Lanzarote has only 6 holiday destinations, but all of them are pretty different. So make sure you pick the right one for you. Here you find my quick guide to where to stay in Lanzarote whether you are going on a budget, with the family or looking for an adults-only holiday.
Best hotel & destination for you in Lanzarote
I visited over 45 of the best-reviewed hotels in Lanzarote during my last visit to Lanzarote. Below I give my selection of the best ones in the best location for those types of hotels. If you spend most of your time in the hotel and are not interested in what is around the hotel, then you can also find my complete list of best hotels in Lanzarote right here.
For the mentioned hotels below I provide affiliate links to Booking.com for more pictures and pricing.
Family holidays in Lanzarote
There are several good destinations for a family-friendly holiday in Lanzarote. Especially the Costa Teguise, Matagorda, Playa Blanca and most of Puerto del Carmen are great for families. So I picked one family hotel in the best location in each of these destinations.;
Iberostar Lanzarote Park is a great family hotel option in the Playa Blanca within view and walking distance from one of the best beaches in the area, the Playa Flamingo. From here, you are also within easy walking distance from many bars and restaurants while still being in a quiet location at night. The hotel offers excellent entertainment for all age groups.
Los Zocos is on the other side of the island in Costa Teguise. Close to the biggest beach here and the Pueblo Marinero, where most of the nightlife and restaurants are. This family-friendly hotel is perfect for those looking for a budget-friendly option.
Seaside Los Jameos Playa has to be one of the more surprising hotels in the Lanzarote. It looks pretty plain from the outside, but the inside is surprisingly fresh, green, lush and with a great layout and lots of things to do for families. It is located in between Matagaroda and Puerto del Carmen, right next to the beach. If you want a quiet holiday, then walk to the relaxed and compact shopping centre of Matagorda. In the other direction, you have Puerto del Carmen with a vast selection of bars, restaurants, family-friendly things to do, and the island’s more active and busy nightlife.
Another reason the Seaside Los Jameos Playa is ideal for families is because of its location close to the airport (approx. 10 minutes drive) but not so close you get disturbed by it.
Luxury holiday
For those looking for an upscale luxury holiday in Tenerife, there are also many options.
Princesa Yaiza Suite hotel is located in the center of the Playa Blanca next to the Playa Blanca beach. If you have the budget to afford this 5+ star hotel, want to be next to a lovely beach in Lanzarote and also have great entertainment for the children, this is one of the better choices on Lanzarote.
If you want a more adult-oriented luxury hotel, then THe Volcan Lanzarote in Playa Blanca is a good option. This hotel has a more traditional Lanzarote feel and has lots of different and unique swimming pools and areas to explore. In addition, you have the Marina Rubicon next to the hotel, where most of the new, modern and upscale restaurants and lounge bars are.
Arrecife Gran Hotel and Spa is located in one of the more unique places in Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote. It is one of the only hotels in this area and therefore feels very non-touristy and authentic. Furthermore, it is located next to one of the nicest beaches on the island, Playa del Reducto. Therefore, I would advise this hotel for anyone staying a few days or up to a week. Any longer, then I would recommend another destination unless you also rent a car and want to explore more of the island from here.
Adults-only and couples holidays in Lanzarote
For adults-only holidays in a small, compact hotel with personal feeling service, Lani’s Suites de Luxe in the heart of Puerto del Carmen is ideal. This hotel has a unique feel, its own little beach, and with only a few suites never feels busy or crowded. For a relaxing adults-only holiday, this place is ideal. If you want to go shopping, go out to eat or explore some of the nightlife in Puerto del Carmen, this hotel is also located in the ideal location within walking distance from all of it.
H10 White Suites is a more budget-friendly adults-only option in the Playa Blanca. It is located in a quiet location but centrally in the Playa Blanca within walking distance of bars, restaurants, nightclubs and beaches.
Nightlife & party holiday in Lanzarote
Puerto del Carmen has the best nightlife in Lanzarote. You will find many of the places here staying open till early in the morning. While this area is not a young people party and clubbing area like you can find on many other Canary Islands, there are lots of bars with live performances, rock bands and dance music.
Have a look here at all hotels in Puerto del Carmen.
Beach holidays
If looking for a hotel ideally located for a beach holiday, Las Costas in Puerto del Carmen is one of your best choices. It’s in a great location right next to the Playa la Pena Grande beach. If it is a bit windy, like you often have in Lanzarote, you can still enjoy the beach from the poolside sheltered by the glass walls in front of the hotel.
Other good beach holiday options are the Iberostar Lanzarote Park (previously mentioned under great family holiday hotels) and the HD Beach Resort & Spa in Costa Teguise.
Lanzarote without a car
If you are not renting a car in Lanzarote and still want to explore a lot of the island with public transportation, then Arrecife is the best place to stay, as many bus lines leave from here to all over the island.
If you are not renting a car in Lanzarote and want to stay in one of the more complete resorts with lots of things to see and do nearby, Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen are the best options.
All-inclusive in Lanzarote
Sandos Papagayo is one of the most extensive all-inclusive holiday resorts on the island. So if you want to spend most of the time in the hotel, have great entertainment and lots of pools, restaurants and things to do and choose from… then the Sandos Papagayo is the best option in Lanzarote.
Marconfort Atlantic Gardens is the exact opposite. It is a small, compact and personal-feeling all-inclusive hotel. It is an excellent budget-friendly option for adults only.
Budget holidays
Hotels and accommodations in Lanzarote come in all price categories. If you are looking for more budget-friendly destinations, then these are Matagorda and Arrecife.
Holiday destinations in Lanzarote
Costa Teguise
Costa Teguise is an excellent resort for families and is visited mainly by people from the UK and Ireland. The resort has a nice compact, personal and authentic feel. It’s also one of the more budget-friendly resorts in Lanzarote. When visiting, make sure to look up the location of your hotel, as the resort is large, and some hotels are not conveniently located.
Best places to stay in Costa Teguise
Budget – Galeon Playa
All Inclusive – Los Zocos Impressive Lanzarote
Adults Only – Barcelo Teguise Beach Adults Only
- In short: Family-friendly resort popular with tourists from the UK and Ireland
- Nightlife: A nice selection of bars, restaurants, family fun pubs and more
- Best time to go: All months of the year. If possible avoid November and December because of some more rain in this month
- Airport transfer: From 2.55 euro
- Top tip: Buggy safari
- Video: Costa Teguise tour
Arrecife
Arrecife is not a much-visited holiday destination in Lanzarote. Is that because it is a bad place to go? No! From my experience, the area is a friendly and welcoming place for tourism on the island even tho it is mostly locals who live here. People here love to see tourists come to Arrecife during their holidays. However, Arrecife is just not aimed at tourism, or at least not yet. But it is starting to be more developed.
Best place to stay in Arrecife
Arrecife Gran Hotel and Spa
- In short: Capital of Lanzarote. Very authentically Spanish with little tourism
- Nightlife: Spanish nightlife with great tapas and relaxed vibes
- Best time to go: January, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November
- Airport transfer: From 1.4 euro
- Top tip: Rent a car
- Video: Arrecife tour
Matagorda
Matagorda is a great holiday destination in Lanzarote, especially for those travelling with small kids, toddlers or babies. The drive from the airport is the shortest one on the island, so there are no lengthy transfers needed. Furthermore, everything in Matagorda is centrally located around the shopping centre so you will never have to walk far or get lost.
Best places to stay in Matagorda
Family – Nautilus Lanzarote
Budget – Costa Sal
- In short: Small resort, ideal for families with small children and babies
- Nightlife: Family-friendly
- Best time to go: January, February, May, June, July, August, September and October
- Airport transfer: From 1.4 euro
- Top tip: Rancho Texas
- Video: Matagorda tour
Puerto del Carmen
Puerto del Carmen is a perfect mix between old and new, residential and touristic. This resort is ideal if you want to have all the comforts during your holiday but still want some authenticity as well. I would advise this resort, especially to couples looking for an adults-only holiday but also to families with older children and teenagers. Especially because of the active and bubbling nightlife in this area. Also of course families with babies and toddlers might find their way here but would more advise Matagorda to them.
Best places to stay in Puerto del Carmen
Luxury – Lani’s Suites Deluxe
Beach – Las Costas
Family – Seaside Los Jameos Playa
- In short: Lots of choices, ideal for adults-only or families with teenagers.
- Nightlife: Great bubbling nightlife.
- Best time to go: All months of the year. If possible avoid December as there is some more rain then
- Airport transfer: From 1.4 euro
- Top tip: Rancho Texas
- Video: Puerto del Carmen tour
Puerto Calero
Puerto Calero is all about the marina and has just a few hotels and a large restaurant and shopping area. There aren’t, any great beaches here so keep that in mind.
Unless you have a rental car and also want to explore the rest of Lanzarote or if you are ok with staying within your all-inclusive hotel all the time… I would not advise this holiday destination. But if that is what you are looking for the hotel Costa Calero is you best choice.
- In short: All about the marina.
- Nightlife: A few bars and restaurants in the marina area.
- Best time to go: January, May, June, August and September
- Airport transfer: From 1.8 euro
- Top tip: Rent a car
- Video: Puerto Calero tour
Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca is by far the newest and most modern holiday destination to stay in Lanzarote. There are many very large new all-inclusive hotels in this area of Lanzarote. One thing to watch out for is that Playa Blanca is very large, so if you are looking to book a place to stay then make sure it is centrally located if you don’t have a rental car as otherwise you always will be taking taxis or buses.
Best places to stay in Playa Blanca
All-Inclusive Luxury Family – Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel
Budget –Sandos Papagayo Beach Hotel
Adults Only – Sandos Atlantic Gardens
- In short: Modern, new and big.
- Nightlife: Restaurants, clubs, bars, cocktail bars, live shows… everything you could wish for.
- Best time to go: All year round
- Airport transfer: From 3.3 euro
- Top tip: Playa Papagayo
- Video: Playa Blanca tour
