Lanzarote
One week in Lanzarote gave us the perfect balance of calm village life and dramatic coastal scenery. We split our stay between two Airbnb homes — one in Los Valles in the north and one in El Golfo on the west coast — and loved both for very different reasons.
Los Valles (north) felt peaceful and local: narrow lanes, small cafés, and easy access to northern highlights like Mirador del Río, the Famara cliffs, and the famous Jameos del Agua. Staying here is great if you want hiking, striking volcanic panoramas, and quieter evenings away from the busiest tourist spots.
El Golfo (southwest) has the opposite energy: coastal sunsets, fresh seafood restaurants, and the surreal green lagoon (Charco de los Clicos) right nearby. It’s an excellent base for beach days — especially if you plan to visit the Papagayo beaches — and for photographing dramatic black-sand coastlines at golden hour.
