The Lanzarote nightlife guide

When it comes to clubbing in Lanzarote, Puerto del Carmen really is the place to be. The epicentre of the nightlife here is Avenida de las Playas, a long strip lining the back of the beach and featuring everything from Irish bars and pubs to Tiny Bar, Tequila Lounge, Coyote Bar and Coco Bongos – open till 2am or even 4am. Lanzarote Palace, one of the bigger dance clubs, and Charlie's Bar, an Irish-style joint with a penchant for rock music, are popular with the international crowd. Café La Ola is quite a chic spot during the day for a bite to eat, but as the sun slips below the horizon it transforms into one of the coolest late-night hangouts, offering classy cocktails and music or entertainment right on the waterfront.

Playa Blanca is famous for attracting a yachting crowd, so it's no surprise that it's the home of the most elegant Lanzarote nightlife. Day blurs seamlessly into evening and night here, with chic cafés and restaurants transitioning into party mode after a glorious sunset. It's usually a slightly older crowd and a little more low-key than Puerto del Carmen, but you'll never be short on places to sip cocktails as the sun goes down. Café del Mar, with its white interior and cabana-style beds, is a popular haunt on the waterfront of trendy Marina Rubicon, as is Vino Blanco, and you can find a whole collection of bars in Centro Comercial Papagayo – a shopping centre that becomes an evening venue. Families can head to Biosfera Plaza shopping centre, where you'll find an open-air rooftop cinema and bar/café. Younger kids might also enjoy the Lost World-themed restaurant/café on the floor below.

Arrecife is home to the Lanzarote nightlife that locals know, love and frequent. There's something for everyone in Arrecife, from the romantic Charco de San Ginés harbour, speckled with romantic, fairy-lit venues and family-friendly restaurants, to the swanky marina with its late-night bars, karaoke and clubs. For food and cocktails with an unrivalled view, head up to the Blue 17 rooftop bar at the Arrecife Gran Hotel & Spa – it's also home to Alarz Bahía Club for a romantic dinner. NAO Lanzarote is a new addition to the Arrecife nightlife scene: this artisan brewery boasts a taproom bar with cool vibes and delicious craft beer produced on the island.

Costa Teguise is a laid-back location for nightlife, with nothing like the party atmosphere of Puerto del Carmen. This makes it a very family-friendly locale, and perfect for those seeking a quieter holiday. Sports bars, cocktail lounges and easy entertainment are the focus here, and you'll find a lot of the best spots attached to hotels or resorts. Plenty of popular venues are situated on or just off Avenida del Jablillo, such as Valhalla Cocktail Bar, Abbey Road Bar and Vali. Just down the road you'll find Plaza Pueblo Marinero, a lively square encircled by bars, pubs and restaurants with al fresco seating. For beachside drinks with a lovely view, head to Beach Bar Luca on the main beach Playa de las Cucharas – you'll soon be sipping tropical cocktails or chilled beers on a deckchair with your toes in the sand.

Quite a hop from the rest of the island's bar scene, near Punta Mujeres on the island's northern tip, you'll find a quirky side to Lanzarote nightlife. The volcanic caves at Jameos del Agua are a site worth seeing in and of themselves, but they're also home to a restaurant, garden and auditorium and transform into an evening venue once or twice a week. Who knew lava tunnels had such good acoustics? Jameos Nights, as Fridays at the caves are called, often feature a set dining menu and delicious Lanzarote wines. There's usually a DJ and/or live music, which tends to be folk, jazz or classical. Don't forget to pre-book!

For a sophisticated evening of wining and dining, where better to head than wine country? The wineries around La Geria offer an atmospheric option for dinner and drinks, as well as various wine-tasting menus and events. If you consider yourself a connoisseur or just like to sip on the good stuff, then places like El Chupadero, Bodegas Rubicón and Bodega La Querencia are perfect, also offering tasty tapas and local specialities. They usually aren't open particularly late, but it's perfect for an afternoon-to-evening date before you head back to your accommodation. If you like the peace and quiet of wine country, you can even book to stay at a finca (rural estate) or vineyard in the local area.