Best Hostels & Social Stays for Solo Travellers in Lanzarote
Lanzarote, a volcanic gem in the Canary Islands, beckons solo travellers with its surreal landscapes, golden beaches, and vibrant social scene. For those flying into César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport (ACE), commonly known as Arrecife Airport, the island offers easy access to a range of hostels and social stays tailored to independent explorers. Located just 5 kilometres from the capital, Arrecife, the airport serves as a gateway to Lanzarote’s unique blend of natural wonders and cultural treasures. Solo travellers can hop on a bus or taxi from the airport and be at their accommodation within 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the destination. This article delves into the best hostels and social stays across Lanzarote, focusing on proximity to the airport, social vibes, and opportunities to connect with fellow adventurers. From budget-friendly dorms to surf houses fostering camaraderie, Lanzarote has something for every solo wanderer seeking both adventure and companionship.
Why Lanzarote Appeals to Solo Travellers
Lanzarote’s allure lies in its striking diversity, from the moon-like expanses of Timanfaya National Park to the turquoise waters of Playa Blanca. For solo travellers landing at Lanzarote Airport, the island’s compact size—62 kilometres long and 20 kilometres wide—makes it easy to explore without a car. Public buses, operated by Intercity Bus Lanzarote, connect the airport to key towns like Arrecife, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise, with fares starting at just £1.20. The island’s laid-back atmosphere, shaped by artist César Manrique’s vision of sustainable tourism, ensures a welcoming environment for those travelling alone. Hostels here often double as social hubs, offering shared kitchens, terraces, and organised activities like volcano hikes or wine tours in La Geria. Whether you’re a beach enthusiast or a culture seeker, Lanzarote’s blend of affordability and accessibility makes it an ideal solo travel destination.
Navigating Lanzarote Airport for Solo Travellers
César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport is a breeze for solo travellers to navigate, with its single terminal handling both arrivals and departures. Located near Arrecife, it’s well-connected to the island’s main resorts, making it a practical starting point for your adventure. Upon landing, you’ll find clear signage directing you to the bus stop just outside the terminal, where the number 22 or 23 bus can whisk you to Arrecife in 15 minutes for £1.20. Taxis are also plentiful, with a ride to Puerto del Carmen costing around £12. The airport’s information desk provides free maps and timetables, invaluable for planning your hostel stay. For those eager to explore immediately, car rental desks like Cicar offer affordable options starting at £20 per day, perfect for reaching remote hostels in places like Famara or Órzola.
Top Hostels Near Lanzarote Airport
For solo travellers prioritising proximity to Lanzarote Airport, Arrecife hosts several standout options. Hostal Residencia Cardona, a mere 5 kilometres from the airport, offers budget dorms starting at £20 per night. Located 100 metres from Reducto Beach, it’s perfect for a quick dip after your flight, while its central position ensures easy bus access to the rest of the island. Another gem, Lantia Rooftop House, features a terrace with panoramic views and a hot tub, fostering a social vibe among guests. Both hostels provide free Wi-Fi and shared kitchens, encouraging interaction over a homemade meal. Their closeness to the airport—reachable in 10 minutes by taxi—means you can settle in quickly and start exploring Lanzarote’s volcanic landscapes or vibrant capital without delay.
Social Stays in Puerto del Carmen
Puerto del Carmen, just 10 kilometres from Lanzarote Airport, is a lively resort town renowned for its nightlife and beaches. While traditional hostels are scarce here, social stays like Apartamentos Tisalaya offer a communal feel with shared pools and lounges, ideal for solo travellers. Priced at around £35 per night, these apartments are a short walk from Playa Grande, a Blue Flag beach with calm waters perfect for swimming. The town’s proximity to the airport—15 minutes by bus or taxi—makes it a convenient base. Evening strolls along the Avenida de las Playas reveal bars and karaoke nights where you can mingle with locals and fellow travellers. For a taste of Lanzarote’s cuisine, try the fresh seafood at nearby restaurants, paired with a glass of local Malvasía wine.
Surf Houses in Famara: A Solo Traveller’s Haven
Famara, a 23-kilometre drive from Lanzarote Airport, is a surfer’s paradise with a laid-back vibe that attracts solo adventurers. Surf House Hostel Famara stands out, offering dorms from £25 per night and a communal lounge where surf lessons spark friendships. The beach, just 500 metres away, boasts dramatic cliffs and waves that draw beginners and pros alike. Reaching Famara takes about 30 minutes by car or an hour by bus via Arrecife, but the journey rewards you with stunning coastal views. The hostel’s shared kitchen and bar area host impromptu gatherings, while nearby attractions like the César Manrique Foundation, a 20-minute drive south, offer cultural enrichment. Famara’s remote feel makes it a perfect escape for those craving nature and connection.
Órzola: Northern Charm and Social Vibes
Órzola, at Lanzarote’s northern tip, is 40 kilometres from the airport but worth the trek for its serene beauty and social stays. Mirador del Muelle House, with dorms from £22 per night, offers a shared kitchen and terrace overlooking the ocean, ideal for meeting fellow travellers. A bus from Arrecife takes about an hour, or a taxi costs £35, delivering you to this coastal village near Playa de la Cantería. Órzola is the gateway to La Graciosa, a tiny island reachable by a 25-minute ferry, perfect for a day trip. The hostel’s proximity to local seafood eateries lets you savour dishes like grilled octopus while chatting with others, blending solitude with sociability in Lanzarote’s quieter north.
Playa Blanca: Southern Serenity and Social Spaces
Playa Blanca, 35 kilometres south of Lanzarote Airport, combines tranquil beaches with social accommodation options. Chill 12 Guest House, with beds from £30 per night, features a bar and terrace just 200 metres from Playa Blanca beach. A 40-minute bus ride from the airport via Arrecife costs £3, while a taxi is around £30. The town’s promenade buzzes with cafes and shops, fostering a relaxed yet social atmosphere. Nearby, the Papagayo beaches offer crystal-clear waters for snorkelling, a solo activity that often leads to shared tips among travellers. Playa Blanca’s growing reputation as a chic resort, influenced by sustainable tourism, makes it a prime spot for those seeking both peace and interaction.
Costa Teguise: Affordable and Accessible
Costa Teguise, 15 kilometres from Lanzarote Airport, is a budget-friendly resort with a mellow vibe, ideal for solo travellers. While hostels here are limited, Nirvana Yoga Centre provides dorms from £25 per night, complete with morning yoga sessions that encourage group bonding. A 20-minute bus ride from the airport costs £1.50, and the town’s four beaches—like Playa Bastian, perfect for families—offer ample relaxation. The nearby Costa Teguise Golf Course, just 3.4 kilometres away, adds a sporty twist, while the César Manrique-designed interior garden at a nearby hotel is a cultural highlight. With its proximity to the airport and affordable stays, Costa Teguise balances cost and convenience for solo explorers.
Comparison Table: Hostels Near Lanzarote Airport
| Hostel Name | Location | Distance from Airport | Price per Night | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hostal Residencia Cardona | Arrecife | 5 km | £20 | Near Reducto Beach, Wi-Fi |
| Surf House Hostel Famara | Famara | 23 km | £25 | Surf lessons, social lounge |
| Mirador del Muelle House | Órzola | 40 km | £22 | Terrace, near La Graciosa |
| Chill 12 Guest House | Playa Blanca | 35 km | £30 | Bar, close to beach |
| Nirvana Yoga Centre | Costa Teguise | 15 km | £25 | Yoga, budget-friendly |
This table highlights key options based on distance from Lanzarote Airport, affordability, and social appeal, helping solo travellers choose their ideal stay.
Budget-Friendly Tips for Solo Travellers in Lanzarote
Stretching your budget in Lanzarote is straightforward, especially with hostels near the airport starting at £20 per night. Public transport is a solo traveller’s ally—buses from Lanzarote Airport to Arrecife or Puerto del Carmen are cheap and reliable, with timetables available at the airport’s information desk. Cooking in hostel kitchens saves money; supermarkets like Spar in Arrecife stock local produce for under £5 a meal. Free attractions, such as the volcanic trails in Timanfaya National Park (accessible by bus and a short walk), offer stunning experiences at no cost. For a splurge, join a £20 wine tour in La Geria, where you can sample Lanzarote’s unique volcanic wines while mingling with others, blending thrift with social fun.
Social Activities and Meeting People
Lanzarote’s hostels excel at fostering connections, often hosting events like surf lessons in Famara or yoga in Costa Teguise. From Lanzarote Airport, a quick trip to Arrecife or Puerto del Carmen lands you in areas buzzing with evening entertainment—think live music at beach bars or tapas nights in local eateries. Joining a guided tour, such as those to Jameos del Agua’s lava tubes (bookable via Lanzarote Tourism), introduces you to fellow explorers. Hostels like Chill 12 in Playa Blanca often have terraces where conversations flow over sunset drinks. Lanzarote’s safe, friendly vibe—bolstered by English-speaking locals—makes striking up chats easy, whether at a hostel or a market in Teguise.
Exploring Lanzarote’s Attractions from Hostels
Lanzarote’s hostels position you perfectly for adventure. From Arrecife’s Hostal Residencia Cardona, you’re 8 kilometres from the airport and a bus ride away from the César Manrique Foundation, showcasing the artist’s volcanic home. Famara’s surf houses are near the dramatic Risco cliffs, while Órzola’s Mirador del Muelle House offers access to La Graciosa’s pristine beaches. Playa Blanca’s Chill 12 is steps from the Papagayo coast, and Costa Teguise’s Nirvana Yoga Centre is close to the Cactus Garden, another Manrique masterpiece. Buses from the airport hub in Arrecife connect these spots, or rent a bike for £10 a day to explore Lanzarote’s lava fields and coastal paths at your own pace.
Local Cuisine and Dining Solo
Lanzarote’s food scene enhances the solo travel experience, with hostels often near affordable eateries. Near Lanzarote Airport in Arrecife, try papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) with mojo sauce for £3 at local cafes. Puerto del Carmen’s seafood restaurants serve grilled fish for £10, while Famara’s beachside spots offer octopus dishes with ocean views. Órzola excels in fresh catches, and Playa Blanca’s promenade has tapas bars where solo diners feel at ease. Hostel kitchens let you cook with ingredients from markets like Teguise’s Sunday stalls, where volcanic cheeses and wines cost under £5. Dining alone in Lanzarote is a delight, with friendly staff and communal tables encouraging interaction.
Safety and Practical Tips for Solo Travellers
Lanzarote is exceptionally safe for solo travellers, with low crime rates and a welcoming culture. From Lanzarote Airport, stick to well-lit bus stops or licensed taxis (look for the SP symbol) for peace of mind. Hostels like Hostal Residencia Cardona offer 24-hour reception, while remote ones like Mirador del Muelle House provide secure lockers. The island’s year-round mild climate—averaging 22°C—means light packing, but bring sunscreen for volcanic hikes. English is widely spoken, though learning basic Spanish phrases like “¿Cuánto cuesta?” (How much?) enhances your experience. Check bus schedules on Intercity Bus Lanzarote to plan trips from the airport or hostel, ensuring smooth, stress-free travel.
Sustainable Travel in Lanzarote
Lanzarote’s commitment to sustainability, championed by César Manrique, resonates with eco-conscious solo travellers. Hostels near the airport, like Lantia Rooftop House, often use solar power, while Famara’s surf houses promote minimal waste. Public buses from Lanzarote Airport reduce your carbon footprint, and refillable water bottles cut plastic use—tap water is safe in most areas, though bottled is preferred in rural spots. Visiting Timanfaya National Park, a 40-minute bus ride from Arrecife, showcases volcanic preservation efforts. Opt for local markets over tourist traps for souvenirs, supporting artisans in towns like Teguise. Lanzarote’s low-rise, whitewashed aesthetic reflects its eco-friendly ethos, enhancing your stay’s authenticity.
FAQs About Hostels and Solo Travel in Lanzarote
What’s the best way to get from Lanzarote Airport to a hostel?
Public buses (numbers 22 or 23) from the airport to Arrecife cost £1.20 and take 15 minutes, connecting to other towns. Taxis to nearby hostels like Hostal Residencia Cardona are £5-£10.
Are Lanzarote hostels safe for solo female travellers?
Yes, Lanzarote is very safe, with hostels offering secure facilities and a friendly atmosphere. English-speaking staff and social spaces ease any concerns.
Which hostel is best for meeting people?
Surf House Hostel Famara excels with its surf lessons and communal areas, while Chill 12 Guest House’s bar in Playa Blanca fosters evening chats.
How far are hostels from Lanzarote’s top attractions?
Most are within an hour’s bus ride from sites like Timanfaya or Jameos del Agua. Arrecife hostels are closest to the airport and urban sights.
Can I explore Lanzarote without a car from a hostel?
Absolutely—buses cover the island well, and hostels like Nirvana Yoga Centre in Costa Teguise are near walkable beaches and sights.
Conclusion: Your Solo Adventure Awaits in Lanzarote
Lanzarote offers solo travellers an unmatched blend of affordability, sociability, and natural beauty, all accessible from César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport. Whether you choose the surf-soaked camaraderie of Famara, the northern charm of Órzola, or the beachside buzz of Playa Blanca, the island’s hostels cater to every taste. With budget dorms starting at £20 and public transport linking you to volcanic wonders and cultural gems, Lanzarote ensures a rich, connected experience without breaking the bank. The island’s safe, sustainable ethos, paired with its warm locals and fellow explorers, makes it a haven for those travelling alone. Book your stay, pack light, and let Lanzarote’s unique spirit—forged by lava and vision—guide your journey. For more travel inspiration, visit Visit Spain or Canary Islands Tourism.
