La Mar Cafe
Famara · Lanzarote, Spain. A laptop-friendly cafe verified for remote workers and digital nomads.
Lanzarote has 5 laptop-friendly cafes in our guide, and La Mar Cafe ranks #4 with a work-friendly score of 7/10. WiFi runs at 20 Mbps. Power outlets are available throughout the cafe. Perfect for casual working sessions.
Work-Friendly Assessment
👍 Solid Pick
Score is close to the Lanzarote average of 7.6/10.
20 Mbps · city average 26 Mbps
About La Mar Cafe
La Mar Cafe is the social and cultural anchor of Famara village, a tiny surf settlement on Lanzarote's northwest coast where the dramatic El Risco cliffs rise behind a long, wind-swept beach. The outdoor terrace faces this landscape directly, and the interior carries the layered energy of a place that serves as restaurant, bar, and informal coworking hub for the village's growing community of remote workers and surf nomads. The menu is unexpectedly international — Balinese pancakes, poke bowls, wok specials, and craft cocktails — reflecting the global origins of Famara's transient population. You will find other laptops open at adjacent tables most afternoons, making this less a cafe that tolerates work and more a communal workspace that happens to serve excellent food.
WiFi reaches 20 Mbps, confirmed adequate for video calls by multiple digital nomad sources who have tested it from the terrace. Power outlets are available at seating positions, and the moderate noise level carries the ambient soundtrack of a surf village — wind, conversation, occasional music from the bar — rather than urban cafe clatter. Seating comfort is good across the outdoor terrace tables and indoor positions, with the terrace being the clear draw for anyone who wants cliff views while working. The main limitation is the 12:30 PM opening, which eliminates the entire morning work window.
Coffee and drinks cost around $3 USD, with full meals at prices that reflect Lanzarote's moderate cost of living. Hours run from 12:30 PM to 10:30 PM, making this an afternoon-to-evening operation exclusively. The Famara location on Avenida del Marinero sits in the heart of the village, walkable from any accommodation in town. Best for remote workers based in Famara who do their morning work elsewhere and transition to La Mar for afternoon sessions, evening meals, and the social energy of the surf-nomad community.
Key Highlights
Famara Surf Hub
The village's central gathering point for remote workers and surf nomads with cliff and beach views from the terrace
20 Mbps WiFi
Verified adequate for video calls by multiple nomad sources, with power outlets at terrace seating
Opens at 12:30 PM
Afternoon-to-evening only, running until 10:30 PM — pair with a morning workspace for full-day coverage
$3 USD International Menu
Balinese pancakes, poke bowls, wok specials, and craft cocktails reflecting Famara's global crowd
Moderate Surf Ambience
Wind, conversation, and occasional bar music from an open terrace facing El Risco cliffs
Compare to Other Cafes
| Feature | La Mar Cafe | DER Coffee | ANTIPODA Specialty Coffee | Cappuccino Grand Cafe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Work Score | 7/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| WiFi Speed | 20 Mbps | 30 Mbps | 25 Mbps | 40 Mbps |
| Power Outlets | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Coffee Price | $3 | $3 | $3 | $3 |
| Noise Level | moderate | quiet | quiet | moderate |
Why Lanzarote for Remote Work?
Lanzarote's volcanic landscape and year-round spring weather make it one of the Canary Islands' most compelling bases for remote workers who want European infrastructure without European winters. Cafe WiFi averages 26 Mbps across the five main work-friendly spots, with fixed fiber reaching 191 Mbps in apartments across Arrecife, Costa Teguise, and Puerto del Carmen. Coffee costs about $3.00 per cup at specialty cafes, though a traditional espresso at a local bar runs closer to EUR 1.10. The cafe scene clusters in Arrecife's waterfront area and along the Pantai Cenang strip, with a handful of spots in Costa Teguise and Famara serving the surf crowd.
The nomad community is small — noticeably smaller than Gran Canaria's — but the island compensates with 300-plus sunny days per year and a safety record among Spain's best. English proficiency is medium, workable in tourist areas but thinner in local villages. At $1,650 per month, costs sit below mainland Spanish cities like Barcelona while delivering fast fiber internet and lower taxes through the Canarian IGIC system instead of mainland IVA. Spain's digital nomad visa supports one-year stays renewable up to five years, and the stunning beaches at Papagayo and Famara add weekend value that office-bound cities cannot match.
A car is essentially required — walkability scores 6 out of 10 and public transport is limited, so budget for a rental or long-term lease. The strong trade winds from December through March can make outdoor cafe terraces uncomfortable and batter the northern coast. Limited coworking options compared to larger cities mean you are largely dependent on home fiber or a handful of dedicated spaces like The Square in Arrecife. Medical specialists may require a trip to Gran Canaria, and the island can feel isolating after a few months if you need constant social stimulation.
Tips for Working From Cafes in Lanzarote
Rent in Arrecife for best fiber
Arrecife has the most complete fiber coverage on the island with Movistar, Vodafone, and budget operators like Digi offering 300 Mbps from EUR 15-20 monthly. Costa Teguise and Puerto del Carmen also have good coverage.
Use Famara for surf-work balance
The Famara area attracts surfers and has a small cafe scene where laptops are welcome. Morning sessions before the trade winds pick up combine well with afternoon surf at one of Europe's best beach breaks.
Take advantage of menu del dia
Most non-tourist restaurants serve a three-course lunch with drink for EUR 10-15 on weekdays. It is the best value meal on the island and pairs perfectly with a midday cafe break from morning work sessions.
Buy Every 2-3 Hours
Order a drink or snack every couple of hours to support the cafe and keep your seat.
Test WiFi First
Run a quick speed test before settling in to avoid surprises during important calls.
Visit Off-Peak
Arrive 8-11am or 3-5pm to grab the best seats and the fastest WiFi.
Bring Headphones
Noise-cancelling headphones are essential for blocking lunch rushes and chat.
Carry a Power Bank
Outlets aren't guaranteed everywhere — a backup keeps you working.
Respect Quiet Zones
Take long video calls outside or in coworking spaces, not in quiet cafes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lanzarote a good alternative to Gran Canaria for digital nomads?
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Plan your stay in Lanzarote
Get the full city guide with cost of living, neighborhoods, visa info, and more — everything a digital nomad needs.