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Lanzarote locals reveal their best hidden gems, cheap tapas, beaches and little-known bars with 3-course meals for €10
Watch our video as we visit some of our locals' recommendations in Playa Blanca
LANZAROTE has been a popular holiday spot for Brits over the years because of its many beautiful beaches, year-round sun and perfect conditions for water sports.
The island can get very touristy, especially during summer and Christmas. So which are the places definitely worth visiting or where should you go to avoid the crowds?
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Our team of locals, Evandro Muñoz, Steffi Hofman, Tania Davey and David Gainford, shared their must-visit places as part of our new Best Of Beaches series, that seeks out local tips for some of the best seaside holiday destinations loved by Brits.
Best place to go for a beach holiday
Evandro Muñoz, owner of a surf school in Lanzarote, said: "In Lanzarote, there are numerous beaches with different colours and shapes - is a white sand beach in the north of the island, near the fishing village of Orzola, with natural pools.
"In the south of the island, is in a natural reserve with calm waves and turquoise water, with many small wild beaches nearby.
"But my favourite is - the beach is a great location for families to relax away from tourist crowds, with plenty of options for sports activities." (Famara is a traditional fishing village inside a nature reserve on the northwest of the island, with a 5km surfers' beach).
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David Gainford, who does marketing for a Lanzarote tour company, said: "The best beaches in Lanzarote are in - the southernmost town on the island, which is home to the family-friendly Playa Dorada beach, with calm waters and hammock rental."
" From there, you can reach off-the-beaten-track Papagayo coves by car or on foot, or opt for one the bigger beaches like Playa Dorada, which has the Playa Grande Beach which is huge.
"I also like Playa Chica beach on the southeast coast, as it's small and great for snorkelling, with lots of watersports available."
Favourite restaurants
Evandro said: " restaurant in Puerto Calero on the southeast coast offers an amazing gastronomic experience." (Run by a Brazilian chef who was voted the best cook in the Canary Islands in 2018, with tapas dishes from 3 euros).
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" offers sophisticated local food with great views, located on Famara Beach in the north of the island (mains from 10 euros).
"Or for an Italian restaurant with a cosy, warm atmosphere and great service try in Tiagua Village in the middle of the island." (Pizzas from 6 euros and mains from 12 euros)
Steffi Hofman, who works at a holiday concierge service in Lanzarote, said: "La Casa de La Playa in Arrieta, on the northeast coast, is on a terrace next to the beach, and is known for its fresh fish. (Starters from 4 euros and paella from 12 euros per person).
" in Haría, a village inland to the north of the island, is a very good restaurant with good service and delicious tapas with a Nordic twist, away from the crowd (dishes from 6 euros).
"For exceptional food in a beautiful setting, try , in Playa Blanca, where guests are sat in a beautiful courtyard and served dishes prepared with only local products (dishes from 8 euros and wine from 5 euros).
Tania Davey, manager at a family-run Lanzarote holiday accommodation company, said: " in Caleta de Famara on the northwest coast is a Mexican Fusion bar restaurant with quirky decor based on Burning Man festival in California" (tacos from 5 euros and beers from 2 euros).
in the fishing village of Playa Quemada, serves fresh fish, seafood and international dishes in a beautiful setting overlooking the sea (Tapas from 6 euros), or in Costa Teguise is a popular tapas bar with locals (fish dishes from 8 euros).
David said: " is a really cool place and does amazing food, with 80s music and a varied menu including barbequed meats, buddha bowls and great cocktails. (Mains from 14 euros).
If you fancy a curry, and The Curry House, both in Playa Blanca are great, as is in Playa Del Carmen.
The best fish and chips on the island can be found at on the Playa Blanca, with happy hour from 4-7pm serving large beers for 1.50 euros .
Hidden gems - places only locals know about
Evandro said: " natural swimming pools near Playa Blanca are fascinating to see, especially when the sea is rough.
"Another amazing place is the caves of Ermita de las Nieves (a church set on the cliffs near Teguise, that is the highest point on the island).
Tania: " near Puerto Calero for swimming (a series of volcanic stone coves on the coast) and Teseguite rock formations near the former capital of Lanzarote, Teguise." (Stunning rock formations that look otherworldly, featuring holes, tunnels, and caves).
David said: "Playa Quemada is an unspoiled little village on the southeast coast, with a laidback atmosphere and some great restaurants.
"Alternatively, head north to places like - a village in 'the valley of a thousand palm trees,' as these are the real Canary Islands.
'In Haria and those rural villages, you can get cheap food and drinks at places called Sociedads, which are like working men's clubs that serve amazing food and cheap drinks. (Part funded by the government, these can serve three-course meals from 10 euros).
Best place to go for families
Steffi said: "For where to stay with as a family, I'd recommend , , and for their services offered for children."
David said: "Playa Blanca is the best family resort, as it has plenty of all inclusive hotels with kids entertainment, and it also has .
"Playa Del Carmen is also great for families, and it has more self-catering options if that is your preference."
Where to grab a cheap bite to eat
Steffi said: " is a rustic winery in the volcanic La Geria park, in the middle of the wine region that's a perfect spot for enjoying a glass of wine with some tapas. (Tapas dishes and glasses of wine from 4.50 euros)
"Or, is a family-friendly restaurant in Playa Blanca, with a terrace overlooking the Marina Rubicon and great quality food for a good price." (Mains from 8 euros)
Tania said: "is a real hidden gem located in the centre of Puerto del Carmen, on a small sandy beach overlooking the sea. They do everything from a toasted sandwich to paella." (Starters from 5 euros).
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Best place to go for a city break
Steffi said: " is a beautiful hotel in the capital, and also offers very good food."
David said: "Arrecife is the capital and there is an amazing 5 star hotel, called the which is great - it is the only high rise building in Lanzarote as everything here is only three floors maximum.
"But this was built and allowed to stay as an example of how bad the island would be with towers. You can go to the 17th floor it is open the public and views incredible."
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Hidden beaches, away from all the tourists
Evandro said: "Playa del Risco is an amazing wild beach in the north that requires quite an intense trek (from Yé, you need to climb down the Risco mountain). You need to be quite fit as it takes more than an hour each way.
"Or the black-sand Playa de las Malvas on the west coast is an easier beach to reach by car, but hidden enough from everyone."
Steffi said: "Papagayo Beach - although very well-known, still has a lot of space to enjoy a beach day and Famara, which is also not very hidden but never crowded."
Tania said: "San Juan beach is the lesser-known beach in Famara - you have to take the track out of Caleta de Famara village, or there's the Mirador del Rio Beach , reached by a difficult walking track from the village of Ye down the cliff.
"Then there's the Caleton Blanco - a lagoon-type beach on the east coast just before Orzola, or La Graciosa island that is reached by passenger ferry from Orzola, with no roads, only sand tracks."
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Budget attractions worth visiting
Evandro said: ", a series of lava caves near Haria in the north - the entrance fee is cheap, but the place is amazing. Check what's on as sometimes you can also have dinner there.
"Or try - a cave formed by the eruption of Volcán de la Corona, where you can go down into the earth, and sometimes they have special concerts inside it.
"Then there's - you can reach the parking lot by car, and from there, you can explore the national park by bus, with a voice guide that explains about the eruptions of the 18th century and what you are seeing around you.
"And Papagayo National Park is a beautiful national park made of different beaches. To enter, it costs €3 per car."
Tania said: "Teguise market every Sunday - there are tour buses from all the resorts or you can take a public bus , then explore the old capital of the island with its independent artisan shops and cobbled streets.
"Or take a hire car to Timanfaya National Park and drive around the volcanic area, then pay to enter the zone where the active volcano is. For more information on the volcanoes, go to the visitors centre in Mancha Blanca which has free entrance."
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Must-do activities
Evandro said: "I recommend a wine tasting experience. In La Geria - there are different 'bodegas' (wineries) where you can taste various types of wine.
"Lanzarote is famous for its Malvasia Volcánica, a type of wine with a lot of minerals that isn't sweet like the Malvasia found in other parts of Europe.
"I also love just driving through the Geria area, as it is possible to enjoy the unique landscapes of the vineyards, which are different from those in the rest of the world."
Tania said: "Surfing - most resorts will have a surf school and will transport you to where the waves are. Most are found in Famara and Costa Teguise.
"There is also the that takes place every June - a sporting competition with food and wine stations along the route, offering local produce from the island."
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Best place to go for great nightlife and bars
Evandro said: "Lanzarote is not a place for party hunters, but you can find some discos and bars in Puerto del Carmen, and for gigs, festivals and events, check out , which is a very comprehensive listings site.
"I also recommend in Famara where you can play pool, have a drink, and sit outside with a nice beach view, the newly-opened in Soo, where you can drink cocktails with your feet in the sand"
David said: "Playa Del Carmen has one huge strip with bars, restaurants and a few disco bars, plus chill out funky bars like and ."
Steffi said: "Bar Oasis in Playa Blanca always has a lot of atmosphere here, they also offer live music a few times a week."
Tania said: " in Puerto del Carmen has a nice spot overlooking the main resort beach, with a sandy bar area, chill out music and sunsets, or the nearby has cocktails, a bar menu and even hot tubs to hire.
"And finally, in a cave at Lagomar in Nazaret - supposedly once owned by actor Omar Shariff and lost in a poker game"
David said: " in Playa Blanca - you can't go wrong, good food, cheap drinks and sport."
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Best place to go for outdoors adventurers
Evandro said: "At Famara Beach, you can find surf, yoga, trekking, snorkelling, paragliding, horse riding, bike tours, skate parks, kite surfing, volcano walks, and much more."
Steffi said: ", La Asomada and , Haría are away from the crowds and in the middle of nature, the best places to stay and discover the island for people who love nature and hiking."
Meet our local experts
Our panel of Lanzarote experts all live, own businesses or work on the Spanish island, that's easternmost of the Canary Islands...
Evandro Muñoz, 46, is owner of surf school and yoga camps. He's lived in Lanzarote for 21 years.
Steffi Hofman, 36, works at , a holiday concierge service. She's lived in Lanzarote for seven years.
Tania Davey, 59, is reservations manager for . She's lived in Lanzarote for 24 years.
David Gainford, 46, does marketing for , which sells trips, tours and exercusions. He's lived in Lanzarote for 20 years.
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Favourite viewpoints
Evandro said: " is a César Manrique construction where you can have a drink while look La Graciosa Island. You don't have to go inside and pay; you can also enjoy the view from outside.
"Mirador de Famara is another incredible viewpoint where you can have Famara on the left side and La Graciosa Island on the right."
Tania said: "Mirador del Rio - views from the north of Lanzarote across to La Graciosa island are stunning."
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Best place to take kids
Evandro said: " is a great place to bring kids and spend the day, as is Timanfaya National Park as children can enjoy all the history behind the volcanic explosion and see it."
Tania said: "Playa Jablillo Beach in Costa Teguise is a sheltered beach with loads of fish and underwater life. Buy a snorkel or rent a snorkel mask from Native Diving and take the kids here."
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Places that are overrated or tourist traps
Evandro said: "If you don't like crowded places, I would avoid Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca during peak hours."
And in the Papagayo National Park, there is only one restaurant but many beaches to see and discover, so I would definitely bring some food and drink or book in advance."
David said: "Cheap electrical shops selling things that are too good to be true such as fake iPads."
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Tips when visiting
Evandro said: "Renting a car is highly recommended to explore the island at your own pace and always use sunscreen, even when it is cloudy, as the sun here is very strong.
"Take time to enjoy the smaller villages and natural landscapes for a truly memorable experience."
Tania said: "Head to Timanfaya National Park early to avoid long queues, and head to Caleton Blanco early before the afternoon crowds take over the lagoon beach."
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David said: "Book you trips and tours in advance, because since Covid the islands have seen increasing interest. In peak months there are waiting lists for certain things with limited spaces.
"And when visiting main attractions like Timanfaya National Park, if you drive there on your own at busy time you will wait a long time in a queue. It's better to do a as the bus will go straight in and take you on the Luna route."
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