If you dream of swapping grey skies for year-round sunshine, you’ve probably found yourself drawn to the Canary Islands, including Lanzarote. With its striking volcanic landscapes, beautiful beaches and easygoing lifestyle, Lanzarote has long been a favourite for Brits wanting a fresh start abroad. Known for its welcoming community, low crime rates and cost of living that’s generally lower than the UK, it offers a blend of natural beauty and modern comforts. But, deciding exactly where to live on the island is a big decision, and doing your homework is key.

Where Should You Live in Lanzarote as an Expat?

Lanzarote might be a relatively small island, but it offers a surprisingly varied lifestyle depending on where you choose to settle. Whether you want a lively resort atmosphere, a quiet fishing village or culture away from the tourist hotspots, there’s somewhere that’s going to work for you. Before you pack your bags and start enjoying the sunnier climate in the Canary Islands, it’s worth exploring the main expat-friendly areas.

Our Top Tips for Choosing the Best Place to Live in Lanzarote

Once you’ve decided on the best time to move to Lanzarote, you’ll need to think about where exactly you’re going to head.

Puerto del Carmen

Puerto del Carmen is one of the most popular expat destinations in Lanzarote, combining beautiful beaches with plenty of amenities. The long promenade – lined with bars, restaurants and shops – gives it a holiday feel, but it’s also home to a large year-round community. English is widely spoken, and you’ll find familiar supermarkets, international schools and a mix of property types, from modern apartments to spacious villas.

Playa Blanca

Located in the south, Playa Blanca has grown from a small fishing village into a stylish resort town. It’s calmer and more upmarket than some areas of Lanzarote, with a lovely marina, modern shopping centres and a lot of dining options. The beaches here are sheltered and ideal for swimming, and there are plenty of walking and cycling paths along the coast. It offers a relaxed pace of life, good healthcare access and a strong community network, all of which you can enjoy once you’ve organised your removals to Lanzarote.

Costa Teguise

Costa Teguise is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, beautiful beaches and wide range of water sports. It’s popular with people who enjoy an active lifestyle, thanks to its golf course, windsurfing spots and coastal promenades. It’s also well connected to the capital, making commuting or visiting Arrecife for shopping an easy option.

Arrecife

If you’re looking for a more authentic Canary Island experience, Arrecife – which is the capital of Lanzarote – is the place to be. This is where you’ll find the island’s main shopping areas, cultural attractions and a busy port. It’s less touristy than the resort towns, with a focus on local life. You’ll need to know more Spanish here than in the south of the island, but the reward is a deeper connection to the culture and everyday life of the island.

Haría

In the north of the island lies Haría, which is often called The Valley of a Thousand Palms. This picturesque town offers a slower pace of life, surrounded by green hills and traditional whitewashed houses. It’s ideal for those seeking peace, space and a welcoming local community. While it’s further from the main tourist hubs, you’ll still find essential amenities, and property prices here can be more affordable than in coastal resorts.

Our Top Tips for Choosing the Best Place to Live in Lanzarote

• Visit Before You Commit – It’s always a good idea to spend time in a few different areas of Lanzarote before making your decision. Try living like a local; shop at markets, cook at home, explore outside of tourist hours. You’ll get a true feel for each place, giving you a better insight into what each has to offer.

• Match the Area to Your Lifestyle – Whether you’re retiring, working remotely, moving to study or moving with a young family, choose a location in Lanzarote that meets your needs for schools, healthcare, entertainment and outdoor activities. You don’t want to move, only to find the area you’ve chosen is lacking in something you deem important.

• Check Access to Services – Rural and northern areas of Lanzarote can be peaceful, but may require more travel for shopping, medical appointments and other essentials. Try to find a balance that works for you.

• Consider the Cost of Living – Though Lanzarote is generally affordable compared to the UK, resort areas can be pricier for rent and groceries. If you’re on a budget, look at inland or less touristy towns, as these often offer better value.

Ready to Make Your Big Move?

Relocating to Lanzarote can be a life changing and exciting adventure, but careful planning is key. Working with an experienced international removals team, like United International Removal, means you can focus on settling in rather than stressing about the logistics of getting everything from A to B. We’ll ensure your belongings arrive safely, so you can start your new life in Lanzarote with confidence. Get in touch to find out more.