Puerto del Carmen holidays



Puerto del Carmen holidays

Vibrant blue seas that stretch for miles and picturesque mountains that crest and fall - Puerto del Carmen is a sight to behold. What once was a humble fishing village is now one of the most visited tourist hotspots on the island of Lanzarote. Don’t let its popularity fool you, though - Puerto del Carmen might be a holiday favourite, but it is still very much in touch with its small-town roots. Thanks to Lanzarote’s strict regulations regarding high-rise buildings, it still holds the charm of a quaint, traditional town. Whether you’re here for the swanky hotel facilities or the Old Town Harbour dotted with boats, this village is the perfect setting for your next sunny getaway.

Why holiday in Puerto del Carmen?

Think waterfront restaurants, endless stretches of golden sands and a subtropical climate that welcomes visitors with open arms all year round, and you'll see why tourists keep coming to this Canarian gem. Puerto del Carmen appeals to all kinds of holidaymakers. The town itself has a traditional feel, with lines of gift shops and cafés and a backdrop of sweeping volcanoes, while the sandy coastline is perfect for lazy beach days and heart-pumping watersports. There's even a shopping centre and a lively main strip which comes alive in the evening with pretty lights and live music.

Beach holidays in Puerto del Carmen

If you're a self-professed beach lover then Puerto del Carmen, with its 6km stretch of sand, might be just the place for you. All beaches in this region proudly fly the Blue Flag, meaning that they are just as safe and clean as they are stunning.

Playa Grande is the most popular sand spot, boasting a gorgeous seascape and plenty of sun loungers. Plus, with the famous Avenida de las Playas right on your doorstep boasting its chain of shops, restaurants and bars, you can make a whole day of it.

Another firm favourite is Los Pocollos Beach. This sandy stretch can be reached via the breezy promenade, just 15 minutes away by foot. Its name translates in English to 'the wells', referring to the tiny pools of water that collect in the sand as the tide rolls in, proving as popular play spots for young children. This bay is generally quite open and breezy, making it ideal for wind-driven watersports.

You can also stop by Playa Chica. This beach is home to a laidback, family-friendly atmosphere with fascinating underwater reefs that often attract the attention of divers.

What to eat and drink in Puerto del Carmen

Canarian cuisine encompasses a delicious blend of Spanish, African and Latin American flavours, and with over 100 restaurants packed along the Avenida de las Playas alone, there are plenty of opportunities for your taste buds to go on an adventure of their own.

Canarian potatoes are the equivalent of a friendly breadbasket in the UK; it's unlikely that you'll dine in a traditional restaurant in Lanzarote without coming across these beauties. The dish is comprised of small salted potatoes with a crisp and crackled skin, served with a side of 'mojo' dipping sauce. Spicy red mojo and green mojo made from mixed herbs are the most popular sauces that you'll find, but there are also some more unique interpretations, such as a cheese mojo and a mojo made from almonds.

Like any island, this region is also particularly favoured for its fresh seafood. From flaky white fish to plump prawns and citrus-fresh squid, most restaurants in the area will offer a mouthwatering catch of the day. If you prefer something a little less high-profile, then why not try the bocadillo de pescado - a thin slice of breadcrumb-encrusted fish served on a bread roll and topped with aioli. Now that's something that our UK fish and chips could never live up to!

You'll find plenty of Mediterranean influences when it comes to dining in Puerto del Carmen too, with seafood paella, soft goat's cheese, succulent fillet steak and tomato-stuffed ravioli being amongst the foodie favourites that appear on many a menu. There are even traditional Canarian desserts to top the meal off, such as helado frito en tempura con miel - battered and fried balls of ice cream served with honey - a sweet tooth’s heaven! Wash it down with any drink of your choice, but some Spanish wine or ron miel - a local honey rum - might just hit the spot.

Visiting Puerto del Carmen

If you're feeling all beached out (though we're not sure that's possible) then there are plenty of other activities to add to your holiday to-do list.

The Old Town Harbour is the beating heart of Puerto del Carmen. It's a nod to the town's traditional roots but is still to this day one of the most popular attractions for visitors. You can enjoy a peaceful stroll as you admire the views and even stop for a spot to eat along the waterfront.

If you like the busy town-centre feel of the marina but prefer something a little more modern, then a visit to Biosfera Plaza Shopping and Leisure Centre is a must. Here you'll find all of the fashion brands that you recognise from home, such as Zara, Levi's and Timberland, a selection of dining venues including some well-known fast-food favourites, and even a cinema and miniature golf course to keep the little ones entertained.

Nature-lovers, don't worry - we have something for you too. With such breathtaking landscapes and volcanic national parks, we don't blame you for wanting to get stuck in with some outdoor adventures. You'll find plenty of walking trails to different parts of the town, or you can go on your own spontaneous wander between the Atlantic seascape and the rustic mountains. There are also various bike hire shops dotted along the main beach promenade if that's more your style, or - for an utterly romantic outdoor experience - why not hop on a sunset boat ride? This evening cruise sets off from Puerto del Carmen and follows Lanzarote's southern coast, offering some picture-perfect views as the sky glows pink and orange.

Important information for visiting Puerto del Carmen

When flying from the UK you can be in Lanzarote in just over 4 hours, giving you just enough time on the plane to dive into a beach read, watch your favourite film or take a nap before your fun-filled beach break begins. Don't forget to swap your pounds for euros before your trip, so you can make the most of your time along the main shopping strip. The official language in Puerto del Carmen is Spanish, with English and German spoken in most tourist resorts, and the time zone is the same as the UK - no jet lag here thank you!
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