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!
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Where to Stay in Lanzarote in 2021? - Short answers
Overall best 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 best rated accommodations)
- Best location to be able to explore Lanzarote - Costa Teguise (see best rated accommodations)
- Coastal Charm and Quiet - Punta Mujeres (see best rated accommodations)
- Scenic Views - Famara Beach (see best rated accommodations)
- Original - La Graciosa (see best rated accommodations)
And you can find a lot more information further in this article.
Famara Beach at Sunset
Best areas based on Personality / Activity Criteria
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
- Quiet places to stay in Lanzarote - small towns that are more historic: Haria, Teguise, Yaiza... see my section on Less touristic areas
Beach in Costa Teguise
Overall best hotels or resorts in Lanzarote
You could also choose where to stay in Lanzarote based on your hotel preference. Therefore I am listing the best hotels and resort in the whole of Lanzarote. My selection is based on the user reviews from booking.com (quantity, rating and content):
Best HOTELS in Lanzarote
- Lani's suite de Luxe in Puerto del Carmen (adults only) - clean, crisp design, amazing swimming pool - Check out photos
- Hotel Boutique Palacio Ico in Teguise - Stylish, Historical, Authentic... - Check out photos
- Aqua Suites in Puerto del Carmen - Crisp, modern design, great pool - Check out photos
- Iberostar Lanzarote Park in Playa Blanca - Great locations and views, amazing common facilities - Check out photos
Best RESORTS in Lanzarote
- Princesa Yaiza Suite Resort in Playa Blanca - Fantastic location, - stunning designs and great for kids - Check out photos
- Seaside Los Jameos in Puerto del Carmen - lots of charm in the decor, great Garden (all inclusive possible) - Check out photos
- Gran Castillo Tagoro Family & Fun Playa Blanca - Amazing for families (size rooms and activities) - Check out photos
- The Volcan in Playa Blanca - Nice design and layout for privacy, great facilities - Check out photos
But you can also find some great apartments, B&Bs and villas to stay in. See my recommendation for each section.
Playa Blanca resort in Lanzarote
Note - Independence of selection
I have created this guide totally independently. The suggestions are my own selection based on my experience and my in-depth research. But to be transparent, I have, of course, not stayed at all the hotels listed.
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.
Brand new Hotels and Resorts in Lanzarote - 2020 and 2021
- January 2021 - Sands Beach Active Resort - in Costa Teguise - 4 stars - check out pictures and availability
- Second semester 2020 - Apartment Mirador Papagayo The Home collection - in Playa Blanca - 4 stars - check out pictures and availability
Best places to stay in Lanzarote - Map + Overview
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:
Where to Stay in Lanzarote - Map
Overview of the areas to stay in Lanzarote
There are different kinds of places where you can stay in Lanzarote. Below is an overview of your different options:
Beach in Playa Blanca
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.
Option 2 - Resort towns
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
There is a section about each one in this guide.
Center of Teguise
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.
Option 5 - Out of towns
Or you can find great guesthouses and rentals between towns, where you can see more of nature and volcanoes. This is what I did for a little while. I will share my experience further in the article.
Option 6 - Off Lanzarote, on La Graciosa
The last option if you want to spend some time away from the craziness is to take the ferry to La Graciosa. There are 2 settlements on the island but no paved roads at all (only tracks in the sand). A great alternative but with limited excursions.
Need to rent a car?
- Compare rental prices from major and local brands on Discovercars.com - it is one of the best customer-rated websites!
- Consider their full coverage option - I always take it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
PLAYA BLANCA - Hotels, Accommodations, Area Description
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.
Why Stay in Playa Blanca - Analysis
- 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
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.
- 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.
- FACILITIES & SHOPS
There is all you need - shops, restaurants, beach facilities, rentals...
- NEARBY ATTRACTIONS and ACTIVITIES
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
Rubicon Marina in Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca Hotels and 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
Princess Yaiza - Playa Blanca Resort
PUERTO DEL CARMEN - Hotels, Accommodations, Area Description
About 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.
Main Beach at Puerto del Carmen
Why Stay in Puerto del Carmen - Analysis
- LOCATION
Puerto del Carmen has a great location on the East Coast of Lanzarote. It provides easy access to all the attractions.
- BUSYNESS
It is really busy and never quiet. Many restaurants and shops have loud music. But if you enjoy nightlife there are many bars and places to dance.
- BEACHES
It is the resort town with the largest beaches. However it becomes a bit of a "sardine box" like we say in French where everyone is aligned and too close to each other.
However if you avoid the main beach (Playa Grande), you can settle in smaller beaches or rocky coves.
All beaches are open to the public, even in front of hotels.
- FACILITIES & SHOPS
There is all you need - shops, restaurants, beach facilities, rentals...
A lot of shopping opportunities with big brands and small shops, from luxury designer clothes to local craft.
- NEARBY ATTRACTIONS and ACTIVITIES
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
Promenade at Puerto del Carmen
Puerto del Carmen Hotels and 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 APARTMENT - Apartamento Isla de Fuego is right on the strip where the action is with a great terrasse - 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- Hotels, Accommodations, Area Description
Best places to stay in 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
Why Stay in Costa Teguise Lanzarote - 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
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.
- BEACH
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
- FACILITIES & SHOPS
There is all you need - shops, restaurants, beach facilities, rentals...
This is however not a place dedicated to people who want to shop.
- NEARBY ATTRACTIONS and ACTIVITIES
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
Costa Teguise Hotels and 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
LESS TOURISTIC areas to stay in Lanzarote
If you want to get out of the touristic area, to find more authenticity, here is my selection of great towns to stay in. They are very different from one another, and you can find something for everyone's taste.
But then you have to hire a car to get around. Read my guide to hire a car and drive in Lanzarote.
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...)
- Location - Located center north of Lanzarote it is a very central place to reach all the attractions on the island. It is well served by quality roads
- Activities - As I said, it has easy access to all the attractions - in Teguise itself, you can explore the center with the church and historical buildings. Above Teguise is the Santa Barbara Castle with the Pirate museum and not far is the fascinating museum house of LagOmar, created by Cesar Manrique.
- Accommodations - No big resorts, a lot of smaller accommodations. Guesthouses and rentals with a lot of charm. Check out the accommodations in Teguise
- And Check out the stunning Hotel Boutique Palacio Ico in Teguise - Stylish, Historical, Authentic... - Check out photos
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.
- Location - North-east coast of Lanzarote. Great for all the North Attractions but quite far from the South Coast.
- Activities - Relax with the crashing waves, soak in the rock pool, visit the aloes museum or explore the famous underground caves in lava tunnels nearby
- Accommodations - many small rentals with great sea views! Check out the accommodations in Punta de Mujeres
El Golfo
One of the few options on the West coast is El Golfo, South fo the Timanfaya National park. 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 great place to enjoy sunset.
- Location - South West coast, not far from Yaiza, right in volcanic land
- Activities - Close to the Green lagoon, Los Hervideros and Timanfaya
- Accommodations - Very small village, limited options but some great views! Check out the accommodations in El Golfo
Caleta de Famara
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 Check out the accommodations in Caleta de Famara
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.
- Location - Haria is locate in the North of Lanzarote. It is practical to explore the miradors, the Famara cliffs and the work of Cesar Manrique. It is also very easy to get to La Graciosa
- Activities - in Haria , the Saturday monring market is appreciated and you can also find the home and workspace of César Manrique
- Accommodations - no big resort and hotels, but accommodations with a of of charm with rural houses. Check out the accommodations in and around Haria
Yaiza
A small town, lots of charm and some accommodations with great volcanic views.
- Location - Centrally located, close to Timanfaya, la Geria, Los Hervideros and about everywhere in the South and the Center
- Activities - Not much to do in the town itself except the local craft center, but it is very central to everywhere.
- Accommodations - no big resorts or hotel, a choice of guesthouses and rentals Check out the accommodations in and around Yaiza
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
OFF THE BEATEN PATH Lanzarote Hotels and Accommodations
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.
LA GRACIOSA Accommodations
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.
ARRECIFE - Hotels, Accommodations, Area Description
About 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.
Why Stay in Arrecife - Analysis
- LOCATION
Very centrally located on the East Coast of Lanzarote. Easy access to all the attractions and close to the airport.
- BUSYNESS
Very busy - not only tourist but all the business of a main town
- BEACH
Several beaches, the central one is really nice with kids as it has shallow waters
- FACILITIES & SHOPS
There is all you need - shops, restaurants, beach facilities, rentals...
Lots and lots of shopping possible.
- NEARBY ATTRACTIONS and ACTIVITIES
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
Want to see more of the best Lanzarote has to offer?
- 21 Best things to do in Lanzarote - read article
- Best Lanzarote Photography Locations - read article
- Lanzarote Attractions by César Manrique - read article
- Best Beaches in Lanzarote - read article
- Best Lanzarote Volcanoes - Tours & Photos - read article
- Timanfaya National Park Lanzarote - read article
Planning a trip to Lanzarote?
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
Plan your ideal trip to Lanzarote with:
- 7 easy-to-plan Maps
- 44 Scenic locations in Lanzarote
- 19 Scenic locations in Fuerteventura
- Best times to visit and photograph
- GPS coordinates and planning information to make the most of your time
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Wow!
Such a comprehensive set of info – exactly what we needed (and then some).
Many thanks,
Bogdan
Thanks
Glad you found it useful 🙂
Happy travels!
Been looking at Lanzarote for a holiday in September 2019 having been to Tenerife and loving it last year. Such a good guide with what’s in each resort which will help loads with figuring out exactly which resort will suite us best – going to have a look at your guide of what to do in Lanzarote too.
Thanks Hazal
I am glad you are finding it useful 🙂
I am surprised you do not mention Club La Santa on the west coast. It is considered one of the best sports resorts in the world. It has a very high return rate amongst its customers so it must be doing something right.
Thanks Cath. Added.