As the most popular resort on Lanzarote, Puerto del Carmen has plenty to offer holidaymakers. It has been tempting tourists with its sandy beaches and great climate for over forty years. Which means that the current range of improvements and renovations to the infrastructure are providing a timely facelift to ensure that the town can continue to compete against other leading tourist destinations. These improvements include the creation of pedestrian zones along the seafront, as well as the extension of the harbour, with new jetties and berths being created.

Getting there

The resort is surprisingly close to the airport, although it does not suffer from this proximity. At present there is no bus service running from the airport to the town, but it is only a five to ten minute ride in a taxi. Alternatively, there are numerous Lanzarote car hire companies based in the arrivals hall of the airport. Those who opt to drive from the airport need to head in the direction of Yaiza, and once on the main motorway will very quickly need to take the Puerto del Carmen exit. It is then only two kilometres to the start of Puerto del Carmen at the Los Pocillos end of the town.

Accommodation

As the oldest destination for visitors to Lanzarote, there is a wide array of accommodation available, with a particularly good selection of self catering options. Indeed many of the most luxurious Lanzarote villas are located in the old town, in an area known as Los Mojones, which offers lovely sea views and easy access to some of the best restaurants the resort has to offer. The other option for those who enjoy self-catering holidays is an apartment, of which there are many to choose from, especially in the centre of the town and close to the beach.

Beaches

Puerto del Carmen boasts some of the best beaches on Lanzarote, with three kilometres of golden sand comprising Playa Grande and several smaller coves and bays in either direction. The main beach has good facilities, such as lifeguards, toilets, beach side cafés, sun beds and brollies.

Things to do

For those who enjoy a more active holiday, there are numerous activities to get involved in, with sports such as parascending on offer at the small beach of Playa Chica. Or snorkelling and scuba-diving. Boat trips are available every day from the old harbour, whilst inland there are guided walks, camel rides and cultural attractions, such as the incredible Jameos del Agua, to visit.

Restaurants

There is a huge variety of restaurants in Puerto del Carmen to choose from. Everything from Indian cuisine to traditional Spanish tapas can be found in the resort. For authentic tapas, the restaurant La Bodega situated in the old town is hard to beat. Whilst atmospheric outdoor dining can be fully enjoyed in the old harbour at restaurants such as Casa Roja and Puerto Bahia, which both excel at fresh fish dishes.