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Hey everyone! If you’re here I assume you’re heading to the Canary Islands soon, so I’ll get this out of the way right now: I’m so jealous of you!! I went last summer and had the best time!
When we were booking our trip I had a really hard time figuring out where to stay in Lanzarote, so I wanted to write up a blog post to help others avoid that confusion! We stayed in Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise, and really enjoyed them, but we also spent 10 days exploring every inch of the Island, so I got a really good feel for each area.
Keep reading to learn more about all the best areas to stay, or use the index to click to your preferred location!
Delve into Spain
Don’t forget to check out the rest of my Spain posts and guides if you’re still planning your perfect trip!
What is the best area of Lanzarote?
The best area of Lanzarote to stay in will absolutely depend on your main vacation priorities! The good thing about traveling to Lanzarote is that there are genuinely no bad areas to stay in, so you’re in luck.
If you’ve never visited Lanzarote before, Costa Teguise is a great option that provides a balance of everything you’re probably looking for in a “base” for your trip.
For nightlife lovers, Puerto del Carmen is a popular option, while Playa Blanca and Puerto Calero are two great choices for families and those wanting a more laid back atmosphere.
Surfers will likely want to stay in Famara, which is known for its excellent surfing conditions.
If you need help finding accommodation or want some inspo, be sure to also check out these two articles:
Is Playa Blanca better than Costa Teguise?
Costa Teguise feels pretty Spanish, is quite laidback and beachy. It feels like a proper beach town – we stayed here and enjoyed it!
Playa Blanca is a bit more chill and laidback than Costa Teguise, due to its being slightly more isolated at the southern tip of the island. It caters heavily to German tourists but also to British ones – so has a slightly more international feel.
In my opinion, neither is better than the other – it all comes down to what you want to prioirtize!
Planning Cheat Sheet: Every Link You Need in One Place
P.S. When you book using my links, you help support Rachel IRL at no extra cost to you. It’s a win-win!
Where to stay in Lanzarote
Costa Teguise: Where to stay in Lanzarote for first timers
Costa Teguise is a great option for couples and families looking for where to stay in Lanzarote. Situated north of the capital and only 15 minutes from the airport, it’s a great base for anyone visiting Lanzarote for the first time and wanting to have a central location for their holiday.
Costa Teguise was developed for tourism, so you can expect lots of amenities nearby such as restaurants and beaches, which is why, coupled with its central location, it’s the best pick for first time visitors. Playa Bastian is the ideal beach for families with children because of the calm and protected waters there. If you’re a bit more daring though you should check out Cucharas Beach for the opportunity to try some water sports.
You can also easily visit the Cesar Manrique Foundation and the Pirate Museum if you want to learn more about the area. The Teguise Market is also a great activity, as it’s the largest market in the Canary Islands.
Playa Blanca: Where to stay in Lanzarote for families
Playa Blanca is situated in the south of the island and is ideal for families, or those looking for a relaxing holiday at the beach or by the pool. It’s a very popular area, so if you’re thinking of staying in Playa Blanca, book early!
Flamingo and Dorada are the main beaches of Playa Blanca, and both are beautiful and well worth spending the day at. Playa Papagayo is also located in the area, and is considered one of the best beaches in Lanzarote. Timanfaya National Park is less than a 30 minute drive, making it easily accessible and a perfect day trip destination.
From Playa Blanca you can also take a short ferry trip to one of the other Canary Islands, Fuerteventura, for another unique and interesting day trip.
Puerto del Carmen: Where to stay in Lanzarote for going out
If your priority for where to stay in Lanzarote is nightlife, then look no further than Puerto del Carmen. This is without a doubt the best area on the island for bars and clubs, and the atmosphere is lively and fun every evening!
As an added bonus, Puerto del Carmen is quite close to the airport, making it super convenient as well, and ideal if you aren’t planning to rent a car while you’re in Lanzarote.
The beaches are quite the draw as well, with Playa Chica in the old town and Playa Grande nearby, which is one of the most beautiful on the island, and has plenty of amenities.
Puerto del Carmen is definitely the most touristy area, but we stayed here for a bit when we visited Lanzarote, and we found it to be fine anyway!
Arrecife: Where to stay in Lanzarote for history & a local vibe
Arrecife is, of course, the island’s capital, and if you’re wondering where to stay in Lanzarote for convenience and history – this is your spot. The city is located on the east coast of the island, and is a great location if you don’t have a car with you.
What was once a quaint fishing village in the 1400s is now a cosmopolitan area, with exciting restaurants, museums and shopping opportunities. There’s even a golden sand beach – Playa del Reducto. Arrecife really has it all!
San Gines church from the 1600s sports some fascinating architecture, and the International Museum of Contemporary Art is a must see while you stay there. If you’re hoping for a trip that blends the traveling and holidaying vibes, Arrecife is your best bet.
Puerto Calero: Where to stay in Lanzarote for exclusive, high end vibes
Puerto Calero was the first recreational port on the island, and it’s absolutely stunning. Because of this, the marina is likely going to be your starting point for any exciting watersports or sailing experiences you plan to have while on the island. If you’re into luxury vibes and getting out on the water, this is the area for you.
Additionally, Puerto Calero is a great option for those looking for a bit more peace and quiet on their holiday – besides being by far the most luxury area of the island, it’s also one of the smaller places to stay meaning more seclusion and less intensity.
It’s situated quite near to Puerto del Carmen, so it’s still easy to go explore the rest of the Island and see what else is on offer!
Caleta de Famara: Where to stay in Lanzarote for surfing
Caleta de Famara is the best place to stay if you’re keen on surfing, or even if you’re looking to learn!
Famara beach is one of the most stunning sights on the island, with ocean on one side and dramatic cliffs on the other. You’ll find surfers at all times of the day, and plenty of surf schools as well.
The town itself does have great options for food and drink, making it convenient for those spending their whole day on the water. If you aren’t eager to surf though, we recommend looking elsewhere, as there isn’t too much else to do here!
The 22 Best Lanzarote Hotels (from Luxury to Budget)
The 22 Best Lanzarote Hotels (from Luxury to Budget)
Have you decided where to stay in Lanzarote yet?
There really are so many options for where to stay in Lanzarote, so I hope I helped narrow down the search for you! I’ve gone one step further and rounded up all my favorite hotels and apartment rentals in each neighborhood to make the booking experience just a little bit easier on you:
Also be sure to check out my guide for the top things to do in Lanzarote!
Enjoy your fun in the desert island sun! You’re going to love it, wherever you end up staying.
Planning Cheat Sheet: Every Link You Need in One Place
P.S. When you book using my links, you help support Rachel IRL at no extra cost to you. It’s a win-win!
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