The most important thing when choosing where to stay in Lanzarote is to choose according to your needs. Whichever area you select to stay in will have plenty to offer you. The key is whether you want to go out partying or prefer a quiet place. Whether you are going to practise sports or prefer to immerse yourself in Lanzarote’s culture. Here are some tips to help you decide.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Where to Stay
Choosing where to stay is one of the most important decisions of your trip. Lanzarote is a small island, and you can explore it in just a few days, regardless of where you establish your base.
However, to make a good choice, you should consider the following factors:
- Budget: Lanzarote has everything from affordable hostels to luxury resorts.
- Interests: Do you prefer nightlife, quiet beaches, water sports or cultural immersion?
- Type of traveller: Are you travelling with family, as a couple, solo or with friends?
- Easy access: Consider the proximity to the airport and the attractions you want to visit. Although public transport is efficient, it is advisable to take extra care and book a Lanzarote airport transfer that will be waiting for you upon arrival on the island.
Best Areas to Stay in Lanzarote for Different Travellers
Every area and every town in Lanzarote has its particularities and charm. Playa Blanca is ideal if you are travelling with family; Arrecife is the most modern area, and if you enjoy shopping, you will want to spend some time here; Puerto del Carmen is for party lovers, and Famara is for those seeking the adrenaline of water sports.
So, which is the best area to stay in Lanzarote?
Puerto del Carmen: Ideal for Nightlife and Beach Lovers
The wide range of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs makes Puerto del Carmen the liveliest area on the island. If you are looking for somewhere to party, this is the ideal base for your trip. During the day, you can enjoy the long beach and water activities.
From Puerto del Carmen, there are good transport connections with other areas of the island. Some nearby attractions include Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park and Playa Chica.
As one of the most popular areas, you will find various types of accommodation here: from beachfront flats and hostels to five-star resorts.
Playa Blanca: Perfect for Families and Relaxation
Playa Blanca offers the ideal accommodations for a family holiday. It is a quieter area than Puerto del Carmen, ideal for relaxing. However, there is plenty to do in Playa Blanca, starting with enjoying the quiet and family-friendly beaches such as Playa Flamingo and Playa Dorada.
In addition, you can visit the Aqualava Water Park and take boat trips to Papagayo.
The range of hotels is quite extensive and includes hotel complexes with kids’ clubs, villas with gardens and swimming pools.
Costa Teguise: Great for First-Timers and Water Sports
Costa Teguise also offers a peaceful and family-friendly atmosphere. Its location exposes it to wind, which means excellent conditions for windsurfing and other water sports. You will also find a wide selection of restaurants and shops.
Here you can visit Playa de las Cucharas, Playa Bastián or the César Manrique Foundation.
It is one of the best areas to stay in Lanzarote for couples. There are all-inclusive hotels, tourist flats and luxury spa resorts.
Arrecife: For a Local Vibe and Cultural Immersion
Arrecife is the capital of Lanzarote and offers an authentic Canary Islands experience and a charming historic centre. Although there are fewer beaches in this area, it has a high level of historical and cultural interest. Visit the Castillo de San Gabriel and Charco de San Ginés. There are also numerous shops and shopping centres.
When it comes to accommodation, you will find small charming hotels and flats with sea views.
Puerto Calero: Exclusive and High-End Vibes
Located near Puerto del Carmen, its main attraction is the marina, where you will see numerous luxury yachts. It has excellent restaurants and boutiques.
Prices in this area are higher than in others, so if your budget is tight, it may be an inconvenience. Accommodation options include villas with private pools and five-star hotels with spa facilities.
Caleta de Famara: Best for Surfing and Nature Enthusiasts
Located in the north of Lanzarote, it is ideal for surfers. It offers a bohemian and relaxed atmosphere. It is close to the Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park, which you can see from the Mirador del Río.
Although the wind makes it the best area for water sports, it is not recommended for swimming. However, if you would like to learn to surf, you can take lessons here.
In Caleta de Famara, there are fewer luxury accommodation options. Generally, you will find small rural houses and charming hostels.
Matagorda / Los Pocillos: Quiet Retreat for Couples and Solo Travellers
If you are seeking a quieter place to stay, this is a practical option. There are quiet and extensive beaches with a relaxed and uncrowded atmosphere.
There are coastal cycling routes, spas, and wellness centres. In terms of accommodation, you will find hotels with swimming pools and sea-view flats.
Playa Honda and Punta Mujeres: Off-the-Beaten-Path Gems
This towns offer authentic Canarian life, natural swimming pools and a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere. They are further from the main tourist attractions, and there are fewer accommodation options.
For accommodation, you will find rural houses, tourist flats and family-run hotels.
Types of Accommodation in Lanzarote
Accommodation options in Lanzarote are varied and include:
- Hotels and resorts: most of them are gathered in tourist areas, offering everything from all-inclusive packages to charming boutique hotel experiences.
- Villas and flats: the most popular options for longer stays or group travel. They offer greater privacy and space.
- Eco-friendly and unique stays: in Lanzarote, you will find accommodation concerned with keeping their environmental footprint to a minimum.
Practical Tips for Booking Your Stay in Lanzarote
If you want everything ready for your trip, follow these tips for booking accommodation that suits your needs:
- Book in advance if you are travelling during high season.
- Plan your transport options from the airport.
- Keep your budget in mind and consider possible hidden costs (tourist taxes, deposits, etc.).
List your needs to decide where to stay in Lanzarote. The island offers a wide range of accommodation options to create an unforgettable experience. Plan ahead to avoid surprises.
Sources:
- https://www.lanzarote.com/en/blog/best-areas-of-lanzarote-to-stay/
- https:// thetravelexpert.ie/family-holidays/lanzarote/
- https://rachelirl.com/where-to-stay-in-lanzarote/
Specialist in the tourism sector of the Canary Islands with a proven track record in experience management in Lanzarote. My work has always focused on promoting iconic destinations and optimizing transfer and excursion services on the volcanic island.
