in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. While touring the Timanfaya, which you can do on a bus, you could think you’re on the moon or Mars looking at craters, caves, and volcanic rocks. Likewise, El Diablo restaurant, which uses the heat that emerges from the earth to grill dishes, is worth a visit.
But Yaiza, located in the southwestern part of Lanzarote, is more than Timanfaya. The area is also close to El Golfo, which is home to the Charco Verde, a green lagoon made of seawater oozing from the subsoil. El Golfo Beach, with a trekking trail and volcanic rocks, is among the most visited natural attractions in Lanzarote. Yet, this beach isn’t the best for swimming, but rather to photograph or admire from afar.
Accommodation in Yaiza is, for the most part, made up of guesthouses, B&Bs, and tourist apartments. Hence, this is also a more budget-friendly option for a stay in Lanzarote.
Also, although the area is more quiet than Puerto del Carmen or Playa Blanca, there are still some good bars and restaurants.
Best Hotels in Yaiza, Lanzarote
La Casona de Yaiza
Casona de Yaiza can be found next to the Timanfaya National Park on Lanzarote. There is an outdoor swimming pool, and all of the rooms have satellite TV.
Hotelito La Era B&B
With mountain views, Hotelito La Era B&B is set in Yaiza and has a restaurant, luggage storage space, bar, garden, and terrace. Both WiFi and private parking are accessible at the bed and breakfast free of charge.
Ocra Apartment
Boasting pool views, Ocra Apartment features accommodation with a patio. This apartment has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi, and free private parking.
6. Teguise: Cheap Location to Stay in Lanzarote
Villa Teguise is a charming area to stay in Lanzarote that used to be the island’s capital.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Lanzarote:
- Oldest part of Lanzarote
- Villa Teguise Sunday market
- Santa Bárbara Castle and Museum of Piracy
- Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Although we’ve already mentioned Costa Teguise on this list, the actual village deserves an entry on its own.
Villa de Teguise was the capital of the Lanzarote until the 19th century and is even more central than Arrecife. As such, this area showcases a very authentic side of the island, with its traditional white houses and cobblestoned streets. Teguise was declared an architectural-historical-artistic town and is one of the oldest in Lanzarote.
The Santa Bárbara Castle is one of the main attractions of Teguise. This castle is on the Guanapay Volcano, so it offers great views of Villa de Teguise and its surrounding areas. You can also visit the Museum of Piracy inside the castle.
Other attractions in Teguise include a cacti garden and the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
When it comes to things to do in Villa de Teguise, the Sunday market is the best and most popular activity. The market goes from 9am to 2pm and is the place to go for souvenirs, arts and crafts, organic products and food.
Though it doesn’t have as many connections as Arrecife, Teguise is well-connected to other parts of Lanzarote by bus. Accommodation and dining options in this area are also more affordable.
Best Hotels in Teguise, Lanzarote
Hotel Boutique Palacio Ico
Hotel Boutique Palacio Ico offers 4-star accommodation in Teguise and features a bar. Featuring a terrace, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The accommodation offers room service and luggage storage space for guests.
Villa El Jable Lanzarote
Villa El Jable Lanzarote in Teguise provides accommodation, a garden, a shared lounge, a terrace, and barbecue facilities. The bed and breakfast features both WiFi and private parking free of charge.
7. Orzola: Best Location in Lanzarote to Go to La Graciosa
Orzola has some of the most peaceful beaches of Lanzarote and is also a great pleace to stay if you love seafood.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Lanzarote:
- Peaceful area and beaches
- Good area for surfers
- Great seafood
- Boats to La Graciosa
Orzola is on the northern coast of Lanzarote and has a port with daily departures to the neighbouring island of La Graciosa.
This fishing village has some of the best-kept secrets of the island, including Los Caletones, a group of quiet, mostly empty beaches. Among these beaches, Caletón Blanco may be the most beautiful and peaceful one. People from Lanzarote even say that the sand from Caletón Blanco Beach has healing properties.
There are also other beaches in Orzola, like La Cantería, famous for its many waves approved by surfers.
Orzola is also a good location in Lanzarote for seafood lovers since the restaurants in the area serve authentic dishes that are as fresh as it gets.
This part of Lanzarote offers different kinds of accommodations, with the most common being apartments and cheaper hotels.
Best Hotels in Orzola, Lanzarote
Apartamentos Orzola
Apartamentos Orzola features mountain views and free WiFi, 1.2 km from Playa de la Cantería and 1.5 km from Caleton Blanco Beach.
Mirador del muelle house
Mirador del Muelle house in Orzola provides adults-only accommodation with a shared lounge and a terrace. The property is less than 1 km from Playa de la Cantería.
8. Punta Mujeres: Good Location for Sightseeing
Punta Mujeres is near Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua, two of Lanzarote’s main attractions. This is also a cheap area to stay in Lanzarote.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Lanzarote:
- Quiet beaches
- Cueva de los Verdes
- Jameos del Agua
Punta Mujeres is on the northeastern part of Lanzarote and has a fishing village vibe similar to Orzola. Thus, you will also find some beautiful, less crowded beaches and natural pools in this area.
Yet, as with every part of Lanzarote, Punta Mujeres is more than only beaches.
Around Punta Mujeres, you will find two of Lanzarote’s most popular and important attractions: Jameos del Agua and Cueva de los Verdes.
Jameos del Agua is another Cesar Manrique creation and is a beautiful cultural centre, museum, and restaurant installed on the insides of a volcanic tube. Meanwhile, Cueva de los Verdes (cave of the greens) is a grotto that tourists can visit and it was also built with Manrique’s supervision.
Yet, regardless of being near important attractions, restaurants and hotels in Punta Mujeres tend to be more affordable than those in the main tourist areas.
Best Hotels in Punta Mujeres, Lanzarote
Villa Sama
Featuring an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, and a terrace, Villa Sama offers accommodation in Punta de Mujeres with free WiFi and sea views.
9. Bonus: La Graciosa
Although La Graciosa is a different island, it is very close to Lanzarote and has an even more peaceful vibe, with virgin beaches, mountains, and trails for cycling and trekking.
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Why is this the best area to stay:
- Beautiful natural attractions
- Virgin beaches
- Close to Lanzarote
Although La Graciosa is a different island from Lanzarote, it deserves a special mention on this list as a bonus. After all, La Graciosa is only a kilometre north of Lanzarote, with boats running regularly between the two islands every day.
The 8th Canary Island is the perfect place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life. With its golden sand beaches, mountains, and trails for trekking and cycling, La Graciosa is a natural paradise that is still, for the most part, untouched by mass tourism. There are even some virgin beaches here, like Playa de las Conchas, on the northeast part of the island.
Yet, even the more “popular” beaches in La Graciosa, such as Playa del Salado and Francesa Beach, are quiet.
There are only two areas to choose from when it comes to staying in La Graciosa, the smallest of the Canary Islands. You can find some tourist apartments in Pedro Barba, but most of the accommodations are in Caleta del Sebo, so it’s best to stick to the latter area.
Best Hotels in La Graciosa
Caléndula Beach 1ºLinea mar
Set in Caleta de Sebo, 500 m from Playa del Salado and 2.6 km from Francesa Beach, Caléndula Beach 1ºLinea mar offers mountain views and free WiFi.
