Puerto del Carmen

The Heart of Lanzarote's Holiday Action

Puerto del Carmen is where Lanzarote lets its hair down! The island's original resort town and still its busiest, liveliest destination - has been hosting happy holidaymakers for decades. If you want your Lanzarote break with a proper dose of Mediterranean-style fun, fantastic beaches, brilliant nightlife, and everything you could possibly need within stumbling distance of your hotel, then Puerto del Carmen is calling your name!

The resort stretches along about 6km of gorgeous coastline, which means there's loads of space for everyone - from families building sandcastles to couples enjoying romantic sunset strolls, and yes, even space for that bloke who insists on doing his morning yoga routine right by the water's edge (we've all seen him!)

Beaches That'll Make Your Mates Jealous

Puerto del Carmen has some absolute crackers! Playa Grande is the main event - a stunning 1.2km stretch of golden sand that's been awarded Blue Flag status, which basically means it's cleaner than your mum's kitchen. The beach slopes gently into crystal-clear water, making it perfect for families with little ones who are still getting the hang of this whole "swimming in the sea" business.

Playa Chica is a smaller, more intimate cove that's brilliant for snorkelling - the underwater life here is fantastic, and you might even spot some friendly parrotfish (about as chatty as they sound). Then there's Playa de los Pocillos, which stretches for miles and is perfect if you want to escape the crowds and find your own little slice of paradise.

Old Town Charm Meets Modern Fun

The Old Town Harbour area is where Puerto del Carmen shows off its authentic Canarian character. This is where the local fishermen still bring in their daily catch (usually around 5am, so maybe don't plan your morning jog for then unless the aroma of fish is on your jogging wishlist!) Naturally, the harbour is lined with brilliant seafood restaurants where the fish was literally swimming that morning - you can't taste much fresher than that!

Wander through the narrow streets and you'll find traditional white-washed houses with bright green shutters, local bars where the locals play dominoes, and little shops selling everything from handmade crafts to the best banana bread you'll ever taste. It's like stepping back in time, but with better Wi-Fi and cocktails that actually taste nice.

Nightlife That Goes On... And On...

Puerto del Carmen knows how to party! The main strip (officially called Avenida de las Playas, but everyone just calls it "the strip") is legendary across the Canaries for its nightlife. A 6km stretch of bars, pubs, clubs, and live music venues that cater to every taste and energy level.

Fancy a quiet pint while watching the football? Sorted. Want to dance to cheesy 90s hits until your feet hurt? They've got you covered. Looking for sophisticated cocktails with a view? Absolutely. Karaoke, where you can murder "Don't Stop Believin'" in front of a crowd of equally tone-deaf holidaymakers? Oh yes, they've definitely got that too!

The beauty of Puerto del Carmen's nightlife is that it's not just about getting hammered (though if that's your holiday goal, you won't find many goalies here!) There are loads of family-friendly evening entertainment options, live music venues showcasing local and international acts, and some seriously good restaurants that stay open late for those romantic dinners under the stars.

Day Trips and Adventures

When you eventually drag yourself away from the beach (we know, it's hard), Puerto del Carmen is perfectly positioned for exploring the rest of Lanzarote's incredible attractions. You're about 20 minutes from the airport, which means easy access to car rentals if you fancy playing tourist for the day.

The famous Timanfaya National Park with its volcanic landscapes is about 30 minutes away - and trust us, seeing geysers of steam shooting out of the ground never gets old, no matter how many David Attenborough documentaries you've watched. The Jameos del Agua caves are stunning and feel like something from a sci-fi movie, while the Cactus Garden is weirdly fascinating (yes, you can spend hours looking at cacti and actually enjoy it!).

Food, Glorious Food

The restaurant scene in Puerto del Carmen is absolutely fantastic, ranging from beachside chiringuitos serving the freshest seafood to proper fine dining establishments that wouldn't look out of place in London or Madrid. You've got to try the local specialities - papas arrugadas (wrinkly potatoes with mojo sauce that's basically Canarian magic in a bowl), fresh fish that was swimming this morning, and local goat cheese that'll make you question everything you thought you knew about cheese.

And yes, if you're homesick, there are plenty of places serving Sunday roasts, fish and chips, and proper cups of tea. We won't judge if you need a taste of home halfway through your holiday - sometimes you just need a decent bacon sarnie!