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The Independent
5 hours ago
- 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.
The Sun
12 hours ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Shark attack off Brit hols hotspot Canary Islands as surfer mauled by beast & left with deep gashes on leg
A SURFER was bitten by shark in a horror attack just off the second largest Canary island. The man was hovering above the waters of Fuerteventura, practising the sport of Downward Foiling when the shark attacked his board and bit him deeply in the leg. 2 2 Spanish TV channel Antena 3 reported on the terrifying attack, explaining that the man was practising downwind foiling - a sport where a surfer uses a hydrofoil board to glide smoothly over the ocean's surface. The outlet published a video showing two bloody gashes just below the man's knee. His wounds - described as "deep" - gave rise to panic. Luckily, no tragedy occurred, and the man was able to make his way back to the shore in the area of Los Molinos, located on the west coast of Fuerteventura. No details are given about how the man fought off the shark. Sharks have been spotted before off Fuerteventura and beaches have had to be closed when jet ski patrols raised the alert. is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Daily Mail
12 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Shark knocks man off his hydrofoil surfboard and savages him in the water in rare attack off Spanish holiday island
A man has been attacked by a shark in the Canary Islands. The horrifying incident happened two miles west of Fuerteventura, where sharks have been spotted on several occasions The man was practising the relatively new sport of Downwind foiling, which involves a hydrofoil surfboard that hovers a few feet above the water. Spanish TV channel Antena 3 reports that the man was in the water when the shark attacked his board and bit him on the leg. The media outlet published a video showing two bloody gashes just below the knee. The wounds were described as 'deep' and gave rise to panic. No details were given about how the man fought off the shark, but he was able to get back to the shore in the area of Los Molinos, a small hamlet nestled between cliffs on the west coast of Fuerteventura, popular with tourists and locals. Sharks have been spotted before off Fuerteventura, and beaches have had to be closed when jet ski patrols raised the alert over the sea creatures near the shore. Last September, a 30-year-old woman died from her injuries after her leg was ripped off by a shark in the middle of the ocean as she was on a catamaran off the coast of Western Sahara. The woman, who was said to be a crew member aboard the British-flagged catamaran, died after going for a dip in the sea. She was rushed to a hospital by Spanish Air Force helicopter following the attack, which took place 278 miles south-west of Gran Canaria's airport. However, the woman was pronounced dead after being evacuated to nearby Doctor Negrin Hospital, located in the Gran Canarian capital of Las Palmas. Since records began, there have been only seven recorded instances of shark attacks on humans in the Canary Islands. None of them have been fatal.
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Travel + Leisure
a day ago
- Science
- Travel + Leisure
This Surreal Beach in Spain Has 'Popcorn Sand'—How to Visit
You've heard of white-sand beaches, black-sand beaches, and even beaches covered in pebbles or rocks—but did you know there's a beach in Spain covered in popcorn-like 'sand'? If you venture to Playa del Bajo de la Burra (which loosely translates to 'beach of the donkey's underbelly') on the northern coast of Fuerteventura, the second largest of the Canary Islands, you'll get to experience this natural phenomenon in person. Notably, there are also other beaches nearby, like Playa del Hierro, that have similar 'popcorn' features. Commonly referred to as 'Popcorn Beach,' Playa del Bajo de la Burra has repeatedly gone viral for its photo-worthy sand, which, at first glance, looks just like the iconic movie theater snack, albeit without a hefty dose of butter. Unlike the edible version, however, this popcorn should not be eaten. And as tempted as you may be to bring a bit of it home as a souvenir, it's best to leave it where (and how) you found it. A close-up of popcorn-like sand. Playa del Bajo de la Burra's popcorn sand isn't your typical sand. According to Canary Islands Tourism, it's made of a combination of 'calcareous algae and white sand over a period of at least 50 years.' These formations are also known as rhodoliths, which, thanks to weathering and the sun, are porous and relatively hard. The site also notes that rhodoliths grow underwater at a rate of one millimeter per year, and some are over 4,000 years old. A 2022 scientific study that appeared in Frontiers in Marine Science explained their appearance in the following way: 'Rhodoliths occur extensively around the shores of Fuerteventura Island in the Canary Archipelago, with Lithothamnion cf. corallioides being the most prominent species. A large number of rhodoliths end up washed onshore, the debris from which contributes to the formation of sediments constituting modern beaches.' The authors also added that 'the growth, geographic distribution, and sustainability of rhodoliths are controlled by several factors, of which light, temperature, sedimentation, hydrodynamic regime, existence of marine barriers, and abundance of corals are vital.' Waves crashing on Playa del Bajo de la Burra, also known as Popcorn remember, there's a very important reason why you shouldn't remove any of the sand from the beach. 'Rhodoliths are crucial for the establishment and maintenance of biodiversity and, thus, contribute to major ecosystem functions,' the study states, and the authors request 'a conscientious effort in the protection and maintenance of these valuable biological resources.' The study also cites the 'substantial amount of rhodoliths' that are 'removed from the beaches,' causing a 'threat to these ecosystems, as the debris of dead rhodoliths contributes greatly to the sediments that form the contemporary beaches.' So feel free to take plenty of photos, but not the rhodoliths themselves. The landscape of Popcorn beach on Fuerteventura, Spain. Alessandro Persiani/Adobe Stock Playa del Bajo de la Burra isn't the type of beach where you go to sunbathe and swim. There are no loungers or umbrellas, and the water isn't known to be particularly great for a dip; past travelers share that the waves can be rough and 'too dangerous' for swimming. Instead, you're limited to walks, scenic picnics, and, of course, capturing all the content. Once you've checked seeing the popcorn sand off your list, spend your time exploring the rest of Fuerteventura—or retreat to the tiny adults-only Casa Montelongo (a 30-minute drive from the northern coast). There's technically no bad time to visit Playa del Bajo de la Burra, but it's recommended to make the trek to the beach in the early morning if you want to avoid other tourists. The months of April to June and September to November are also when you'll typically experience good weather in the area. Corralejo, located in the municipality of La Oliva, is the closest town to Popcorn Beach. You can reach the beach on foot, and the journey will take you at least an hour, if not more. There's also the option to drive to Popcorn Beach, although many travelers who have completed the drive share that it's 'just a dirt road, so [it] might be a little bumpy ride until you reach the beach,' and 'access is tedious.'
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jennifer Lopez, 55, Performs Steamy Dance That Shocks Fans
Jennifer Lopez, 55, Performs Steamy Dance That Shocks Fans originally appeared on Parade. Jennifer Lopez isn't holding back even at 55. Before her Up All Night: Live in 2025 in Budapest, the award-winning singer once again showcased her star power at the Cook Music Fest, which took place in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, in Spain's Canary Islands. On Saturday, the global superstar set the stage on fire after delivering a steamy, high-energy performance. A video of Lopez went viral as she performed an interpretative dance along with two male dancers. During her set, the 'On the Floor' songstress wore a shimmery silver long-sleeved body suit, which matched her silver boots. 55 year old Jennifer Lopez puts on shocking raunchy performance while crawling on all fours with male dancers. — Oli London (@OliLondonTV) July 20, 2025 While she is known for her fearless and top-notch performance, some fans seemed uncomfortable with her provocative dance moves. 'She thinks the raunchier the better. Where is someone to tell her: no, Jen?' a commenter said. An X user expressed a bold opinion and commented, 'I like her music, but what a horrible role model for young girls. Think back on Motown… all amazing musicians who never had to turn all porno-stripper style to sell music.' Meanwhile, some fans thought that the performance was cringey and remarked, 'This attention seeking sloot is super cringe.' 'On the one hand, this is trashy and seems a bit desperate. On the other...d***,' one wrote. A different fan expressed the same and noted, 'JLo's performance looked more like a cry for attention than a celebration of talent.' 'I'm sorry, but this is not entertaining,' a commenter added. Earlier this month, the Atlas star made headlines after she took a swipe at her ex-husband, Ben Affleck, while performing during her European Up All Night Tour in Pontevedra, Spain. Before she sang her latest breakup song, 'Wreckage of You,' she spoke about how the song was created during a sleepless night. "This is a song that is a new song that I want to sing for the first time tonight that came to me when I was up all night one night," she said, as captured by a post on Lopez, 55, Performs Steamy Dance That Shocks Fans first appeared on Parade on Jul 21, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
