Where to stay in Lanzarote: the resorts compared
Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise, Playa Blanca or a village in the north? The main areas of Lanzarote, who each one suits and how far it is from the airport.
Lanzarote is small enough that nowhere is far, yet each area has a very different character. Choosing where to stay shapes your holiday: lively promenade or quiet village, sandy beach or surf, close to the airport or at the other end of the island. This guide compares the main options.
Puerto del Carmen: the classic resort
The biggest and liveliest resort on the island, with several kilometres of sandy beaches, a long seafront avenue full of restaurants and bars, and an old harbour with fish restaurants. It suits families, couples and first-time visitors, and it is only about 20 minutes from the airport, ideal for late flights. Taxi to Puerto del Carmen.
Costa Teguise: calmer, with wind and golf
North of Arrecife, Costa Teguise is quieter than Puerto del Carmen, with sheltered beaches for children, a beach known for windsurfing and a golf course. It is a good base for visiting the north of the island, and the airport is about 20 minutes away. Taxi to Costa Teguise.
Playa Blanca: space, calm and Papagayo
At the southern tip, Playa Blanca is more spread out and relaxed, with a long promenade, the Marina Rubicón and the golden coves of Papagayo nearby. It is popular with families and couples looking for calm, and it is the base for day trips to Fuerteventura. It is the furthest resort from the airport, around 40 minutes. Taxi to Playa Blanca.
Puerto Calero: the marina
A small, elegant marina between Puerto del Carmen and Playa Quemada, with yachts, restaurants on the quay and boat trips. Quiet, but with everything close by. Taxi to Puerto Calero.
Arrecife: the capital
For those who prefer a real town to a resort: shops, local restaurants, the lagoon of the Charco de San Ginés and a city beach, only 15 minutes from the airport. Also the place for cruise passengers and business travellers. Taxi to Arrecife.
Famara: surf and wild landscapes
A village of low houses and sandy streets under huge cliffs, with one of the longest beaches on the island and surf schools. Perfect for surfers and anyone who likes nature over nightlife. Taxi to Famara.
The north: villages and peace
Haría, the valley of a thousand palms, and the villages around it offer rural houses, cooler air and quiet, with the Mirador del Río, Jameos del Agua and the boat to La Graciosa nearby. Allow 45 to 50 minutes from the airport. Taxi to Haría · Taxi to Órzola.
Distances and fares at a glance
| Resort | From the airport | Taxi |
|---|---|---|
| Playa Blanca | 33 km · about 40 min | from CHF 71.68 per vehicle |
| Puerto del Carmen | 9 km · about 20 min | from CHF 29.33 per vehicle |
| Costa Teguise | 15 km · about 20 min | from CHF 36.93 per vehicle |
| Charco del Palo | 27 km · about 40 min | from CHF 71.68 per vehicle |
| Puerto Calero | 15 km · about 20 min | from CHF 39.10 per vehicle |
| Club La Santa | 30 km · about 40 min | from CHF 71.68 per vehicle |
| Famara | 28 km · about 35 min | from CHF 71.68 per vehicle |
| Órzola | 42 km · about 50 min | from CHF 81.46 per vehicle |
| Arrecife | 7 km · about 15 min | from CHF 29.33 per vehicle |
| Haría | 34 km · about 45 min | from CHF 71.68 per vehicle |
| Montaña Blanca | 8 km · about 15 min | from CHF 35.84 per vehicle |
Fare of a taxi from the airport for up to 4 people, taxes, luggage and child seats included. The way back costs the same.
A few tips before you choose
- If you arrive late or travel with small children, a resort close to the airport saves time on the first night.
- The south and east coasts are more sheltered from the wind than the north and west.
- Wherever you stay, you can explore the rest of the island in day trips: nothing is more than an hour away.
Not sure yet? Look at every option in our list of destinations, or read what a taxi from the airport costs.
