Lanzarote holidays from the UK: a practical guide

Lanzarote is the most easterly of the Canary Islands: volcanic landscapes, white villages, calm beaches and warm weather all year. It is quieter and more low-rise than some other islands, which makes it popular with families and couples.

Getting there

Direct flights leave from most large UK airports and take around four hours. They land at Lanzarote Airport (ACE) near Arrecife, which is only a short drive from Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise, and around 30–40 minutes from Playa Blanca.

The Canary Islands use the same time zone as the UK, so there is no jet lag.

When to go

• Winter (November to March) is the main season for UK visitors: usually warm and sunny days when the UK is cold, though evenings are cooler.
• Spring and autumn are pleasant and often good value outside school holidays.
• Summer is hot and dry. It is also the windiest time of year, which suits windsurfers more than sunbathers on exposed beaches.

Where to stay

• Puerto del Carmen: the largest resort, with a long beach promenade, restaurants and bars, and a small old harbour.
• Playa Blanca: in the south, quieter and more spread out, with a marina and ferries to Fuerteventura; close to the Papagayo beaches.
• Costa Teguise: near the airport, with sheltered beaches and good conditions for windsurfing.

Things to do

• Timanfaya National Park: lunar-like volcanic landscapes. Visits are by a coach route through the park, starting from the visitor area at Islote de Hilario.
• César Manrique's sites: the artist shaped much of the island's look. See Jameos del Agua, the Mirador del Río viewpoint and his former home, now the Fundación César Manrique.
• Papagayo beaches: sandy coves in a protected natural area near Playa Blanca (a small charge applies for cars).
• La Geria: vineyards growing in black volcanic ash, with bodegas to visit.
• A day trip by ferry to Fuerteventura or the small island of La Graciosa.

Money and practical tips

• The currency is the euro.
• Hiring a car is the easiest way to see the island; distances are short.
• The Canary Islands are outside the EU VAT area, so lower duty-free allowances apply when you bring goods back to the UK. Check the current limits on GOV.UK.
• UK travellers need a passport that meets the EU rules for validity. Check the latest entry requirements for Spain on GOV.UK before you travel.

Getting a good deal

Prices peak in the school holidays, at Christmas and New Year, and at half term in February and October. If your dates are flexible, look at late spring, early summer before the schools break up, and November. Compare the total price including luggage and transfers, and see the current flight deals to Lanzarote and our guide on how to spot a real holiday deal.