Puerto Calero

Puerto Calero is one of those places on Lanzarote that feels a little bit special from the moment you arrive. Tucked away on the southeast coast, between Puerto del Carmen and the airport, this beautifully maintained marina is a world apart from the busier resorts. Life here moves at a gentler pace, centred around the elegant harbour where yachts sway quietly in the sunshine. 

It is the sort of spot where you can enjoy a long, leisurely lunch by the water, browse a few boutique shops, or simply sit back and watch the world go by. The accommodation is just as refined, with a choice of stylish hotels, luxury apartments and a few exclusive villas. If you are looking for somewhere to unwind, enjoy excellent food, and soak up a more peaceful side of island life, Puerto Calero is well worth a visit.

At the heart of Puerto Calero lies its beautiful marina, the very reason this resort came to life. Created in the early 1990s by Jose Calero, the marina now welcomes around 450 boats, from small sailing vessels to impressive superyachts. The palm-shaded promenade gently follows the curve of the harbour, inviting you to wander past a tempting selection of restaurants, cafes and boutique shops.

From here, you can set out on a catamaran cruise along the stunning Papagayo coast, try your luck on a deep-sea fishing trip in search of marlin and tuna, or even take a submarine adventure to explore the world beneath the waves. The marina is also a lively hub for sailing events, with an annual yacht rally and plenty of activity throughout the year.

Puerto Calero may be a small resort, but its marina is home to some truly outstanding restaurants. Many locals and visitors make the journey here just to enjoy a meal by the water, and it is easy to see why. Amura, in particular, stands out for its elegant setting and imaginative use of local ingredients, making it a favourite for those who appreciate creative cuisine.

Seafood lovers will feel right at home here, as the marina restaurants take pride in serving the freshest catch of the day. There is also a tempting variety of Italian, Asian-inspired and modern European dishes to choose from. The mood is always relaxed and refined, perfect for a leisurely evening overlooking the yachts. While prices are a little higher than in some of the larger resorts, the quality and setting make it well worth it. If you are planning to visit during the busier months, it is wise to reserve a table in advance.

Puerto Calero’s bar scene is all about understated charm. Here, you’ll discover a handful of welcoming spots where you can enjoy a cocktail as the sun sets over the marina, or linger over a glass of Lanzarote wine after dinner. Many of the marina’s restaurants transform into inviting bars in the evening, their terraces taking on a special atmosphere as the lights reflect on the water and the night settles in.

There’s a real appreciation for good cocktails here, and the wine bars are a wonderful way to sample the unique volcanic wines from La Geria, which is just up the road. Things tend to wind down by midnight, making it ideal if you prefer a more relaxed evening. For those in search of a livelier night out, Puerto del Carmen is just a short taxi ride away.

Shopping in Puerto Calero is a relaxed and rather refined experience. The marina here offers a handful of thoughtfully chosen shops, where you can browse designer clothing, handmade jewellery, unique homewares and a few nautical treasures. It is not about quantity, but about enjoying the quality and charm of each little place.
Art lovers will find plenty to enjoy here, as a few small galleries display work by both local and international artists. 

Much of the art draws inspiration from Lanzarote’s dramatic volcanic scenery, and it is always a pleasure to see how each artist interprets the island. For daily essentials, there is a small supermarket in the marina, but for a bigger shop most residents and visitors head to Puerto del Carmen or one of the larger supermarkets closer to the airport.

Here in the resort, you will find well-established diving centres that welcome everyone, whether you are just starting out or already an experienced diver. The waters along this part of Lanzarote are teeming with marine life, and the volcanic reefs, shipwrecks and underwater caves make each dive a real adventure. On most days, the visibility is excellent, often reaching more than 20 metres, so you can really take in the beauty beneath the surface.

At the marina, the Museo de Cetaceos de Canarias offers a wonderful glimpse into the world of whales, dolphins and other marine mammals that call these waters home. If you take a stroll along the coastal path, you will come across an open-air sculpture garden, where the artworks stand out beautifully against the volcanic landscape. From the marina, you can also set off on a catamaran cruise, try your hand at deep-sea fishing, or even explore beneath the waves on a submarine safari.

If you are looking for a lovely way to spend a morning or afternoon, we always recommend the coastal walk from Puerto Calero to Puerto del Carmen. This well-kept path winds along the clifftops for about three kilometres, offering sweeping views of the Atlantic the whole way. It usually takes us around 35 to 40 minutes at a gentle pace. Just remember, there is very little shade along the route, so a hat, sunscreen and a bottle of water are must-haves.

Start your walk from the western end of the marina, where the path rises gently before leading you along the cliffs with wonderful views out to sea. You will pass the open-air sculpture park, which is always worth a look. Many people like to stroll into Puerto del Carmen for a leisurely lunch, then hop on the water taxi for the return journey. We find that early mornings or late afternoons are the most pleasant times to enjoy this walk, when the sun is a little softer.

If you have teenagers or older children who love being on or in the water, Puerto Calero is a wonderful spot to consider. The local diving centres are friendly and welcoming to young learners, and there are plenty of boat trips that make for unforgettable days out. The marina promenade is flat, easy to stroll, and free from traffic, making it a relaxing place for families to spend time together.

For families with younger children who are hoping for sandy beaches, waterparks or kids’ clubs, Puerto Calero might feel a little too peaceful. There isn’t a beach right in the resort, but the lively sands and family-friendly fun of Puerto del Carmen are just a short drive or a lovely water taxi ride away. It’s easy to enjoy the best of both worlds here on Lanzarote.

Puerto Calero is a small and charming resort, easy to explore on foot in just ten minutes or so. If you are planning to venture further afield, I would suggest hiring a car, as public buses are few and far between. Taxis are always on hand and your hotel can arrange one for you. 

The short trip to Puerto del Carmen usually costs just a few euros.
For something a little different, you might like to take the water taxi over to Puerto del Carmen. It runs during the day in season and offers lovely views along the coast. Lanzarote’s airport is also just a short ten-minute drive away, so getting here is refreshingly simple.

Puerto Calero itself is a peaceful spot, and while you will not find a medical centre or pharmacy right in the marina, help is never far away. The nearest health centre is just a short five-minute drive over to Puerto del Carmen, where you will also find several private clinics with English-speaking doctors. It is all very straightforward and easy to access, which is reassuring for both residents and visitors alike.

Pharmacies in Puerto del Carmen are always well stocked, so you will have no trouble finding what you need. In the unlikely event of an emergency, the main hospital in Arrecife, Doctor Jose Molina Orosa, is about a 20-minute drive away. Public facilities accept European Health Insurance Cards, and if you are staying in a hotel, the staff can easily arrange for a doctor to visit should you need one for a non-urgent matter. It is all part of the friendly, helpful service you can expect here on Lanzarote.

Here in Puerto Calero, accommodation is all about quality over quantity. The five-star Hotel Costa Calero Thalasso and Spa stands proudly above the marina, offering sweeping views across the water and a wonderful spa where you can truly unwind after a day in the Lanzarote sun.

The self-catering apartments dotted around the marina are beautifully finished, with bright, modern interiors, private terraces and inviting shared pools. For those who prefer a little more seclusion, the private villas tucked into the hillsides offer a peaceful retreat. Puerto Calero may not be the cheapest spot on the island, but the combination of comfort, tranquillity and that unmistakable Lanzarote charm makes it a real favourite for anyone looking for a more refined escape.

Timanfaya National Park is just a short 25-minute drive away, and it never fails to impress with its dramatic volcanic landscapes. Inland, the La Geria wine region is a real favourite of ours, not only for its unique scenery but also for the chance to sample local wines at the welcoming bodegas dotted among the vineyards.

For those seeking adventure on the water, the Catlanza Lanzarote Catamaran cruise offers a memorable day out at sea, complete with opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, and relaxing in the sun as you cruise along the island’s beautiful coastline. Alternatively, the Submarine Safari provides a unique underwater experience, taking you beneath the waves to discover Lanzarote’s fascinating marine life from the comfort of a real submarine.

If you feel like a change of pace, Puerto del Carmen is just five minutes away, with its lively beaches, a good selection of shops and a little more nightlife. Heading north for around 15 minutes brings you to Arrecife, our island capital, where you can enjoy a gentle stroll along the waterfront promenade or take in the art at Castillo de San Jose. If you are in the mood to explore further, the well-loved Cesar Manrique sites in the north, including Jameos del Agua, Cueva de los Verdes and the Jardin de Cactus, are all within easy reach, less than 45 minutes from here.