The best towns in Lanzarote for a long winter stay are Puerto del Carmen for convenience, Playa Blanca for calm and sunshine, Costa Teguise for walking and golf, and Arrecife for lower rents and real local life.
Towns compared
| Town | Shelter from wind | Services | Atmosphere | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puerto del Carmen | Good | Excellent | Lively, long promenade | Most long-stayers |
| Playa Blanca | Good | Good | Calm, newer | Couples, retirees |
| Costa Teguise | Medium | Good | Quiet | Walkers, golfers |
| Arrecife | Medium | Excellent | Local, urban | Budget, culture |
| Inland villages | Varies | Limited | Rural | Peace, with a car |
Puerto del Carmen
The island’s main resort stretches along several kilometres of beaches and promenade. You can walk to supermarkets, restaurants and medical centres, and the old harbour area is charming in the evenings.
Playa Blanca
At the southern tip, Playa Blanca is sunny and relatively sheltered, with a promenade to the Papagayo area and ferries to Corralejo in Fuerteventura. It is quieter than Puerto del Carmen.
Costa Teguise
A planned resort with good walking routes and golf, often a little windier. Popular with active long-stayers.
Arrecife
The capital is not a resort, which is exactly its appeal: lower rents, local shops, the Charco de San Ginés lagoon and the best bus connections on the island.
Living without a car
Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Arrecife work without a car for daily life. Hire one for a week or two to explore Timanfaya, Famara and the north.
Our verdict
First winter in Lanzarote: Puerto del Carmen. Want quiet: Playa Blanca. Want value: Arrecife. Read the full Lanzarote guide.