As part of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote is one of the best travel destinations in Europe – all year round.
Lanzarote is a fantastic destination where you can experience the most beautiful landscapes and beautiful beaches. The island is geared towards tourism, so it is a very easy place to go on holiday.
I have been to Lanzarote several times in the winter, and I must admit that I love the island.
I’m also a big fan of Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria, but I really liked Lanzarote on my last trip there.
For a first visit, I would start with Puerto del Carmen for beaches and restaurants within reach. Compare Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca for a resort holiday with children, or Punta Mujeres if you prefer a small village and a self-catering stay.
Whether you want a child-friendly beach holiday in a popular holiday town or stay in a slightly more unknown part of the island, there is a place in Lanzarote for you.
For a winter trip, check whether the pool you will actually use is heated and what your board package includes. For any season, compare the walk to the beach and restaurants: a hotel described as being in the resort can still be well outside its centre.
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Best areas in Lanzarote
If you just want a quick overview, here are the best areas to stay in Lanzarote:
- Puerto del Carmen – best all-round holiday area ⭐️
- Costa Teguise – best area for families with children
- Playa Blanca – peaceful holiday area with great beaches & nature
- Punta Mujeres – charming little fishing village with local life
Click on the area name above and see the best hotels.
The guide on where to stay in Lanzarote continues below with more info on each area & my recommended hotels.
1. Puerto del Carmen – best all-round holiday area ⭐️
Puerto del Carmen is the best place to stay in Lanzarote for travellers looking for a classic holiday town with good beaches, a good selection of hotels in different price ranges and plenty of restaurants and bars.
I stayed here on my last trip to Lanzarote and was surprisingly happy with the area.
The city is very similar to a classic European tourist area, packed with Irish pubs, Spanish and international restaurants, and lots of small shops.
But if you scratch the surface a little, you can also find really good restaurants with local charm.
The large Playa Grande is a surprisingly good sandy beach. Since the water is relatively shallow, it is also very child-friendly. Along the seafront, you will find plenty of restaurants, shops, and bars.
See the best hotels in Puerto del Carmen here.
If you go further into the city, you can go to the old town, where I also spent a lot of time.
Here, we find, among other things, the somewhat smaller, very cosy Playa Chica – a little hidden gem where many locals enjoy the cosy surroundings and swim.
The old town’s harbour is also an excellent place to enjoy a cold drink, and I recommend following the sea to the west, where you can walk along a path to the neighbouring town of Puerto Calero.
Overall, Puerto del Carmen is the best all-around holiday area in Lanzarote if you’re looking for a great place to stay. There are lots of things within walking distance and several good beaches.
Lanzarote Airport is also only a 10-15 minute drive from Puerto del Carmen, so it’s easy to get straight from the plane to the beach.
In Puerto del Carmen I can, among other things, recommend:
- La Cascada – excellent restaurant with fantastic meat dishes
- El Laurel – cosy little tapas bar with cheap dishes close to Playa Chica
- Restaurante Go Chow Mein – really good Asian restaurant with nice waiters
- Long Beach Club Lanzarote – a beach bar that is elevated above the beach, so you have a great view of the city’s large beach
Places to stay in Puerto del Carmen
There’s a wide selection of hotels in Puerto del Carmen, but here are a few of my favourites.
Hotel Fariones is a five-star hotel on the seafront in Puerto del Carmen, with gardens and direct beach access. It is worth comparing if you want a luxury stay close to both the beach and the town’s restaurants.
You’ll stay in elegant rooms with modern decor and stunning sea views.
The hotel is close to local restaurants and shops, making it perfect if you’re looking for relaxation and easy access to the town’s amenities.
The main infinity pool is a strong reason to consider Fariones. If the rooftop pool is what caught your eye in the photos, check access for your chosen room category before booking rather than assuming every facility is included.
See more photos and book here.
Gloria Izaro Club Hotel is a 4-star hotel a little outside the old town of Puerto del Carmen. I stayed here at Christmas 2023 and was actually really pleased with it.
I had all-inclusive, which can always be a bit hit-and-miss when it comes to the food, but I actually thought the food was quite excellent here at the hotel.
The room was like a small apartment with a large terrace, there’s a large pool area, and overall it was just a really good place to stay – at a reasonable price.
See more photos and book here.
Cactus Apartments is an apartment complex on Calle Barqueta in Puerto del Carmen. It is worth comparing for a self-catering stay with a pool, rather than expecting the services of a full resort hotel.
A Booking.com guest describes Cactus as a “Beautiful, quiet apartment complex, well maintained & cleaned, with great air-con.” Check the apartment type, kitchen facilities and route back from the seafront before choosing.
It’s located near local attractions and eateries, making it a great base for exploring Lanzarote.
There’s also a lovely pool where you can relax after a day of sightseeing.
See more photos and book here.
Also, check out my video from Lanzarote:
2. Costa Teguise – best area to stay for families with children
Costa Teguise is worth comparing for a family holiday because of its resort hotels, beaches and choice of places to eat. Pick a property around the beach and facilities you will use most, rather than assuming every part of town offers the same walkable stay.
The town is known for its family-friendly facilities and atmosphere, making it a favourite among travellers with children.
There are several good hotels with child-friendly pools and activities, and most restaurants have children’s menus that cater to even the pickiest eaters.
See the best hotels in Costa Teguise here.
Playa de las Cucharas is Costa Teguise’s main beach and a popular windsurfing spot. Wind and water conditions vary, so it should not be described as reliably calm for children’s swimming.
For beach days with children, compare the coves and their conditions on the day, follow the flags and lifeguard advice, and keep hotel pool facilities in mind as an alternative when it is windy.
Additionally, Costa Teguise offers a wealth of activities for children.
The local water park, Aquapark Costa Teguise, is a favourite, where both children and adults can spend many hours enjoying the slides and pools.
A visit to nearby Teguise can make a change from the beach. Check opening information directly for any museum or attraction you plan to include, rather than choosing your base around an attraction that may not be open on your dates.
Costa Teguise is also a great starting point for exploring the rest of Lanzarote, with short drives to the island’s attractions such as Timanfaya National Park and Jameos del Agua.
And with Lanzarote Airport only a 15-minute drive away, it’s easy to get from the plane to the holiday paradise.
Places to stay in Costa Teguise
Let’s take a closer look at some of the best hotels in Costa Teguise – in different price ranges, of course.
Grand Teguise Playa is a lovely luxury hotel located right on the beach in Costa Teguise.
Here, you can book rooms with half board at a good price, making it an attractive choice for those who want comfort and convenience.
You’ll find modern facilities, a large pool, and easy access to the beautiful coastline.
The hotel is perfect for those who want a relaxing holiday with a bit of extra luxury.
See more photos and book here.
H10 Suites Lanzarote Gardens is a family-focused option in Costa Teguise, with children’s activities and a pirate-ship pool area with slides. The suite layouts are a useful reason to shortlist it with younger children.
Here, you can enjoy a child-friendly pool and many activities for children of all ages.
Compare the suite or bungalow layout for your family: kitchenette and full-kitchen facilities vary by category, and a separate bedroom can be more useful than simply choosing the lowest nightly rate.
The location is also excellent, with a short distance to the beach and local attractions.
See more photos and book here.
Nazaret Mansion is a quite decent but very cheap hotel in Costa Teguise.
Here, you get simple and comfortable rooms that suit budget travellers.
Previous guests praise the hotel’s location close to both shops and restaurants, as well as its relaxed atmosphere.
It’s a great choice if you’re looking to experience Lanzarote without breaking the bank.
See more photos and book here.
3. Playa Blanca – peaceful holiday area with great beaches & nature
Playa Blanca is the best place to stay if you’re looking for a peaceful holiday area on Lanzarote with beautiful beaches and stunning nature.
The town is known for its relaxed atmosphere and fantastic views over the Atlantic Ocean. It’s also where you can catch the ferry to Fuerteventura, which takes you to the charming harbour town of Corralejo.
The beaches here are among the best on the island, especially Playa Dorada, with its fine sand and crystal-clear water, perfect for a relaxing day in the sun.
Playa Flamingo is another gem, suitable for families with its shallow water and calm waves.
See the best hotels in Playa Blanca here.
Playa Blanca also has a charming town centre with cosy restaurants and cafes along the promenade. It’s a perfect place to enjoy a romantic dinner with views of the sunset.
One of the biggest advantages of staying in Playa Blanca is the easy access to some of Lanzarote’s most spectacular natural areas.
Playa Blanca is a useful base for the Papagayo beaches within Los Ajaches Natural Monument. Check the route and access arrangements for the beach you want to visit; a hotel in Playa Blanca is not necessarily within an easy walk of Papagayo.
It’s also worth visiting the famous Papagayo beaches, known for their unspoiled beauty.
Playa Blanca is a peaceful paradise on Lanzarote, where you can enjoy your holiday at your own pace and still have easy access to both beach and nature.
Places to stay in Playa Blanca
Here on the southern tip of Lanzarote, you’ll also find an excellent selection of hotels – here are my favourites.
Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park is a five-star resort near Playa Flamingo. It has family facilities as well as a separate adults-only Star Prestige area, so choose the room category that matches your trip.
The hotel has modern rooms with sea views and offers a wide range of activities for both adults and children.
You can enjoy several restaurants, a spa, and a fitness centre, making it an ideal choice for a relaxing and entertaining holiday.
See more photos and book here.
Hotel Cordial Marina Blanca offers one- and two-bedroom apartments with kitchens near Marina Rubicón. It suits travellers who want apartment space and the marina’s restaurants nearby.
Check the walk to your preferred sandy beach as well as the marina. This is a different part of Playa Blanca from Playa Flamingo, where the Iberostar and Grupotel options listed here are located.
Here, you’ll find a large pool, good dining options, and a friendly atmosphere, making it a popular place for families and couples to stay in Lanzarote.
See more photos and book here.
Grupotel Flamingo Beach is a very lovely and inexpensive hotel right by the beach in Playa Blanca.
The hotel has comfortable rooms, several pools, and direct access to the beautiful beach.
It’s an excellent choice for budget travellers who want to be close to the sea and enjoy a relaxing holiday with a fantastic view.
See more photos and book here.
4. Punta Mujeres – charming little fishing village with local life
Punta Mujeres is one of the hidden gems on Lanzarote, a charming little fishing village that offers an authentic glimpse into the local life on the island.
If you’re looking for a unique and charming experience away from the more touristy areas, Punta Mujeres is the place to stay.
The town’s small, white houses and winding streets give an impression of the real Lanzarote, and the local charm is easy to be captivated by.
See the best hotels in Punta Mujeres.
One of the highlights of Punta Mujeres is the natural sea pools, which offer a refreshing dip in the clear water.
It’s a popular activity among both locals and visitors, and it’s an experience not to be missed. Along the coast, there are also small, cosy beaches where you can relax in the sun.
Punta Mujeres is a good starting point for hiking along the coast, where you can experience the island’s raw and untouched nature.
You can also rent a car and drive north to places like Playa De Orzola and Mirador del Río.
In general, there are just so many scenic places in the northern part of Lanzarote.
Punta Mujeres is the perfect choice for an authentic and relaxing holiday experience on Lanzarote, away from the more commercial areas.
Places to stay in Punta Mujeres
Because Punta Mujeres isn’t one of the major tourist areas, there aren’t many hotels here.
However, there is a good selection of holiday apartments, so let’s look at three great places to stay in Punta Mujeres.
Rocamar Sol y Mar is a holiday home in Punta Mujeres with a pool, a terrace and a kitchen. It suits a self-catering stay where having your own space matters more than hotel service.
The property is arranged over more than one level, so check the stairs and sleeping layout if travelling with young children or anyone with limited mobility. Confirm the pool-heating arrangements and any extra charges for your dates.
The apartment is ideal for those who want to experience local life and have easy access to the nearby natural sea pools.
Perfect for a relaxing holiday with peace and views of the beautiful sea.
See more photos and book here.
Luxury Villa Punta Mujeres offers stylish and spacious accommodation with modern conveniences.
Like the above, you also get your own private swimming pool here.
Here, you can enjoy luxurious facilities such as a private terrace and a large living room, making it a fantastic choice for a more exclusive experience.
The villa’s location close to the sea and the surrounding attractions makes it easy to explore the area.
See more photos and book here.
Casa Román is a charming and quite affordable holiday apartment in Punta Mujeres.
Here, you’ll get an authentic experience with a well-equipped kitchen and comfortable sleeping arrangements.
The location is close to the town’s amenities and the sea, making it a good choice for those who want a simple and peaceful holiday with local flair.
See more photos and book here.
Other Areas to Consider in Lanzarote
The areas below can also work well, but suit different trips from the four main bases above. I would choose according to beach access, restaurants and how much driving you want to do.
A quieter location is an advantage for some travellers and a drawback for others. Check the actual hotel surroundings rather than treating an entire town as somewhere to avoid.
Arrecife
Arrecife is an urban base with shops, restaurants and a seafront, rather than a purpose-built holiday resort. It can suit a city-focused stay or a practical stop, but compare it with the main resort towns if a large pool complex and beach-holiday atmosphere are your priorities.
There are fewer beaches and attractions than other parts of the island, making it less attractive for those seeking a traditional holiday experience.
Puerto Calero
The area is primarily known for its marina and has limited beach access. It can be a quiet place with few activities and attractions unless you have a car to explore more of the island.
It is not ideal for those seeking a lively atmosphere or family-friendly activities.
Matagorda
Although close to the airport, Matagorda offers limited activities and nightlife outside its central shopping centre.
It is more suitable for families with young children, but those looking for an exciting holiday experience may find it a bit dull.
La Santa
La Santa is known for the large Club La Santa hotel, but it is quite isolated, with limited dining and entertainment options outside the resort.
It is best suited for sports enthusiasts, and those who are not part of this niche may find the area too remote.
I hope you found this guide on where to stay in Lanzarote helpful and are now ready for your trip.
If you have any questions about the areas, please leave a comment below, and I’ll do my best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which area is best for families in Lanzarote?
Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca are useful starting points for family resorts, while Puerto del Carmen works well if you want beaches and plenty of restaurants nearby. Choose the hotel around the facilities your children will use, the room layout and the walk to the beach.
For winter trips, check pool heating. Wind and sea conditions vary, so no beach should be treated as guaranteed calm on every day of your holiday.
Where should you stay to experience the nightlife on Lanzarote?
Puerto del Carmen is known as the best place on the island for nightlife. The area has many bars, clubs, and restaurants, making it ideal for those looking for a lively holiday. I was surprised at how many Irish pubs there are.
Which area is best for surfers on Lanzarote?
Caleta de Famara is popular among surfers due to its consistent wind conditions and waves. The area has several surf schools and a relaxed atmosphere that attracts surf enthusiasts.
Should you rent a car on Lanzarote?
It’s a good idea to rent a car if you’d like to experience more than just the town you’re staying in. Lanzarote has many incredibly beautiful natural experiences, and with a car, you can easily choose your own route. There are also plenty of day trips from the most popular holiday areas.
Travel ressources & websites I use all the time 👇
• Booking.com has the best offers on hotels and unique places to stay
• GetYourGuide is the best place to book tours & activities with free cancellation
• Welcome Pickups is the best & safest place to pre-book airport transfers
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