Holidays to Lanzarote offer reliable sunshine, sandy beaches and the standout volcanic landscapes of Timanfaya.
Year-round sunshine
Lanzarote is not the largest of the Canary Islands, but it makes good use of its space. Most of the main seaside resorts sit along the south coast, where beaches and facilities are easy to reach. In contrast, the north is home to Timanfaya National Park, which gives the island its distinctive volcanic character. With its location being closest to Africa, it experiences a consistently warm climate – with sunshine on the forecast all year round, making it a popular choice for both winter sun and summer breaks.
Sand to go around
Despite its compact size, Lanzarote offers a solid range of beaches. Playa Blanca and Playa de los Pocillos are both well known for their Blue Flag status and well‑kept sands. Playa de los Pocillos also connects to Puerto del Carmen via a promenade, which makes it easy to combine beach days with evenings out without relying on taxis.
Natural landscapes with a volcanic edge
Much of Lanzarote’s landscape was shaped by volcanic eruptions in the 18th century, and the results are still visible today. Timanfaya National Park is the highlight – with dark lava fields, active geysers and landscapes that feel almost otherworldly. There’s also a strong artistic influence across the island, thanks to César Manrique. His work helped shape Lanzarote’s look, from the Mirador del Rio viewpoint to the island’s low‑rise, whitewashed buildings.
Island activities
Lanzarote has a good spread of resorts, each with a slightly different focus. Puerto del Carmen is one of the busiest, with nightlife, shopping centres and theme parks all within easy reach. Costa Teguise is another popular choice, known for its waterpark and aquarium, alongside a variety of bars and restaurants. If you prefer somewhere quieter, there are smaller fishing villages dotted around the coast that offer a slower pace and a more traditional feel.
Best time to go to Lanzarote
One of Lanzarote’s biggest draws is its climate. There’s no real off-season, which gives you flexibility when planning your trip. The island sits on a similar latitude to Florida and the Bahamas, so winter temperatures rarely drop below 16°C. In summer, daytime highs tend to hover around 25°C – but it’s also less humid than some of the other Canary Islands, which helps keep the heat comfortable, even in peak months.
Best places to stay in Lanzarote
These are some of the most popular options of where to base yourself on a holiday to Lanzarote.
Arrecife
This is Lanzarote’s capital and sits on the south coast, which means plenty of sunshine and a central location. It’s calmer than many capitals, with sandy stretches close to town and a relaxed pace overall.
Costa Teguise
Costa Teguise suits families and couples who want everything close together. It’s a well-established beach resort with five sandy beaches and plenty of bars and restaurants. Pueblo Marino is the main shopping area, and there’s also a waterpark nearby. Inland, Mount Tahiche offers a change of scenery if you want to explore beyond the coast.
Matagorda
Matagorda’s nice and easy to get to from the airport. There’s a good selection of bars and restaurants, Irish bars and sports bars, plus a lot of them come with a sea view along the promenade. Cyclists and runners love the long, flat seafront, linking Matagorda with Puerto del Carmen in one direction and Arrecife in the other.
Playa Blanca
This part is a bit quieter and more sophisticated if you want to escape the big bars. It began as a small fishing village and has grown steadily, helped by its ferry connections to Fuerteventura. There are three sheltered bays, and Marina Rubicon’s shops are worth a browse.
Playa de los Pocillos
Playa de los Pocillos is one of the three main beaches in Puerto del Carmen, but it has a more low-key atmosphere than the centre of the resort. There are still bars and cafés along the promenade, and Puerto del Carmen itself is around a 15‑minute walk away. The beach is wide, with golden sand and calm, shallow water, which makes it a popular spot for families.
Puerto Calero
Puerto Calero is a small marina-based resort, so the focus here is more on the harbour than the beach. What it lacks in sand, it makes up for with a polished setting and a relaxed feel. There’s a regular market on Tuesday and Friday mornings, plus a selection of boutiques and well‑known brands along the waterfront. It’s a good fit if you enjoy strolling, people‑watching and a quieter evening scene.
Puerto del Carmen
Puerto del Carmen is Lanzarote’s longest‑established resort and one of its most popular. It’s just a short drive from the airport and stretches for around seven kilometres along the south coast. The area is lively, with plenty of bars, pubs and clubs, as well as a wide choice of watersports.
Top Lanzarote holiday deals
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Gueldera Apartments
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Isla de Lobos
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Nazaret Sol
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Lanzarote highlights
FAMILY-FRIENDLY BREAKS
With waterparks, boat trips and beach activities, there’s plenty to keep children busy, along with hotel‑run programmes and wide sandy beaches with calm, shallow water.
GOOD-VALUE NIGHTS OUT
Drinks and meals are generally affordable, and many bars and clubs don’t charge entry either. With sunshine year‑round, you can also avoid peak summer prices.
VOLCANIC LANDSCAPES
Timanfaya National Park is a standout reason to visit. Lanzarote’s volcanic scenery spans lava fields, caves, lagoons and striking viewpoints across the island.
BEACHES FOR EVERY MOOD
Surf at Famara, snorkel around Papagayo or stay close to the action at Playa Grande. Lanzarote offers a wide choice of sandy beaches across the coast.
Your guide to Lanzarote
Sightseeing
If you like to blend some sightseeing with your days on the sand, here are a few things to add to your itinerary.
Timanfaya National Park – This park was shaped by massive volcanic eruptions in the 18th century, and you can explore on a guided bus tour, which takes you deep into the Montañas del Fuego, or Fire Mountains.
Jameos del Agua – Jameos del Agua is a masterpiece by César Manrique. Stroll through the illuminated caves, marvel at the turquoise underground lake and spot the tiny, endemic white crabs that live in its waters. In the evening, you can even go to a concert or event here.
Cueva de los Verdes – An extensive lava tube formed by an eruption over 4,000 years ago. It’s a real natural wonder, with dramatic rock formations and hidden chambers. You can learn about the cave’s historical use as a refuge from pirate attacks and its modern role in showcasing the island’s volcanic heritage.
La Geria Wine Region – Here, grapevines are cultivated in volcanic ash, protected by semi-circular stone walls that you can spot all over the island. Visit family-run bodegas to taste unique Malvasia wines, known for their crisp and fruity flavours, and learn about the methods used to farm in this one-of-a-kind landscape.
Mirador del Río – A clifftop viewpoint designed by César Manrique, 400 metres above sea level. You get sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and nearby island of La Graciosa from up here.
Nightlife
Lanzarote is well known for its nightlife – here is where to base yourself for the best bar-hopping action.
Puerto del Carmen – Head to Puerto del Carmen for the liveliest nightlife scene on the island. The main action is around Avenida de las Playas, home to the famous Centro Atlantico, where you can find multiple floors packed with bars, clubs and restaurants.
Costa Teguise – In Costa Teguise, the party atmosphere’s all along Avenida Islas Canarias. This area has a whole range of pubs, sports bars and late-night venues with live music.
Marina Rubicón – For a more upscale night out, visit Marina Rubicón near the harbour in Playa Blanca. The restaurants here are tucked away in picturesque alleys and plazas, ideal for a romantic dinner or a quiet evening with friends. After your meal, explore the art gallery that stays open into the evening or stroll through the pond-dotted gardens – it’s all very romantic.
Shopping
Head home from your Lanzarote holiday with something worth bringing back.
Puerto del Carmen – Pop into the shops along Avenida de las Playas in Puerto del Carmen, where you’ll find plenty of Canary Island souvenirs.
Arrecife – Stroll along Calle León y Castillo, for shops selling handmade pottery, textiles and other authentic crafts. On Saturdays, don’t miss the market near the Church of San Ginés – you’ll find colourful ceramics and fabrics there.
Teguise Sunday Market – This is the largest and liveliest market on the island, and it takes place every Sunday in Teguise, just a short bus ride from Costa Teguise. The stalls line the streets, offering everything from handmade lace to African tribal masks.
Playa Blanca – For a high-end shopping trip, try the El Paseo promenade in Playa Blanca, where designer boutiques line the waterfront. Nearby, Marina Rubicón is also home to a collection of Italian fashion and perfume shops, as well as art galleries.
Family attractions
Holidays to Lanzarote are a family favourite for more reasons than just the beach.
AquaPark Costa Teguise – Take a break from the beach with a visit to AquaPark Costa Teguise, a popular waterpark. You’ve got a variety of slides, splash zones and pools, as well as a lazy river.
Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park – A mix of zoo and waterpark, with animal shows, splash areas and space for younger children to run around.
Glass‑bottom boat trips – An easy, low‑effort way to explore the coast and marine life, especially with younger kids.
Popular beaches
Lanzarote holidays and beach days just go naturally hand in hand.
Playa Grande – Head to the island’s most popular beach, with a six-kilometre sweep of soft sand in Puerto del Carmen. This Blue Flag beach is perfect for families, with calm, safe waters, while more adventurous types can go jet-skiing, parasailing and diving. There are also lots of beachfront cafés and bars, so you can grab a snack and stay for the whole day.
Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise – For a laidback atmosphre, check out the coves of Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise. They’re both family-friendly beach towns with your classic soft sand and clear water, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The promenades also have plenty of spots for ice cream, seafood and drinks.
Beaches for Watersports
These beaches offer a bit more splash action.
Famara Beach – Head to Famara Beach on the northwest coast – it’s one of the island’s top surf destinations thanks to its consistent swells and strong winds.
Playa Chica – Playa Chica’s a small but popular beach in Puerto del Carmen. It’s a sheltered cove with calm waters, which makes it a favourite for snorkelling and diving.
Secluded beaches
These quieter spots are worth a look if you’d rather keep things low‑key.
Playa Las Conchas – This secret beach is found on the island of La Graciosa, a 20-minute ferry ride from Lanzarote’s northern port of Orzola. Once you dock, you take a 4x4 taxi or hire a mountain bike to reach this quiet spot. Expect white sand and turquoise waters – plus it’s framed by a dramatic red volcano, so it’s worth the little extra effort to get there.
Playa de Papagayo – This beach is a collection of unspoiled coves in the southern part of Lanzarote, near Playa Blanca. They’re sheltered by rocky cliffs, creating calm waters perfect for swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing. It’s not the easiest beach to reach – the final stretch is a dirt road, which helps keep things quieter than elsewhere on the island. Although, it’s still best to arrive before midday to get the best parking space and reserve your spot on the sand.
Local dishes
The Canary Islands have their own tapas specialities that are worth trying while you’re there.
Papas Arrugadas – No visit to Lanzarote is complete without trying papas arrugadas – ‘wrinkled potatoes’ boiled in salty water and dried for a crisp, salty skin. They’re usually served with mojo sauce, which adds a punchy, garlicky kick.
Mojo Sauce – Pronounced ‘moho’, this garlicky sauce comes in two main types – mojo rojo, which is red and slightly spicy, and mojo verde, a fresher green version made with herbs.
Sancocho Canario – A hearty, traditional dish often shared at family gatherings. It consists of salted fish and potatoes topped with salsa and plenty of mojo sauce. It’s typically served in a large pan for everyone to dig into together.
Something to drink
Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape is not just good to look at – it also creates the ideal conditions for growing local wines.
Volcanic wines – The vineyards of La Geria are a must-see, shaped by Lanzarote’s volcanic soil. Grapes like Malvasía Volcánica thrive here, producing fresh, citrusy wines.
Barraquito Coffee – Treat yourself to a barraquito – a layered Canarian coffee made with espresso, condensed milk and foamed milk. It’s often finished with cinnamon or lemon zest, with some versions adding a splash of Licor 43 for a bit of extra warmth.
Local craft beers – Lanzarote has a growing craft beer scene, with local breweries like Cervecería Malpeis
leading the way. Expect a range of styles, from easy-drinking lagers to richer ales, all brewed using traditional methods.
Tropical juices – The island’s sunny climate makes it ideal for growing tropical fruit, so fresh juices are easy to find in cafés and beach bars. Expect blends of papaya, mango and passion fruit – sometimes mixed with local aloe vera for something a bit different.
Why we love Lanzarote
Here are some top tips from our team
Expert recommendation
“In Costa Teguise, go to La Tabla for tapas. It was the best food of our trip and very authentic… The portions are classic snacking size, so feel free to order a couple of each dish so everyone gets to try them! The spinning tables are also perfect for making sure no one keeps all the croquettes to themselves…” – Lily Owen
Non-touristy activities
If you’d rather avoid the busiest beaches, the natural pools at Punta Mujeres offer a wild spot for a swim, away from the main crowds. Punta Mujeres is a quiet village on the east coast and feels more authentic – you won’t find any big resorts here. There are also some charming seafood bars nearby.
Free things to do
Sunday is market day in Teguise, and while stalls obviously charge for their produce, walking around and soaking up the atmosphere is completely free. Locals sell crafts like handwoven baskets, as well as Canarian cheeses and wines. It’s Lanzarote’s biggest flea market, so it’s an worthwhile experience.
Popular holiday types
All Inclusive holidays to Lanzarote
Holidays to Lanzarote are about warm weather, so it helps to keep things simple. Going All Inclusive means your food and drinks are covered for one upfront price. It makes budgeting easier, and you can order what you like without having to keep an eye on the spend.
Family holidays to Lanzarote
Lanzarote is full of family-focused resorts. Plenty of hotels have facilities like pools and kids’ clubs, and a few even have waterparks to keep the little ones busy. If you’d rather go Self Catering, choose an apartment to stick to your family routine on holiday.
Last-minute holidays to Lanzarote
Luckily, the weather’s warm in Lanzarote all year round, so you don’t have to worry about the forecast. The climate is one reason why last-minute trips here are popular, plus cheap, regular flights help, too.
Luxury holidays to Lanzarote
Island destinations are great for luxury holidays. Five-star hotels line the beaches here with terraces that capture the scenic landscape. You can also treat yourself to private catamaran cruises, wine-tasting tours and spa treatments.
Lanzarote FAQs
Public transport and tours are great to get to the major attractions, but renting a car is the best way to explore the whole of Lanzarote. The roads are well-maintained, and parking is generally easy. A car is especially useful for reaching remote beaches like Playa Las Conchas or scenic viewpoints like Mirador del Río.
Yes, Lanzarote is budget-friendly. Affordable accommodation options range from self-catering apartments to budget hotels. Public transport and car hire are also reasonably priced, and lots of the classic attractions, like beaches and volcanic viewpoints, are completely free. Markets, like the one in Teguise, offer great souvenirs at low prices, and local dishes are always the most affordable.
Lanzarote is unique for its volcanic landscapes, designed by nature but enhanced by artist César Manrique – the dramatic Timanfaya National Park and Jameos del Agua are big reasons to visit. Its smaller size also makes it easy to explore in just a few days, with beautiful beaches, family activities and vineyards all in one place.
Yes, Lanzarote is a great starting point for exploring nearby islands. You can take a 20-minute ferry to La Graciosa and a 25-minute one to Fuerteventura for different daytrips. Or, hop on flights to Tenerife and Gran Canaria to stay in multiple places.
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