7 of the best resorts in Lanzarote

1. Costa Teguise

Best resort in Lanzarote for families

With not one, not two, but five beaches, Costa Teguise is perfect for a family holiday in Lanzarote. If you’ve got tiny tots, Playa Bastian has calm waters and is sheltered from the wind, while teenagers can learn to windsurf or try watersports at Cucharas Beach.

Activities in Costa Teguise aren’t limited to beach fun, either. Aquapark Costa Teguise is a must-visit, with slides, wave pools, a go-kart track and a paintballing centre. There’s also an aquarium (from €11) in the resort centre, with three ‘tactile’ pools for hands-on learning, as well as jungle-themed mini golf course (from €7).

Where to stay in Costa Teguise

Barceló Lanzarote Royal Level is a good pick for families looking for an all-inclusive getaway. Rooms are spacious and stylish, and the facilities are top notch. You’ll also find plenty of opportunities for family fun in the sun at four-star Hotel Grand Teguise Playa or Radisson Blu Resort Lanzarote, where all ages will love the beautiful pools and the tasty food.

2. Puerto Calero

Best resort in Lanzarote for couples

Centred around a huge, glamorous marina, Puerto Calero is a luxurious resort best suited to couples.

If you’re into sailing or simply like to admire big, beautiful boats, you could spend hours on the waterfront, dining in top restaurants and watching yachts dock in and out. The atmosphere here is upmarket and tranquil, and the volcanic hills in the distance create an idyllic backdrop for a romantic getaway.

There is no beach in the resort itself, but it’s just a ten-minute drive down the coast from Puerto del Carmen, so you won’t have to go far for sand and sea.

Where to stay in Puerto Calero

Couples will enjoy the royal treatment at adults-only Royal Marina Suites Boutique Hotel, which boasts superb suites and harbour views. Around the corner, relax and unwind at four-star Hotel Costa Calero Thalasso & Spa, or for the ultimate luxury escape, treat yourselves to a stay at five-star Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa.

3. Playa Honda

Best resort in Lanzarote for budget travellers

Looking to do Lanzarote on a budget? Head to Playa Honda. Close to the airport, and a short drive to island capital, Arrecife, there's a huge range of accommodation on offer here, from beachside hotels to cheap self-catering apartments.

Start your holiday with the ultimate free activity: a day on the beach. The resort has four golden and wonderfully undeveloped beaches to choose from – Playa Honda, Playa de la Concha, Playa de Matagorda and Playa del Cable.

In the town itself, fast food spots serve up big portions and bars with happy hours will help you save your pennies.

Where to stay in Playa Honda

Offering bright and airy apartments overlooking the sea, La Concha Boutique Apartments is a top choice for a hotel stay on a budget in Playa Honda. Head away from the waterfront and you’ll find a number of good value private apartments, villas and Airbnbs, too. Casa Makuki and Magma Rooms are well rated.

4. Puerto del Carmen

Best resort in Lanzarote for nightlife

Lanzarote’s most popular resort, Puerto del Carmen is the place to be if you're looking for good nightlife alongside some of the island’s best beaches.

The resort is just a ten-minute drive from the airport, so you can be sipping cocktails at a bar along the seafront ‘strip’ within an hour of landing. If you're after a more relaxed nightlife scene, head to the old harbour area, where you can dine on fresh seafood while admiring the yachts as they sail into the dock.

To keep the party going, several of the beach bars host live musicians, and during the month of July, the Fiesta de Nuestra Señora del Carmen brings parades, dancing and performances along the promenade.

Where to stay in Puerto del Carmen

Located in the heart of town, both Gloria Izaro Club Hotel and Hotel Fariones are excellent choices if you’re looking for evening entertainment on your doorstep. Further along the coast, well-rated, four-star ​​ILUNION Costa Sal Lanzarote is a step back from busier central Puerto del Carmen, but still has a handful of buzzy bars and restaurants on its doorstep.

5. Caleta de Famara

Best resort in Lanzarote for surfers and nature lovers

On the west coast of the island, Caleta de Famara is a far cry from the major tourist spots in the east. Wonderfully wild and unspoilt – in large part because of the windy weather, which makes it a hotspot for surfing – the resort is perfect for nature lovers.

Playa de Famara is the main beach and one of the most spectacular on the island – the towering Risco de Famara cliffs stretch into the water, and epic waves crash onto the sand.

The best coastal views are out on the water, so take a surf lesson (Calima Surf School and Wave Rituals are just two of the many options here) or try out kitesurfing.

Where to stay in Caleta de Famara

There are no hotel chains in Caleta de Famara, but an array of boho guesthouses, apartments and private B&Bs make up for it. Both Magic Famara’s Beach House 93 and Bungalows Playa Famara are just metres from Playa de Famara, or for a cheaper night’s stay, consider Surfhouse Hostel or Airbnb.

6. Arrieta

Best quiet resort in Lanzarote

Arrieta, a small village on Lanzarote's north coast, is a real hidden treasure far removed from the tourist beat.

The main attraction here is the traditional Canarian fishing harbour, where fishermen still unload their catch of the day every morning. You can sample their hard work in one of the town’s many seafood restaurants.

During the day, make a beeline for Playa de la Garita, where soft golden sand meets turquoise waters. Or, for a more adventurous holiday activity, head just ten minutes up the coast to visit the Cueva de los Verde – a fascinating lava tube that stretches for miles. Entry is €15.

Where to stay in Arrieta

Walk ten minutes along the coast from Arrieta’s centre and you’ll reach Bungalows Caleta Campos, a top spot for families and couples seeking a tranquil self-catering stay. If you really want to get away from it all, Eco Village Finca De Arrieta offers stylish and sustainable off-grid accommodation ranging from yurts to luxury villas.

7. Playa Blanca

Best all rounder

Soft, sandy beaches, a yacht-lined marina and a laidback atmosphere will put you in the holiday mood in Playa Blanca.

There are three lovely beaches to choose from here: Playa Dorada is your best bet for watersports and family fun, Playa Blanca is smaller but closest to the action, and pretty Playa Flamingo is a little further out.

When you’re not sunbathing, check out the famous local market or take a walk along the promenade, admiring the sea views from the Faro de Punta Pechiguera lighthouse at one end to Papagayo at the other.

The epic lunar landscapes of Timanfaya National Park – one of the best things to do in Lanzarote – are also only a 15-minute drive away.

Where to stay in Playa Blanca

You’ll find plenty of hotels in Playa Blanca. All-inclusive fans should make a beeline for the rave-reviewed H10 Timanfaya Palace, or if you prefer the finer things in life, five-star Princesa Yaiza Hotel Resort will hit the spot. Living up to its name, Gran Castillo Tagoro Family & Fun is a favourite with families thanks to its six pools, kids’ club and cinema, while the gardens and sea views at over-16s-only Hipotels Natura Palace make for a relaxing getaway.