Lanzarote Nightlife: The Ultimate Guide for Irish Holidaymakers
Lanzarote might be famous for its volcanic landscapes and sun-drenched beaches, but when the sun sets, the island reveals a completely different side. From the lively strips of Puerto del Carmen to the chic lounges of Playa Blanca, Lanzarote's nightlife offers something for every type of holidaymaker.
Whether you're looking for a quiet pint, live music, or a dance floor to party on until the early hours, you'll find it here.
This guide will walk you through the best nightlife spots across the island. We'll cover the top resorts, recommend bars and clubs, and share tips on how to enjoy your nights out safely and without breaking the bank.
With insights from our travel experts and fellow Irish holidaymakers, you’ll be ready to experience the best of Lanzarote after dark.
An Overview of Lanzarote’s Appeal
What makes Lanzarote the perfect destination for Irish holiday-goers? It’s a year-round hotspot with a resort to suit everyone. As one of our travel experts noted, "if you like the liveliness then Puerto Del Carmen is for you, or Playa Blanca if you like something a little bit quieter and higher standard."
The island’s compact size means you’re never far from the action, and a short taxi ride can take you from a tranquil harbour to a bustling strip. The currency is the Euro, and as our travel expert Nicole Mullally found, "everything is quite cheap," making it a great value destination.
Our customers agree. Sharon, who always books with Budget Travel, praised the "great value for money for a big family" and mentioned her family had a "great time in Lanzarote." It’s this blend of variety, value, and vibrant atmosphere that keeps Irish sunseekers coming back.
Popular Nightlife Locations in Lanzarote
Lanzarote’s nightlife is concentrated in its main resorts, each offering a distinct atmosphere. Here’s a look at what you can expect from the island's most popular spots.
Puerto del Carmen Nightlife
Puerto del Carmen is the undisputed king of Lanzarote nightlife. The main strip, Avenida de las Playas, is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars, pubs, and clubs. It’s a hub of energy, with live music spilling onto the streets and DJs playing until dawn.
For those seeking a lively, party-centric holiday, Lanzarote's Puerto del Carmen is the place to be. A short taxi ride from quieter areas like Puerto Calero is all it takes to dive into the action.
Playa Blanca Nightlife
For a more relaxed and sophisticated evening, the nightlife in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote is ideal. The Marina Rubicón area is lined with chic cocktail bars and upscale restaurants offering stunning views of the harbour.
While it's generally quieter than Puerto del Carmen, there are still plenty of venues with live music and a friendly buzz.
Our customer Mary stayed at Cay Beach Sun in Playa Blanca and loved the location, noting it was a perfect base for exploring the area. This makes Playa Blanca a great choice for couples and those looking for a more laid-back vibe.
Costa Teguise Nightlife
Costa Teguise, Lanzarote's nightlife strikes a great balance between the vibrancy of Puerto del Carmen and the calm of Playa Blanca. It’s particularly popular with families and couples.
The main square, Pueblo Marinero, was designed by the famous local artist César Manrique and comes alive at night with market stalls, bars, and restaurants. You'll find a good mix of karaoke bars, pubs showing live sports, and venues with live music.
Arrecife & Matagorda Nightlife
Arrecife, the island's capital, offers a more local flavour. The Arrecife Lanzarote nightlife scene is centred around the Charco de San Ginés, a picturesque lagoon surrounded by traditional tapas bars and small pubs. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy an authentic Canarian night out.
Nearby, Matagorda Lanzarote nightlife is much more low-key, catering primarily to those staying in the area. It consists of a handful of friendly bars and restaurants in its commercial centre, ideal for a quiet drink after dinner.
One of our customers, Raymond Mulcahy, booked a week in a "lovely apartment in Matagorda" and enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere.
Top Venues for Your Night Out
Now that you know where to go, here’s a look at the types of venues you can enjoy.
Best Bars and Pubs
Lanzarote is dotted with countless bars and pubs, especially Irish ones where you're sure to find a familiar face and a perfectly poured pint.
- Waikiki Bar (Playa Blanca): Located right on the beach, it's perfect for a sunset cocktail.
- The Dubliner (Puerto del Carmen): A classic Irish bar with live music and a buzzing atmosphere.
- Buda Bar (Puerto Calero): As visited by our travel expert Nicole Mullally, this spot in the Calero harbour is great for cocktails and shisha in a stylish setting.
Clubs and Dance Venues
If you want to dance the night away, head to Puerto del Carmen.
- Centro Atlantico (Puerto del Carmen): This commercial centre is packed with clubs that stay open until the early hours.
- Lanzarote Palace (Puerto del Carmen): A legendary club known for its themed nights and vibrant dance floor.
Live Music Venues
For those who prefer their nightlife with a soundtrack, Lanzarote delivers.
- The Island Bar (Puerto del Carmen): Known for its fantastic live bands covering rock and pop classics.
- Jazz Club La Gruta (Arrecife): Offers a more soulful experience with regular jazz and blues performances.
Lanzarote Nightlife for All Ages
Lanzarote’s nightlife scene caters to every generation.
- For Young Adults: Puerto del Carmen is the ultimate party destination, with endless bars and clubs on the main strip.
- For Families: Costa Teguise offers a family-friendly environment with plenty of entertainment, including mini-discos and karaoke bars that welcome younger holidaymakers.
- For Older Couples: Playa Blanca and Puerto Calero provide a more relaxed and sophisticated setting, with waterfront restaurants and chilled-out cocktail lounges perfect for a romantic evening.
Safety Tips and Budget-Friendly Options
Enjoying Lanzarote’s nightlife is easy, but it’s always wise to keep a few tips in mind.
- Safety First: Stick to well-lit areas, keep an eye on your belongings, and never leave your drink unattended. Taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced, so use them to get back to your accommodation safely.
- Budgeting: As Nicole noted, Lanzarote is "quite cheap." You can enjoy a night out without spending a fortune. Look out for happy hour deals, which are common in most resorts, especially in the early evening.
Hear from Our Happy Holidaymakers
Don’t just take our word for it. Our customers consistently praise their Lanzarote holidays booked through Budget Travel.
- David said his booking agent, Efa, was "brilliant" when organising his trip to Lanzarote.
- Rebecca found our website "easy to navigate with reasonable prices" for a last minute holiday to Lanzarote.
- Mary loved the "great service" and "perfect" accommodation on her trip to Playa Blanca.
- Carol praised her representative's "first-hand experience" of the apartments for her family holiday.
These reviews highlight the trust and value we provide, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable holiday from start to finish.
Ready for a Lanzarote Night Out?
Lanzarote offers a diverse and exciting nightlife scene with something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for the best place in Lanzarote for nightlife to party hard, a quiet spot for a romantic drink, or family-friendly entertainment, this Canary Island has it all. From the lively strip of Puerto del Carmen to the chic marina in Playa Blanca, you’re guaranteed a memorable night.
Ready to experience it for yourself?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which part of Lanzarote has the best nightlife?
For lively, party-focused nightlife with the most clubs and bars, Puerto del Carmen is considered the best. For a more relaxed but stylish scene, Playa Blanca is a top choice.
Is Lanzarote a party island?
While Lanzarote has a vibrant party scene, particularly in Puerto del Carmen, it's not solely a party island. It offers a wide range of nightlife, from quiet bars to family-friendly venues, catering to all tastes.
Is Playa Blanca lively at night?
Playa Blanca has a lively but sophisticated atmosphere at night, especially around the Marina Rubicón. It's less intense than Puerto del Carmen but offers plenty of excellent bars and restaurants.
What is the main strip in Lanzarote?
The main nightlife strip is Avenida de las Playas in Puerto del Carmen. It runs for several kilometres along the coast and is packed with bars, clubs, and restaurants.
Written by Jade Cloete
With over 8 years of experience as an SEO specialist and travel blogger, I combine my love for exploration with digital expertise. I channel my digital marketing skills and enthusiasm for travel into my work at Club Travel, a well-established travel agency in Ireland for over 50 years.