Where to stay in Lanzarote: the resorts compared
Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise and the quieter corners of the island: what each place is like, who it suits and how far it is from the airport.
Most visitors to Lanzarote stay in one of three resorts: Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca or Costa Teguise. Each has a different character, and the rest of the island offers quieter options, from surf villages to rural houses. This is how they compare, starting with how far each one is from the airport and what a private transfer there costs.
| Resort | From the airport | Private transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Playa Blanca | 33 km · about 40 min | from £62.74 per vehicle |
| Puerto del Carmen | 9 km · about 20 min | from £25.67 per vehicle |
| Costa Teguise | 15 km · about 20 min | from £32.33 per vehicle |
| Charco del Palo | 27 km · about 40 min | from £62.74 per vehicle |
| Puerto Calero | 15 km · about 20 min | from £34.23 per vehicle |
| Club La Santa | 30 km · about 40 min | from £62.74 per vehicle |
| Famara | 28 km · about 35 min | from £62.74 per vehicle |
| Órzola | 42 km · about 50 min | from £71.30 per vehicle |
| Arrecife | 7 km · about 15 min | from £25.67 per vehicle |
| Haría | 34 km · about 45 min | from £62.74 per vehicle |
| Montaña Blanca | 8 km · about 15 min | from £31.37 per vehicle |
Price of a private transfer from the airport for up to 4 people, with taxes, luggage and child seats included. The way back costs the same.
The south coast: Puerto del Carmen, Puerto Calero and Playa Blanca
Puerto del Carmen is the island's oldest and largest resort, about 20 minutes from the airport. A long seafront with sandy beaches, from Los Pocillos to Playa Grande, runs past restaurants, bars and shops, and at its western end is the old fishing harbour. It suits first-time visitors, families and anyone who likes to have everything within walking distance. More in what to do in Puerto del Carmen, or see the transfer to Puerto del Carmen.
Puerto Calero, just west of Puerto del Carmen, is a small and quiet marina with a handful of hotels and restaurants around the yachts. It suits couples and travellers looking for calm close to everything. See the transfer to Puerto Calero.
Playa Blanca, at the southern tip of the island, is about 40 minutes away and more spread out and relaxed. It has a seafront promenade, the Marina Rubicón and, close by, the Papagayo beaches in a protected natural area. Ferries leave from its port for Corralejo, in Fuerteventura. It suits families and couples who want a quieter holiday by the sea. More in what to do in Playa Blanca, or see the transfer to Playa Blanca.
The east coast: Costa Teguise and Arrecife
Costa Teguise, about 20 minutes away and north of Arrecife, is a modern resort with sheltered beaches, a golf course and a water park. Playa de las Cucharas is known for windsurfing, and the Pueblo Marinero square is the lively heart of the resort in the evening. It suits families and anyone into water sports. See the transfer to Costa Teguise.
Arrecife, the capital, is 15 minutes from the airport. It is a real Canarian town, with the Charco de San Ginés lagoon, the Castillo de San Gabriel, the El Reducto beach and the island's best shopping. It suits travellers who want local life and good connections. More in what to do in Arrecife, or see the transfer to Arrecife.
The north and the interior: quieter places
- Famara, about 35 minutes away: a long wild beach under the Famara cliffs, on the north-west coast, and a small village with sandy streets. For surfers and lovers of open landscapes. Transfer to Famara.
- Club La Santa, about 40 minutes away: a sports resort on the north-west coast, near the village of La Santa. For athletes and active families. Transfer to Club La Santa.
- Charco del Palo, about 40 minutes away: a small naturist village on the north-east coast, with rock pools rather than sandy beaches. Transfer to Charco del Palo.
- Haría, about 45 minutes away: a village in a valley of palm trees in the north, where César Manrique spent his last years. For rural houses and walks. Transfer to Haría.
- Órzola, about 50 minutes away: a fishing village at the northern tip, from where the ferries to La Graciosa leave. Transfer to Órzola.
- Montaña Blanca, about 15 minutes away: a quiet village in the interior, among old volcanic cones, a short drive from the coast. Transfer to Montaña Blanca.
Which area suits you?
- Everything on foot, beaches and restaurants: Puerto del Carmen.
- A calmer seaside holiday with children: Playa Blanca or Costa Teguise.
- Quiet and upmarket: Puerto Calero.
- Surf, nature and space: Famara or the north.
- Close to the airport: Arrecife, Puerto del Carmen or Montaña Blanca, all within about 20 minutes.
Wherever you stay, we take you there from the airport at a fixed price per vehicle: book your transfer.
