Your Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Liquor Stores in Lanzarote

Exploring Lanzarote’s Beverage Scene: Where to Find Your Perfect Drink

Welcome to Lanzarote, the ‘Island of a Thousand Volcanoes’! Beyond its breathtaking volcanic landscapes, stunning beaches, and unique Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote also boasts a surprisingly vibrant and accessible beverage scene. Whether you’re a local seeking a specific bottle, a tourist wanting to sample the island’s own wines, or just looking for a well-stocked store for your holiday needs, knowing where to find the best liquor stores is key. As a local who’s explored every corner of this beautiful island, I’m here to guide you through the best places to purchase your favorite spirits, wines, and local brews.

The Importance of a Good Liquor Store on Your Lanzarote Adventure

A well-chosen beverage can elevate any experience, and Lanzarote is no exception. Imagine enjoying a sunset with a chilled bottle of local Malvasia wine, or perhaps celebrating a day of exploring with a premium Spanish gin. Having access to quality liquor stores makes these moments even more special. While many supermarkets offer a basic selection, dedicated liquor stores, often referred to as ‘licorerías’ or ‘bodegas’ (especially for wine), provide a much wider range, expert advice, and often, more competitive pricing on premium products. For those looking to explore beyond the usual, these specialist shops are treasure troves.

Understanding Lanzarote’s Local Produce: Wine is King!

Before we dive into specific store recommendations, it’s crucial to understand what makes Lanzarote’s drink offerings unique. The island has a long and proud winemaking tradition, particularly in the La Geria region. The volcanic soil, unique viticulture methods (planting vines in ‘zocos’ or small pits covered with volcanic ash), and the maritime climate create wines with distinctive minerality and character. The primary grape is Malvasia Volcánica, producing exquisite white wines, but you’ll also find excellent reds and rosés. Beyond wine, Lanzarote produces some excellent rums, and while not a local specialty, Spanish brandies and gins are widely available and of high quality.

Navigating the Island: Key Areas for Liquor Stores

Lanzarote is not a large island, but its population is spread across several key towns and tourist hubs. You’ll find the highest concentration of well-stocked liquor stores in the main tourist resorts and larger towns where demand is higher. However, don’t discount the smaller villages; sometimes, the most charming local bodegas are hidden away, offering a more authentic experience.

Arrecife: The Capital’s Offerings

As the capital and main port city, Arrecife offers the most diverse selection. Here, you’ll find a mix of large supermarket chains with extensive wine and spirits sections, as well as independent liquor stores. It’s a great place to start if you’re looking for variety.

• Supermarkets: While not specialist liquor stores, large ones like Mercadona, HiperDino, and Carrefour (in Playa Honda, just outside Arrecife) have impressive wine and spirits aisles, often featuring good local selections and international brands.
• Independent Stores: Keep an eye out for smaller shops scattered throughout the city center. These can be hit or miss, but some offer curated selections of premium spirits and artisan wines.

Playa Blanca: Southern Sophistication

This popular southern resort town caters heavily to tourists and has a good number of establishments catering to varied tastes. You’ll find several well-equipped liquor shops here, particularly along the main commercial streets and near the marinas.

• High-Street Shops: Many shops along Avenida de Canarias and streets radiating from it will carry a decent range of wines, spirits, and beers. Look for stores advertising ‘Vinos y Licores’.
• Promotional Aisles: Even some smaller convenience stores might have a dedicated section for holiday drinks, often featuring local specialties and popular international brands.

Puerto del Carmen: The Lively Hub

Another major tourist hub, Puerto del Carmen, has a long strip of bars and restaurants, but also several shops where you can stock up. The ‘Old Town’ and the main Avenida de las Playas are good places to search.

• Supermarket Chains: Similar to Playa Blanca, you’ll find HiperDino and other supermarkets that offer a solid selection.
• Specialty Shops: Explore the side streets off the main drag; you might discover a hidden gem with a more artisanal selection.

Costa Teguise: Family-Friendly Finds

This resort town, popular with families, also has its share of shops where you can purchase alcoholic beverages. The main shopping centers and promenades are your best bet.

• Local ‘Licorerías’: Look for signs specifically advertising ‘Licorería’ for dedicated liquor stores rather than just general stores.

La Geria and Inland Villages: For the Wine Connoisseur

If your primary interest is Lanzarote’s unique wines, then a trip to the La Geria wine region is non-negotiable. Many of the wineries themselves have shops where you can buy their produce directly.

• Bodega Rubicón: Located in the heart of La Geria, this bodega offers tastings and a shop where you can purchase their award-winning wines. Their Malvasia Volcánica is a must-try.
• Bodega La Geria: Another iconic winery with a shop selling their full range. It’s a fantastic place to learn about the winemaking process and taste the results.
• El Grifo: One of the oldest wineries on the island, El Grifo also has a shop and museum, offering a comprehensive experience for wine lovers.
• Smaller Bodegas: Don’t shy away from smaller, less-known bodegas. They often offer a more personal experience and unique, small-batch wines. Ask locals for recommendations!

Insider Tips for Smart Shopping

As a local, I’ve learned a few tricks to get the best value and selection when shopping for drinks on the island. Here are my top tips:

• Compare Prices: While prices are generally reasonable, there can be variations between stores, especially for premium spirits. If you’re after something specific, it might be worth checking a couple of places.
• Look for Local Labels: Don’t be afraid to try local brands. Lanzarote’s wines are exceptional, and the local rum (often blended with Spanish sugarcane) can be surprisingly good.
• Ask for Recommendations: Especially in smaller, independent stores or bodegas, the staff can be incredibly knowledgeable. Ask them about their favorite local wines or spirits.
• Check Supermarket Deals: Large supermarket chains like HiperDino often have weekly promotions on wine and spirits. Keep an eye on their flyers or in-store displays.
• Consider Duty-Free: If you’re flying out, the airport duty-free can sometimes offer good deals on international brands, but local wines are usually best purchased directly from wineries or specialist shops.
• Online Options: For the ultimate convenience and a vast selection, consider online retailers. Services like Dropt.beer offer a wide range of beers, wines, and spirits, often with fast delivery options. This is especially useful if you’re looking for something very specific or want to explore a broader range of craft beers and international spirits without leaving your accommodation. You can browse their extensive collection at Dropt.beer/shop/ and find interesting articles and news about the drinks industry on their Insights & News Blog.

What to Buy: Lanzarote’s Beverage Highlights

When you’re browsing the shelves, keep an eye out for these local and popular items:

• Malvasia Volcánica: The quintessential Lanzarote wine. Look for dry (seco) or semi-sweet (semidulce) versions.
• Other Lanzarote Wines: Don’t overlook the reds (like Listán Negro) and rosés, which offer a different but equally compelling taste of the island’s terroir.
• Canary Islands Rum: While not exclusively from Lanzarote, rum produced in the Canary Islands is popular and often has a smooth, rich flavor.
• Spanish Brandy: Brands like Fundador or Veterano are widely available and represent good value.
• Spanish Gin: Spain has a booming gin culture. Look for well-known brands or perhaps some smaller, artisanal Spanish gins if you’re lucky.
• Craft Beers: While not a traditional Canary Island product, the craft beer scene is growing. Some stores might carry Spanish craft brews.

The Experience: More Than Just Buying a Bottle

Shopping for drinks in Lanzarote can be an experience in itself. Visiting a traditional bodega in La Geria is a cultural immersion. Chatting with a local shop owner about the best way to enjoy a particular wine or spirit can lead to delightful discoveries. Even a quick stop at a supermarket can offer a glimpse into local preferences. Embrace the process, and you’ll find that your chosen beverage becomes a cherished memory of your time on the island.

Conclusion: Cheers to Your Lanzarote Journey!

Lanzarote offers a fantastic array of choices when it comes to alcoholic beverages. From the unique volcanic wines of La Geria to a broad selection of international and local spirits, you’re sure to find something to suit your palate and occasion. Whether you’re stocking up for a villa party, seeking a specific bottle to savor, or exploring the local wine culture, the island’s liquor stores and bodegas are ready to serve you. Remember to explore, ask questions, and most importantly, enjoy the incredible flavors that Lanzarote has to offer. ¡Salud!