Where to stay · 7 min read
Where to stay in Lanzarote: the best areas compared (and why the centre is underrated)
By CabanaLanz · 28/10/2026
Where should you stay in Lanzarote? It depends on what kind of trip you want. The island is small, but each area has its own feel: lively resorts on the south coast, a surf village in the north, quiet white villages inland. We live and host guests right in the middle of the island, so here is an honest guide to the main areas, who each one suits, and why the centre is the best kept secret.
In short: Puerto del Carmen for nightlife and choice, Playa Blanca for beaches and sunsets, Costa Teguise for watersports, Famara for surfing, the north for peace and green valleys. If you want calm, nature and the whole island within easy reach, stay in the centre: from there almost everything is under 35 minutes away by car.
The best areas to stay in Lanzarote at a glance
| Area | Best for | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Puerto del Carmen | First-timers, groups, nightlife | Busy resort, lots of choice |
| Playa Blanca | Beaches, families, sunsets | Relaxed resort in the sunny south |
| Costa Teguise | Watersports, golf, families | Resort near the capital |
| Arrecife and Playa Honda | Short stays, no car, city life | Local and practical |
| Caleta de Famara | Surfers, nature lovers | Laid-back village with sandy streets |
| Haría and the north | Hikers, peace and quiet | Green valley and small villages |
| The centre (San Bartolomé, Teguise, La Geria) | Couples, explorers, people who want calm | Rural, quiet, everything close by |
Puerto del Carmen: the classic resort
Puerto del Carmen is the island’s biggest resort, with a long sandy beach, a seafront promenade full of restaurants and bars, and the widest choice of hotels and apartments. It suits first-time visitors, groups of friends and anyone who wants everything within walking distance. The downside: in high season it is busy and noisy, and it can feel like any other beach resort in Europe.
Playa Blanca: beaches and sunsets in the south
In the far south, Playa Blanca is calmer than Puerto del Carmen and the sunniest part of the island. It is close to the Papagayo beaches, the most beautiful coves in Lanzarote, and the ferry to Fuerteventura leaves from its harbour. It is a good choice for families and beach lovers. The catch is distance: the north of the island and its sights are a long drive away.
Costa Teguise: watersports next to the capital
Costa Teguise sits on the east coast, a few minutes from Arrecife. It is popular with families and with people who come for windsurfing, diving or golf. It is quieter than Puerto del Carmen but still a resort, with hotels, apartments and a small promenade. The east coast is often windy, which is great for watersports and less so for lying on the beach.
Arrecife and Playa Honda: practical and local
Arrecife is the capital and the place to see everyday island life: the Charco de San Ginés lagoon, the old castles and El Reducto beach. Playa Honda, right next to the airport, has a long beach and big shops. Both are useful for short stays or if you are travelling without a car, because most bus routes start in Arrecife. They are not the most charming places to sleep, though.
Caleta de Famara: surf and wild nature
Famara is a small village with sandy streets at the end of a huge wild beach, under the cliffs of the Risco de Famara. It is the surf capital of the island and has a relaxed, alternative feel. You will find small houses and apartments rather than big hotels. It is often windy and the sea is rough, so it is better for walking and surfing than for swimming.
Haría and the north: green valleys and quiet villages
The north is the greenest part of Lanzarote. Haría, known as the valley of a thousand palms, is a peaceful village where César Manrique spent his last years. Nearby you have the Jameos del Agua, the Cueva de los Verdes and small fishing villages such as Arrieta. It is perfect for walkers and for anyone who wants silence, but there are few places to stay and the south is far away.
The centre: the island’s best kept secret
Most guides skip the middle of the island, and that is a shame. Villages like San Bartolomé, Teguise (the old capital, with its Sunday market) and the vineyards of La Geria are quiet, authentic and surrounded by volcanic landscapes. The big advantage is location: from the centre you can reach the north and the south in the same day without long drives. You stay somewhere calm and local, and you still see the whole island.
From our cabins in San Bartolomé, for example, these are the real driving times:
- Airport and Playa Honda: 10 minutes
- Arrecife, Puerto del Carmen and Teguise: 15 minutes
- Famara: 20 minutes
- Timanfaya National Park and Playa Blanca: 30 minutes
- Papagayo beaches and Jameos del Agua: 35 minutes
Which area is right for you?
- First time, want everything on foot: Puerto del Carmen.
- Beach holiday with children: Playa Blanca or Costa Teguise.
- Surf and nature: Caleta de Famara.
- No car: Arrecife or Playa Honda.
- Calm, nature and exploring the whole island: the centre, in a rural cabin or country house.
Wherever you stay, plan your days with the weather in mind: our guide to the best time to visit Lanzarote explains it month by month, and our list of the best beaches in Lanzarote tells you which one to choose depending on the day.
Where to stay: our cabins in the centre of Lanzarote
If the centre sounds like you, we would love to have you. We have three places for two people on our family estate, among hundreds of trees, running on solar power and rainwater: the Tabaiba cabin, the Drago cabin and the La Sabina country house. Each one has its own kitchen and private bathroom, and you will be welcomed by the family and by Nana, our donkey. They are rated 4.9 on Airbnb with more than 400 reviews, and booking on our website costs less than on Airbnb or Booking. If you prefer something closer to nature, read about our glamping in Lanzarote.
See the cabins and free dates →
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to stay in the north or the south of Lanzarote?
The south (Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen) is sunnier and has more beaches and resorts. The north is greener, quieter and windier. If you can’t decide, the centre lets you enjoy both without long drives.
Do I need a car in Lanzarote?
To explore the island properly, yes. There are buses, mainly from Arrecife, but many sights, beaches and villages are hard to reach without a car. Renting one is easy and usually affordable.
What is the quietest area to stay in Lanzarote?
The inland villages (San Bartolomé, Teguise, La Geria) and the north (Haría) are the quietest. They have no big hotels, little traffic and very dark skies at night.
Where should I stay in Lanzarote with children?
Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise have calm beaches, family hotels and plenty to do for children. Puerto del Carmen is also a good option if you want everything on foot.
How far is the centre of Lanzarote from the airport?
Very close: our cabins in San Bartolomé are about 10 minutes from the airport by car.
Keep reading
More guides to plan your trip to Lanzarote.
