A Digital Nomad Guide to Lanzarote
Lanzarote is a fascinating volcanic island painted in shades of brown, red, and black, surrounded by the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. It’s located in the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago 1000 kilometers south of mainland Spain and 140 km west of the African coast.
Sometimes referred to as the Hawaii of Europe, there are a few reasons why this might be a well-earned nickname.
Lanzarote measures only 62 km from north to south and 21 from east to west, but it packs a lot of surprises: more than 300 volcanoes (most of which are extinct or inactive), vineyards that cover endless fields of grey volcanic ash, a bizarre green lagoon that looks (but is not!) radioactive, a unique species of albino crab, one of the best surfable big waves in Europe (El Quemao, sometimes called “the Canarian Pipeline”), and Martian landscapes that have been the background of many films and movies and have even helped NASA prepare for missions to the moon and Mars.
It is an island with 300 days of sunshine per year that has managed to preserve its natural beauty and local identity while developing sustainable tourism - for the most part.
During the last few years, it's also an island that has attracted more and more digital nomads and remote workers. Being a remote worker and part-time resident of the island myself, I look forward to helping you out in your journey and sharing all the knowledge I gained during the past years.
So if you are interested in visiting Lanzarote as a digital nomad or while working remotely, just continue reading, in this guide, you'll find all the info you need.
Let's first start looking at places to work from.
Lanzarote has seen exponential growth in its remote community since 2020, but it remains a quiet place, especially if we compare it with neighboring islands like Tenerife or Gran Canaria. And while there are not many official coworking spaces on the island, and some great spots that we had, have sadly closed down for good, there are plenty of beautiful cafés, restaurants, golf courses, hotels, and even museums where you’ll be welcome with your laptop.
You could essentially have a different office every single day during your stay on the island.
The internet is fast. Very fast. Most places have fiber up to 1 Gbps, and even the bar on the corner of the street will probably give you at least 300 Mbps. A lot of business owners are used to seeing people on their laptops, so use sound judgment, don’t hog the table if the place is busy, have another coffee (and why not a piece of cake?), and most cafés and restaurants will be happy to welcome you and your laptop.
There are endless cafés across Lanzarote where you could set up your working space for the day, but these are some of our favorites:
It might be the most expensive coffee you’ll have on the island, but the beauty and peace of the setting make it worth it. The food is pricey but decadent, and the quality is unbeatable. There are no official rules regarding outside guests, so just walk in with confidence and a smile and grab the best table. Instagram.
Lanzarote has been nicknamed “the Hawaii of Europe”, and its vibrant and varied surf scene makes it worthy of the title.
Regardless of your level, the first place you’ll want to visit is Famara, the surf capital of Lanzarote on the northern coast of the island. Famara Beach is three kilometers long, it’s guarded by a dramatic 600-meter cliff, and it packs 8 distinct beach breaks that cater for surfers of every level.
Most surf schools are located in the village of Famara. The quality of teaching is consistently good and prices are very similar across different shops: 50 EUR for a half-day course and 70 for a full day, with interesting discounts for courses lasting from 3 to 15 days and beyond. In Famara, you’ll also be able to rent boards and wetsuits daily, weekly, and monthly.
Intermediate and advanced surfers will want to explore the beach and reef breaks of Punta Mujeres and Arrieta on the east coast, or Órzola on the northern tip of Lanzarote. If you’re an advanced surfer, head to La Santa or San Juan on a good day, just west of Famara, to catch some very fun waves, but be aware that the conditions can be challenging and caution is highly advised. Even better, get a local guide to show you these pots so you can make the most of them while you mingle with the local surf community and stay safe.
If you’re in Lanzarote between October and March, the call might be on for El Quemao Class. It is an invitational event and we suspect that you didn’t receive your invitation (only 32 of the most talented big wave surfers get one!), but El Quemao is possibly the best tube in Europe and it’s a very impressive show to watch. So grab some beers, head to the beach, and enjoy a day in the sun watching some epic big wave surfing.
It’s not easy to summarise the housing situation in Lanzarote. A month’s rent ranges anywhere from 400 EUR/month for a room in a shared house to 850 EUR/month for a studio, but you will find much more expensive options as well. Getting to know some local people will help immensely in the search for a place to stay. Holiday rentals can be pricey, but there are coliving options and long-term rentals, as I’ll explain below.
Supermarkets sell fresh produce mostly from the Canary Islands and mainland Spain, and items are generally very affordable. If you plan to go out for some of your meals, considering the wide selection of bars, cafés and restaurants, you’re bound to find a place that fits your budget - and your palate.
A simple breakfast (toast or a croissant plus coffee) will set you back 3-4 EUR, while a more fancy option, like avo toast or a smoothie bowl, may cost up to 10 EUR with a coffee. A sit-down lunch or dinner can range anywhere from 15 to 30 EUR. Want some expert advice? Local restaurants offer set lunch menus (starter, main, a drink, and sometimes dessert) featuring hearty local dishes for 10 to 15 EUR.
What about drinks? A pint of local draft beer at a bar costs about 3 EUR, a glass of wine around 4 EUR, and a bottle of decent Spanish wine in the supermarket can be as little as 5 EUR. Lanzarote has vineyards and produces its own local wine, but these vineyards are small, the processes are very manual, and as a result, local wine is more expensive than the one that comes from the mainland (this being said, Lanzarote wines are excellent and you should make sure to try them).
Regarding transportation, a single bus ride costs between 1 and 2.5 EUR, with monthly memberships available, and taxis are notoriously pricey.
Local prepaid SIM cards are readily available and inexpensive (30 GB + unlimited calls for 10 EUR), but you can always roam hassle-free with your European SIM card since you’ll be in European territory. 5G is widely available and most towns have very good phone reception, although it isn’t as good in places like Famara or certain secluded spots in the middle of the island.
The local buses are safe and modern, and several bus lines serve most of the island, but the services are not very regular, especially outside the main routes. You can get good deals on long-term car rentals through companies like AutoReisen or Cicar. Some scooters are also available for rent, but they can be very pricey.
If you’re the sporty type, especially if you stay along the southern coast, there is a promenade that runs along 26 km of coastline and connects the main towns on the south of Lanzarote, so you can walk or bike it all the way from Costa Teguise to Puerto Calero. It is actually the longest walkable seafront road in the world! There are no trains, and services like Uber or Cabify are completely banned.
It would be easy enough to fill a few blog posts with suggestions for things to do in Lanzarote. It’s a wild yet peaceful island with Martian landscapes like no other, very little rain, and mild, spring-like weather all year round.
If you like sports and the outdoors, Lanzarote is the perfect playground. There are a few skate parks, running trails, very cyclable roads, yoga studios, hiking paths, excellent gyms, padel courts, and golf courses scattered throughout the island. And if water sports are your thing, besides surfing you’ll be able to practice kite surfing, foiling, scuba diving, freediving, snorkeling, or quite simply enjoy a quiet day by the beach. You’ll be spoiled for choice, and most beaches don’t ever get very crowded.
For quieter days, you can visit museums, monuments, viewpoints, and quaint little towns. Lanzarote also hosts cultural events such as music or theatre festivals, book fairs, and photography exhibitions.
If you’re in the mood for exploring further afield, you can go on a weekend trip to La Graciosa or Fuerteventura, two neighboring islands within a half-hour boat ride from Lanzarote. La Graciosa is a sleepy little island with similar landscapes to Lanzarote and a population of hardly 1000, while Fuerteventura has some of the best beaches in the Canary Islands, plus great surfing.
An excellent area to spend a Friday night is El Charco in Arrecife. This little inland sea has spectacular sunsets and is bordered by a dozen bars and a very lively atmosphere any day of the week. Puerto del Carmen has more of a party scene, although it’s a very touristy area and it might not be to everyone’s taste. If you fancy a funny night out and a pint of Guinness, though, Puerto del Carmen is where it’s at.
There is not enough space here to name all the nice bars scattered across the volcanic wonderland that is Lanzarote, but a handful of locations are worth a special mention: the craft brewery Malpeis in Tinajo (a favorite of the nomad community); the unpretentious Bar Teleclub of Famara, a popular hangout among the surf community; and for something a bit more unique, the gorgeous vineyards of La Geria, like Stratvs or Bodegas Rubicón, offer wine tastings throughout the day, or you can simply grab a table and order any wine or food you’d like from the menu.
The nomad community often organizes meetups at local bars and restaurants, so that’s your chance to socialize with other remote workers and discover new hidden places.
You can’t say you went to the Canary Islands unless you try papas arrugás (which translates as wrinkly potatoes). It is the simplest of dishes, consisting of baby potatoes boiled in very salty water and served whole accompanied by a trio of sauces: red and green spicy sauces called mojo, and garlic mayonnaise. Other than this potato delicacy, the local food in Lanzarote features fresh vegetables, stews loaded with pulses (like chickpeas, lentils, and kidney beans), and quite a bit of meat (goat is a local favorite), as well as freshly caught fish and seafood. You’ll also find many international restaurants, from Asian to Italian, and everything in between.
In general terms, it might not be the most exciting destination for vegans or vegetarians, but there is an increasing number of restaurants that cater to these diets. Check out Creme Café in Costa Teguise, Esquina in the Villa of Teguise, or Blooming Cactus in Puerto del Carmen.
Coffee lovers, read carefully! If you’re looking for the very best cup of coffee in Lanzarote, be sure to visit Antípoda in Arrecife - and I dare you not to have one of their succulent cookies or cakes with it. You can also buy beans there to take home.
Some of the best coffee spots, in no particular order, are Vizio in Playa Honda (they also have the BEST croissants), La Tertulia in Famara, Cappuccino in Playa Blanca, Aroma in Puerto del Carmen, and Levain in Tahiche (hands down the best bakery of the island, but seating is limited and it gets very crowded - best for takeaway).
For those coming from outside the EU/EEA, Spain launched a digital nomad visa in 2023 that grants holders a year to live and work in sunny Spain. It can be extended, ultimately granting up to 5 years in Spain. You can check the full requirements and how to apply on the official site here.
You’ll be best connected if you stay in one of the main towns along the southern coast of Lanzarote: Costa Teguise, Arrecife, Playa Honda, Puerto del Carmen, or Puerto Calero. There is very little surf on this side of Lanzarote, but these towns are all within a 30-minute drive from most surf breaks. You’ll easily find holiday rentals in any of these locations on Booking.com and AirBnB, although they might be a little pricey.
If you intend to stay longer, you can check out two coliving spaces in Arrecife: The Nomad Cave and Pitaya Coliving. But if you fall in love with Lanzarote and decide to stay for a few months (you wouldn’t be the first, and certainly not the last either), you can check out apartments available for mid-to-long-term rental on Idealista or ask in the Telegram and Facebook groups if anyone knows anyone who knows someone who is renting their uncle’s apartment.
If you’re determined to surf every single morning, a more frugal option (but also less comfortable) can be a surf house in Famara (have a look here and here). They have dorms and private rooms available, and surf vibes all day long. Whatever you choose, please know that there is a lot of demand for (affordable) accommodation in Lanzarote, and not a whole lot of offer, so be patient while you search for your nest in Lanzarote.
The Canary Islands are known as the archipelago of eternal spring. In Lanzarote, the weather remains very pleasant all year round, so there isn’t a particular season that you should avoid, other than perhaps the peak summer months (mostly July and August), when the island gets busier and finding accommodation might be more complicated. Those are also the windiest months when the surf tends to be more inconsistent, so it’s a good idea to wait for the summer to end and start packing your bags in September.
You can also expect the northern part of the island to be windier and more chilly and cloudy, and the south to be more sunny and warm. The winter in Lanzarote is lovely, with pleasant temperatures in and out of the water, so why not make Lanzarote your next escape from the winter blues?
I could keep talking about Lanzarote for days, but I think it’s time for you to come over and see it with your own eyes. See you soon in the lineup!
--------------------------------------------------------------
If you like to know more about what Im doing you can check out my blog.
Sometimes referred to as the Hawaii of Europe, there are a few reasons why this might be a well-earned nickname.
Lanzarote measures only 62 km from north to south and 21 from east to west, but it packs a lot of surprises: more than 300 volcanoes (most of which are extinct or inactive), vineyards that cover endless fields of grey volcanic ash, a bizarre green lagoon that looks (but is not!) radioactive, a unique species of albino crab, one of the best surfable big waves in Europe (El Quemao, sometimes called “the Canarian Pipeline”), and Martian landscapes that have been the background of many films and movies and have even helped NASA prepare for missions to the moon and Mars.
During the last few years, it's also an island that has attracted more and more digital nomads and remote workers. Being a remote worker and part-time resident of the island myself, I look forward to helping you out in your journey and sharing all the knowledge I gained during the past years.
So if you are interested in visiting Lanzarote as a digital nomad or while working remotely, just continue reading, in this guide, you'll find all the info you need.
Let's first start looking at places to work from.
Coworking Places in Lanzarote
Lanzarote has seen exponential growth in its remote community since 2020, but it remains a quiet place, especially if we compare it with neighboring islands like Tenerife or Gran Canaria. And while there are not many official coworking spaces on the island, and some great spots that we had, have sadly closed down for good, there are plenty of beautiful cafés, restaurants, golf courses, hotels, and even museums where you’ll be welcome with your laptop.
You could essentially have a different office every single day during your stay on the island.
The internet is fast. Very fast. Most places have fiber up to 1 Gbps, and even the bar on the corner of the street will probably give you at least 300 Mbps. A lot of business owners are used to seeing people on their laptops, so use sound judgment, don’t hog the table if the place is busy, have another coffee (and why not a piece of cake?), and most cafés and restaurants will be happy to welcome you and your laptop.
Cafes to work from
Arrecife
-Amélie & Friends:
This bright, sunny, and quirky café in the marina has great coffee and a small varied menú featuring tasty juices, smoothie bowls, and a selection of toasts, salads, and other healthy options. The internet is reliable and fast and the staff is super friendly. Instagram.Playa Honda
-La Orilla:
It’s beach vibes all around at this beachfront café & bar. They have plenty of tables, mostly outdoors but well protected from the sun, so you can work away feeling the ocean breeze. They serve delicious bites from breakfast to dinner, and they have an extensive menu with healthy options, some fusion food, and plenty of local ingredients. Mornings are perfect for a quiet work session, and evenings get a bit busier with a young crowd. Facebook page.Costa Teguise
-Bonbon
It’s advertised as a pancake house (and I can confirm that their stacks of pancakes are generous and decadent!), but for those looking for something less heavy, they also have a wide selection of smoothie bowls, an extensive brunch menu, and a variety of juices, coffees, and alcoholic drinks. All this in a sunny, relaxed setting with fast internet in a quiet area of Costa Teguise. Instagram.Puerto del Carmen
-The restaurant at Fariones Hotel.
You will almost believe that you’re in Bali when you’re sitting by the infinity pool surrounded by palm trees at Hotel Fariones, a 5-star beachfront hotel and a bit of an oasis amidst the madness in Puerto del Carmen.It might be the most expensive coffee you’ll have on the island, but the beauty and peace of the setting make it worth it. The food is pricey but decadent, and the quality is unbeatable. There are no official rules regarding outside guests, so just walk in with confidence and a smile and grab the best table. Instagram.
Playa Blanca
-Simple y Natural.
It’s a bit out of the way, but if you happen to be in the area or if you decide to stay in Playa Blanca, you can’t miss breakfast or brunch and Simple y Natural. The food is fresh and healthy, and their coffee is one of the best on the island. Facebook.Famara
-La Mar Café.
It’s a bit of an institution in Famara and they can brag about having the best surf vibes. Although it can get packed in the evening, you will still find a table during the day. It’s the perfect spot to get some work done after your morning surf session, and their menu, which consists mostly of fusion dishes, is outstanding. Instagram.*Bonus tip!*
Have you ever been to a cactus garden? Have you ever worked from a cactus garden? Lanzarote has its own cactus museum, which is not only interesting and beautiful, but it also has a café with stunning views and very fast internet where you can spend an entire morning working away. Entrance to the museum costs 8 EUR and it opens from 10 am to 5 pm. Check it out here.Communities
The remote worker community has been steadily growing in Lanzarote. This volcanic paradise is also the kind of place that attracts surfers and ocean lovers, so you’re bound to meet other remote workers with similar hobbies. Knowing some Spanish will help you mingle with the locals, but we have an English-speaking Facebook page and a lively Telegram group, so be sure to join these channels. We often organize meet-ups, hikes, dinners, language exchanges, co-working sessions, workshops, and kart races, and are always available to give tips to newcomers or gift our surplus of kombucha scoby. Everyone is encouraged to participate and organize events for the community.Surf
Regardless of your level, the first place you’ll want to visit is Famara, the surf capital of Lanzarote on the northern coast of the island. Famara Beach is three kilometers long, it’s guarded by a dramatic 600-meter cliff, and it packs 8 distinct beach breaks that cater for surfers of every level.
Most surf schools are located in the village of Famara. The quality of teaching is consistently good and prices are very similar across different shops: 50 EUR for a half-day course and 70 for a full day, with interesting discounts for courses lasting from 3 to 15 days and beyond. In Famara, you’ll also be able to rent boards and wetsuits daily, weekly, and monthly.
If you’re in Lanzarote between October and March, the call might be on for El Quemao Class. It is an invitational event and we suspect that you didn’t receive your invitation (only 32 of the most talented big wave surfers get one!), but El Quemao is possibly the best tube in Europe and it’s a very impressive show to watch. So grab some beers, head to the beach, and enjoy a day in the sun watching some epic big wave surfing.
Cost of Living
The cost of life has increased rapidly since Covid, but it remains much lower than in many other European destinations. And this, considering the quality of life that the island offers makes it a very interesting option for digital nomads.It’s not easy to summarise the housing situation in Lanzarote. A month’s rent ranges anywhere from 400 EUR/month for a room in a shared house to 850 EUR/month for a studio, but you will find much more expensive options as well. Getting to know some local people will help immensely in the search for a place to stay. Holiday rentals can be pricey, but there are coliving options and long-term rentals, as I’ll explain below.
Supermarkets sell fresh produce mostly from the Canary Islands and mainland Spain, and items are generally very affordable. If you plan to go out for some of your meals, considering the wide selection of bars, cafés and restaurants, you’re bound to find a place that fits your budget - and your palate.
A simple breakfast (toast or a croissant plus coffee) will set you back 3-4 EUR, while a more fancy option, like avo toast or a smoothie bowl, may cost up to 10 EUR with a coffee. A sit-down lunch or dinner can range anywhere from 15 to 30 EUR. Want some expert advice? Local restaurants offer set lunch menus (starter, main, a drink, and sometimes dessert) featuring hearty local dishes for 10 to 15 EUR.
What about drinks? A pint of local draft beer at a bar costs about 3 EUR, a glass of wine around 4 EUR, and a bottle of decent Spanish wine in the supermarket can be as little as 5 EUR. Lanzarote has vineyards and produces its own local wine, but these vineyards are small, the processes are very manual, and as a result, local wine is more expensive than the one that comes from the mainland (this being said, Lanzarote wines are excellent and you should make sure to try them).
Regarding transportation, a single bus ride costs between 1 and 2.5 EUR, with monthly memberships available, and taxis are notoriously pricey.
Connectivity
The Canarian archipelago boasts some of the best broadband connections in Europe, making it a digital nomad paradise as far as connectivity is concerned.Local prepaid SIM cards are readily available and inexpensive (30 GB + unlimited calls for 10 EUR), but you can always roam hassle-free with your European SIM card since you’ll be in European territory. 5G is widely available and most towns have very good phone reception, although it isn’t as good in places like Famara or certain secluded spots in the middle of the island.
Getting around
If you’re the sporty type, especially if you stay along the southern coast, there is a promenade that runs along 26 km of coastline and connects the main towns on the south of Lanzarote, so you can walk or bike it all the way from Costa Teguise to Puerto Calero. It is actually the longest walkable seafront road in the world! There are no trains, and services like Uber or Cabify are completely banned.
Things to do & Weekend Adventures
If you like sports and the outdoors, Lanzarote is the perfect playground. There are a few skate parks, running trails, very cyclable roads, yoga studios, hiking paths, excellent gyms, padel courts, and golf courses scattered throughout the island. And if water sports are your thing, besides surfing you’ll be able to practice kite surfing, foiling, scuba diving, freediving, snorkeling, or quite simply enjoy a quiet day by the beach. You’ll be spoiled for choice, and most beaches don’t ever get very crowded.
If you’re in the mood for exploring further afield, you can go on a weekend trip to La Graciosa or Fuerteventura, two neighboring islands within a half-hour boat ride from Lanzarote. La Graciosa is a sleepy little island with similar landscapes to Lanzarote and a population of hardly 1000, while Fuerteventura has some of the best beaches in the Canary Islands, plus great surfing.
Bars & Nightlife
Lanzarote is chilled, and you’re more likely to spend a Friday night sitting and chatting with nomads and locals at a bar or having a dinner party at someone’s house rather than having a wild night out.An excellent area to spend a Friday night is El Charco in Arrecife. This little inland sea has spectacular sunsets and is bordered by a dozen bars and a very lively atmosphere any day of the week. Puerto del Carmen has more of a party scene, although it’s a very touristy area and it might not be to everyone’s taste. If you fancy a funny night out and a pint of Guinness, though, Puerto del Carmen is where it’s at.
There is not enough space here to name all the nice bars scattered across the volcanic wonderland that is Lanzarote, but a handful of locations are worth a special mention: the craft brewery Malpeis in Tinajo (a favorite of the nomad community); the unpretentious Bar Teleclub of Famara, a popular hangout among the surf community; and for something a bit more unique, the gorgeous vineyards of La Geria, like Stratvs or Bodegas Rubicón, offer wine tastings throughout the day, or you can simply grab a table and order any wine or food you’d like from the menu.
Food & Coffee (Because Coffee is Food)
In general terms, it might not be the most exciting destination for vegans or vegetarians, but there is an increasing number of restaurants that cater to these diets. Check out Creme Café in Costa Teguise, Esquina in the Villa of Teguise, or Blooming Cactus in Puerto del Carmen.
Some of the best coffee spots, in no particular order, are Vizio in Playa Honda (they also have the BEST croissants), La Tertulia in Famara, Cappuccino in Playa Blanca, Aroma in Puerto del Carmen, and Levain in Tahiche (hands down the best bakery of the island, but seating is limited and it gets very crowded - best for takeaway).
Visa Requirements for Remote Workers
If you have a European passport, you don’t need a visa to travel and work remotely from Lanzarote. If you have a UK passport, the same rules apply as in any other Schengen territory, i.e. you can stay up to 90 days in every 180-day period. For nationals of other countries, you can check the requirements here.For those coming from outside the EU/EEA, Spain launched a digital nomad visa in 2023 that grants holders a year to live and work in sunny Spain. It can be extended, ultimately granting up to 5 years in Spain. You can check the full requirements and how to apply on the official site here.
Where to stay
If you intend to stay longer, you can check out two coliving spaces in Arrecife: The Nomad Cave and Pitaya Coliving. But if you fall in love with Lanzarote and decide to stay for a few months (you wouldn’t be the first, and certainly not the last either), you can check out apartments available for mid-to-long-term rental on Idealista or ask in the Telegram and Facebook groups if anyone knows anyone who knows someone who is renting their uncle’s apartment.
If you’re determined to surf every single morning, a more frugal option (but also less comfortable) can be a surf house in Famara (have a look here and here). They have dorms and private rooms available, and surf vibes all day long. Whatever you choose, please know that there is a lot of demand for (affordable) accommodation in Lanzarote, and not a whole lot of offer, so be patient while you search for your nest in Lanzarote.
Different seasons and best time to visit
You can also expect the northern part of the island to be windier and more chilly and cloudy, and the south to be more sunny and warm. The winter in Lanzarote is lovely, with pleasant temperatures in and out of the water, so why not make Lanzarote your next escape from the winter blues?
I could keep talking about Lanzarote for days, but I think it’s time for you to come over and see it with your own eyes. See you soon in the lineup!
--------------------------------------------------------------
If you like to know more about what Im doing you can check out my blog.
N
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