Puerto del Carmen vs Playa Blanca vs Costa Teguise: Which Lanzarote Resort suits you Best?

If you’re planning a trip to Lanzarote, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is where to stay. The island offers three main resort areas—Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca, and Costa Teguise, each with its own personality, atmosphere, and appeal.

So which one is best? The answer depends on what kind of holiday you’re looking for.

Puerto del Carmen is the most popular and lively resort in Lanzarote. Located just 10 minutes from the airport, it offers a perfect mix of beaches, restaurants, and nightlife.

What it offers:

• Long sandy beaches like Playa Grande
• A huge variety of bars, restaurants, and shops
• Bustling nightlife along “The Strip”
• Easy access to excursions and activities

Who it suits best:

• Couples and groups looking for nightlife
• First-time visitors to Lanzarote
• People who want everything within walking distance

Summary:
If you want energy, convenience, and plenty to do day and night, Puerto del Carmen is hard to beat.

Playa Blanca, in the south of the island, is known for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.

What it offers:

• Stunning beaches like Playa Dorada and nearby Papagayo beaches
• Marina Rubicón with boutique shopping and dining
• A calmer, more upmarket feel
• Great ferry links to Fuerteventura

Who it suits best:

• Families and couples seeking a quieter holiday
• Visitors who prefer scenic walks and relaxation
• Those wanting a more “premium” resort feel

Summary:
Playa Blanca is ideal if you want sunshine, scenery, and a slower pace.

Costa Teguise offers a balanced, family-friendly experience with plenty of activities and generally good value accommodation.

What it offers:

• Family beaches with calmer waters
• Aqualava Water Park nearby alternatives like water parks (and the island’s main one not far away)
• Windsurfing and water sports
• Golf courses and easy transport links

Who it suits best:

• Families with children
• Active travellers
• Sports Training Visitors
• Budget-conscious visitors

Summary:
Costa Teguise is a great all-rounder, less hectic than Puerto del Carmen, but more lively than Playa Blanca

Not at all. While these three resorts are the most popular, Lanzarote has much more to offer.

Arrecife – The Island’s Capital

Arrecife gives you a more authentic, local experience. It’s less touristy but offers great shopping, restaurants, and cultural spots.

Rural Lanzarote & Villages

Smaller villages across the island provide a completely different experience:

• Peaceful surroundings
• Traditional Canarian architecture
• Stunning volcanic and coastal scenery

These areas are perfect for:

• Couples seeking privacy
• Nature lovers
• Visitors wanting a unique, off-the-beaten-path stay

For me personally it will always be Puerto del Carmen out of the three main resorts, this was the first area I visited when I was 16 years old, its also the resort i chose to open my business in during 2017. Nowhere else has ever had the same charm for me. That being said, for a quieter break I do love places like, Orzola and Haria.

There’s no single “best” resort, only the one that best matches your travel style.

• Choose Puerto del Carmen for energy and nightlife
• Choose Playa Blanca for relaxation and scenic beauty
• Choose Costa Teguise for families and activities

And if you want something truly different, consider staying in Arrecife or a rural village to experience the quieter, more authentic side of Lanzarote.