Welcome to a journey through the wonders of Lanzarote, a Canarian jewel in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean. With its breathtaking volcanic landscapes, golden sandy beaches and vibrant local culture, this island captivates visitors with its unique beauty.

Lanzarote is a small island no more than 62 km long, located in the northeast of the Canary Islands. Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it boasts spectacular nature and scenery.

Are you thinking of travelling to Lanzarote, but don't know where to stay? In this article we will take you to explore the best areas of Lanzarote, where you’ll find a perfect combination of lush nature, tranquillity, and adventure. 

The 6 best areas to stay in Lanzarote

If we divide the island by areas and preferences, if you love surfing or windsurfing, the best place to stay is the west of the island. On the other hand, the eastern and southern parts of the island stand out for their tourist activity, with first class beaches and a wide range of leisure activities.

And last but not least, there’s the northern part of the island. It stands out for its fantastic landscapes and coves, and, of course, its tranquillity.

In Lanzarote, the most popular places to stay are Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise, Playa Famara, Puerto Calero, Playa Honda and, of course, the capital Arrecife. Let's have a look at them!

1. Playa Blanca: natural landscapes and impressive beaches

If you love spending your days sunbathing and enjoying a beach holiday, Playa Blanca is the best option. There you’ll find some of the best beaches in the north of Lanzarote, such as Playa Papagayo, Playa Mujeres and Playa Flamingo.

The area is known for its tranquillity, but also has restaurants and nightlife. Nearby are some of the most important tourist attractions of the island such as the Timanfaya National Park, the Montañas de Fuego, the Salinas de Janubio and the Charco de los Verdes in El Golfo.

It’s also important to highlight its proximity to the dock of Playa Blanca, from where boats depart to Fuerteventura. If you plan to visit this island, you’ll be able to do so quickly and comfortably from this area of the island.

2. Puerto del Carmen: the ideal place to stay in Lanzarote

In the north of the island, you’ll also find Puerto del Carmen, an old fishing village that stands out for its exceptional coves and beaches. Some of the most outstanding are Playa Fariones, Playa Chica, Barrilla or Playa Grande, with almost 1.5 km of extension and calm waters.

The Avenida de las Playas is the tourist epicentre of this destination, with a promenade that stretches along the coast and offers a wide variety of gastronomic, commercial and sporting options.

Puerto del Carmen is the perfect place for families and offers a wide range of activities and services perfect for the little ones. The beaches with calm waters and golden sand provide a safe environment for children to play and have fun. In addition, the area has playgrounds, mini-golf and a wide variety of dining options suitable for the most discerning palates.

On the other hand, for those looking for a livelier and more nocturnal atmosphere, Puerto del Carmen may be your best option. With numerous bars, nightclubs and nightlife venues, it offers a vibrant and complete nightlife on the island, with options for all tastes and ages. 

Puerto del Carmen is a versatile and complete destination that combines the charm of its beautiful beaches, family fun and lively nightlife. Whatever type of trip you’re looking for, this place offers you an unforgettable experience in a paradisiacal setting.

3. Playa Famara: the perfect place for sports lovers

If you want to enjoy exciting water sports such as surfing or windsurfing during your stay in Lanzarote, Famara beach is the perfect choice for you. In this area you’ll find the best preserved corners of the island, from where you’ll be able to contemplate the magnificent island Graciosa.

One of the advantages of staying in this area is its tranquillity due to the fact that it’s not a very touristy area, which means that you’ll not find numerous hotels and accommodation available. However, this adds a special charm, as you’ll be able to enjoy an authentic atmosphere.

In addition to water sports, it offers other activities and attractions. You can take long walks along the shore, explore the surrounding sand dunes, or just relax in the warm Canarian sun. You’ll also find some bars and restaurants where you can savour the local gastronomy after a fun day on the water.

4. Puerto Calero: more than just a port in Lanzarote

Unlike other tourist areas, Puerto Calero, located in the centre-south of Lanzarote, offers a quieter and more authentic experience, where you can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere away from the crowds typical of more popular destinations.

With its discreet charm and diverse range of activities and services, Puerto Calero is an ideal choice for those looking to explore and enjoy Lanzarote in a more authentic way, away from the traditional tourist hustle and bustle.

Although it doesn't have a beach, this place allows you to enjoy the beaches, entertainment, and nightlife of nearby areas such as Puerto del Carmen.

There’s a wide variety of nautical activities available, such as sailing, kayaking, diving, sport fishing and excursions in the surrounding area. The natural environment of the impressive Natural Monument of Los Ajaches allows for outdoor activities such as hiking and mountain biking.

Located in a beautiful natural environment, it stands out for its modern and exclusive marina, considered one of the best in Spain. In the vicinity of the marina you’ll find most of the accommodation, shopping centres and leisure areas.

5. Arrecife: staying in the capital of Lanzarote

Arrecife is the capital of Lanzarote. Although it’s not the number one choice for tourists when choosing where to stay in Lanzarote, it’s an option that shouldn’t be ruled out, as it has its advantages.

Located in the east, between Playa Honda and Costa Teguise, it’s a small coastal town with its own beach, an interesting old town and the best shopping on the island. It’s also noted for having one of the best nightlife on the island.

The capital offers a variety of attractions worth mentioning: 

— El Reducto beach, surrounded by a wide selection of hotels and restaurants. 

— The charming fishing port of Charco de San Ginés. 

— The historic Church of San Ginés Obispo.

— The neighbourhood of San Ginés, with its fishing boats.

— The fortresses of San José and San Gabriel.

If you’re looking for a holiday where you can combine beach, services, shopping, nightlife and proximity all in one destination, your best option is Arrecife.

6. Costa Teguise: tourism in Lanzarote

If you’re looking for an area where you can discover the main points of interest of Lanzarote, we recommend you to choose Costa Teguise. This area stands out for its excellent connection with the most important tourist attractions of the island.

Nearby, you’ll find the fascinating Cactus Garden, the impressive Lagomar Museum and, of course, the charming village of Teguise, which is part of the network of the most beautiful villages in Spain.

The beaches of Costa Teguise are wide and quiet, ideal for travelling with children and practising water sports.

Moreover, being the most touristic area of Lanzarote, you’ll find all the necessary services: supermarkets, shopping centres, restaurants and a wide variety of accommodation options for all tastes and budgets.

With one of the best hotels on the island, the HD Beach Resort & Spa, located on the beachfront of Costa Teguise. Being one of the best options in the area to connect and enjoy one of the most beautiful corners of Spain.

Enjoy your stay in Lanzarote

As we’ve seen throughout this article, Lanzarote offers a wide variety of fascinating areas to explore and enjoy. From pristine beaches to perfect areas to enjoy sporting activities or simply enjoy a great family holiday. 

With its unique combination of nature, culture and gastronomy, Lanzarote stands out as an unforgettable destination for those looking for a memorable holiday in the Canary Islands.