Booking a holiday to Lanzarote presents you with an early decision: should you choose a package holiday or arrange the flights, accommodation and other essentials yourself?
A package can make booking remarkably straightforward. A DIY trip, meanwhile, gives you greater control over where you stay, how you travel and what you include. However, neither method is automatically the cheapest or best.
The right choice depends on your dates, group size, preferred accommodation and appetite for planning. Before comparing booking options, use this island-wide Lanzarote planning handbook to narrow down your preferred resort, travel period and must-see attractions.
Lanzarote Package Holiday vs DIY
Check Prices & Availability of Lanzarote Hotels
Table of Contents
What Is a Lanzarote Package Holiday?
A package holiday generally combines at least two major parts of a trip—usually flights and accommodation—under one booking. Transfers, checked luggage and meals may also be included, although this varies between operators and fares.
Lanzarote packages commonly feature hotels and apartment complexes in:
- Puerto del Carmen
- Playa Blanca
- Costa Teguise
- Puerto Calero
- Matagorda
- Playa de los Pocillos
Packages range from affordable self-catering apartments to all-inclusive beachfront resorts. Some include coach transfers from Lanzarote Airport, while others let you add a private transfer or car hire during booking.
The main advantage is simplicity. Instead of managing several companies and payment schedules, you have one principal booking and a single point of contact.
What Is a DIY Lanzarote Holiday?
A DIY holiday involves booking each component independently. You might reserve your flight directly with an airline, choose a hotel or villa through a separate provider and arrange transport yourself.
A typical DIY booking could include:
- Return flights to Lanzarote Airport.
- A hotel, apartment, villa or rural guesthouse.
- Airport transfers or car hire.
- Checked luggage and allocated seats.
- Travel insurance.
- Attraction tickets or ferry journeys booked separately.
DIY does not necessarily mean travelling on a tight budget. It can be the best way to create an upmarket villa stay, a multi-centre itinerary or a quieter holiday away from the main resorts.
Lanzarote Package Holiday vs DIY at a Glance
| Factor | Package holiday | DIY holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Booking process | One main booking | Several separate bookings |
| Flexibility | Limited to available combinations | Extensive choice of flights and stays |
| Financial protection | Often stronger when booked as a qualifying package | Depends on each booking and payment method |
| Resort choice | Strongest in established tourist areas | Includes resorts, villages and rural locations |
| Transfers | Frequently included or easily added | Must usually be arranged separately |
| Luggage | May be included, but always check | Commonly added to the flight fare |
| Changes and disruption | One organiser may coordinate assistance | You contact each provider individually |
| Longer stays | Possible, but standard durations are common | Easy to choose unusual trip lengths |
| Villas and rural stays | More limited | Much broader selection |
| Planning time | Relatively low | Higher |
Which Option Is Usually Cheaper?
There is no universal winner. Lanzarote package holidays can offer excellent value because tour operators buy aircraft seats and hotel rooms in bulk. DIY trips can be cheaper when you find low airfares, travel with hand luggage or choose accommodation outside the major resorts.
The result can change according to:
- Departure airport
- School holiday dates
- Length of stay
- Number and age of travellers
- Luggage requirements
- Board basis
- Transfer costs
- Accommodation type
- Car-hire requirements
- Flexibility over travel days
Packages are often competitive for a conventional seven- or fourteen-night hotel holiday. DIY booking becomes more attractive when you want an eleven-night trip, a private villa, a rural base or flights that do not appear in an operator’s package inventory.
Compare the Final Price, Not the Headline Price
An inexpensive flight is not necessarily a cheap flight once you add the extras you need. Similarly, a low package price may exclude luggage, transfers or meals.
Before deciding, calculate the complete cost of both versions.
For a package, check:
- Checked luggage allowance
- Airport transfers
- Room type
- Board basis
- Seat selection
- Booking fees
- Resort or local charges
- Cancellation and amendment conditions
For a DIY trip, include:
- Flight fare
- Cabin and checked luggage
- Allocated seats
- Accommodation taxes or charges
- Cleaning fees
- Airport transfer or car hire
- Fuel and parking
- Car-hire excess cover
- Food, if comparing against half-board or all-inclusive
- Costs created by an overnight flight disruption
Compare the same dates, flight times, room standard and inclusions. Otherwise, the cheaper figure may represent a substantially different holiday.
Convenience and Booking Effort
A package holiday wins on convenience. You can often arrange flights, accommodation, luggage and transfers in one transaction. This is useful if you do not want to research transport or coordinate arrival times with an independent host.
Packages can be particularly convenient in Lanzarote because the main resorts are relatively close to the airport. A coach transfer can take you directly to your accommodation without collecting a car or navigating after a flight.
DIY booking requires more organisation, but Lanzarote is a manageable destination in which to do it. The island is compact, roads are generally straightforward, and the main resort areas have plenty of accommodation and transport options.
The additional work may be worthwhile if you enjoy researching hotels, comparing flights and creating your own itinerary.
Flexibility and Accommodation Choice
DIY booking offers the greatest freedom. You can fly with one airline and return with another, choose almost any trip length, split your stay between two areas or book accommodation that rarely appears in package brochures.
That flexibility is valuable if you want to:
- Stay in a rural property near Haría or Yaiza.
- Rent a private villa for a group.
- Combine a resort with a quieter inland village.
- Spend a few nights in Arrecife.
- Add time on La Graciosa or Fuerteventura.
- Travel for ten, eleven or seventeen nights.
- Choose flights based on their times rather than the operator.
Package holidays are strongest when your plans fit a standard format. They work especially well for travellers who want one resort, one hotel and a conventional one- or two-week stay.
Protection and Disruption
Protection is one of the most important differences between the two booking styles.
A qualifying UK package normally gives you legal protections that separate bookings may not provide in the same way. Flight-inclusive packages sold by UK travel companies may also be ATOL protected, but you should confirm this before paying and check the certificate you receive. The UK Civil Aviation Authority’s ATOL guidance explains what the scheme covers and how travellers can verify protection.
With a package, the organiser is generally responsible for providing the holiday you booked and helping when significant changes affect it. If a flight cancellation alters your arrival, for example, the organiser may need to coordinate the accommodation and transfer implications.
On a DIY holiday, each booking is governed by its own terms. If your separately booked flight is cancelled, the accommodation provider may not refund a missed night. Likewise, an airline is not ordinarily responsible for costs resulting from your choice to book a non-refundable villa separately.
Travel insurance remains important whichever method you choose. Buy suitable cover soon after booking rather than waiting until your departure date.
Transfers, Car Hire and Getting Around
Airport transport can affect the overall price comparison.
Package holidays frequently include coach transfers or offer them as an inexpensive addition. This is convenient, although the journey can involve stops at several hotels before you reach yours.
With a DIY booking, your main choices are:
- A pre-booked shared shuttle
- A private airport transfer
- A local taxi
- A public bus where the route is practical
- A hire car collected at the airport
A car is not essential for a resort-based break, particularly if you plan to spend most of your time near the beach and use organised excursions. However, hiring one can be valuable if you want to explore volcanic landscapes, villages, viewpoints and less accessible beaches independently.
When comparing car-hire prices, look beyond the daily rate. Check the fuel policy, deposit, mileage rules, additional-driver fees, child-seat charges and insurance excess.
Package customers can also hire a car, so this is not an advantage exclusive to DIY travel. The real difference is whether you prefer to have your airport journey arranged as part of the original booking.
Food and Board Basis
Lanzarote packages provide easy access to half-board and all-inclusive hotels. These options can make spending more predictable, especially for families or travellers who expect to eat and drink mainly at their resort.
All-inclusive may represent good value if you will use the included meals, snacks and drinks. It is less compelling if you plan to spend most days exploring the island and eating in local restaurants.
DIY travellers have broad access to self-catering apartments, villas and small accommodation providers. Self-catering can reduce costs for groups and families, but grocery shopping and meal preparation take time. It is also worth checking whether the property has the kitchen equipment you expect.
When comparing prices, avoid placing an all-inclusive package directly against a room-only DIY stay without estimating food and drink costs.
Which Is Better for Families?
A package holiday is often the easiest choice for families, particularly when travelling with young children. One booking, included transfers and family-oriented facilities can remove several logistical concerns.
Many package hotels offer:
- Children’s pools
- Kids’ clubs
- Evening entertainment
- Family rooms
- Buffets with familiar options
- Cots and highchairs
- On-site activities
However, a DIY villa or apartment may be better for families who need multiple bedrooms, laundry facilities and flexible meal times. A private kitchen can also help when travelling with babies or children with particular dietary requirements.
For a fair comparison, check occupancy rules carefully. A hotel package that looks inexpensive for two adults can become less competitive once a family room is selected, while a villa may offer better value when its cost is divided between several people.
Which Is Better for Couples?
Couples can benefit from either approach.
A package is suitable for a straightforward beach holiday with minimal planning. Adults-only hotels, half-board properties and premium resort packages can make the experience especially relaxing.
DIY booking may appeal more to couples seeking:
- A boutique or rural property
- A private villa
- A split stay in two locations
- Specific flight times
- Independent dining
- A road-trip-style itinerary
If convenience matters most, begin with package prices. If the accommodation is a central part of the experience, compare independent options as well.
Which Is Better for Solo Travellers?
Solo travellers should compare prices particularly carefully because hotel packages may include a single-occupancy supplement. A package can still be good value, especially when transfers and luggage are included, but the advertised lead price is often based on two people sharing.
DIY booking allows solo visitors to search for studios, hostels, guesthouses and smaller rooms. It also provides more control over departure times and trip length.
The better option depends heavily on room pricing. Compare the total cost for one person rather than relying on per-person promotional figures.
Which Is Better for Groups?
DIY villas can be highly attractive for groups because the accommodation cost is shared. They also provide communal living areas, private outdoor space and more freedom over meals.
Before booking, check:
- The number of proper beds rather than maximum occupancy
- Bathroom provision
- Noise and event restrictions
- Security deposits
- Cleaning charges
- Air-conditioning availability
- Parking capacity
- Cancellation terms
A package may still be preferable when group members are travelling from different airports, paying separately or staying for different durations. It can reduce the financial risk of one person collecting money and managing a large villa reservation.
What About Longer or Multi-Centre Stays?
DIY arrangements are usually more practical for unusual holiday lengths and multi-centre itineraries. Independent booking lets you combine different accommodation types and move around the island without being restricted to a standard package duration.
For example, you could spend several nights in a lively resort followed by a quieter stay in the north. You can also choose weekday flights if they offer better timings or value.
Packages are not limited exclusively to seven or fourteen nights, but the widest range and most competitive combinations often centre on popular durations.
When a Lanzarote Package Holiday Makes Sense
A package is likely to suit you if:
- You want to complete the booking quickly.
- You prefer one company to manage the main elements.
- A resort hotel is your preferred accommodation.
- You want transfers included or easily added.
- You are interested in half-board or all-inclusive.
- The package total beats an equivalent DIY arrangement.
- You value the protections attached to a qualifying package.
- You do not need unusual dates or a complex itinerary.
Packages are especially attractive when an operator offers convenient direct flights from your local airport alongside your preferred hotel.
When a DIY Lanzarote Holiday Makes Sense
DIY booking may be better if:
- You want a villa, rural property or small independent hotel.
- You need a non-standard trip length.
- You want to split your stay between different locations.
- You have airline points or accommodation credit to use.
- You prefer particular flight times.
- You plan to hire a car and explore extensively.
- You are comfortable managing several reservations.
- The complete DIY cost is lower on a like-for-like basis.
It can also be the better choice for repeat visitors who know the island and no longer need the convenience of an organised transfer or resort representative.
A Like-for-Like Comparison Checklist
Open two lists before booking: one for the package and another for the DIY alternative. Enter the actual payable cost of each item rather than the advertised starting price.
Compare:
- Dates and duration: Use the same travel dates and number of nights.
- Flight times: An early outbound and late return may provide considerably more holiday time.
- Departure airport: Include transport, airport hotels and parking.
- Luggage: Add the allowance required by every traveller.
- Seats: Include seat-selection costs if you intend to pay for them.
- Accommodation: Compare similar room types, locations and review standards.
- Meals: Match room-only, self-catering, half-board or all-inclusive arrangements.
- Transfers: Include both directions between the airport and accommodation.
- Car hire: Add insurance, fuel, deposits and optional equipment.
- Property charges: Check cleaning fees, security deposits and local charges.
- Payment terms: Note deposit dates, balance deadlines and currency conversion costs.
- Cancellation conditions: Compare what can be changed or refunded.
- Protection: Confirm exactly what financial and booking protection applies.
- Disruption risk: Consider the consequences if one independently booked element changes.
Take screenshots or save quotes while comparing, as flight and room prices can change quickly. Do not rush solely because a website displays a countdown or limited-availability warning.
Common Booking Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming DIY Is Always Cheaper
Low-cost flights can look appealing until luggage, seats and transfers are added. Tour operators may have access to hotel rates that are difficult to match independently.
Assuming Packages Include Everything
The word “package” does not mean every extra is included. Read the booking summary to confirm luggage, transfers, meals and room details.
Comparing Different Flight Times
A cheaper itinerary arriving late at night and leaving early in the morning provides less usable holiday time. Decide whether the saving compensates for that difference.
Ignoring the Accommodation Location
Two properties described as being in the same resort may have very different access to beaches, restaurants and public transport. A cheaper hillside apartment could result in additional taxi costs.
Booking Non-Refundable Elements Too Early
When arranging a DIY trip, avoid committing to every non-refundable component before confirming the essential flights and accommodation. Check names, dates and cancellation rules at each stage.
Forgetting Currency and Card Charges
If accommodation is charged in euros, the sterling cost can vary. Check your card provider’s foreign-transaction terms and avoid treating an estimated conversion as a guaranteed final price.
Final Verdict: Package or DIY?
Choose a Lanzarote package holiday when simplicity, coordinated arrangements and package protection matter more than complete flexibility. It is often an excellent option for conventional resort stays, family holidays and travellers who want flights, accommodation and transfers organised together.
Choose DIY when you want greater control over the flight schedule, accommodation, duration and itinerary. It is particularly useful for villa holidays, rural stays, groups, repeat visitors and multi-centre trips.
Most importantly, compare the final prices on equal terms. Include luggage, transport, meals and all mandatory charges, then consider how much you value convenience and flexibility. The best choice is not merely the lowest figure; it is the booking method that delivers the holiday you want with an acceptable level of cost, effort and risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to book a Lanzarote package holiday or book separately?
Either can be cheaper. Packages can benefit from bulk flight and hotel rates, while DIY trips may offer savings through low fares and independently chosen accommodation. Compare identical dates, flight times, luggage, board basis and transfers before deciding.
How far in advance should I book Lanzarote?
There is no single ideal booking window. Travelling during school holidays, Christmas, Easter or other popular periods usually rewards earlier planning because suitable flights and family rooms can become limited. Flexible travellers may find later offers, but availability is not guaranteed.
Do Lanzarote package holidays include airport transfers?
Some do, while others offer transfers as an optional extra or exclude them entirely. Check the booking summary rather than assuming transport is included.
Is a DIY Lanzarote holiday protected?
Individual reservations may have consumer, card-payment or insurance protections, but separate bookings do not automatically receive the same protection as a qualifying package. Check the terms of each provider and obtain appropriate travel insurance.
Do I need to hire a car in Lanzarote?
Not necessarily. The main resorts have restaurants, beaches, taxis, buses and organised excursions. A car is useful if you want to explore more remote beaches, inland villages and attractions independently.
Is all-inclusive worth it in Lanzarote?
It can be worthwhile if you expect to spend substantial time at the hotel and use the included food and drinks. Self-catering or room-only may be better if you want to explore and dine at local restaurants.
Can I turn separate flight and hotel bookings into a package?
Booking separate components independently does not usually make them a package. Protection depends on how the trip was sold and the contractual arrangement, not simply on purchasing a flight and hotel for the same dates.
Which option is best for a first visit to Lanzarote?
A package is often easiest for a first visit because the core arrangements can be handled together. However, confident independent travellers can plan a DIY holiday without difficulty, particularly if they want a specific property or a flexible itinerary.
