I've been visiting Lanzarote since I was a baby. My grandparents bought a villa there in 1972 and it has been a family retreat ever since. There is no doubt this place holds a huge part in our lives and now it’s home from another home.

Today, my mum and her husband live full-time in Lanzarote, in the heart of the Timanfaya National Park, surrounded by volcanoes. It's a unique and diverse island, and the drive from the coast to the centre is truly beautiful.

In this travel guide, I’ll go through the must-visit places of Lanzarote where you feel more like a local than a tourist, but also will let you know of the good hot spots. There is so much to this island, from its architecture, landscape to culture and history. So let’s get into it…

Coastal walk from Puerto del Carmen to Puerto Calero

The Island was sculpted and designed by the iconic Cesar Manrique. Across the Island you’ll find beautiful volcanic rock carved into a stone wall, with white walls and hints of bright colours. It really has so much beauty and design.

Manrique’s home is now open to the public to view his work of art, I’d highly recommend visiting if you’re in Lanzarote. I’ve linked the website for you to take a peep.

My favourite beach on the Island is Papagayo. A bit difficult to get to without a car or mo-ped but I’ve always found the harder it is to the beach, the better it is. When you arrive, expect a large carpark which you don’t have to pay for.

There is only one restaurant looking over the water. As you can image, the restaurant is hard to get a reservation so I recommend to pre-book. I’ve linked their website here.

The sand is thick with hints of micro volcanic rock, the water is blue, clear and warm. Round the corner to Papagayo is a nudest beach, so if this is up your street you can be free as you like. Overall, Papagayo offers soft sand, blue waters, peace and never too crowded. 10/10!

Picture this, you’ve been in the sun all day, showered and now ready for sunset drinks overlooking the sea, in these little caves.. Exactly, you get it. This spot has been on my radar for a while since discovering them on Instagram a few years ago. This place is one of a kind and quite hard to find something this well curated and boutique on the Island. Designed in 2003, the architect and owner named Kazemi Villas after his children, using the first letter of their names. His children now run this beautiful spot and he is a part time DJ and runs sunset sessions here in the summer.

From the sea views, to small gym & wellness area, to the fresh bread and pastries made in-house in their bakery, to the rooftop cocktail bar. It’s so beautifully done and it’s all in the details. They have stayed in theme with the aesthetic of the Island and very Cesar Manrique coded. If you are wanting something a bit more boujie and luxury, then this is the place.

Playa Blanca has a lot of English tourists and the town doesn’t have too much going on which is the downfall for the villas but you are truly in your little bubble here. It really depends on what you’re after.

Take a look at their website linked here.

Our next stop is Famara, located on the northwest coast of Lanzarote. This stunning stretch of pale golden sand extends over five kilometers, nestled within the Natural Park of the Chinijo Archipelago, between the fishing village of La Caleta de Famara and the towering cliffs of Famara.

The area has a laid-back, surf-centric vibe, attracting both locals and tourists for activities like surfing, bodyboarding, windsurfing, and kitesurfing, thanks to the consistent waves and winds. If you're after something more adventurous, you can even try parasailing or hang gliding from the top of the cliffs for some epic aerial views.

At low tide, the ocean recedes, revealing vast shallow pools of calm water along the beach—perfect for relaxing in the sun or taking long walks by the sea. After a day by the water, nothing beats enjoying a fresh fish dish on the terrace of one of the charming restaurants in La Caleta de Famara. The village itself has a laid-back, bohemian feel, with surf shops and barefoot locals adding to its relaxed charm.

I absolutely love Famara—it has a unique vibe that sets it apart from the rest of the island. Lanzarote may be small, but each area offers something completely different, and Famara is no exception. It’s a special place that captures the true spirit of the island.

Our next stop is the historic town of Teguise, the former capital of Lanzarote. Located in the island's northeast, Teguise was one of the first settlements in the Canary Islands and served as Lanzarote's capital until 1847.

The town is home to a variety of museums, creative dining spots, and quirky boutiques, along with some charming art shops. In my opinion, it's also the most open-minded and inclusive place on the island—people seem to truly embrace their authentic selves here, which is really refreshing.

For lunch, we dined at Casa León, and then enjoyed afternoon cocktails just across the street at a spot I can’t quite recall the name of, but if you follow the sound of Spanish music, you’ll find it easily.

Teguise is also known for its weekend market, which is great if you're looking for unique gifts, whether for friends, family, or yourself. Personally, I’d recommend visiting Teguise on a quieter day, as the market can get quite busy, but if you’re after a lively atmosphere, the weekend market might be just what you're looking for. You can easily get here by bus, car, or moped.

Our next stop is Puerto del Carmen, which is likely where you'll be staying if you're visiting Lanzarote. It's the island's main accommodation hub, offering the best access to beaches, shopping, and all the essentials. If you prefer to skip the car rental and rely on public transport, this is the most convenient place to stay.

For a truly exceptional experience, I highly recommend the 5-star Hotel Fariones. This stunning property offers direct access to three beautiful beaches, fantastic scuba diving, lush gardens, and a newly renovated interior. A thermal spa with ocean views is also set to open soon. Even if you're not staying at the hotel, it's a perfect spot for evening cocktails before heading out to dinner.

To finish off, I will write my favourite restaurants to eat across the Island.

Puerto del Carmen:

Tapas and Cocktails with Seaview at Oasis.
Tapas in Puerto del Carmen at Taberna De Nino. Just google.
Beach bar for lunch at Long Beach Club, we had the best chicken Caesar salad with a side of Canary potatoes with a glass of rose.

Tinajo:

Woodfired Pizza at Casa Morelino. Usually our first stop when we land. Out of town but the most beautiful spot for a really good pizza.
The best grilled chicken we’ve recently had at Casa Satorno. A local spot, not known by tourists, quite out of town and the warmest welcome from the staff here.

Jameos del Agua:

Mediterranean restaurant located in Lanzarote caves at Jameos del Agua Restaurante.

I am always discovering new places on the Island, it’s growing and becoming something so special. I’d highly recommend visiting this beautiful Island that has so much to offer. We have a villa available to rent in Puerto del Carmen so you are welcome to reach out via email to hello@saltysupply.co.uk if you wish to know more!

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