Lanzarote doesn’t have the reputation of Ibiza or the hedonistic pull of certain Tenerife resorts, and that is entirely to its credit. What it does have is a bar scene that, once you know where to look, delivers everything from cold local beer on a black volcanic beach to a glass of extraordinary Malvasía wine on a promenade watching the sun drop into the Atlantic. The key, as with most things on this island, is knowing where to go and where to walk straight past.
The resort strips exist and serve their purpose. But Lanzarote’s most memorable drinking experiences tend to happen somewhere quieter: a harbour-side taverna in Arrecife where the clientele is entirely local, a rooftop bar in Playa Blanca with an uninterrupted view toward Fuerteventura, or a village bar in Haría on a warm Tuesday evening with nothing but palm trees and time.
If you’re still in the early stages of planning and need to sort the basics — flights, accommodation, resorts, timing — the complete island planning guide covers all of that in full. This article is purely about where to drink: what to order, which areas deliver, and how to find the bars that most visitors never find at all.
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Table of Contents
What to Drink in Lanzarote Before You Go Anywhere
Before the geography, a word on the drinks — because ordering well is the first step to drinking well.
- Malvasía is the island’s own wine, grown in the extraordinary volcanic landscape of La Geria where individual vines sit in pits dug into black volcanic ash. It produces a white wine with a freshness and saline edge that is unlike almost anything produced on the Spanish mainland. Order it cold, with seafood if possible, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your drink for the entire trip. It is genuinely excellent and genuinely local.
- Ron miel — honey rum — is a Canarian staple. It is sweet, smooth and warming, typically served as a short drink or over ice. Every bar on the island will have it. Tourists often discover it by accident and spend the rest of the holiday ordering it deliberately.
- Tropical and Dorada are the two local beers you’ll see on every bar counter. Both are light, cold and designed for a warm climate. Tropical comes from Gran Canaria, Dorada from Tenerife — both are widely available in Lanzarote and both do exactly what you want a beer to do when it’s 28 degrees.
- Barraquito is the Canarian layered coffee drink — espresso, condensed milk, milk foam, a touch of liqueur and a piece of lemon zest. It is technically a coffee but it works as a nightcap. If you order one after dinner in a village bar, you’ll be treated as someone who knows the island.
The pairing of drinks with food is genuinely part of the experience here — if you haven’t yet sorted where you’re eating, our guide to Lanzarote’s dining scene will point you in the right direction.
Best Bars in Puerto del Carmen
Puerto del Carmen is the island’s largest resort and, by some distance, its liveliest after dark. If you want bars, noise, cocktails at midnight and a pub crawl with other tourists, this is where you come. If you want quality over quantity, you need to be more selective — but quality does exist here, and it’s worth knowing where.
Old Town Harbour Bars
The old town harbour at the southern end of Puerto del Carmen is where the resort earns genuine respect. The bars here are older, more atmospheric and less reliant on passing tourist trade. You’ll find fishermen drinking alongside holidaymakers, handwritten menus on chalkboards and a general sense that this part of town has been here long before the resort grew up around it.
The harbour bars are best in the early evening — from around 7pm until 10pm — when the light is golden, the terrace tables fill up slowly and the atmosphere is warm without being manic. Order local wine or cold Dorada, take your time, and watch the harbour. This is Puerto del Carmen at its best.
Avenida de las Playas Strip
The main strip — the Avenida de las Playas — is exactly what it looks like: a long run of bars, sports pubs, cocktail shacks and clubs aimed squarely at the package holiday market. There is nothing wrong with it on its own terms. If you want to watch football with a group of friends, drink two-for-one cocktails and move between venues without much planning, it delivers perfectly well. Just don’t come here expecting craft beer, local wine or any particular sense of place.
The strip genuinely doesn’t get going until around 10pm. Before that, the bars are quiet and the staff outnumber the customers. If you arrive early, you’ll get easy seating and attentive service — not necessarily a bad trade-off if you’re not chasing atmosphere. By midnight on a weekend in high season, the whole stretch is loud, busy and unapologetically hedonistic.
The best approach to the strip is selective: pick one or two bars with outdoor seating for the earlier part of the evening, and let the night develop from there. Cocktail bars tend to be better value than the pubs; the pubs tend to be better for sport. Sports bars are plentiful and easy to spot — most display their screening schedules outside.
Best Bars in Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca operates at a different tempo to Puerto del Carmen. The resort is younger in development terms, more upmarket in orientation, and the bar scene reflects that. What it lacks in volume and variety it makes up for in quality and setting.
The promenade bars are the main attraction. Stretching along the waterfront with views across the strait toward Fuerteventura, they are ideal for sundowners — and Playa Blanca faces in exactly the right direction to make sunsets a genuine event. Arrive around 7pm, find a table on any terrace facing west, and you’ll understand why this is one of the most popular places on the island for couples.
The Marina Rubicón development, a short walk from the main promenade, offers a more polished bar experience. The marina bars here are smart, well-stocked, and charge accordingly — but the setting justifies the premium. Superyachts, calm water, warm evenings. It’s a pleasant environment for a proper cocktail.
Playa Blanca is not the place to come if you’re looking for nightlife in any meaningful sense — things generally wind down by 1am even in high season. But if the objective is a slow, beautiful drink in a well-designed space, it is arguably the best resort on the island for exactly that.
Best Bars in Costa Teguise
Costa Teguise sits between Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca in both geography and character. The bar scene is low-key, largely unpretentious and well-suited to those who want a drink after a day of watersports without committing to a full night out.
The beach bars around Playa de las Cucharas — the main surf and windsurf beach — are the best expression of what Costa Teguise does well. Cold beer, easy seating, a view of the water, and a crowd that leans toward active holidaymakers rather than party-seekers. It is a perfectly pleasant way to spend a late afternoon.
The evening bar scene in Costa Teguise is noticeably quieter than Puerto del Carmen. The small commercial centres around the resort have a handful of bars and restaurants that tick over nicely without getting particularly lively. If you’re based here and want a big night out, Puerto del Carmen is a reasonable taxi ride away. If you’re happy with a couple of drinks and an early night, Costa Teguise serves that very comfortably.
Local Bars Worth Driving For
This is the section that most bar guides for Lanzarote either skip entirely or reduce to a single vague paragraph about “authentic local experiences.” The bars that locals actually drink in are not hidden — they are simply off the resort circuit, which means most visitors never encounter them. They are also, almost without exception, cheaper, more interesting and more genuinely Canarian than anything on the tourist strip.
The obvious caveat: you will need either a designated driver or a plan for getting back. Taxis are available throughout the island but less reliable late at night in rural areas — book ahead where possible.
Arrecife
Lanzarote’s capital is the most underrated drinking destination on the island. The bars around the Charco de San Ginés — the picturesque tidal lagoon in the old part of the city — are exactly the kind of place that rewards a detour. These are local tavernas: small, unfussy, stocked with decent wine and local beer, and populated almost entirely by Lanzaroteños going about their ordinary lives.
Prices here are significantly lower than in the resorts. A glass of Malvasía that costs €4.50 in Puerto del Carmen will be €2.80 in Arrecife. The atmosphere is real in a way that is difficult to manufacture. Go on a weekday evening if possible — weekends can be busier and noisier as the city’s younger population takes over certain streets.
Teguise
The former capital of Lanzarote, Teguise is a beautifully preserved colonial town that most visitors see only on Sunday mornings when the market takes over the main square. Come back on a weekday evening and you’ll find a quieter, more atmospheric place entirely. The bars around the Plaza de la Constitución are simple, unhurried and very pleasant. Order whatever is open behind the bar and sit outside in the square. It costs very little and feels genuinely special.
Haría
The Valley of a Thousand Palms earns its reputation on looks alone, but the village bar scene adds to it. Haría moves slowly by any standard — the pace of life here is deliberate and the bar culture matches it. A drink in one of the small bars around the village square, surrounded by palm trees with the valley darkening behind you, is one of those Lanzarote experiences that doesn’t make it into the brochures but should.
Rooftop Bars, Sunset Spots and Views Worth Planning Around
Lanzarote’s volcanic geography creates some extraordinary sunset topography. The island’s west-facing coastline, combined with near-constant clear skies and the deep Atlantic horizon, makes it one of the best places in Europe to watch the sun go down — and the best way to watch it is from a bar terrace with something cold in hand.
- El Golfo on the west coast is the standout location. The small fishing village sits directly facing the Atlantic and the bars and restaurants here are oriented entirely around the sunset. Arrive an hour before dusk, find a table with a direct sea view, and order the local wine. It is a simple evening that tends to become a favourite memory of the trip.
- Yaiza village is worth considering as an alternative — slightly inland but elevated, with views across the lava fields of Timanfaya that change colour dramatically as the light fades. The volcanic reds and blacks shift through orange and deep purple in the golden hour, and the handful of bars in the village are perfectly placed to watch it happen. Quiet, unhurried, and genuinely beautiful.
- Mirador del Río and other elevated viewpoints around the north of the island don’t always have bars attached, but the drive back through Haría and Teguise passes through villages with small bars that make natural stopping points. Build a loose evening route — viewpoint, then village bar, then dinner — and you’ll cover a significant part of the island’s character in a single evening.
Live Music and Entertainment Bars
Lanzarote is not primarily a live music destination, but the scene exists and is worth knowing about if it matters to you.
Puerto del Carmen’s old town is the most reliable location for live music. Several bars here programme regular acoustic sessions, flamenco nights and local bands throughout the high season — from roughly May through to October. Quality varies, but the best venues attract genuinely talented performers and the intimate setting of the harbour area makes even a modest set feel worthwhile.
Jazz tends to appear in the smarter bars in Playa Blanca and occasionally in Arrecife, particularly around cultural events and local festivals. The live music calendar is seasonal and not always well-publicised in advance, which makes planning difficult from home.
The most reliable approach is to check Lanzarote’s official tourism site before you travel and again on arrival — they maintain listings of festivals, cultural events and local entertainment that affect what’s happening in bars and public spaces across the island. The summer months tend to bring open-air concerts and festivals that spill into the bar scene in interesting ways.
Practical Tips for Drinking in Lanzarote
A few things worth knowing before you go out:
- Licensing hours vary by venue and area. Resort bars in Puerto del Carmen typically operate until 3am or later on weekends in high season. Quieter resort bars and village tavernas will often close by midnight or earlier. There are no surprises here — just manage expectations depending on where you’re based.
- Taxis late at night can be difficult in less populated areas. If you’re planning to drink in Arrecife, Teguise or Haría and need to get back to a resort, book your return taxi before you leave or ask the bar to call one for you. Don’t rely on hailing one from the street in rural areas after midnight.
- Prices differ substantially between the resorts and the local towns. Inland and in Arrecife, you’ll pay roughly half what resort bars charge for the same drink. If budget matters, this is worth factoring into your plans.
- Tipping is not expected in the way it is in the UK or North America, but rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated and normal. In village bars especially, treating the transaction with courtesy goes a long way.
- Hydration is worth taking seriously. The Canarian sun is strong even in the evening during summer, and the dry air means dehydration can creep up quietly. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water, particularly if you’re sitting outside.
FAQ: Bars in Lanzarote
What is the best area in Lanzarote for nightlife and bars?
Puerto del Carmen is unquestionably the best area for nightlife and bars in Lanzarote. The Avenida de las Playas strip has the highest concentration of bars, clubs and late-night venues on the island, and the old town harbour area adds a more atmospheric, quality-focused alternative within easy walking distance. If you want options, volume and a late finish, Puerto del Carmen is where you base yourself. Other resorts offer pleasant bar scenes but nothing that competes with Puerto del Carmen for sheer range and energy.
What time do bars close in Lanzarote?
In the main resort areas, particularly Puerto del Carmen, bars typically stay open until 3am or later on weekends and throughout high season. Some clubs and late-night venues push beyond that. In quieter resorts like Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise, most bars close between midnight and 1am. Village bars and local tavernas in places like Arrecife, Teguise and Haría tend to close earlier — often by 11pm on weekdays. Licensing hours are generally enforced but the island is relaxed in atmosphere and closing times shift with the season.
Is Lanzarote good for a bar crawl?
Yes, but only in Puerto del Carmen. The Avenida de las Playas is purpose-built for bar crawls in practical terms — venues are clustered together, most offer some form of drinks promotion, and the flat promenade layout makes moving between them straightforward. Other resort areas don’t have the concentration of venues to sustain a proper crawl. For those not interested in the resort strip experience, an evening route through the old town harbour area in Puerto del Carmen, followed by one or two stops in Arrecife, makes for a much more rewarding and varied night.
What drinks should I try in Lanzarote?
Start with Malvasía — the local volcanic white wine from La Geria. It is the definitive Lanzarote drink and genuinely distinctive. Follow with ron miel (Canarian honey rum) served over ice. Try the local beers Tropical and Dorada for everyday drinking. If you want a non-alcoholic option that still feels local, order a barraquito — the layered Canarian coffee drink that appears on almost every bar menu. Avoid the premixed cocktail pitchers on the resort strip unless you’re specifically after quantity over quality.
Are there any quiet bars in Lanzarote for couples?
Absolutely. Playa Blanca is the best resort for quiet, romantic bar experiences — the promenade and Marina Rubicón both offer upmarket, unhurried settings ideal for couples. El Golfo on the west coast is outstanding for sundowners in a beautiful natural setting. Village bars in Haría and Yaiza are quietly atmospheric in the evenings. Even within Puerto del Carmen, the old town harbour area offers genuinely intimate bar settings that feel removed from the noise of the main strip. The key is to head slightly off the obvious tourist trail — Lanzarote rewards couples who explore beyond the resort centres with some remarkably peaceful and beautiful places to share a drink.
Do bars in Lanzarote serve food?
Most bars in Lanzarote serve at least some food, particularly during the daytime and early evening. Tapas and small plates — patatas bravas, padron peppers, local cheese, cured meats — are standard bar food across the island. In the resorts, many bars blur the line between bar and restaurant, offering full menus alongside their drinks service. Village tavernas almost always have a small food offering, often featuring local specialities at very reasonable prices. If you’re planning to eat properly rather than just snack, a dedicated restaurant will serve you better — but for grazing alongside a drink, most bars cover the basics well.
Is it safe to drink and get around at night in Lanzarote?
Lanzarote is one of the safer tourist destinations in Spain. Serious crime is rare, and the resort areas are well-policed during high season. The usual common-sense precautions apply — don’t leave drinks unattended, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, and don’t walk alone in poorly lit areas late at night. The main risk in the resort strip areas is the general chaos of a busy night out rather than any specific threat. Getting around after dark is best done by taxi — agree the fare before you get in if the meter isn’t running, and use official taxi ranks where possible rather than unmarked cars.
A Final Word
Lanzarote’s bar scene, like the island itself, rewards the curious and penalises the passive. The visitors who stick to the nearest strip bar and call it a night are having a perfectly fine holiday — but they are missing something. A glass of cold Malvasía at a harbour table in Arrecife as the light fades over the lagoon. A Ron miel in a village square in Teguise with the whole place essentially to yourself. A sundowner on the Playa Blanca promenade as the sky turns orange over Fuerteventura.
These are not difficult experiences to have. They require only a small amount of intention — a willingness to take a taxi somewhere unfamiliar, to sit down in a bar that doesn’t have an English menu in the window, to order something local rather than something recognisable. The island gives back generously to anyone who makes that small effort.
Drink it slowly. Drink it well. Lanzarote is worth it.
