Golden beaches and artistic attractions on a lunar landscape
But whilst the untypical terrain offers endless surprises, the golden beaches of its coastline are just as alluring. Working in conjunction with these natural wonders, native artist César Manrique’s contributions to Lanzarote are the ultimate example of how to work with the land, and not against it. As such, Lanzarote has retained the precedent he set, by keeping high-rise hotels to an absolute minimum.
Even in the most built-up, tourist focused of resorts, such as Puerto del Carmen, there’s a natural Canarian character in harmony with the beach holiday vibe. Stay here and you’ll have unlimited choices on how to spend your holidays in Lanzarote, from lazing on a huge dusky golden beach to partying in lively bars or wandering through the quiet whitewashed Old Town.
Similarly, Costa Teguise is an incredibly popular resort, yet it still manages to offer an authentic experience alongside all of its radiant beaches. There’s never a shortage of things to do here either, as Cesar Manrique’s artworks are nearby, as well as fun family activities.
Located on the southernmost tip of Lanzarote, Playa Blanca is the place to be if you want to relax and unwind in refined surroundings. There are some fine 4* and 5* hotels here, such as the Princesa Yaiza Suite Resort available from our Indulgent Escapes range. And the beauty of the Papagayo coastline complements this perfectly. In essence, Lanzarote combines stunning coastlines with wondrous landscapes and idyllic retreats to make beach holidays like nowhere else in the world.
What to look out for in Lanzarote
There are some beaches, bars and attractions in Lanzarote you simply shouldn’t miss. Luckily, the island is relatively small and connected well with several main roads. That means you should be able to experience all the best of Lanzarote during your holidays here!
As mentioned in our overview, Lanzarote is a land of amazing natural wonders, so wherever you stay it’s likely you’ll be close to breath-taking attractions. Having your holidays in Costa Teguise puts you at a great base for exploring the north of the island. Indeed, the beauty starts from the very northern tip of Lanzarote, where you can take in the panoramic views at Mirador del Rio. At its peak, you’ll see the radiant blue waters of the Atlantic stretch for miles, only broken up by the small mountainous islands of the Chinijo archipelago nearby. Also in the northern area is the famous caves of Jameos del Agua, it features one of the largest underground tunnels in the world and the lake is home to a rare species of tiny white crab. The network of craggy caves that make up Cueva de Los Verdes are nearby too.
Easily reachable from Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen, the centre of Lanzarote is dominated by the volcanic Timanfaya National Park. The Martian-like maroon landscapes of the park are a dream for film directors, and scenes from Star Wars and the Planet of the Apes were filmed here. You could also make a day trip to the island’s capital, Arrecife, to admire César Manrique’s artwork at both the Castillo de San Jose and the Fundacíon César Manrique.
But maybe you’d prefer to spend your time relaxing on a beach? The dusky golden coastlines of Lanzarote will more than serve your need. To hide the original volcanic black beaches of the island, much of the sand has been shipped in from the Sahara, and is incredibly fine and radiant. Often recommended as the best set of beaches in Lanzarote, the secluded coves around Papagayo near Playa Blanca offer a perfect sunbathing experience. Other great beaches include Playa de Famara, the famous surfing hotspot on Lanzarote’s quieter northern coast, and Playa del Reducto, a beautiful white beach that’s often unexplored by tourists as it’s in the capital Arrecife.
Family activities deserve special mention in Lanzarote, especially in the popular resort of Puerto del Carmen. Stay here and you’ll be very close to the action-packed zoo, gardens and swimming pools that make up the Rancho Texas Park. Plus there are three different race tracks nearby, with one made just for children, at Go-Karting Lanzarote. And if you love waterparks, it’ll definitely be worth your while staying at the HL Rio Playa Blanca Hotel & Waterpark. In a first for Lanzarote, there’s a brand new waterpark here with lots of different slides for children and adults alike.
The nightlife certainly isn’t lacking in Lanzarote either, and if you like lively nights out Puerto del Carmen will be your best choice. The Strip here has a huge range of bars and clubs, but its Old Town and neighbouring Puerto Calero have a more sedate atmosphere when you want to take things more slowly. Staying in Costa Teguise will put you close to the authentic bars of both Arrecife and the Old Town of Teguise inland. Whilst Playa Blanca has a host of bars at the Papagayo Commercial Centre, a place that also doubles up as a shopping centre for picking up those souvenirs!
Ideal for families
If you’re thinking about where to take your family for holidays in Lanzarote, how about Costa Teguise or Playa Blanca? In Costa Teguise there are fantastic activities nearby with several safe and clean beaches at the coastline, whilst Playa Blanca has a relaxed atmosphere and family-friendly bars.
Ideal for friends
Time with friends during holidays in Lanzarote is best spent at Puerto del Carmen or Costa Teguise. Puerto del Carmen has the liveliest nightlife on the island, while Costa Teguise has great facilities for group windsurfing holidays and is near to the hundreds of bars in Arrecife.
Ideal for couples
The peaceful southern coast of Lanzarote provides the perfect place for relaxation in Playa Blanca. Papagayo is nearby, a natural beauty spot of secluded golden coves, and the stylish modern restaurants and pretty harbour of Marina Rubicón make for wonderful evenings out. Playa de los Pocillos and Puerto Calero also offer serene scenery to enjoy with your loved one.