Lanzarote’s top attractions

With year-round sunshine, beautiful blue water, and a dramatic volcanic landscape, Lanzarote has instant appeal. You’ll find beaches of black and golden sand, exciting water sports, and miles of stunning coastline. There are mountains to hike, dolphins to spot, and thrilling water parks to splash about in – this Canary Island has it all.

We’ll give you the lowdown on the best beaches for families, and the most romantic spots for couples. There’s info on water sports, inland adventures, and top nights out on the town. Find out where to zip across the waves on a jet ski, and how to explore the coast on a kayak. We’ve even included our favourite Lanzarote hotels, giving you the best deals on the island.

Family fun in Costa Teguise

There are a host of beaches for families in Lanzarote, but one of our favourites is Las Cucharas, a sandy bay in Costa Teguise. Older kids and teens will love Las Cucharas for the fun water sports on offer, including windsurfing and stand up paddleboarding. There are refreshments on hand, too – this beautiful town beach comes with plenty of cafes and bars for an icy drink.

Nearby Playa Jabillo is ideal for tots, who’ll have tons of fun paddling in the warm, shallow waters. The beach is protected from strong winds, with umbrellas for a bit of much-needed shade. Playa Jabillo is also one of the best spots for snorkelling in Lanzarote, where colourful fish swim close to the shoreline.

If you fancy a break from the beaches, then Costa Teguise has an ace up its sleeve – the best water park on the island. At Aquapark Costa Teguise, you’ll discover an exciting water world full of adrenaline-inducing slides, splash pads for kids, and large lagoon-style pools with sun loungers. Half day and full day tickets are available.

Top hotel for families:

Oasis Lanz Beach Mate is one of our favourites in Teguise. Families are well catered for, with 2-bedroom apartments, a tennis court, and heated outdoor pools – just 400 yards from the beach.

Adventures in Playa Blanca

Lanzarote is one of the best places in Europe for dolphin and whale watching. Hop aboard a boat at Playa Blanca on the southern tip of the island, where you’ll head out into the Atlantic to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat – the trip of a lifetime.

If you prefer your ocean adventures DIY, then a kayak safari is for you. After showing you the ropes, your professional guide will lead you around the coast to the pristine beaches of Papagayo where you’ll stop off for a snorkel. A top holiday experience for families, friends, and couples.

Away from the water, there’s one day trip that can’t be missed for any serious adventurer – Timanfaya National Park. From your hotel, a short coach journey takes you to the heart of Lanzarote’s only active volcano. For a truly unique experience, dine at restaurant El Diablo – the only place on the island for a volcano-cooked barbeque!  

Accommodation for adventurers:

With 6 pools, water slides, whirlpool baths, kids’ clubs, and evening entertainment, Gran Castillo Tagoro in Playa Blanca has it all for the perfect Costa Blanca holiday.

Seeking thrills in Puerto del Carmen

OK adrenaline junkies – this one’s for you. Base yourself in Puerto del Carmen on the east coast for all the thrills and spills you could shake a stick at. Start your holiday off with a spin on a jet ski, from Playa Chica. Jump across the waves either solo, or with a partner on this hair-raising 40-minute ride.

How about taking to the skies on a parasail adventure? Attached to a speed boat, you’ll reach heights of 800ft, as you fly along the Lanzarote coastline. The views are breathtaking, and you can share the experience with a partner on a tandem flight.

When it comes to experiencing Lanzarote’s interior, the only way is to style it out on a quad bike. The nearest professional tour begins at Puerto Calero, just a few km down the coast. Ride past Lanzarote’s beautiful ports and beaches before speeding over the volcanic terrain of Timanfaya National Park.

Top stay for thrill-seekers:

Suite Hotel Montana Club offers spacious, apartment-style accommodation, with 2 pools, (one heated) car hire, and free Wi-Fi.

Lanzarote nights

For a top night out in Lanzarote, there’s nowhere better than Puerto del Carmen. Make a beeline for Centro, where you’ll find all the best bars, pubs, clubs, and late-night eateries. If you fancy starting your night off low-key, then check out Old Town, for live music by the seafront.

While less raucous than neighbour Puerto del Carmen, there’s still a decent night scene to be found in Lanzarote’s capital, Arrecife. Offering a friendly mix of tourists and locals, you’ll discover bars and cafes dotted throughout the city, with most of the late-night action taking place at the Marina.

For an upmarket atmosphere in Playa Blanca, head to Marina Rubicon, a stylish seafront location full of cocktail bars, and swanky bistros. This is home to Café Del Mar, the famous chillout bar from Ibiza – expect ambient beats by the water.

Hotel in the heart of the action:

Right on the beach, and a short walk to the late-night bars, Bungalows Velazquez is our pick for nightlife lovers in Puerto Del Carmen.

A holiday for couples in Costa Teguise

Home to some of the Lanzarote’s most idyllic beaches, Costa Teguise offers a laid-back holiday for couples, with plenty to do during the day, and a pleasant atmosphere in the evenings. For a day on the beach, take your towel to Playa de las Cucharas, a sandy stretch with fun water sports and cocktail bars yards from the water.

For a fascinating cultural experience a few km from Costa Teguise, spend an afternoon visiting the house of Cesar Manrique. This world-renowned artist designed some of Lanzarote’s most iconic landmarks, including the pool and gardens of Jameos del Agua, and the Al Campesino workers’ houses.

 If you fancy an evening stroll, amble over to the promenade behind Playa del Jabillo. The walkway winds around the curve of the beach, and if you time it right, you’ll get to see the famous Lanzarote sunset from one of the best positions on the island.

A couples’ haven:

With its stylish infinity pool and modern interiors, the adult only Barcelo Teguise Beach gets our vote for best couples’ hotel in the area.