What Language is Spoken in Lanzarote? Your Quick Holiday Guide

If you are planning a sunshine getaway to the beautiful Canary Islands, you might be wondering exactly what language is spoken in Lanzarote. Whether you are heading out for a relaxing beach holiday or planning to explore the island's famous volcanic landscapes, knowing how to communicate makes any trip much smoother.

What Language is Spoken in Lanzarote? Your Quick Holiday Guide

The short answer is Spanish. However, because Lanzarote is such a massive favourite for European holidaymakers, you will hear a fantastic mix of languages wherever you go.

Let's break down exactly what to expect and what you need to know before you pack your bags.

The Official Lanzarote Language: Spanish

As Lanzarote is part of Spain, the official and primary language is Spanish. However, the locals—known as Conejeros—speak a specific dialect called Canarian Spanish.

If you learned a bit of Spanish in school, you might notice that Canarian Spanish sounds slightly different from the language spoken in mainland Spain (like in Madrid or Barcelona). It is actually much closer to the Spanish spoken in Latin America or Andalusia.

Here is what makes Canarian Spanish unique:

A softer "C" and "Z": Instead of a "th" lisp sound used in mainland Spain, locals pronounce these letters like an "s".
Dropped endings: Locals tend to drop the "s" at the end of words, which can make the language sound faster and smoother.
Unique vocabulary: They use a few local words you won't find on the mainland, like guagua (pronounced "wawa") instead of autobús for the local bus.

Do I Need to Speak Spanish on Holiday in Lanzarote?

The simple answer is no. You do not need to be fluent in the Lanzarote language to have a brilliant holiday.

Because tourism is the island's biggest industry, English is incredibly widely spoken. In major tourist resorts like Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca, and Costa Teguise, almost everyone working in hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops will speak excellent English.

Alongside English, you will also frequently hear:

German: Very common across the island, with many menus and signs printed in German.
French and Italian: Frequently spoken in tourist hubs due to the high volume of European visitors.
Dutch and Scandinavian languages: Often understood by tour operators and hotel staff.

However, if you venture out of the main resorts to hire a car and explore the quieter, traditional villages in the north or centre of the island, English is less common. In these rural spots, knowing a few basic Spanish phrases will go a long way.

Essential Spanish Phrases for Your Trip

Even though you can easily get by with English, the locals always appreciate it when visitors make an effort. Throwing in a friendly Spanish greeting at a local tapas bar is a great way to earn a smile.

Here are a few simple words to keep in your back pocket:

English	Spanish	Pronunciation
Hello	Hola	Oh-la (the H is silent)
Please	Por favor	Por fa-vor
Thank you	Gracias	Gra-see-as
Yes / No	Sí / No	See / No
The bill, please	La cuenta, por favor	La kwen-ta, por fa-vor
Do you speak English?	¿Habla inglés?	Ab-la in-gles?

The Verdict

So, what language is spoken in Lanzarote? Officially, it is Spanish, but practically, it is a brilliantly international island. You can confidently travel there with just English, but bringing along a little bit of Spanish will definitely add a touch of authentic charm to your holiday.