Where to stay in the Canary Islands for an unforgettable holiday: Top areas across Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura.

24/08/2017

Best area to stay in LANZAROTE & Best Accommodations

Wondering where to stay in Lanzarote? Whether you are looking for vibrant nightlife, sheltered golden beaches for small children, a romantic adults-only spa retreat, or an affordable self-catering base to explore volcanic landscapes, this complete island guide has you covered.

As someone who regularly spends time across the Canary Islands (and owns a holiday apartment in neighboring Gran Canaria), I know how much your base impacts your trip. Lanzarote is an island made for exploring by car, bike, or hiking boots. It is the ultimate spot to disconnect, recharge your batteries among dramatic volcanic scenery, and soak up Atlantic sunshine.

lanzarote

All properties below can be reserved directly on Booking.com — remember that all rates shown are per room or apartment, not per person.

💡 Local insider tip: If you find a place with free cancellation, book it right away. Accommodation rates in Lanzarote climb fast as dates draw near, especially during August, Easter, and the peak winter sun season between Christmas and February.

⚡ Quick Summary: Which Part of Lanzarote Is Best for You?

  • For nightlife, young couples & first-timers: Puerto del Carmen (vibrant beachfront promenade, restaurants, late-night pubs).
  • For visiting the entire island effortlessly: Puerto del Carmen (its midpoint position cuts driving times to north and south sights in half).
  • For families with children & calm swimming waters: Playa Blanca (sheltered golden bays, waterparks, and a relaxed marina).
  • For couples seeking a chic vibe & northern day trips: Costa Teguise (stylish restaurants at Pueblo Marinero, near César Manrique sites).
  • For authentic local culture & low prices: Arrecife (the island capital, central bus terminal, wide beach at El Reducto).

🏝️ The 4 Main Tourist Hubs in Lanzarote Compared

1. Puerto del Carmen: The Island's Lively Epicenter

Puerto del Carmen is the most established resort town in Lanzarote. Think of it as Lanzarote's answer to Playa del Inglés in Gran Canaria, but with distinct low-rise white architecture. Having stayed here in February, I loved the convenience of having everything within walking distance: wide sandy beaches (Playa Grande), a picturesque old fishing harbor (La Tiñosa) full of traditional seafood taverns, and a bustling coastal strip.

✓ Highly competitive self-catering apartment rates

✓ Ideal geographic hub to tour both the volcanic south and lush north

✓ The best nightlife in Lanzarote (relaxed pubs and music lounges, not crazy Ibiza clubs)


2. Costa Teguise: Chic Charm & Northern Launchpad

Located just north of Arrecife and the airport, Costa Teguise gives off a more relaxed, polished atmosphere than Puerto del Carmen. Its social heart is the Pueblo Marinero, an open-air square designed with input from César Manrique, packed with atmospheric tapas bars and craft markets.

Playa de las Cucharas Costa Teguise

Playa de Las Cucharas, Costa Teguise

It is the handiest location if you want quick access to northern highlights like Jameos del Agua, Cueva de los Verdes, and Mirador del Río. The main beach, Playa de Las Cucharas, is world-famous for windsurfing, which means breezes are frequent (water can feel brisk during winter months).


3. Playa Blanca: Sun, Calm Waters & Families

Perched on the southern tip facing Fuerteventura, Playa Blanca is renowned for having the sunniest and calmest waters on the island. The nearby virgin coves of Papagayo Beach feature turquoise waters protected from trade winds, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

With modern resort developments, the Marina Rubicón promenade, and ferry connections to Corralejo (Fuerteventura) in just 25 minutes, Playa Blanca is the top choice for travelers seeking total beach relaxation and family safety.


4. Arrecife: Cultural Capital & Budget Traveler Haven

Unlike dedicated resort towns, Arrecife is a real Canarian city where residents live and work. It boasts the scenic Playa del Reducto (a wide beach with fine sand and calm water), historic seaside castles (Castillo de San Gabriel), and the Charco de San Ginés lagoon lined with authentic tapas taverns.

Prices for lodging and food here are markedly lower than in the southern resort belts. Because the central bus interchange connects all corners of the island, Arrecife is an excellent choice for budget travelers who prefer not to rent a car.


💰 Top Budget Hostels & Value Guesthouses

Lanzarote offers charming, budget-conscious hostels and small guesthouses. Most function like private budget pensions with en-suite rooms and shared social kitchens.

Chill 12 Guest House Playa Blanca Lanzarote Top Rated (9.0+)

Chill 12 Guest House – Playa Blanca

📍 3-minute walk to Playa Blanca beach

A sparkling clean guesthouse with an outdoor terrace and a calm social vibe. Offers affordable dorm beds and private rooms just moments from southern beaches.

💰 Dorm beds from ~€45/night

Hostal Residencia Cardona Arrecife Capital Beach Base

Hostal Residencia Cardona – Arrecife

📍 100m from Playa del Reducto

Classic budget hotel offering private en-suite rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, and a convenient location 10 minutes on foot from the harbor and bus station.

Papa Tote Deluxe Playa Honda Airport Stopover

Papá Totë Deluxe – Playa Honda

📍 Playa Honda (5 min from ACE Airport)

Comfortable private rooms with air conditioning and shared kitchen. Perfect for late flights or solo travelers looking for quiet value.

💰 Private rooms from ~€50/night

Hostal Magec Puerto del Carmen Harbor & Beach Location

Hostal Magec – Puerto del Carmen

📍 Old Town harbor (La Tiñosa)

Traditional budget pension in an authentic fishing neighborhood. Walking distance to both the beach and Puerto del Carmen's dining promenade.

🏠 Budget Self-Catering Apartments with Kitchens

Save significantly on food by booking apartments with private cooking facilities and swimming pools.

Apartamentos Morana – Puerto del Carmen (Playa Grande Front)

Facing directly onto Playa Grande with panoramic sea balconies, heated pool, and full kitchenettes.

→ View Morana Apartment Deals

Apartamentos Tisalaya – Puerto del Carmen

Averages ~€100/night. Features outdoor pool, fitness equipment, billiards, free parking, and spacious family units.

→ Check Availability on Tisalaya

Apartamentos Club Pocillos – Puerto del Carmen

Set by the golden sands of Los Pocillos beach (~€100/night). Highly rated by couples for quiet pool days and sunset strolls.

→ View Club Pocillos Rates

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Resorts & Waterparks

Designed with kids' splash pools, waterslides, children's clubs, and spacious family suites.

Gran Castillo Tagoro Family & Fun (5-Star) – Playa Blanca

The ultimate family resort in Lanzarote. Features an on-site waterpark with slides, themed family suites, and the signature "Castleland" kids' club.

→ View Gran Castillo Family Deals

H10 Suites Lanzarote Gardens (4-Star) – Costa Teguise

Two large family pools with a pirate ship waterslide, comprehensive kids' animation, and fully equipped suites 200m from Playa de Las Cucharas.

→ Check Lanzarote Gardens Rates

Seaside Los Jameos (4-Star) – Puerto del Carmen

Built in traditional Canarian style with sprawling palm gardens, tennis courts, and children's entertainment near Los Pocillos beach.

→ View Los Jameos Offers

🍹 Top Value All-Inclusive Resorts in Lanzarote

Take the stress out of budgeting: all meals, cocktails, snacks, and poolside entertainment covered.

Aequora Lanzarote Suites (4-Star) – Puerto del Carmen

Modern minimalist styling with 5 outdoor swimming pools, 3 restaurants, adults-only relaxation areas, and full all-inclusive packages.

→ View Aequora Suites Deals

Sol Lanzarote (4-Star) – Puerto del Carmen Beachfront

Direct oceanfront access on Matagorda beach with 3 swimming pools, international buffets, and all-inclusive entertainment.

→ Check Sol Lanzarote Rates

H10 Rubicón Horizons Collection (5-Star) – Playa Blanca

A luxury coastal village complex featuring lagoon pools, world-class thalassotherapy wellness center, and fine dining.

→ View H10 Rubicón Rates

Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park (5-Star) – Playa Blanca

Right on Playa Flamingo beach with stunning views toward Fuerteventura, infinity pools, and premier all-inclusive service.

→ View Iberostar Lanzarote Deals

🤫 Peaceful Adults-Only Escapes (+18)

Quiet pool cabanas, cocktail bars, and romantic sunsets without family crowds.

Barceló Teguise Beach (Adults-Only) – Costa Teguise

Sophisticated design hotel featuring two infinity pools, hot tub hydrotherapy circuits, and an unbeatable spot on Las Cucharas beach.

→ Check Barceló Teguise Rates

H10 White Suites (Adults-Only) – Playa Blanca

Boutique whitewashed suites surrounding peaceful outdoor pools and wellness centers, just minutes from Playa Dorada.

→ View H10 White Suites

💆 Luxury Spas, Cycling & Windsurf Bases

Top-tier wellness resorts and dedicated accommodations for active cycling and windsurfing holidays.

Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa (5-Star Adults-Only) – Puerto Calero

Exclusive marina setting with 4 heated outdoor swimming pools, world-class spa facilities, and 6 gourmet restaurants.

→ View Secrets Lanzarote Deals

Canaryislandshost Surf Lanzarote – Costa Teguise

Excellent strategic base for road cyclists and windsurfers. Ample parking, gear storage, and immediate access to windsurfing bays.

→ Check Availability

🗺️ Interactive Lanzarote Accommodations & Sights Map

Save this custom interactive map on Google Maps to navigate the island easily during your travels:

👉 Open and Save this Map in Google Maps

✈️ Lanzarote Travel Booking Toolkit

Plan every detail of your Lanzarote adventure directly through verified Booking.com channels: