Solo Travel Spain

Lanzarote Solo Travel Guide – Best Stays & Things to Do

Lanzarote is the perfect solo travel destination if you’re dreaming of adventure, tranquility, and impressive scenery. Volcanic trails, coastal views and captivating caves create Lanzarote’s landscape of natural beauty, inviting solo travelers who chase freedom and exploration, as well as a relaxing vacation.

This Canary Island gem provided more adventure than I’d initially imagined it would on my trip. I thoroughly recommend Lanzarote as a solo travel destination. Whether you’re interesting in hiking through Timanfaya National Park, walking coastal trails, partaking in group watersports or organised island tours, relaxing on the beach or enjoying seaside eats, Lanzarote has something for your solo trip!

In this Lanzarote solo travel guide, I’ll delve deeper into why Lanzarote is the perfect solo destination, including how to travel around, the best things to do and where to stay. It really is a trip worth taking!

FLIGHTS: Search cheap flights to Lanzarote on Skyscanner. I always use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals – be sure to check under ‘flexible dates’, and find the cheapest option around when you are looking to go! Check out Skyscanner here.

ESIM: Staying connected when solo travelling is vital. It’s a good idea to be connected from the get-go. Using an eSIM can allow you to be connected on arrival. I recommend checking out Airalo or Yesim to find what best suits your needs.

ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com and Hostelworld are my go-to choices for finding the best range, and best-priced accommodation for a solo trip.

ACTIVITIES: For tours and activities in Lanzarote, check out GetYourGuide. Joining a tour or group activity as a solo traveller is a great stress-free way to travel, and also allows you to meet others. Head to GetYourGuide here.

This post contains affiliate links. I will receive a small commission from any purchase made through any of these links, at no extra cost to you.

Table Of Contents
  1. Why Lanzarote is Perfect for Solo Travel
  2. Getting Around Lanzarote Solo – Buses, Car Hire & Tours
  3. Where to Stay in Lanzarote as a Solo Traveller
  4. Best Things to Do Solo in Lanzarote
  5. Is Lanzarote Worth Visiting Solo?

Why Lanzarote is Perfect for Solo Travel

Lanzarote is the perfect solo travel destination for various reasons. Let’s take a look at some of them:

– 🗺️ Compact size

Lanzarote feels like the perfect-sized island to explore solo. Nothing is too far away, but it’s big enough that there’s always somewhere new to discover. The short travel times between towns and attractions make exploring super easy and stress-free – you don’t need to be tied to one place!

Even if you’re travelling by public bus (like I did!), getting around is simple. I managed to see a lot – from each coast, to the inland volcanic areas. I based myself in Arrecife, which made a great middle-ground for exploring the island. If it’s a solo exploring adventure you’re looking for, Lanzarote really does make that easy to do.

– ☀️ Year-round sunshine

Lanzarote’s year-round sunshine and warm weather makes it the perfect solo destination at any time of year. The climate is perfect for hiking, beach days, or simply enjoying the outdoors.

I visited in February, and it was the perfect winter pick-me-up. The weather was amazing for hiking!! If you visit in summer, start hikes early to avoid the midday heat, then spend the rest of the day relaxing by the beach.

– 🥾 Mix of activities

Whether you want a peaceful trip or an energetic, adventurous outdoors adventure, Lanzarote has you covered. You can beach hop, join a yoga class, explore coastal trails, café chill or be more adventurous by hiking volcanic trails, taking surf lessons, exploring lava caves… Whatever your solo travel vibe, Lanzarote has something for you!

– 🤝 Easy to meet others

Visiting Lanzarote solo doesn’t mean you have to be alone for the whole trip! Lanzarote makes it easy to connect with other travellers if you want company.

✨Lanzarote really lets you choose your solo adventure – peaceful, social, relaxing, adventurous or a mix of everything! It’s that balance that makes it such a perfect destination.

Getting Around Lanzarote Solo – Buses, Car Hire & Tours

🚌 Public Transport

Lanzarote is well connected by public transport, and the bus network is a cheap, reliable way to explore the island on your solo trip. This is how I travelled, and I was able to see a lot. However I was there for three-weeks, which gave me plenty of time to explore without trying to visit too many locations in one day (which may not be so fun by public transport!).

💡 Solo Travel Tip: Most bus routes are visible on Google Maps, so you can easily plan your journeys. Just keep in mind that some buses aren’t very frequent, especially later in the day.

Bus fares vary depending on distance, starting from as little as €1.40. Arrecife is the main hub, so most buses leave from and return there – meaning fewer transfers and less hassle for certain locations.

✨ Search Arrecife Accommodation Here – I stayed at La Casita de Arrecife, which is so close to the main bus stops (definitely recommend for a budget friendly solo stay!)!

🚗 Car Hire

Hiring a car gives you the ultimate freedom to explore Lanzarote at your own pace. It’s perfect if you want to see multiple spots in a day or head to off-the-beaten-path locations and discover hidden gems.

💡 Solo Travel Tip: Even if you don’t rent a car for your whole trip, hiring one for a day or two can let you squeeze in must-see sights without being tied to bus schedules.

✨ Check Rental Cars Here – Compare prices and pick the best deal for your trip.

🗺️ Organised Tours

If you’d rather sit back, relax, and have everything taken care of, organised tours are perfect. They let you see a lot in one day, take the stress out of planning, and are a great way to meet other travellers – you don’t need to be ‘alone’ while travelling solo in Lanzarote!

💡 Solo Travel Tip: Tours are a great way to see a lot in one day without worrying about transport, and they often include pick-up/drop-off from main towns.

✨For Lanzarote tours, I recommend checking out GetYourGuide – there are many popular, well-rated options to choose from.

One very popular, highly rated option is the Lanzarote: Full-Day Island Highlights Tour, which includes pick-up and drop-off from the main towns. It’s perfect for a stress-free solo day out, letting you hit the main sights and make the most of your time on the island!

JOIN A FUN LANZAROTE TOUR HERE

Where to Stay in Lanzarote as a Solo Traveller

Looking for the perfect solo base in Lanzarote? Here are the best places to stay – from local city vibes and budget hostels in Arrecife, to relaxed resort living in Costa Teguise, lively nights in Puerto del Carmen, and peaceful coastal calm in Orzola, the gateway to La Graciosa.

✨I always book through Booking.com or Hostelworld – perfect for finding the best deals and range of accommodation options.

1. Arrecife – Lanzarote’s Capital 🏙️

A very convenient and affordable base if you’re travelling solo. It has more of a local city vibe rather than resort‑only, and is well connected by bus, making day trips super easy. Arrecife is where I stayed, as I wanted to explore as much as possible of the island – easy to do from here!

Best solo-friendly stays in Arrecife
💸Budget:
  • La Casita de Arrecife (Hostel)– Friendly, social and affordable! I stayed here for most of my trip and found it to have a very homely vibe – it was easy to meet other travellers (which was nice before/after a day of solo exploring!). It’s also super convenient – just a few minutes walk from the main bus stops – the perfect base to explore the island!
    👉 Check rates and availability at La Casita de Arrecife →
💰 Mid-Range:
💎 Luxury:

Arrecife Gran Hotel & Spa – A 5-star stay with panoramic views, rooftop dining and a spa to name a few perks! Ideal for solo travellers who want to treat themselves to a little luxury!
👉 See current offers for Arrecife Gran Hotel & Spa →

🏠 Apartment Option:

Apartamentos Islamar Arrecife – Highly-rated and perfectly located, excellent value accommodation with great sea views. Perfect for solo travellers who like their own space including kitchen facilities.
👉 Check prices for Apartamentos Islamar Arrecife →

SEE MORE ARRECIFE ACCOMMODATION HERE

2. Costa Teguise – Laid-Back Coastal Vibes 🌊

Laid-back, good-vibes coastal town! You’ll find golden sand beaches, coastal hikes like Montaña Corona and Los Ancones, chill cafés, and plenty of opportunities for water sports. It’s a great spot for solo travellers who want resort comfort without too much hustle and bustle.

Top Solo-Friendly Stays in Costa Teguise
💸Budget:
💰Mid-Range:
💎Luxury:
DISCOVER MORE COSTA TEGUISE ACCOMMODATION HERE

3. Puerto del Carmen – Lively & Social 🌴

Lanzarote’s most popular resort town – lively beaches, restaurants, nightlife, and plenty of solo activities, with good bus connections to the rest of the island. Perfect if you want a more social solo atmosphere overall.

Best Solo-Friendly Stays in Puerto del Carmen
💸Budget:
💰Mid-Range:
  • Gloria Izaro Club Hotel – Solo travellers love the location! Apartments with kitchenettes, ideal for solo travellers who like independence. Choose the ‘one single bed’ aka solo traveller rate for best value (bonus points in that they even cater to solo travellers!).
    👉 Reserve your stay here →
💎Luxury:
EXPLORE PUERTO DEL CARMEN ACCOMMODATION HERE

4. Orzola – Gateway to La Graciosa 🐚

If you’re planning to visit La Graciosa (which you absolutely should!), consider spending a night or two in Orzola, the small fishing village at Lanzarote’s northern tip where the La Graciosa ferry departs. It’s the perfect place to experience a quieter, more authentic side of the island – I loved my two-day peaceful escape here!

Recommended Budget-Friendly Solo Stay:

Mirador del Muelle House – I stayed here for two nights and absolutely loved it! It’s super budget-friendly- for the price of a hostel bed, you get a private room in a cozy shared house (with kitchen access included). Located right by the port, it’s perfect for catching the ferry to La Graciosa or the bus to/from Arrecife.
👉 Book Mirador del Muelle House →

✨ Solo Traveller Booking Tips
– Use Booking.com and Hostelworld for flexible cancellation and verified solo reviews.
– Look for stays with kitchens or common areas if you’d like to meet others and save money on food.
– Check bus connections if you’re not hiring a car.
– Mix hostels for social vibes and apartments for downtime.

Best Things to Do Solo in Lanzarote

🌋Hike Lanzarote’s Volcanic Trails

Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape makes it such a unique destination, and what better way to experience it than by getting out there and hiking its volcanic trails! Exploring the routes solo was a big highlight of my trip. From wandering through ancient lava fields to standing on the rim of a crater with views stretching for miles, hiking here added a real sense of adventure to my visit.

✨ Don’t fancy hiking solo? Why not join a group hike – explore group hikes on GetYourGuide here.

– Best Volcano Hikes in Lanzarote for Solo Travellers
  • Caldera Blanca is a must do hike! Traversing the volcanic landscape is super cool, then you can climb up Caldera Blanca and continue to walk around the rim to the peak. It is seriously impressive!! Try not to go on a windy day, however, or it could be a bit dangerous on the rim. I loved this hike, plus it is easily reachable by public transport!
  • For a deeper insight, check out my post 🌟Caldera Blanca Hike – Lanzarote MUST DO.
  • Moñtana de Tinaguache is a perfect solo volcano walk as it’s super easy to reach from Costa Teguise (I took the bus from Arrecife to Costa Teguise, then walked from town), and it’s not too long or difficult/dangerous. It’s the perfect short solo volcano hike! Granted, it’s not nearly as impressive as the likes of Caldera Blanca, but it’s still well worth it – the views over Costa Teguise and the surroundings are great! It amazed me how many people were in Costa Teguise yet I only saw around 4 others on this hike – it’s a quiet walk. Plus, afterwards you can go explore Costa Teguise, be back around the lively vibes, grab a bite to eat and chill out on the beach to make for the perfect balanced day (this is what I did!).

Explore Timanfaya National Park

Timanfaya National Park is one of the most impressive areas in Lanzarote. The volcanic landscape of lava fields, craters and fiery earth provides Mars-like scenes!

Visiting Timanfaya solo is not such a solo experience – the park is protected, so you can’t just go and hike there by yourself. But that makes it a fun solo adventure with others – the best way to explore is on an organised tour. Transport, access, and guides are all included, so it’s completely hassle-free.

Being a super spontaneous traveller, I actually totally messed up – the tours I wanted were sold out or didn’t fit with my schedule! Note that some of them don’t run every day, so do check and book in advance. Big regrets, but I will definitely be going on my next Lanzarote visit. It’s a must-see! Reserve your spot on a Timanfaya tour here.

🔥 Top Timanfaya Tours for Solo Travellers
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing or more adventurous tour, there is an option for you!
💡 Tip: If you’re not renting a car, choose a tour with hotel pick-up (I’ve picked top options below which include it!)

✨Check out more top-rated Timanfaya tours on GetYourGuide here

🚗 Getting There Independently
You can drive to the visitor centre or El Diablo restaurant viewpoint, but access inside the park is only via official routes, so tours are usually the easiest (and most time-efficient) option.

🌊Walk the Coastal Trails

The volcanic trails are an absolute highlight, full of adventure, but what about the coastal ones? Totally different vibe and just as amazing! I loved wandering along the cliffs, finding quiet beaches that felt like hidden secrets, and stumbling across seaside towns that felt a world away from the busy resorts. Pro tip: it almost always pays to walk a little further than everyone else!

Whether following clifftop paths, strolling between beach towns, or just wandering beside the waves, the trails are safe, scenic, and perfect for solo travellers who wants more of a chill vibe, while staying active. I stumbled across some beautiful spots I never would have found otherwise!

A couple of solo coastal walk highlights of my trip:

  • Puerto del Carmen – Puerto Calero – Playa Quemada coastal walk is a great, chilled coastal walk! It is quite far if you walk all the way to Playa Quemada (and back) but this is what I did! I loved this walk, and even if you want just a shorter walk, it’s well worth just heading to Puerto Calero. It’s crazy how quiet it suddenly gets as you go that little further out from Puerto del Carmen – a lovely contrast to the lively promenade!
    Check out my post Puerto del Carmen to Puerto Calero Coastal Walk, Lanzarote for more on this section!
    For Puerto Calera to Playa Quemada, you can read my post here!

🚤 Want a shortcut? The Puerto del Carmen-Puerto Calero water taxi is a fun, affordable way to return after your coastal walk – bookable on GetYourGuide →.

  • The Papagayo Beaches trail, from Playa Blanca in the south of the island, is an excellent walk!! As the name suggests, it is a trail of beaches – beautiful golden sand beaches! The coastline here is generally considered to be the best in Lanzarote. The views over the beaches, especially Papagoya beach at the end of the trail, are certainly impressive! There is no shortage of opportunities for beach breaks and chill time on this trail, either. I spent just one down down in Playa Blanca, and am very glad I included this walk in that time!!

🎨 Explore Lanzarote’s Culture (César Manrique, Jameos del Agua & Cueva de los Verdes)

Spending a day exploring some culture and art of Lanzarote is a day well spent and a nice way to mix up activities.

  • Cuevas de los Verdes is a very large, impressive lava tube – it is well worth seeing!! Visiting the cave is in the form of a ~50-60 minute tour. This is great as it’s very informative so you can really learn about the cave, plus you can be solo but not alone!
  • Jameos del Agua, created by the artist César Manrique, combines art and culture to provide a unique tourist centre within a volcanic tunnel. It is really beautiful, and just has this amazing peaceful aura to it. I spent more time here than was needed as I just loved how beautiful and tranquil it was. There is also a café/bar/restaurant where you could go for lunch.

Both Cuevas de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua can be easily visited in the same day. They are just across the road from each other, and are part of the same lava tube! There is a public bus which stops at Jameos del Agua, this is how I visited these spot, but do check the times (to get there and to return!) as it doesn’t run too frequently.

Want to visit without planning transport? Tours make for a hassle-free solo travel cultural day!

I loved my solo cultural day, while I was loving hiking, adventuring and beaching, this day was exactly what I needed in the midst of such! If visiting independently, you can also do what I did afterwards and walk to Punta Mujeres and even continue to Arrieta, allowing you to see some of the towns further up on the north-east of Lanzarote. I took the public bus back to Arrecife from Arrieta.

🏝️ Island Escape – La Graciosa Day Trip

La Graciosa is a must for solo travelers who love quiet island vibes and the purest nature.

This very small, sandy (as in, the roads are sand), unspoiled, tranquil island lies just off Lanzarote’s northern coast. It is absolutely worth visiting!! There are plenty of trails you can walk or cycle, and no shortage of pristine beaches. I walked and walked on my visit, and loved my day exploring this island paradise.

You can read more about visiting La Graciosa in my post: La Graciosa Day Trip from Lanzarote

La Graciosa can be reached by ferry from Orzola, in the north of Lanzarote. I chose to stay in Orzola for a couple of nights, to explore the north and visit La Graciosa. Getting to experience a totally different side of Lanzarote than the resort towns was pretty cool! As for La Graciosa itself, it was the best solo adventure day.

✨If staying in Orzola, I recommend Mirador del Muelle House (private room, kitchen access and super budget-friendly!). I loved my stay here! Check prices and availability on Booking.com

If you’re short on time or don’t wish to move accommodation to go stay up north, no worries!
🚢 Top Ways to Visit La Graciosa (without staying in Orzola!)

EXPLORE LA GRACIOSA ADVENTURES HERE

🏄 Watersports

Being an island, Lanzarote is all about the water, and there’s no better way to make the most of it than trying a few watersports! Whether you want to learn something new, get active, or meet other travellers, there’s a range of group-friendly and beginner-friendly options.

Here are some top picks for solo travellers who love a little water adventure:

– 🌊 Surfing in Famara or Arrieta

Lanzarote’s surf scene is awesome, even if you’ve never been on a board before! Famara is the island’s surf capital, with long sandy beaches and small-group lessons perfect for beginners. If you’re staying on the east coast, Arrieta also has great waves and friendly instructors.

👉 Check Group Surf Lessons in Lanzarote here – learn from locals and ride your first wave!

Already surfed before? Rent a board and hit the waves for a solo session!

– 🛶 Kayak & Snorkel at Papagayo Beach

Kayaking is a fun way to explore Lanzarote’s coastline from a different perspective than from on land – and the stunning Papagayo Beach area (Playa Blanca) is the top spot to do it. Most tours include snorkelling breaks and are run in small groups, so it’s easy to chat and make friends along the way.

👉 Try the Papagayo Beach Kayak & Snorkelling Tour – a favourite option!

– 🏄‍♂️ Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

SUP is perfect if you want a little more chilled, but still active, water activity. You can go it alone and rent a board, or join a guided group – perfect if you’re a beginner or wish to be around others on your solo trip!

Top picks include:

👉 Check availability for Lanzarote SUP experiences here

– 🐬 Dolphin Watching & Swimming

For an unforgettable experience, head out from Puerto del Carmen on a Dolphin-Watching Speedboat Tour with Swim. The trip lasts about 1.5 hours, searching for whales and dolphins, and includes a chance to jump in the water to swim alongside dolphins in the wild!

👉 Book your Dolphin Watching & Swim Tour here

– 🤿 Scuba Diving

If you’ve ever wanted to try diving, Lanzarote is the perfect place to start. What a way to add an extra element of water adventure to a solo trip! There are various companies offering diving experiences, most of which include an option to be picked up from your accommodation.

Top-rated Lanzarote diving experiences include:

👉 Check Lanzarote diving experiences here

🏖️ Relax on the Beaches

Lanzarote is a canary island – there are no shortage of beaches. You can easily add some relaxing beach time to your solo trip. It’s important to balance adventuring and activities with chill time!! Even if you’ve had a busy day adventuring, you can end it with a solo beach sunset. Perfect!

Staying in Arrecife, I spent some time chilling out on Playa del Reducto, Arrecife’s main beach. While it’s not the most impressive beach, I found it to be a great solo beach time vibe – it was neither overly busy nor too quiet. For a more lively atmosphere, I really liked the beaches of Costa Teguise, especially the main beach, Playa de las Cucharas – it gives much more holiday, resort town vibes. The beaches on the Papagayo trail are also beautiful – I’d say they beat those in the main area of Playa Blanca! For the longest beach on the island, head to Puerto del Carmen.

If you choose to stay in one of the main resort towns, you will never be far from a lively beach. Keep in mind, however, that if you want a quieter experience, you usually only need to walk just a little further from the main town centre! There are beaches everywhere, but most people stick to the main areas – do explore and find your favourite spot for whatever your vibe is that day!

Plan Your Lanzarote Adventure

Is Lanzarote Worth Visiting Solo?

Lanzarote is absolutely worth visiting solo!! I honestly loved my trip there so much, and it offered so much more than I had originally thought!! Hopefully this post has inspired you and you can see that Lanzarote caters well to solo travelers, and you, too, can have a great trip!

Whether it’s a budget trip or a more luxurious one, an outdoor adventure or a more chilled beach-side vibe you’re looking for, the Canary Island of Lanzarote has something for you.

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