The best towns and villages in Lanzarote to visit

I’m continuing my series of articles on the Canary Islands with a guide to the best towns and villages in Lanzarote to visit. Even though the island is rather small, there are some lovely areas worth discovering. What I appreciated is that each one offered a very different vibe and setting. You can go from a quiet fishing village to a livelier seaside resort, or even to a village right in the middle of hills and volcanic fields.

In my eyes, each town and/or village reflects a facet of the island, and that’s what’s beautiful. Plus, the typical houses in Lanzarote are white with colorful doors and shutters (generally: blue, green, or red). I’ll let you imagine the contrast between the white houses and the black lava. In Lanzarote, it’s often a matter of contrast, and it’s magnificent!

In a word, whether you prefer strolling around, discovering local culture, or enjoying conveniences with accessible beaches, you’ll find what you’re looking for on this island. Come on, let me take you on a great tour of the most beautiful villages and towns to visit in Lanzarote.

To help you organize your trip, don’t miss our article on Lanzarote’s must-sees.

Let’s ease into it with the island’s capital: Arrecife. It’s often left off travelers’ itineraries. On the one hand, I can understand! To explain, I didn’t have a real crush on this city. But it’s true that it’s still nice to discover. It’s a port city that’s both calm and lively, on a human scale. Even though it’s a capital, it keeps a strong local and historical identity, all by the sea.

Precisely, it’s that authentic, local side—even if it’s less photogenic than other towns and villages on the island—that makes it charming. The top sight to visit is the Castillo de San Gabriel. It’s a fort built on a small islet connected to Arrecife by a stone bridge. It’s a pleasant walk to take, with a lovely discovery at the end. Close by, don’t miss the Charco de San Ginés. It’s a natural lagoon right in the middle of several little streets, restaurants, and cafés. It’s quite unexpected to find this spot in the heart of the city.

It was a lovely surprise! If you want to enjoy the buzz and do some shopping, head to the main street, León y Castillo. You’ll have plenty to do! You’ll find some shops with lower prices than in France, so take advantage to pick up a few things. To finish your tour of the capital, I recommend Playa del Reducto. It’s a pretty beach near the city center, with calm water and golden sand. Perfect for unwinding after a city visit!

If you’re in the middle of planning your trip to Lanzarote, the name Teguise surely rings a bell. It’s often one of the recommended must-sees, and I understand why. For a bit of history, Teguise is the island’s former capital. In the north of the island, as soon as you arrive in this village, you’re charmed by its white houses, cobblestone lanes, and tranquil vibe. Even though it’s a village that aims to be touristic, it keeps its authenticity.

It’s precisely the local side of the village that I liked. You immediately feel the traditional atmosphere, far from the liveliness of beach resorts like Playa Blanca or Puerto del Carmen. For your info, the best time to go is Sunday morning, because that’s when the famous Teguise market takes place. Unfortunately, the Sunday I was there, it rained; the market was canceled, so I went back during the week, but without the market. Don’t worry—generally, the weather is good. You’ll get the chance to see the streets fill with local artisans, colorful stalls, etc.

If you come on a weekday, it’s still pleasant to wander around the village up to the famous church of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. I also recommend grabbing a small coffee on a terrace and exploring the artisan boutiques to make the most of your visit!

Honestly, between its typical Canarian architecture and authentic spirit, Teguise deserves a good visit! Little tip: you can go up to the Castillo de Santa Bárbara, at the top of a nearby volcano. I’ll let you imagine the view over the village of Teguise and the surrounding plains!

The road to get to Haría has quite a few descents, climbs, and bends—it’s surprising in Lanzarote. Haría is in the north and, as you approach it, you immediately see that the village sits in the heart of a lush green valley. In fact, the town is often called “the Valley of a Thousand Palms.” Compared to other villages bordered by lava fields, Haría is a change of scenery.

Once I arrived in the village, the atmosphere was peaceful and pleasant. Given that the island’s overall pace is relaxed, I find it even more pronounced in this village! I enjoyed strolling through the lanes, among white houses with green shutters and little cafés. If you’re looking for a local vibe, I recommend going. Since this village is a bit apart, you feel like you’re in a bubble, even more cut off from the world. If you want a cultural visit, note that this is where the house of César Manrique, the island’s famous artist, is located. Today it’s a museum where you can discover his world, always between art and nature.

With Haría, I can tell you I discovered another side of Lanzarote: even more tranquil and, above all, greener. More proof that Lanzarote isn’t just about its volcanic landscapes.

Since I was staying in the south, in the village of El Golfo, Yaiza was right next door. It’s a nice village to visit. You’ll find the white houses, with flowered lanes, right next to the volcanic landscapes of the Timanfaya National Park.

What’s surprising in Yaiza is its almost absolute silence. For a Spanish village, it’s not very lively. You can stroll around peacefully, crossing paths with only a few locals. In the middle of the village, there’s a lovely little square with the church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios. If you want a bit of height, there are trails to take to admire the panorama over the village surrounded by fields of black lava. Once again, the contrast is superb!

There aren’t really things to “do” in Yaiza; it’s enough to wander around to feel the atmosphere and enjoy its beauty. I also suggest choosing Yaiza as a base. It’s a good location for exploring the south of the island. Plus, there are often some gems: old houses nicely renovated!

Here we are in the fishing village where I stayed—and especially at my favorite! I had done a bit of research before going, but I wasn’t expecting this. It was much more than I imagined. From the moment I arrived in this fishing village, I had a good feeling. You know, it’s the kind of place where you feel good right away: with its white houses by the sea, fresh fish restaurants, welcoming locals, and cliffs.

What I also liked is that, even though the village attracts tourists during the day, El Golfo hasn’t lost its authentic spirit. In the morning or evening, the village returns to calm. As for me, since I was out and about all day, I could enjoy the best moments there. We even had our little evening rituals: walking on the beach or simply sitting facing the ocean. Plus, the golden hour and sunset were just gorgeous! It was a real breather, in the evening or upon waking, before setting off on new adventures.

Not to mention that the Charco Verde is at the exit of the village, in an ancient crater. This green lagoon is among Lanzarote’s must-sees. Between the neon green of the lagoon, the deep blue of the ocean, and the black of the sand—it’s just wow!

As you’ve gathered, this village is both unmissable and an excellent base for your stay in Lanzarote. You can also take advantage of being close to wild, little-frequented beaches like Montaña Bermeja! For more info on Lanzarote’s beaches, we’ve written a complete article.

Without going too far, I think you’ll enjoy El Golfo as much as I did. Between its authenticity and wild nature, it’s impossible not to love it!

At the very north of the island, you’ll find Órzola. I had the chance to stop there when I headed to La Graciosa. Indeed, the small port is the departure point to Caleta de Sebo, the main village on La Graciosa. Back to the village itself—it’s small and charming, with its white houses, little colorful boats in the port, and great tranquility. It’s a small fishing village with a local vibe you notice immediately.

It’s the ideal place to savor fresh fish in the little port restaurants. You can eat fish caught the same day or, at most, the day before. I’ll let you imagine the taste—it’s a real treat. If you’re passing through the village, I also recommend going to Caletón Blanco, which is very close. It’s an isolated beach, still little touristy, with beautiful turquoise water. It’s a nice spot for a swim or a picnic before continuing to explore the north of Lanzarote. What’s striking is how quickly you go from black volcanic rocks to the transparent blue of the ocean.

In short, Órzola is a village where you’ll love to stroll and breathe in the sea air. And I really recommend going to La Graciosa—you’ll pass through here anyway. So you might as well take a moment to visit Órzola along the way.

This time, we’re switching things up from authentic, local villages and heading to Puerto del Carmen. To put it simply, it’s one of the island’s best-known seaside resorts. It’s on the island’s southeast coast, with plenty of buzz. I had the chance to go there for my diving session in a cove next to the port. In this part of the island, the water is calm and offers very good visibility. So it’s the perfect (even the best) place to dive or snorkel and meet Lanzarote’s marine species.

To tell you more about Puerto del Carmen, it’s the most touristic city on the island. I’d say it feels livelier than Arrecife, the capital. It must be said that in Puerto del Carmen, everything is within easy reach: beaches, restaurants, bars, shops, water activities. Honestly, it’s lively but not over the top. In my view, there’s still a friendly, pleasant atmosphere, even if it’s touristic and lively. What I liked: the seafront promenade is peaceful and well laid out. It’s pleasant for a jog or simply a stroll at sunset. There are also quite a few well-equipped beaches ideal for swimming, like Playa Chica and Playa Grande. After sunset, if you feel like going out, there are plenty of bars and small clubs.

As for accommodation, there’s everything from apartments to luxury hotels. You can even stay outside the center to be more peaceful while still being close to all amenities. In my opinion, it’s a good spot that combines relaxation and entertainment. It’s just as suitable for family trips as for couples or friends.

Literally at the southern tip of the island, here’s another seaside resort in Lanzarote. Compared to the previous one, it’s more upscale and peaceful. The advantage of Puerto del Carmen is its lively atmosphere, whereas in Playa Blanca it’s the calm, with gorgeous beaches and more elegant restaurants. It’s true there’s less hustle, but more serenity for my taste. I enjoyed it as a place to relax after exploring the Los Ajaches Natural Park (where you’ll find the stunning Playa de Papagayo).

The coastal promenade is well laid out and pleasant for walking along the entire shoreline. When it’s time for a break, you’re spoiled for choice. I think that’s nice too—it lets you be more spontaneous, depending on your mood. I’d say the showstopper in Playa Blanca is catching sight of the shores of Fuerteventura in the distance. It’s magnificent at sunset!

Playa Blanca is ideal for swimming, with Playa Dorada and Playa Flamingo. The waters are calm and clear. Just walking in the water, I could see little fish between my feet. So, near the rocks and with a bit more depth, the marine species parade by! Personally, I stopped here after touring the Los Ajaches Natural Park. Even though I loved the park’s desert landscapes, it felt good to find a bit of life right after, in Playa Blanca. I found it had a family-friendly atmosphere, just a bit more elegant than Puerto del Carmen or other simpler villages. It was a bit different, and I think it’s good to know there’s also a town of this style in Lanzarote.

We’re heading back up a bit to stop just below Arrecife, on the east coast, with Costa Teguise (not to be confused with the village of Teguise I mentioned at the beginning). It’s another seaside resort—less well known, sure, but attracting more and more people. Indeed, compared to Puerto del Carmen, everything is on a human scale. You stroll along flowered streets, enjoy more local restaurants, all while being close to lovely beaches.

I think it’s a good place to spend a day swimming, strolling, and dining by the sea. Costa Teguise isn’t, in my opinion, a must-see town in itself, but if you want a chill, no-fuss day, it’s ideal. I really liked Playa del Jablillo and Playa de las Cucharas, which are in the town of Costa Teguise and therefore easily accessible. The water there is calm, without waves, with a beautiful shade of blue. For the town side of things, I recommend checking out the Pueblo Marinero market. It was designed by César Manrique and is really nice to visit.

Another plus for Costa Teguise: its location. From here, you can easily explore the entire island. When I was there, I felt like everything was close by. It’s not exactly true, but I’d say the farthest spot is about a 40-minute drive. You also find this happy medium when it comes to relaxation, beaches, and sightseeing. Costa Teguise is a mix of all that!

Next to Yaiza and very close to Timanfaya Park, here’s the little village of Uga. Even though it’s near the very touristic national park, Uga remains very quiet. I’d even say it’s the most peaceful village after Haría. This village keeps the island’s typical charm, always with the famous white houses. By the way, the color of the houses in Lanzarote is not only a matter of climate—to keep interiors cool—but it was also César Manrique who convinced local authorities to preserve harmonious architecture: white houses with colorful shutters (green, blue, brown, or red).

The village is very small but authentic, with its San Isidro Labrador church and pretty views of the mountains. Uga is best known as the starting point for dromedary-back safaris to the Timanfaya mountains. Everyone has their own opinion on the matter, but for Uga, it’s a strong symbol (there are even dromedary sculptures in the middle of the roundabout at the village entrance). For the record, after the 18th-century eruptions, dromedaries were essential to the daily lives of residents in the area: they helped with farm work and served as a means of transport in desert areas.

Nearby, you have the famous La Geria valley. It’s a valley with vineyards cultivated in volcanic ash. I therefore recommend taking a stroll in Uga, then heading to a bodega for a tasting of local wine.

In summary, to me, the real charm of Uga lies in its authenticity and very local feel. Plus, I really liked the setting of this little village, located near Timanfaya and La Geria, between lava fields and volcanic hills.

That’s it, our guide to the best towns and villages in Lanzarote is coming to an end. What I take away is that, for a small island, there are plenty of towns and villages to visit. Each has its own identity, setting, and vibe. Even if I had my preferences, it was interesting to discover them all!

To stay on theme, I invite you to read our guide to the best towns and villages of Tenerife. On that island too, I made some great discoveries!

See you soon for more articles about Lanzarote!

Written by Laura CALLES

Thanks to Mélanie and Sylvain, I had the chance to discover the Canary Islands, specifically Tenerife and Lanzarote, so that I could share these island paradises with you. Two real favorites of mine!

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