Where to stay in Lanzarote (2023): 15 best areas + hotels

Where to stay in Lanzarote to best enjoy the island? 
There are options for everyone with resort towns, charming coastal villages or off the beaten path scenic locations...
Below is my guide where I compare the best places to stay in Lanzarote including:

• Lanzarote area descriptions and map,
• best hotels  in Lanzarote, 
• best resorts,
• alternative accommodations...

Find your gem!

In this article, no ads, no sponsored posts. Just some affiliate links.
If you purchase through them, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (Disclosure).

Where to Stay in Lanzarote - Map

Most areas where you will find accommodations are on the East Coast or inland.
Because part of the West coast is covered with lava in the Timanfaya National Park, and the northern coast is a giant cliff.
To help you locate all the areas I am mentioning in this article,  below is a map with the main towns and places to stay in Lanzarote:

Overall, my short answer to the question 'where to stay in Lanzarote' is as follows:

• Most enjoyable Resort Town = Playa Blanca
  see hotel + rental deals
• Best location to be able to explore Lanzarote = Costa Teguise
  See hotel + rental deals
• Coastal Charm and Quiet = Punta Mujeres
  See hotel + rental deals
• Romantic = El Golfo
  See hotel + rental deals
• Original = La Graciosa
  See hotel + rental deals
• Resort town with most activities = Puerto del Carmen
  see hotel + rental deals

And you can find a lot more information further in this article.

Also depending on who you are/what you want to do, here are the best towns to stay in Lanzarote:

• Without a car 
  your best options are the 3 resort towns (Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise and Puerto del Carmen) because most excursions and activities are available from all 3
• For families with young children = Playa Blanca or Costa Teguise
• For beginner nautical sports = Costa Teguise
• For historical feel = Teguise
• For nightlife =
  If you want to dance and party, Puerto del Carmen would be the best place to stay in Lanzarote for you
• Intense visits =
  if your goal is to see as much as possible, I recommend spending 2/3 of your time in an accommodation towards the North such as Teguise or Costa Teguise and 1/3 towards the South such as Playa Blanca - to reduce travel times
• Quieter places to stay in Lanzarote =
  small towns that are more historic: Haria, Teguise, Yaiza... see details later in the article
• Luxury =
  you can find options in all main towns, check out my article on the luxury resorts in Lanzarote

Beach in Costa Teguise

My top 4 - Best RESORTS in Lanzarote

• Princesa Yaiza Suite Resort
  in Playa Blanca - Fantastic location, stunning designs and great for kids
  See photos and prices
• Seaside Los Jameos
  in Puerto del Carmen - lots of charm in the decor, great Garden (all inclusive possible)
  See photos and availability
• Gran Castillo Tagoro Family & Fun
  Playa Blanca - Amazing for families (size rooms and activities)
  Check out photos and availability
• The Volcan
  in Playa Blanca - Nice design and layout for privacy, great facilities
  Check out photos and availability

My top 4 - Best HOTELS in Lanzarote

• Lani's suite de Luxe
  in Puerto del Carmen (adults only) - clean, crisp design, amazing swimming pool
  Check out photos and availability
• Hotel Boutique Palacio Ico
  in Teguise - Stylish, Historical, Authentic...
  Check out photos and availability
• Aqua Suites in Puerto del Carmen - Crisp, modern design, great pool
  Check out photos and availability
• Iberostar Lanzarote Park
  in Playa Blanca - Great locations and views, amazing common facilities
   Check out photos and availability

5-star hotels in Lanzarote

And if you heart is already set on staying at a 5 star resort hotel in Lanzarote, check out my comparison guide.

New Hotels and Resort - Opened in 2022 / 2023

• Mynd Yaiza
  In Playa Blanca, opened June 2022, 4 stars
  see photos and availability
• Casa Serena 10 Boutique Hotel
  In Tias, opened March 2022, 5 stars
  see photos and availability
• Lanzarote Prime Sports
  In Costa Teguise, opened March 2022, 4 stars
  see photos and availability
• Royal Marina Suites Boutique Hotel
  In Puerto Calero, opened February 2022, 4 stars
  see photos and availability

And the years before

About Playa Blanca

I am starting with Playa Blanca because it was my favorite of the 3 resort towns.
I enjoyed the size of the town, the beaches the walk along the water, which is not right by the road. It has a relaxed vibe that I appreciated.

The town has different sections around beaches and at the East end, the Rubicon Marina with its public swimming pool and nice dining options.

About Playa Blanca

• Location

Located on the South Coast of Lanzarote.
This location is great for access to the neighbor island of Fuerteventura and the South Attractions (Such as the Papagayo beaches, Los Hervideros, the Green lagoon...Timanfaya) are also easy to access.
However it is a bit far from all the North attractions such as the Caves, the Cesar Manrique attractions and La Graciosa.

• Busyness & Facilities

As a resort town, it gets quite busy but it is not as intense as Puerto del Carmen.
However nightlife is limited so it is quiet.
There is all you need - shops, restaurants, beach facilities, rentals...

• Beaches

The beaches are quite small but they were the most beautiful of all the resort towns (in my opinion).
And if you want more space, you can walk east to the wild beaches of Papagayo.

• Nearby attractions

You can of course enjoy excursions to all the classics: Los Hervideros basalt cliffs, the volcanoes of Timanfaya National Park, other volcano walks, Winery visits... Check out my article about the best excursions in Lanzarote

Otherwise, the most popular activities in Playa Blanca are:

• Enjoying the promenade along the water
• Climb Montana Roja
• Cruise to the amazing beaches of Papagayo - check out program
• Kayak, Snorkeling 
• And if you dive, the Underwater museum

Or you can take the ferry and discover Fuerteventura - See Day trip options

Best places to stay in Playa Blanca - Hotels + Accommodation Suggestions

• Luxury Resort
  Princesa Yaisa, fantastic location and great design
  Check out photos and availability
• Family
  Gran Castillo Tagoro Family & Fun - Amazing for families (size rooms and activities)
  Check out photos and availability
• All inclusive
  Sandos Papagayo Beach resort has great facilities and ample choice of food - 7min walk from the beach
  Check out photos and availability
• Apartment by sea
  Apartamento Harbour View with a great terrasse and a modern decor, right in the heart of town
  Check out photos and availability
• Villa
  Villa Calero has a swimming pool in a great garden and lots of charm
  Check out photos and availability
• Adults only
  La Cal Suites Hotel with elegant white design - check out pictures and availability

Why stay in Puerto des Carmen

Puerto del Carmen is the most famous and largest of all the resort towns in Lanzarote.
It has everything you would need in a resort town: Beaches, casino, shopping, fun activities, zoos, golf...
The advantage is that you can find accommodations and things to do for all budgets.

The town is quite long. It takes a lot of the time to walk from the marina to the other end... And I think the promenade is less enjoyable than in Playa Blanca because you are close to the cars.

• Nearby attractions

You can of course enjoy excursions to all the classics: Los Hervideros basalt cliffs, the volcanoes of Timanfaya National Park, other volcano walks, Winery visits... Check out my article about the best excursions in Lanzarote

This is probably where you have the most choice of activities on and off the water such as:

• Dolphin cruises during the day or at sunset - plus get great views of Lanzarote from the sea - learn more
• Buggy drive to discover the landscapes of Lanzarote from dirt tracks - learn more
• Paragliding off the coast of Lanzarote - I love this activity, you feel safe but the sensations and views are amazing! Learn more
• Speed & adrenaline water activities such as Crazy UFO - learn more
• Visit the Rancho Texas Park a mix of zoo and water park- Get your entrance ticket
• Coastal walk to Puerto Calero

Best places to stay in Puerto del Carmen - Hotels + Accommodation Suggestions

• Luxury hotel
  Lani's suite de Luxe in Puerto del Carmen (adults only) - clean, crisp design, amazing swimming pool
  Check out photos and availability
• All inclusive
  Seaside Los Jameos in Puerto del Carmen - lots of charm in the decor, great Garden
  Check out photos and availability
• Quiet apartment
  Riviera Park Apartamento 2A - in a quiet complex but not far from the strip, modern and practical
  Check out photos and availability
• Central aparment
  Apartamento Isla de Fuego is right on the strip where the action is with a great terrace
  Check out photos and availability
• Guesthouse
  Pension Magec is an alternative for smaller budget - shared bathrooms but great price for the heart of Puerto del Carmen
  Check out photos and availability
• Villa
  Villa Amanecer has a lot of character, a small pool and a great location
   Check out photos and availability

Costa Teguise

Costa Teguise has been developed for Tourism. So you will find very practical facilities and lots of carparks close to the beaches (which is not the case of the other resort towns). This is a big positive!

I think the best things about Costa Teguise is that is has a great location with easy access to all the Lanzarote attractions.
It is not as charming as Playa Blanca but I enjoyed the relax vibe. It is great for families with young children.

Main beach at Costa Teguise

About Costa Teguise - Analysis

• Location

Located on the East Coast of Lanzarote, north of Arrecife, 15min from the airport.
I think this is one of the best locations to visit all the attractions in Lanzarote both in the volcanic center and the North with the work of Cesar Manrique and La Graciosa. This is great to limit driving time every day you go out

• Busyness & Facilities

Not as busy as the other resort towns, but it is developing so it might change.
You can find all you needs for facilities and activities. It is quieter at night than Puerto del Carmen.
There is all you need - shops, restaurants, beach facilities, rentals...
This is however not a place dedicated to people who want to shop.

• Beaches

Costa Teguise has a great choie of beaches. Playa Bastian is calm and great for families while Playa Cucharas is popular to learn windsurfing with some wind and a large water area

• Nearby attractions

You can of course enjoy excursions to all the classics: Los Hervideros basalt cliffs, the volcanoes of Timanfaya National Park, other volcano walks, Winery visits... Check out my article about the best excursions in Lanzarote

Popular activities in Costa Teguise are:

• Visit to the aquarium - get entry tickets
• Have fun at the aqua park
• Windsurfing
• Diving

Charming architecture in Costa Teguise

Best places to stay in Costa Teguise - Hotels + Accommodation Suggestions

• Adult only hotel
  Barceló Teguise Beach right by La Cucharas beach, dinner inclusive, great facilities
  Check out photos and availability
• All inclusive resort
  HD Beach Resort has modern design and great sport facilities by the beach
  Check out photos and availability
• Apartment
  Casa Linda only 2 min walk from the beach and close to everything
  Check out photos and availability
• Villa
  Villa Golf Lanzarote is spacious with a great outside area
  Check out photos and availability

Why stay in Punta Mujeres

I had a small crush on the coastal village of Punta Mujeres. Easily accessed from the main road, it feels integrated between the Earth and the Sea. A lot of small white houses, some fishing boats and several rock pools that fill in at high tide allowing you to refresh.
It has a laid-back vibe and some inviting little eateries.

Area 6 - where to stay in El Golfo

Why stay in El Golfo

 It is a small town right next to Charcos de los Clicos where a volcan meet the ocean and a green lagoon has formed.
 This is a famous place to enjoy sunset and for honeymooners.
Very small village, limited options but some great views! 

Area 7 - where to stay in Yaiza

Area 8 - where to stay in Teguise

Why stay in Teguise

If you are looking for an historical vibe, then Teguise is a great choice. It used to be the capital of Lanzarote and it has kept its charm.
Walking in the small streets of the center with the white houses is really enjoyable. Most of the time it is really quiet, but it gets busy on Sunday for the market (but compared to the Haria Market, this one has become too touristy with less local craft...)

Area 9 - where to stay in Haria

Why stay in Haria

If you are looking for a quiet place to stay with some trees and greenery, then Haria is what you are looking for.
But beware that except when the Saturday market is on, it is really really quiet.

Why stay in Arrecife

Arrecife is the capital of Lanzarote.
It is my least favorite choice for where to stay in Lanzarote. Mainly because this is the only place where you can find buildings.
I must admit the beach with shallow waters is great of floating but otherwise it is a big city.

About Arrecife - Analysis

• Location

Very centrally located on the East Coast of Lanzarote. Easy access to all the attractions and close to the airport.

• Busyness & Facilities

Very busy - not only tourist but all the business of a main town
There is all you need - shops, restaurants, beach facilities, rentals...
Lots and lots of shopping possible.
Parking can be complicated

• Beaches

Several beaches, the central one is really nice with kids as it has shallow waters

• Nearby attractions

You can of course enjoy excursions to all the classics: Los Hervideros basalt cliffs, the volcanoes of Timanfaya National Park, other volcano walks, Winery visits... Check out my article about the best excursions in Lanzarote

If you love sunsets, this is where you should stay to be able to get out on the beach each time to sky is promising. The sun hits the Famara cliffs just right and at low tide, there is a reflection on top of that. Pure joy, but a lot of photos to sort. (The sunset photo at the beginning of the article was also taken at Famara)

• Location - North of the West Coast, not far from Teguise
• Activities - Big waves and strong current, surfer enjoy this beach
• Accommodations - A mix of small rentals in the village and accommodations in an area which was supposed to be a large touristic village

If like me you want to be lost in Nature with great views, you can also find rentals and guesthouses between towns. No shops and restaurant but great silence and panoramas.
I really enjoyed my stay at Finca Las Laderas. It is located between Teguise and Famara. it has several apartments and a swimming pool. This was exactly what I was looking for! Check out more photos and availability.

Want a different experience?
If you want to settle just in one place, far from the buzz and the traffic, then you can get off Lanzarote, take the ferry to the small island of La Graciosa and relax there for a few days.

There are no roads and only 2 settlements on the whole island but amazing white sand beaches. There are just a few 4WD, that can take you on the sand track to different part of the island.

Check out the accommodation options on La Graciosa

Orzola is the gateway town to the island of La Graciosa. Located at the far North of the island, it is easy to drive to (and drive from to visit the rest of the island).
It is a small charming town with white architecture and the hills behind.

• Location - North of the island
• Activities - take the boat to La Graciosa, enjoy the Lagoon at Las Caletones...
• Accommodations - Mostly apartments and villas

Area 15 - Tinajo

Located on the West coast, Tinajo is not a touristic destination. But if you enjoy sports, you can stay at Club La Santa, surrounded by bare landscapes. They offer lots of fitness classes and some volcano walks. Check out photos and availability

Where to go in Lanzarote

Option 1 - Capital city

Arrecife is the capital of Lanzarote. It is a large town with a nice beach and taller buildings. However it is not really geared towards tourism.
Most people choose this option. The resort towns have beaches, restaurants and all sorts of activities. There are 3 main Resort Towns:

• Puerto del Carmen, the biggest one
• Costa Teguise, great facilities for families and close to many attractions
• Playa Blanca to the South, the one with the most charm

Option 2 - Resort towns

Most people choose this option. Resorts have beaches, restaurants and all sorts of activities. There are 3 main ones:
Puerto del Carmen, the largest
Costa Teguise, excellent facilities for families and close to many attractions
Playa Blanca in the south, the most charming

Option 3 - Traditional coastal towns

If you want to find quieter options with lots of character, there are some really nice coastal towns such as:

• Punta Mujeres on the East coast with natural rock pools
• El Golfo on the West side near the green lagoon

Option 4 - Traditional inland town

You can also find small towns in the center of the island that have a long history and have kept their authenticity.
The main one is Teguise which used to be the capital.