Lanzarote vows to be pickier about tourists in new ethical stance
He added: 'We are creating a globally unique model of ethical and responsible tourism. The aim is for visitors to understand, even before they land here, that they are entering a delicate and beautiful territory that needs to be protected.'
Details have yet to be finalised, but Hector Fernandez, chief executive of Turismo Lanzarote, added the message will be integrated into work with airlines and tour operators 'to reshape how tourism is viewed on the island'.
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The Independent
12 hours ago
- The Independent
The best budget hotels in Lanzarote, according to an expert
One of the eight official Canary Islands, Lanzarote is perhaps the most instantly recognisable from the air. Its black lava landscape dotted with whitewashed houses and properties is in stark contrast to its desert-like neighbour, Fuerteventura. While it may look otherworldly and quite exclusive, Lanzarote has been welcoming holidaymakers for decades. Holidays in Lanzarote can be incredibly good value for those looking for sun, sand and solace on a budget. While the island has been undergoing somewhat of a luxury makeover in the last few years, it doesn't mean that prices are inflated. Whether you're looking for a cheap-and-cheerful self-catering apartment, a basic beach hotel to rest your head, a good-value family resort or simply a place to stay that doesn't break the bank, Lanzarote has you covered. Looking for the very best hotels in Lanzarote? Discover them with our guide. Best budget hotels in Lanzarote 2025 There are some incredibly reasonably priced hotels, villas, B&Bs and apartments on offer across the volcanic island, from classic resorts such as Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise, to more rural spots in Arrieta and the island's more residential north. Ross Clarke 1. Nautilus Lanzarote hotel Puerto del Carmen This four-star beachside hotel is great for those wanting the flexibility of an apartment with the convenience of hotel facilities and services. Its range of apartments, many fully accessible, come with their own terraces for sunbathing and outdoor feasts, a fully equipped kitchen, an iron and ironing board, a TV and more. There are two heated swimming pools, mini-golf, library, a breakfast room, and a staggering 800 pieces of art dotted around the complex. Address: Calle Gramillo, 5, 35500 Puerto del Carmen, Las Palmas, Spain 2. H10 Timanfaya Palace hotel Playa Blanca If you're looking an adults-only break on a budget, then the Timanfaya Palace would be a savvy choice. Located in the much-loved southern resort of Playa Blanca, the hotel has an all-inclusive board basis which can help keep costs down, as meals, snacks and drinks are covered. There are two outdoor swimming pools to cool off plus a heated indoor pool. Rooms are modern and comfortable, and many have sea views. For something special, try the Privilege level package that gives you exclusive access to private sunbathing areas and an à la carte dinner service, as well as other perks. Address: Calle Gran Canaria, 1. Urb, 35580 Montaña Roja, Las Palmas 3. La Casa de los Naranjos hotel Haria This absolutely stunning boutique hotel set in a traditional Canarian manor house has just eight rooms. There is a definite touch of indulgence here with features such as roll-top baths, antique furniture and quirky artwork. You'll also have access to the communal areas such as the library, which has been preserved and restored to how it would have looked when the house was constructed. There's also an interior patio, orange garden and terrace for quiet moments. You're just a five-minute walk from Casa Museo de César Manrique – the museum and former home of Lanzarote's famous architect and artist. 4. Jardines del Sol hotel Playa Blanca A collection of whitewashed bungalows around a central pool, Jardines del Sol might just be the most well-equipped apartments around. They have washing machines, dishwashers, coffee machines, TVs, private terraces and even filtered water taps. Each property has separate bedrooms and kitchens, as well as spacious lounge-diners. The complex is quiet, although there is a restaurant and bar – and you're a pleasant 25-minute stroll from the centre of bustling Playa Blanca. One-bedroom to four-bedroom villas sleep anywhere between four and 10 people. Address: Urb, Montaña Roja, C. Francia, 1, 35580 Playa Blanca, Las Palmas, Spain 5. Finca de Arrieta hotel Arrieta For an alternative sort of stay, Finca de Arrieta offers a choice of stone cottages, yurts, and eco villas in its semi-rural surrounds. Everything here has a sustainable focus, from off-grid, renewable energy and a solar-heated swimming pool, to hybrid car airport transfers. All the accommodation options have access to a kitchen and come with private terraces. The quirky two-storey, former windmill Eco Tower has 360-degree views, volcanic stone walls and its own banana plants. Guests receive a free welcome pack on arrival that includes a bottle of Cava, water, milk, wine and tea and coffee. Address: 34A, 35542 Tabayesco, Las Palmas, Spain 6. Pension Magec hotel La Tiñosa – Puerto del Carmen Pension simply means a guesthouse, and this one in the old harbour of Puerto del Carmen is a wonderfully cheap and cheerful option for budget-conscious travellers. If you're happy to forgo the big hotel luxuries in favour of simple, clean rooms with easy access to the beaches and amenities of this popular resort, then this is a great choice. There's a shared kitchen for preparing meals and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Popular with divers, the hotel has special rates at local diving schools. Address: C. Hierro, 11, 35510 Puerto del Carmen, Las Palmas, Spain 7. El Hotelito del Golfo hotel The clue is in the name of this property: 'hotelito' means 'little hotel', and that's exactly what it is. With just five rooms, it's boutique, but has all the makings of a much larger hotel, with a tempting saltwater pool and sun terrace, homemade breakfast using local products and a bar for savouring a glass of wine as the sun goes down over the horizon. El Hotelito is located on the southwest of the island right next to one of Lanzarote's most famous sights: El Golfo's volcanic green lagoon. Address: Av. Marítima, 6, 35570 El Golfo, Las Palmas, Spain 8. Grupotel Cinco Plazas hotel Puerto del Carmen Just 350 metres from the Blue Flag beaches of Puerto del Carmen, this dazzling blue and white apartment complex is an ideal choice for families. There are two pools and a splash zone for frolicking in the water and sunshine, plus a playground. The apartments are bright, spacious and come with walk-in showers, kitchens, and balconies or terraces. If you don't want to cook, there's a buffet restaurant onsite serving breakfast and dinner, plus a poolside snack bar for refreshing smoothies. Address: C. Anzuelo, 56, 35510 Las Palmas, Spain 9. Hipotels Natura Palace – Adults Only hotel Playa Blanca One for the adults, the Natura Palace sits waterfront in Playa Blanca in the south of the island with views over to neighbouring Fuerteventura and the Isla de Lobos. There are a mix of rooms, suites and villas to choose from; all are comfortable and modern and come with complimentary orange juice, fruit and water. There's both a buffet and an à la carte restaurant that specialises in Canarian cuisine. You'll also find a gym if you're keen to maintain your fitness regime – or you can make the most of a long Playa Blanca promenade that stretches nine kilometres from the lighthouse to the marina. 10. Sands Beach Resort hotel Costa Teguise Set out like a village with six different areas, the Sands Beach Resort has its own private beach, access to the public beach and several swimming pools, meaning whichever apartment you're staying in, you'll never be far from a swim. The mix of studios and apartments comes with full kitchens and private terraces to make the most of the al fresco lifestyle. You can play of game of tennis on the onsite court and children have access to a playground and kids' club Buddy's. Address: Av. de las Islas Canarias, 18, 35508 Costa Teguise, Las Palmas, Spain Why trust us The hotels featured in this list have been carefully selected by The Independent's expert Canary Islands travel writer, Ross Clarke, who used to live in Gran Canaria and has been travelling to the Canary Islands for many years. Ross holds a WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and writes about food and wine for several publications, ensuring a personal and informed perspective. When selecting which hotels to include, Ross considered his own experience staying in the hotels and evaluated location, facilities, service and all the other details that make for an exceptional stay for all types of traveller. FAQs What currency do I need? The official currency in Lanzarote – and across all of Spain, including the Canary Islands – is the Euro (€). How much should I budget per day? Compared with other European holiday destinations, Lanzarote is a relatively affordable destination. Eating out is reasonably low-cost, particularly in establishments frequented by locals away from busy tourist hubs serving tapas and seafood. Public buses are reliable and inexpensive, while car hire costs between £20-35 a day. Plus, many of Lanzarote's loveliest attractions, including beaches, volcanoes and scenic hiking routes, are all free. Travellers on a budget can expect to spend between £50-70 per day, including accommodation, while mid-range travellers can exist on a daily budget of around £80-150 (including accommodation). When's the cheapest time of year to visit Lanzarote? The cheapest time to visit Lanzarote is during the low season, which falls between April and June and September and early December. At these times, visitors can expect to find lower flight prices, cheaper accommodation and fewer tourists. Temperatures also remain steady, too: travellers can expect an average daily temperature of 20C–23C throughout April, May and June, while September, October and November bring averages of between 21C–25C. Times to avoid for holidaymakers seeking a bargain include school holidays and February half-term. Best free things to do in Lanzarote Lanzarote is crammed with natural beauty and attractions, many of which are free to enjoy. Beaches are arguably one of the islands' main attractions, from the crystal-clear waters of Playa Papagayo, to the sunsets and surf vibes of Playa de Famara. Take a hike and be wowed by the volcanic craters of Volcán El Cuervo or Caldera Blanca, or soak up the rugged scenery on a stroll along the cliffs of Risco de Famara. Browse local markets at Teguise Sunday market for handmade goods and music, or head to Haría's artisan market every Saturday. Explore the volcanic landscapes of Los Hervideros and La Geria, or watch the sun set over La Graciosa island from the road at Mirador del Río. How to get the best deal on flights and accommodation Lanzarote is a popular package holiday destination, offering affordable deals from most major travel companies, including Tui, Jet2holidays, and easyJet Holidays. If you're looking for a 'fly-and-flop' getaway with all-inclusive catering and everything you need in one resort, this is often the most affordable way to book. Booking last-minute or taking advantage of monthly flash sales can save you upwards of £400 at times. That said, if you plan on venturing outside of your hotel, you may find it cheaper to book your hotel and flights separately. Booking platforms like and Expedia are great for comparing prices of larger hotel chains, alongside small independent businesses and you can often find promo codes for extra money off. If you prefer booking everything on a single platform, Expedia offers a dedicated flights section. Plus, The Independent readers can enjoy an exclusive six per cent discount on hotel bookings.
The Independent
22-07-2025
- The Independent
The best hotels in Lanzarote for spas, families and all-inclusive holidays
Forget everything you think you know about Lanzarote. Gone are the days of its 'Lanzagrotty' moniker, in exchange for exceptional value stays, high-end luxury hotels, oh-so-cool rural retreats and a grown-up sophistication thanks to its tourism know-how. The government made a conscious effort a decade or so ago to combat the mass tourism that was plaguing the major resorts and has invested in improving facilities across the island. To match, hotels, apartments, villas and B&Bs have upped their game too. But Lanzarote is not an expensive destination and there is incredible value to be had for family holidays, romantic getaways, luxury stays, and sunny beach breaks. The island's popular resorts such as Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise are packed with family-friendly facilities and amenities, watersports and long promenades to while away the hours. Lanzarote also has around 100 beaches to choose from with both golden and black sand. For the best luxury hotels in Lanzarote, the best budget hotels in Lanzarote and the best family hotels in Lanzarote, see our guides. Best hotels in Lanzarote 2025 At a glance 1. Hotel Fariones Puerto del Carmen The Hotel Fariones has legendary status, as it was one of the first proper hotels to be built on the island in the 1960s. It went through a complete transformation in 2020 and has remerged once again as the go-to for visiting elite, from heads of state to movie stars – although the guest book is kept strictly hush-hush. You can tell its history, as popular Playa del Carmen essentially grew up around, so it occupies the best seafront location. While this is a family-friendly and pet-friendly hotel, it has a grown-up feel, with the effortlessly cool design eye of Canarian interior designer Rafael del Castillo touching every corner. All 213 rooms and suites have sea views, and there are adapted junior suites for those with reduced mobility. As well as a spa, there are stand-out dining options and even tours to the hotel's own winery. Address: Calle Roque del Este, 1, 35510 Lanzarote, Las Palmas 2. Hotel Palacio Ico, Villa de Teguise If you're not necessarily looking to be by the coast, then Hotel Palacio Ico might be a good shout. It's located in the beautiful old town of the island's former capital of Villa de Teguise. These days, the town is famous for its weekly market where you can stock up on local produce, handicrafts and souvenirs. The hotel itself is a Canarian manor house dating from 1690 that's been sympathetically converted into a boutique hotel of just nine gorgeous rooms – each with its own style, but all with wonderful original features. Food is served here at the Michelin-recommended in-house restaurant overseen by chef Víctor Valverde. It offers tasting menus that make the most of seasonal, local produce. Address: C. el Rayo, 2, 35530 Teguise, Las Palmas 3. Dreams Lanzarote Playa Dorada hotel, Playa Blanca This is very much a resort hotel with multiple wings to the main building right on the golden sands of Playa Dorada. Choice is of the essence with several board and room types and both family-friendly and adults-only areas. Club-level ocean view rooms and suites top the list of the most covetable rooms affording mesmerising views of neighbouring Fuerteventura and Isla de Lobos, plus the benefits of Preferred Club status, where you gain entry to extra pool areas, restaurants and lounges. For kids, there's a waterpark, and for adults, a soothing spa and a range of activities such as yoga. The hotel is also moments from Playa Blanca town and Marina Rubicón. Address: Av. de Papagayo, 24, 35580 Playa Blanca, Las Palmas 4. Jardines del Sol hotel, Playa Blanca To say that these are apartments is to sell them short, as the accommodation at Jardines del Sol is made up of white-washed bungalows. They are all extremely well equipped – so much so, you could easily live in them – with full kitchens, including washing machines and dishwashers, spacious lounge-diners and private sun terraces. They also benefit from filter taps in the kitchen to cut down on buying the usually necessary bottled water. There are three pools – one for kids, a restaurant and bar, plus beautiful gardens, and all are around a 20-minute stroll to the main strip of Playa Blanca. 5. Finca Malvasia hotel, Tías This stunning group of apartments, suites and a villa is set amongst the vines of the prestigious La Geria wine region. Opened by two designers from London, the hotel beautifully and sympathetically blends the volcanic landscape with all mod-cons in a stylish mid-century vibe. All accommodation options come with private terraces with views over the lunar-like countryside. The kitchenettes are well equipped and there are BBQ areas for dining al fresco. Special details include a Lanzarote guide curated by the owners. The hotel can also arrange wellness treatments on site and off-site wine tasting, walking and surfing excursions. 6. Barceló Teguise Beach hotel, Costa Teguise As locations go, you can't get much better than this, as it is on the beachfront and bang in the middle of the Costa Teguise resort. The intimate thermal spa circuit is well worth the €10 entry fee, and there are soothing treatments also available, as well as a small but bright and airy gym. Opt to go all-inclusive to give you free range of both the buffet and à la carte restaurants on site, plus your usual all-in drinks and snacks. Rooms and suites are a vision of white, and some come with balcony hot tubs and far-reaching sea views. Don't miss the hotel's dedicated playlists, including a selection of four-minute shower songs. Check-in comes with a complimentary glass of cava to start your holiday off on the right foot. The weekly market is a short stroll behind the hotel, and one of the island's best restaurants, SeBe, is just a 10-minute walk away. Address: Pl. el Janubio, 1, 35508 Costa Teguise, Las Palmas 7. Cesar Lanzarote hotel, La Asomada One of the new breed of luxe rural Lanzarote hotels, Cesar Lanzarote – a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts – could be the star in any Wes Anderson movie. Former home to the parents of local starchitect César Manrique, the design-forward hotel brims with artistic touches, from frilled lampshades and candy-stripe sun loungers, to natural wood and raffia room decorations. Views from the pool terrace, which also includes an outdoor gym, stretch to the sea and mountains across the palm and vine-dotted gardens. Rooms and suites are cosy and comfortable with walk-in showers, some of which include dreamy stand-alone baths, and all come with private terraces. The Cesar restaurant serves an à la carte lunch menu and seasonal, local tasting menu in the evening – it's also where the à la carte and buffet breakfast is served. 8. Paradisus by Meliá Salinas Lanzarote hotel, Costa Teguise The Paradisus brand by Meliá has really nailed the modern all-inclusive with their Destination-inclusive offering. It means that you not only get to enjoy classic all-in benefits such as restaurants and bars, but also cultural activities that connect you to the destination around you. In the case of the adults-only Salinas Lanzarote, it includes local wine tastings, Manrique architecture tours and volcanic experiences. If you're here for relaxation, you'll find Playa de los Charcos and Playa de las Cucharas beaches on your doorstep. For a special occasion, opt for The Reserve suites and villas, where you'll have exclusive access to private pools, lounges and more. There are fully accessible rooms for those with limited mobility. Address: Av. de las Islas Canarias, s/n, 35508 Costa Teguise, Las Palmas 9. GA7 Colores hotel, Montaña Blanca This LGBTQ+ friendly rural retreat offers a mix of rooms and studios near the famous Montaña Blanca – a good spot for hiking. Set around a tempting swimming pool and sun terrace, rooms are all different in terms of décor but each is chic and comfortable. The studio apartments also come with spacious private enclosed terraces as well as kitchenettes. The hotel is pet friendly and you'll probably meet one or two of the owners' four-legged residents during your stay. You can opt in for dinner, while breakfast is included and served in the airy indoors/outdoors dining room. There's also a bijou spa with hot tub, sauna, and steam room, and massages are available on request. This hotel's calling cards are its laid-back, friendly and inclusive vibe. Address: C. las Rosas, 96, 35559 Montaña Blanca, Las Palmas 10. Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park hotel, Playa Blanca Located plum on the seafront in Playa Blanca means stunning views over the water to Fuerteventura and Isla de Lobos from most of this hotel. Built to resemble three zocos – semicircular constructions used in Lanzarote grapevine growing – the hotel is set up for all sorts of travellers. There's an aquapark, club and two pools specifically for kids, a spa and sports facilities for adults, and a range of dining options including a cool food truck serving hot dogs, ice creams and beers. Guests on the Star Prestige option also enjoy access to an exclusive pool, sun terrace and restaurant areas and other benefits, such as the possibility of late check out. Iberostar prides itself on its sustainability credentials and Lanzarote Park is no exception with zero single-use plastic, 100 per cent renewable electricity and refillable filtered water fountains around the hotel. 11. La Casa de los Naranjos hotel, Haría A beautifully restored 19th-century Canarian manor house turned boutique hotel, La Casa de los Naranjos (House of the Oranges) has just eight thoughtfully designed rooms with antique furnishings, freestanding bathtubs and sweet little touches that make each room feel unique. The serene communal areas include a traditional Canarian interior patio, an orange grove, a tranquil terrace and Lanzarote's oldest private library, complete with vintage books and an Underwood typewriter. Located in the quiet town of Haría, this place is an escape from the rowdier resorts on the coast. Breakfast is made to order to offer guests a more bespoke service and to limit food waste. Address: Calle Rincón de Aganada, 4, 35520 Haría, Las Palmas, Spain Why trust us The hotels featured in this list have been carefully selected by The Independent's expert Canary Islands travel writer, Ross Clarke, who used to live in Gran Canaria and has been travelling to the Canary Islands for many years. Ross holds a WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and writes about food and wine for several publications, ensuring a personal and informed perspective. When picking which hotels to include, Ross considered his own experience staying in the hotels and evaluated location, facilities, service and all the other details that make for an exceptional stay for all types of traveller. FAQs What currency do I need in Lanzarote? The official currency in Lanzarote – and across all of Spain, including the Canary Islands – is the Euro (€). When is the best time of year to visit Lanzarote? The best overall time to visit Lanzarote is the shoulder season of March to May and September to early November. Here, you can expect warm weather (21–27°C), plenty of sunshine and low rainfall, plus fewer tourists and lower prices. June to August is a busier period, with higher temperatures (27–32°C) and hot and dry weather. School holidays also make this a more expensive time. If you're seeking a more active holiday, December to February is an ideal time for walking, cycling and sightseeing, with temperatures of around 18–22°C and cooler evenings. What is the nicest area of Lanzarote? Playa Blanca on the southern coasts is arguably one of the 'nicest' spots in Lanzarote, with a relaxed vibe that's suitable for couples, beautiful beaches and restaurants and ferry access to Fuerteventura. Haría & the northern interior and coast is home to stunning volcanic and coastal landscapes, whitewashed villages and fewer tourists, making it ideal for those seeking a more authentic, local experience. Costa Teguise is a great choice for families and water sports, with calm beaches and a relaxed, resort feel, while La Geria is an inland choice that wine lovers and those seeking a rural retreat will love. Elsewhere, Puerto del Carmen is a lively choice for those seeking nightlife and bars in a destination that's also close to the airport. How to get the best deal Package deals from travel providers like Tui and Jet2holidays can offer affordable holidays that cover everything from flights and accommodation to hotel transfers. Most also offer extra savings – such as single-parent discounts, last-minute deals and free child places – to help bring the cost down. But, if you don't mind a little more planning, you may find that booking your travel and hotel separately is actually cheaper. Booking platforms like Expedia and have thousands of listings all over the world with competitive rates and extra discounts. For example, you can book some of our featured Lanzarote hotels, including the Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park hotel and the Cesar Lanzarote hotel, and save an extra six per cent on your booking using our exclusive Expedia discount code. Here's an extra tip: should you find a cheaper rate, it's also worth checking with the hotel directly to see if they will match the price or offer a discounted rate.
Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Canary Island unveils new plan and exactly the 'type of tourist' it wants
Lanzarote's town council and the SPEL-Turismo Lanzarote are collaborating on a new campaign to foster "ethical and responsible tourism" that attracts the a certain kind of visitor A popular island in the Canaries is launching a new campaign to outline the exact type of tourist it wants to attract. Lanzarote has declared it 'doesn't want just any tourist' any longer. Led by the island's Cabildo (town council) and managed by SPEL-Turismo Lanzarote, in collaboration with a specialist sustainability consultancy, the campaign will focus on fostering greater awareness among tourists even before they arrive on the island. At the campaign's launch, Oswaldo Betancort, president of the Lanzarote Cabildo, said that they want to attract tourists with appreciation and respect for the island. 'We are sending a very clear message: Lanzarote doesn't want just any tourist. 'But rather those who love and enjoy the island, who respect its uniqueness and contribute to its preservation.' The initiative is designed to reach all sectors of tourism, targeting not only visitors but also involving local residents, businesses, and the wider community. 'We are creating a globally unique model of ethical and responsible tourism,' Betancort said. He continued: 'The aim is for visitors to understand, even before they land here, that they are entering a delicate and beautiful territory that needs to be protected.' Hector Fernandez, CEO of SPEL-Turismo Lanzarote in Lanzarote, also commented on the responsibility of locals to make the campaign successful. He said: 'This campaign isn't just for tourists, it's also aimed at our local population. 'The message will be integrated into our work with airlines and tour operators to reshape how tourism is viewed on the island. It's a chance to change the entire paradigm of Lanzarote as a destination.' As reported by the Canarian Weekly, the project is being developed by the consultancy CARSA, with Director of Innovation Antonio Collado explaining that the approach will be participatory and inclusive. 'We're not just launching a campaign; we're building a long-term strategy for responsible tourism that reflects the needs of the island and its people,' Collado said. Working groups will be established with representatives from key sectors, including the Cabildo's Biosphere Reserve, Environment, and Geopark departments, as well as the island's Art, Culture, and Tourism Centres. The Spanish-owned archipelago that is the Canary Islands received a staggering 15.5 million tourists in 2024 - a 10 per cent increase compared to 2023. The rising tourist numbers have sparked backlash among locals who are being priced out of the property market in recent years. To address the issues caused by holiday rentals, Spain recently launched a new nationwide register which includes properties in the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands. Under the Single Tourist Rental Registry, property owners will need to register to get a code that verifies they are legally allowed to use the property for tourism. This will include entire homes, individual rooms within a property that's rented out separately, and homes listed on the likes of Airbnb and
