Where to stay in Lanzarote? That’s an excellent question.
There are options for everyone, with seaside resorts, charming coastal villages and off-the-beaten-track locations…
Here’s our guide where we compare the best accommodation options in Lanzarote:
- cities and destinations where to stay in Lanzarote, with maps
- suggestions for the best hotels and accommodation in Lanzarote,
- where to go according to your expectations.
Find what you’re looking for!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Where to stay in Lanzarote: map and summary
Main resorts – best areas to stay in Lanzarote
Most of the places where you’ll find accommodation are on the east coastor inland. Because part of the west coast is covered in lava with Timanfaya National Park, and the north coast is a giant cliff.
There are 3 main resorts with beautiful beaches, plenty of activity and a wide choice of hotels and accommodation:
- Playa Blanca
with a choice of city beaches and wild beaches, and our favourite
See our article on its best hotels – see availability directly - Puerto del Carmen
with the widest choice of activities
See our article on its best hotels – see availability directly - Costa Teguise
Quieter and very central
See our article on its best hotels – see availability directly
But there are other smaller or quieter places to discover around the island: more traditional towns inland, small coastal villages with mostly rentals, and nature accommodations between towns.
Map of towns to stay in Lanzarote
And here’s a map to help you get your bearings
Where to stay in Lanzarote without a car
In the 3 main tourist towns, you’ll find beaches, activities, plenty of restaurants and excursions.
If you don’t have a car, the most practical is Puerto del Carmen, with the widest choice of activities within easy reach.
See the best-rated available accommodations
Where to stay in Lanzarote to explore the whole island
Lanzarote isn’t very big: from Playa Blanca in the south to Orzola in the north, it takes 1h10 to drive.
The roads are in excellent condition. You can stay anywhere to visit the whole island.
However, if you want to balance commuting times over all days, Costa Teguise is the most central city for most attractions.
See the best-rated available accommodations
Where to stay in Lanzarote with young children
With young children, you’re probably looking for duc alme, a lagoon-like beach with a gentle slope and lots of sand.
In this case, we recommend:
See our selection of the best family hotels in Lanzarote.
Where to stay in Lanzarote for the best beaches
Our choice is Playa Blanca. See its most beautiful beaches.
We already love the beaches in the town facing the island of Fuerteventura. But you can also walk to the magnificent, wilder Papagayo beaches.
See the best-rated available accommodations
Where to stay in Fuerteventura for couples (romantic)
If you’re looking for sunsets, you’ll have to head for El Golfo or Famara, but these are small, undeveloped spots.
See accommodations in El Golfo
Otherwise, we recommend boutique hotels, which often offer a more romantic experience than large resorts. See our favorites.
Other tips to suit your projects:
Also according to your preferences, here’s something to help you choose the best place to stay in Lanzarote:
For beginner water sports: Costa Teguise
For a more historical experience: Teguise
For nightlife, if you want to dance and party, Puerto del Carmen would be the best place to stay in Lanzarote.
For peace and quiet by the sea, choose Punta Mujeres.
For luxury, you’ll find accommodation in every town on Lanzarote. See our selection of the best 5-star hotels.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Lanzarote
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- A small car is all you need.
- But you can also choose a larger one if you wish, as the parking spaces are rather large.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
Where to stay in Lanzarote in 2023: best hotels
You can also choose where to stay in Lanzarote, depending on your hotel preferences. Here are our favorites, based on our experiences:
2 best 5-star hotels
- Los Fariones Hotel
in the heart of Puerto del Carmen, the beach at the foot of the hotel
See prices, pictures and availability - Lani’s Suites Hotel
in Puerto del Carmen, a tiny hotel with its feet in the sand
See prices, pictures and availability
Top 2 very large hotel-resorts (all-inclusive or not)
- Hotel Princesa Yaiza
very very large hotel with many activities included but only half-board.
See prices, pictures and availability - Hotel Secrets Lanzarote
in Puerto Calero, all inclusive
See prices, pictures and availability
See our complete selection of all-inclusive hotels.
2 best adults-only
- Hotel CalaLanzarote (boutique-hotel)
in Playa Blanca, a hotel where it’s good to relax
See prices, pictures and availability - Barcelo Teguise Resort Hotel
in Costa Teguise, a stone’s throw from the beach
See prices, pictures and availability
See our adults-only hotels section.
or see our complete selection of boutique hotels.
2 best hotels for families
- Aequora Suites Hotel
in Puerto del Carmen, with a small water park on the island of Lobos.
See prices, pictures and availability - Hotel Princesa Yaiza
in Playa Blanca with several pools, lots of games, clubs and activities for the whole family.
See prices, pictures and availability
Sustainable housing in Lanzarote (environmentally friendly)
It’s not possible to find totally “green” accommodation, but some make a significant effort to reduce their impact on nature.
Here are some suggestions:
- La Isla y el Mar
in Puerto del Carmen, with bioclimatic architecture, geothermal energy and more
see photos and availability. - Kamezi Boutique Hotel Villas
in Playa Blanca – with wastewater treatment plant and renewable energy
see photos and availability. - Eco Village Finca de Arrieta
with off-grid yurts, villas and cottages
see pictures and availability
New hotels – Opening in June 2022 and 2023
- Mynd Yaiza
In Playa Blanca, open June 2022, 4 stars
see pictures and availability - Barcelo Playa Blanca
Opening in December 2023
see pictures and availability
City 1 – where to stay in Playa Blanca
Why stay in Playa Blanca
We start with Playa Blanca because it was our favorite of the 3 resorts.
We liked the size of the town, the beaches, the promenade along the water, but not along the road. It has a relaxed atmosphere which we appreciated.
The town has different sections around the beaches and at the eastern end, the Rubicon Marina with its public swimming pool and plenty of choice of restaurants.
Beach types
- pretty sandy beaches right in the city center
- large, wild sandy beaches to the west of the city, towards Papagayo
- rocky beaches to the west of the town
See our article on the most beautiful beaches in Playa Blanca.
What to do in Playa Blanca
- Enjoy the beaches
- Strolling along the waterfront
- Hiking in Papagayo
- Climb to the summit of Montana Roja volcano
- Fun at Aqualava water park
- Dive in to see the Museum Atlantico
- Enjoy the marina atmosphere
- …
See our article on the best activities in Playa Blanca.
Where to stay in Playa Blanca – hotels
Among our favorites:
- Boutique-Hotel: Hotel CalaLanzarote
I fell in love with this adults-only hotel. The décor blends into the natural surroundings, and is both relaxing and elegant. The atmosphere is calm and serene.
See photos, prices and availability - 5-starresort: Hotel Princesa Yaiza
A must in Playa Blanca and Lanzarote. The large hotel-resort has all the activities and facilities you could need.
See photos, prices and availability - Family: Hotel Gran Castillo Tagoro
One of the best-known family-friendly hotels in Lanzarote is the Grand Castillo Tagoro. Swimming pools, playrooms, dragons and Merlin’s world… kids love it!
See photos, prices and availability - Aparthotel Jardines des Sol
If you’d rather be able to cook for yourself than eat out every night, we liked the charm of the Jardines del Sol apartments.
See photos, prices and availability
See our article on the best hotels in Playa Blanca
See the best hotel and rental offers
City 2 – where to stay in Puerto del Carmen
Why stay in Puerto des Carmen
Puerto del Carmen is the most famous and largest of all Lanzarote’s seaside towns. It has everything you need in a resort town: beaches, casino, shopping, fun activities, zoos, golf…
The advantage is that you can find accommodation and things to do to suit all budgets.
The town is quite large. It takes a long time to get from the marina to the other end… And we think the walk is less pleasant than at Playa Blanca because you’re close to the cars.
Beach types
Puerto del Carmen also offers a fine collection of beaches:
- Beautiful stretches of sand with sun loungers and water sports equipment for hire
- Smaller, quieter coves with sand and rocks.
See our article on the most beautiful beaches in Puerto del Carmen.
What to do in Puerto del Carmen
- Enjoy the great beaches
- Take a boat trip to see the dolphins
- Learn to dive
- Rancho Texas Park with zoo and water park
- Catamaran tour
- Parasailing, jet skiing, paddle…
See our article on the best activities in Puerto del Carmen.
Where to sleep in Puerto del Carmen – hotels
Among our favorites:
- 5-star: Hotel Fariones
A superb hotel with elegant decor and several beaches right on its doorstep. We enjoyed the sea and palm tree views and the infinity pool.
See photos, prices and availability - Boutique-Hotel: Hotel Aqua Suites
A hotel on a human scale, quiet but 10 minutes from the beaches. We liked the spacious room, the modern decor and the friendly staff.
See photos, prices and availability - Family: Hotel Aequora Suites
If your young children love water, there’s no question. Your best option is the Hotel Aequora, which organizes everything for families. Your children should love the pool with its giant fish and small slides.
See photos, prices and availability - Aparthotel: Apartmentos Playamar
We really liked the Playamar apartments with their beautiful pools surrounded by palm trees.
See photos, prices and availability
See our article on the best hotels in Puerto del Carmen.
See the best hotel and rental offers
City 3 – where to stay in Costa Teguise
Why stay in Costa Teguise
Costa Teguise was developed for tourism. So you’ll find very practical facilities and plenty of parking close to the beaches (which is not the case in other resorts). That’s a big plus!
We think the best thing about Costa Teguise is its great location, with easy access to all Lanzarote’s attractions.
It’s not as charming as Playa Blanca, but we enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, ideal for families with young children.
Beach types
Costa Teguise offers a smaller variety of beaches.
- The wide, sandy beach of Las Cucharas
- Coves of sand and rock
See our article on the most beautiful beaches in Costa Teguise.
What to do in Costa Teguise
- Enjoy the beach
- Fun in the water at AquaPark
- Visit the aquarium
- Visit the seabed without knowing how to dive – Book a 40min tour
- Water sports
- Visit the town of Teguise 15 minutes away
See our article on the best things to do in Costa Teguise.
Where to stay in Costa Teguise – hotels
Among our favorites:
- Aults-only: Hotel Barcelo Teguise
A beautiful hotel with 2 superb swimming pools right in the center of the city: we were soothed and charmed by our stay in this hotel!
See photos, prices and availability - Resort: Radisson Blu Hotel
If you’re looking for a very peaceful hotel with magnificent pools and the feeling of breathing fresh air, we recommend the Radisson Blu.
See photos, prices and availability - Family: Hotel H10 Lanzarote Gardens
Pirate ship, water slides, entertainment for all ages… If you’re looking for a hotel where your kids will have a blast all week long, this is our recommendation.
See photos, prices and availability - Aparthotel: Nazaret Apartments
And for those who prefer to have a small kitchen to avoid eating out all the time, we really liked the Nazaret apartments with their lovely swimming pools.
See photos, prices and availability
See our article on the best hotels in Costa Teguise.
See more hotels and rentals in Costa Teguise
WITH OUR GUIDE PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP TO lanzarote
All the information you need for your trip:
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 75 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 140 photos to help you choose
City 4 – where to stay in Punta Mujeres
Why stay in Punta Mujeres
We fell in love with the coastal village of Punta Mujeres. Easily accessible from the main road, it gives the impression of being integrated between land and sea. Lots of little white houses, a few fishing boats and several rock pools that fill up at high tide, giving you the chance to cool off.
There’s a relaxed atmosphere and a few small, welcoming restaurants.
Best things to do
- relax with the crashing waves
- take a dip in the rock pool
- explore the famous underground caves in the nearby lava tunnels: Jameos del Agua and Cueva de los Verdes
Location
- Northeast coast of Lanzarote.
- Ideal for all northern attractions, but quite a distance from the south coast.
Where to sleep in Punta Mujeres
You’ll find mainly apartments and villas for rent.
- Big house
Casa La Seba is a seafront property
see pictures and availability - Apartment
Apartamento Romantico has a private swimming pool
see pictures and availability - Villa with pool
Villa Sama is a superb modern villa with its own swimming pool.
see pictures and availability
See more hotels and rentals in Punta Mujeres
City 5 – where to stay in Puerto Calero
Why stay in Puerto Calero
If you’re looking for an exclusive marina, stores and restaurants, Puerto Calero is famous for its high level of service.
It’s a pretty relaxing place, centered around the harbor with views of the mountains.
Beach types
Puerto Calero has just one tiny pebble beach.
But it’s also great for snorkelling.
What to do in Puerto Calero
- Go sailing
- Enjoy a seaside hike in Puerto del Carmen
- Climb aboard the yellow submarine
- Take the ferry to Puerto del Carmen
See our article on the best activities in Puerto Calero.
Where to stay in Puerto Calero – hotels
Among our favorites:
- Boutique-Hotel: Hotel Royal Marina Suites
Charming hotel on a human scale, facing the sea.
See photos, prices and availability - 5-star: Hotel Secrets Lanzarote
Large resort with a wide range of services to meet all customer needs
See photos, prices and availability - Boutique-Hotel: Finca Isolina
If you’re looking for something more traditional, this is the place for you.
See photos, prices and availability
See our article on the best hotels in Puerto Calero.
Town 6 – where to stay in Teguise
Why stay in Teguise
If you’re looking for a historical ambience, then Teguise is an excellent choice. It was once the capital of Lanzarote and has retained its charm.
Strolling through the narrow streets of the town center with its white houses is a real pleasure. Most of the time it’s really quiet, but it gets lively on Sundays for the market (but compared with Haria market, this one has become too touristy, with fewer local crafts…).
Location
- north central Lanzarote
- well served by quality roads
Activities
- Visit the old town
- Visit the church
- admire the old palaces
- Visit the Museum of Sacred Art
- Climb to the Santa Barbara Castle Museum
- Nearby is the fascinating LagOmar house museum, designed by Cesar Manrique.
See our article on how to visit Teguise.
Where to sleep in Teguise
- Luxury and history: Hotel Palacio Ico
Elegant, historic, authentic… in a building dating back to 1690!
see pictures and availability - History: Hotel Casa de las Flores
charming little hotel in an old manor house dating from 1785
see pictures and availability - Unique: Eco Dome Experience
Outside the city, enjoy nature
see pictures and availability - Apartment
Precioso apartamento con Terreza offers a modern setting in the heart of the city.
see pictures and availability - Large villa
The Vivienda Vacacional Casa Blanca has it all: white walls, modern decor and a swimming pool.
see pictures and availability
See hotels and rentals in Teguise
Town 7 – where to stay in El Golfo
Why stay at El Golfo
It’s a small town just outside Charcos de los Clicos, where a volcano meets the ocean and a green lagoon is formed.
It’s a famous spot for sunsets and honeymoons.
Very small village, limited options but some great views!
Location
- One of the few options on the west coast
- south of Timanfaya National Park.
Activities
- Admire the colors at Lagune verte
- Admire the nearby cliffs of Los Hervideros.
- Visit the salt marshes
- Rendezvous at Timanfaya National Park
Where to sleep in El Golfo
- Boutique Hotel
El Hotelito del Golfo features a swimming pool and is centrally located.
see pictures and availability - Apartments
Casa rural Caleton del Golfo is home to several apartments with swimming pools and easy access to the small town center.
see pictures and availability - House
If you’re looking for a bigger place, the 3-bedroom house in El Golfo is very convenient.
see pictures and availability
See more hotels and rentals in El Golfo
Town 8 – where to stay in Yaiza
Why stay in Yaiza
A small town, lots of charm and a few accommodations with superb views of the volcano.
Convenient location for exploring.
Location
- Central location in the South
- near Timanfaya and Geria
Activities
- Easy access to the South with Playa Papagayo
- Easy access to the west with Los Hervideros and Laguna Verde
- Eastern access to Timanfaya National Park and other volcanoes
- Easy access to vineyards
- Not much to do in the town itself, except visit the local craft center.
Where to sleep in Yaiza
Here you can find some beautiful rentals
- Apartment
The Ocra apartment is beautifully decorated and has access to the pool and bbq.
see pictures and availability - Villa
Timanfaya Casa Rural is in town with a terrace and great volcanic views
see pictures and availability
See hotels and rentals in Yaiza
Town 9 – where to stay in Haria
Why stay in Haria
If you’re looking for a quiet place to stay with some trees and greenery, then Haria is worth considering.
But beware, except when the Saturday market is open, it’s really very quiet.
Location
Haria is located in the north of Lanzarote.
Activities
- In Haria, the Saturday morning market is popular and you can also find the home and workspace of César Manrique.
- It’s convenient to explore the viewpoints, the Famara cliffs and the work of César Manrique.
- It’s also easy to get to La Graciosa.
Where to sleep in Haria
- Charming hotel
Hotel Emblematico La Casa de los Naranjos boasts a historic ambience and stunning outdoor spaces.
see pictures and availability - House
Casa Valle de Palmeras is a traditional house in the heart of Haria.
see pictures and availability
See hotels and rentals in Haria
Town 10 – where to stay in Arrecife
Why stay in Arrecife
Arrecife is the capital of Lanzarote.
This is our least favorite choice of accommodation in Lanzarote. Mainly because it’s the only place where you can find tall buildings.
We have to admit that the shallow-water beach is great for floating, but other than that, it’s a big city.
Type of beach
Several sandy beaches.
The central beach is very pleasant for children, as the water is shallow.
What to do in Arrecife
- Enjoy the beach
- Visit the old town with its natural harbour Charco de San Gines
- Visit the church
- Head out to sea to visit the Castillo San Gabriel
Where to sleep in Arrecife
- Apartments
La Concha Boutique apartments offer a year-round pool, sea views and fun, modern decor.
see pictures and availability - Rental
Casa Carla is right in the center of Arrecife and just 200m from the beach.
see pictures and availability - Luxury: Arrecife Gran Hotel & Spa
It is located right next to the beach and offers impressive views of the city and island.
see pictures and availability
See hotels and rentals in Arrecife
Cities 11 to 15 – other destinations in Lanzarote
Town 11 – Caleta de Famara
If you love sunsets, this is where you should stay so you can get out on the beach whenever the sky is promising. The sun hits the Famara cliffs just to the right, and at low tide there’s a reflection on the sand. Pure joy, but lots of photos to sort through… (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 currents, surfers make the most of this beach.
- Lanzarote accommodation – A mix of small village rentals and accommodation in an area that was supposed to be a large tourist village.
See hotels and rentals in Famara
Destination 12 – Between cities
If, like us, you want to lose yourself in nature with superb views, you can also find rentals and B&Bs between the towns. No stores or restaurants, just silence and panoramic views.
We really enjoyed our stay at Finca Las Laderas. It is located between Teguise and Famara, with several apartments and a swimming pool. It’s exactly what we’ve been looking for! See more photos and latest prices
Destination 13 – La Graciosa
Looking for a different experience?
If you want to settle down in one place, away from the buzz and traffic, then take the ferry to the small island of La Graciosa to relax for a few days.
There are no roads and only 2 villages on the whole island, but superb white sand beaches. There are only a few 4WDs, which can take you along the sandy track to different parts of the island.
See accommodation options on La Graciosa
Town 14 – Orzola
Orzola is the gateway town to the island of La Graciosa. Located at the extreme north of the island, it’s easy to reach by car (and to leave to visit the rest of the island).
It’s a charming little town with white architecture and rolling hills in the background.
- Location – North of the island
- Activities – Take the boat to La Graciosa, enjoy the lagoon at Las Caletones…
- Accommodation – Mainly apartments and villas
See hotels and rentals in Orzola
City 15 – Tinajo
Located on the west coast, Tinajo is not a tourist destination. But if you like sports, you can stay at Club La Santa, surrounded by bare landscapes. They offer a wide range of fitness classes and walks on the volcanoes. See photos and availability
See hotels and rentals in Tinajo
Frequently asked questions – where to go in Lanzarote
Puerto del Carmen or Costa Teguise or Playa Blanca
We believe that:
All three towns have everything you could possibly need: beaches, restaurants, easy access to attractions… You can’t go wrong with any of them.
Our favorite is Playa Blanca.
But it depends on what you are looking for.
Find out more in our article comparing the 3 cities
North or south Lanzarote: which is better?
The north is windier and wetter, with higher peaks, while the south is drier.
The north has a little more vegetation and fewer beaches, but it’s quieter.
The South has more volcanic scenery and more beach options, but lots of tourists.
Where not to stay in Lanzarote?
You can find excellent places to stay all around the island.
There isn’t a single city to avoid.
It all depends on what you’re looking for:
- if you want easy access to the beach, don’t stay inland
- if you hate crowds, avoid the big East Coast resorts
- … see all the suggestions in this article.
What’s the hottest part of Lanzarote?
The island isn’t that big. The differences are not obvious. Don’t focus too much on this point.
However:
- the coast is generally warmer than the inland hills
- the west coast receives a little more cloud cover
- Costa Teguise tends to have more wind
- Playa del Carmen often has calmer waters.
You’ll find a section on each of them in this guide.
Best destinations in Lanzarote
Once again, it depends on what you’re looking for:
- South Lanzarote
A mix of the main resort (Playa Blanca) and smaller villages.
Raw nature with volcanoes and wilder beaches
see Playa Blanca hotels and rental offers - East-central Lanzarote
Lanzarote’s main tourist destination.
Crowded but with access to everything you could possibly need with beaches, restaurants, nightlife, excursions…
see hotels and rental offers in Puerto del Carmen - North Lanzarote
If you’re looking for trees, and less touristy areas, this is where you’ll find some peace and quiet.
Here you’ll find the highest mountains, a few volcanoes and much quieter beaches with no facilities…
View hotels and rentals in Haria
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Lanzarote
- Best of
Most beautiful landscapes
Best things to do in Lanzarote
Most beautiful beaches
Best boat tours
César Manrique’s attractions
Secret places, off the beaten track
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Lanzarote
How to get around
How to rent a car in Lanzarote
Driving tips
Best excursions
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
- Where to stay
Where to stay in Lanzarote
Best hotels in Lanzarote
Best 5 star hotels in Lanzarote
Best hotels for families
Best adults-only hotels
Best all-inclusive hotels in Lanzarote
Best boutique-hotels
Best hotels with water park
