Is Lanzarote Becoming Too Expensive? Rising Holiday Costs Spark Debate
For years, Lanzarote has been one of Europe’s favourite sunshine destinations. Its year-round warm climate, stunning volcanic landscapes, beautiful beaches and relaxed lifestyle have encouraged generations of visitors to return year after year. Many people who visit once end up returning for decades.
But has Lanzarote become too expensive?
We recently asked members of the Lanzarote Waits For You community a simple question:
“Has Lanzarote become too expensive?”
The response was overwhelming. Hundreds of residents, regular visitors and first-time holidaymakers shared their thoughts, creating one of the biggest discussions we’ve had for some time.
Although opinions differed, several clear themes emerged.
Accommodation Is the Biggest Concern
By far the most common complaint wasn’t the price of meals or drinks—it was accommodation.
Many regular visitors said hotel, apartment and villa prices have increased dramatically over the last few years. Several explained that holidays they once booked for under £1,000 now cost considerably more, while others said the same accommodation has risen by hundreds of pounds or euros in just a couple of years.
Some members admitted they’ve reduced the number of times they visit each year because accommodation has become too expensive, while others said they’re beginning to compare Lanzarote with destinations such as mainland Spain, Portugal or Greece.
Residents also highlighted another side of the issue, explaining that rising holiday accommodation prices reflect the wider housing crisis affecting those who live and work on the island.
Flights Are Becoming a Bigger Expense
The second most common issue raised was the cost of flights.
Families travelling during school holidays and over Christmas said airfares have increased dramatically, with one member commenting they had been quoted around £2,000 for flights alone during the festive period.
However, others pointed out that bargains can still be found by booking early, travelling outside peak dates or remaining flexible.
Food and Drink Divide Opinion
Unlike accommodation, opinions on restaurants and bars were much more balanced.
Many people acknowledged that prices have increased over recent years and supermarket shopping also costs more than it once did.
However, just as many people argued that Lanzarote still represents excellent value compared with the UK and Ireland.
Several commenters said eating away from the busiest tourist areas remains affordable, while others felt restaurant quality is still excellent for the price.
Alcohol was another area where many visitors believe Lanzarote continues to offer better value than home.
Other Costs People Mentioned
While accommodation and flights dominated the discussion, members also highlighted:
- Taxi fares increasing.
- Excursions becoming more expensive.
- Attractions costing more than they used to.
- Smaller portion sizes in some restaurants.
- Businesses facing rising operating costs.
- The increasing cost of living affecting local residents.
Not Everyone Thinks Lanzarote Is Expensive
The discussion certainly wasn’t one-sided.
Many members argued that inflation has affected every country, not just Lanzarote.
Some said holidays across Europe have become more expensive, while others pointed out that eating out, drinking and enjoying a holiday in Lanzarote still costs less than many parts of the UK.
Several contributors also said careful planning, booking early and travelling outside school holidays can still make Lanzarote an affordable destination.
What Our Survey Found
After analysing the hundreds of comments, several clear trends emerged.
- Approximately 70–75% of commenters felt Lanzarote has become noticeably more expensive in recent years.
- Accommodation was by far the most frequently mentioned concern.
- Flights were the second biggest complaint, especially during school holidays and Christmas.
- Around 20–25% felt prices have increased but said this simply reflects worldwide inflation.
- Fewer than 10% believed Lanzarote remains much the same price as before or still represents outstanding value.
While these figures aren’t taken from a scientific survey, they provide an excellent snapshot of how many regular visitors currently feel.
What Else Our Members Told Us
Looking more closely at the discussion, several additional trends became clear.
- The overwhelming majority agreed that the overall cost of a Lanzarote holiday has increased significantly over the past three to five years.
- Many long-term visitors who have been coming to the island for 15, 20, 30 and even 40 years said they’ve noticed steady increases in accommodation, food, drink and transport costs.
- Several members said they now visit once or twice a year instead of three or four times because holidays have become more expensive.
- Others felt some restaurants have reduced portion sizes or made changes to remain competitive as operating costs continue to rise.
- At the same time, many defended Lanzarote’s value for money, saying food and drink are still cheaper than at home and that the island continues to offer an excellent holiday experience.
- Residents also reminded readers that rising rents, property prices and everyday living costs are affecting locals just as much as tourists.
Perhaps the biggest surprise wasn’t that people think Lanzarote has become more expensive.
It was that almost everyone still wants to come back.
What Do the Official Figures Say?
Interestingly, official tourism statistics support many of the concerns raised by our members.
- Lanzarote welcomed around 3.46 million visitors during 2025, an increase of just 1.4%, making it the slowest-growing tourist destination in the Canary Islands.
- Despite concerns over affordability, Lanzarote still recorded an impressive 85.6% average accommodation occupancy rate, one of the highest in the Canary Islands.
- Across the Canary Islands, average hotel room prices increased by around 6.7% during 2025, while hotel revenues also continued to rise.
- Visitor spending across the Canary Islands increased by 10.2% during the second quarter of 2026 compared with the same period the previous year.
- Tourists now spend an average of €181 per person, per day across the Canary Islands.
- Lanzarote recorded the highest average daily tourist spending of any Canary Island at almost €199 per visitor, per day.
- The average visitor to Lanzarote spends approximately €1,439 per trip and stays for around 8.7 nights.
These figures suggest that although visitors are spending more than ever before, demand for Lanzarote remains extremely strong.
Visitors Still Love Lanzarote
Perhaps the most encouraging part of the discussion wasn’t the complaints about rising prices.
It was the number of people who ended their comments by saying they still love the island.
Many described Lanzarote as their “happy place.” Others said they’ll continue returning for as long as they can, even if that means visiting less often, staying for fewer days or eating out a little less.
Rising prices are something people are noticing, but it’s also important to keep them in perspective. The cost of living has increased worldwide over the past few years, with inflation pushing up the price of food, accommodation, transport and everyday essentials in almost every country. Many of our members commented that they have seen similar – and in some cases even bigger – price increases at home. Taking that into account, many respondents still felt that Lanzarote continues to offer good value for money, particularly when compared with other popular European holiday destinations. While visitors are spending more than they did a few years ago, the overall feeling was that the island’s year-round sunshine, safety, scenery and quality of life still make it a destination that’s well worth the cost.
Thank You
Finally, we’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took the time to take part in our survey and share their thoughts.
Whether you’re a resident, a regular visitor or someone planning your next holiday, your comments have helped create a snapshot of how people currently feel about the cost of visiting Lanzarote, and we look forward to hearing more from you in the future.
