A guide to things to do in Puerto Del Carmen
Perfectly placed on the south east coast of Lanzarote, Puerto Del Carmen is a handy 10-minute drive from the airport. This popular resort was originally a quaint fishing village and is now home to a bustling scene of beachside arcades, restaurants, bars, impressive luxury villas and casinos. It boasts a glorious six-kilometre stretch of golden sandy beach, and a thriving outdoor scene with water sports aplenty. The busy old town harbour is home to an array of seafood restaurants, perfect for foodies. The whole family will feel at home in this charming Canary island resort.
Beach fun
With its enviable stretch of Blue Flag beaches, the waters on the coastline of Puerto Del Carmen are considered to be some of the most tranquil in the Canaries. Providing a great spot for swimming and water-based activities, some of the favourite beach spots in the resort include Playa Chica, a pretty small bay which is neatly enclosed by formations of lava. Playa de los Pocillos is a long, wide stretch of sandy beach with a family-friendly, low-key atmosphere. Last but not least, there’s Playa Grande. This shoreline is Puerto Del Carmen’s longest beach with a stretch of 1.2 kilometres. It offers excellent family amenities including parking spaces, showers and plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas for hire. As a bonus, you’ll also enjoy fabulous views of Los Ajaches, a volcanic mountain that lies south of the island.
Shopping
There are many shopping opportunities in Puerto Del Carmen. If you’re looking for a break from beach life while visiting the island, seek out the tourist souvenirs on offer at Beach Avenue and along the splendid Las Playas promenade. If you’re in the mood for more upscale shopping, visit the Biosfera Plaza Shopping Centre. You’ll find a selection of duty free electronics, designer labels and an excellent variety of local arts and crafts. It’s the perfect place to find holiday gifts for family back home and to pick up a piece of memorabilia from the island.
Water sports
The word ‘exhilaration’ truly defines Puerto Del Carmen’s water sports scene. Perfect for adrenaline-junkies, you’ll find calm waters and warm conditions. Water temperatures average around 19°C in winter and 23°C in summer, making it perfect to enjoy a spot of swimming, scuba diving or windsurfing. For those who prefer land-based sports, cycling and running are very popular pastimes in Puerto Del Carmen. Take a jog along the main street, Avenida de las Playas which is also the location of Lanzarote‘s Ironman triathlon in May/June.
Dining out
Puerto Del Carmen offers visitors an enviable choice of bars and restaurants serving delicious food suited to all culinary tastes from traditional Spanish Canarian cuisine to home-from-home English fare. You’ll be spoilt for choice with Indian, Italian and Chinese food all on offer. For an authentic culinary experience which gives a nod to the historical past of Puerto Del Carmen, pay a visit to the Old Town Harbour and docks, Puerto Tinosa for fresh seafood. At many of the bars and restaurants here you’ll experience stunning views over the marina towards the distant peaks. Quite a treat.
Clubs and entertainment
Nightlife is in plentiful supply in Puerto Del Carmen. Popular with families and young adults alike, the Music Hall Tavern’s comedy drag shows provide fabulous light-hearted entertainment. To enjoy a tipple or two in style, visit the highly-rated La Delicatezza Cocktail Bar or Marcos and Aless Bar.
Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park
Perfect for animal and nature lovers, this theme park zoo is a must visit for the whole family. Visitors are treated to presentations of amazing creatures including dolphins, macaws, cockatoos, birds of prey and sea lions. The park also offers some unforgettable experiences including meeting, cuddling and playing with dolphins and sea lions. Every Tuesday and Friday night the park hosts a Wild West themed night, offering visitors a tasty BBQ buffet and drinks.
Dolphin and whale watching
The southeast coast of Lanzarote is a fabulous spot to enjoy a cruise on the Atlantic at dusk. Dolphin and whale watching tours last around 2.5 hours and will take you from Puerto Del Carmen along the coast. Savour the sunset while spotting playful dolphins frolicking in the calm waters.