Puerto del Carmen

Puerto del Carmen is Lanzarote’s largest and most vibrant resort, unfolding along six kilometres of golden, sunlit coastline on the island’s southeast. Many visitors make this their base, drawn by its lively atmosphere and the sheer variety it offers.

Here, you’ll find long stretches of golden sand, a picturesque old fishing harbour, and a wonderful selection of restaurants and bars to suit every taste. With the airport just a short drive away, it’s an easy and welcoming place to start your Lanzarote adventure, whether you’re discovering the island for the first time or returning for another visit. From the characterful old town in the west to the peaceful apartments of Matagorda in the east, Puerto del Carmen truly has something for everyone.

Puerto del Carmen is blessed with four lovely beaches, each with its own character. Playa Grande is the heart of the resort and a favourite for many who visit Lanzarote, stretching out with golden sand along the lively Avenida de las Playas. This beach is well cared for, with Blue Flag status, lifeguards during the season, and all the comforts you might need, from sunbeds to water sports and excellent access for everyone. The sea here is usually calm and gently sloping, which makes it a wonderful spot for families to relax and enjoy the sunshine.

If you wander a little further east, you’ll come to Los Pocillos, a broad and open beach that often enjoys a refreshing afternoon breeze. It’s a favourite with windsurfers and body-boarders, and because it’s backed by a quieter stretch of promenade, it rarely feels crowded, even though it’s larger than Playa Grande. 

Closer to the old town harbour, Playa Chica is a tiny, sheltered cove with beautifully clear water. This is the place to go if you love snorkelling or diving, as the rocky reef just offshore is alive with colourful marine life. And at the far end of the resort, Matagorda beach offers a peaceful escape, especially popular with those staying in the nearby apartments. It’s the quietest of the four, perfect if you’re after a more tranquil spot to unwind.

Tucked away at the western tip of Puerto del Carmen is the old fishing harbour, which we locals call El Varadero. This is the heart of the original village, long before tourism arrived, and it still keeps that genuine Canarian character you just do not find on the main strip. Even today, you will see small fishing boats swaying quietly next to the excursion and dive boats, while pelicans and herons wait patiently on the harbour wall for a taste of the day's catch.

Some of the finest restaurants in Puerto del Carmen are found along the harbour, where fresh fish and seafood are the stars of the menu. There is nothing quite like enjoying a meal on a terrace overlooking the water, especially as the sun slips behind the mountains. 

Long-time favourites like La Lonja, El Varadero and Casa Roja have been welcoming guests for years. The old town itself is full of charm, with its pretty church, small plaza and narrow streets dotted with independent shops and tapas bars. From the harbour, you can set off on daily boat trips, whether you fancy a glass-bottom boat tour, a spot of fishing or a catamaran cruise along the coast to the Papagayo beaches. 

For me, this is the most atmospheric corner of Puerto del Carmen, and it is always worth an evening stroll, even if you are staying further along the resort.

Avenida de las Playas really is arguably the heart of Puerto del Carmen, running for nearly seven kilometres along the seafront from the old harbour right through to Matagorda. Over the years, it has become the place where most of the resort’s restaurants, bars, shops and bustling centres gather. For many of us who know the area well, an evening stroll along the Avenida is simply part of the Lanzarote experience. I have a soft spot for the western end, near the old town, where you’ll find independent restaurants and a genuine local feel that always draws me back.

The liveliest part is the central stretch opposite Playa Grande, where terrace restaurants, souvenir shops and beach bars all compete for your attention. This is also where you’ll find a lively mix of sports bars, Irish pubs and international restaurants, making it the perfect spot to catch a football match or simply enjoy a drink with friends as the sun goes down.

One standout is The Good Old Days restaurant, a long-established favourite among locals and visitors alike. With its welcoming atmosphere and prime seafront location, The Good Old Days offers a menu packed with classic British comfort food, from hearty breakfasts to Sunday roasts, as well as crowd-pleasing cocktails and regular live music events. Its terrace is ideal for people-watching or simply soaking up the holiday vibe. 

If you wander further east towards Los Pocillos and Matagorda, you’ll notice the pace becomes more relaxed, and the Avenida opens up, with larger hotels set back from the road and a quieter, more spacious feel.

As evening arrives, the Avenida comes alive with diners lingering over their meals, couples and families strolling beneath the lights, and the occasional street performer adding a little extra charm. The promenade is flat and easy to walk, so everyone can enjoy it, and the whole seafront always feels welcoming and safe, whatever the hour.

Puerto del Carmen is home to more restaurants than anywhere else on the island, offering something for every taste and budget. If you wander down to the old town harbour, you will find some of the best places for fresh fish and authentic Canarian dishes. Here, restaurants such as La Lonja serve up the catch of the day, simply grilled and paired with papas arrugadas and a generous spoonful of mojo sauce. Sitting out on a terrace by the harbour, with the gentle clink of boats in the background, is one of the most enjoyable ways to dine in the resort.

The main Avenida is a lively stretch where you can find almost any cuisine you fancy. Indian restaurants are especially popular here, and there are plenty of Italian places serving wood-fired pizzas, as well as Chinese restaurants with both buffet and a la carte menus. For those who crave a taste of home, British-style pubs offer everything from a hearty full English breakfast to classic fish and chips. There is truly something for everyone, whether you are in the mood to try something new or stick with your favourites.

If you are looking for a quieter, more refined meal, it is worth exploring the side streets just off the Avenida. Here you will discover some wonderful smaller restaurants, tucked away from the busy main road. Tapas bars are dotted throughout Puerto del Carmen, offering a chance to sample a variety of local and Spanish favourites without breaking the bank. As a general guide, main courses on the strip usually cost between 10 and 15 euros, while a seafood dinner by the harbour is likely to be a little more, but well worth it for the setting.

Puerto del Carmen’s bar scene has a special way of drawing people in, whatever kind of evening you’re after. A gentle stroll along the Avenida soon reveals lively sports bars where locals and visitors come together to cheer on their favourite teams, from football and rugby to boxing and Formula One.

The Irish bars here are always full of life, offering a genuine welcome, live music most evenings and, of course, a proper pint of Guinness. If you prefer a quieter spot, the cocktail bars along the strip are happy to mix up all the classics, from frozen margaritas to mojitos and pina coladas. Early evening is a wonderful time to settle in with a drink, especially as many places offer happy hour deals and the world seems to slow down a little as you watch it all unfold.

Karaoke bars are woven into the fabric of Puerto del Carmen’s nightlife, and it’s quite common to find a cheerful crowd singing along together late into the night. Most places have a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, with a lovely mix of British, Irish, German and Scandinavian visitors all joining in the fun. If you enjoy staying out late, you’ll find plenty of bars open into the early hours, especially around the Centro Comercial Atlantico, where the energy carries on well past midnight.

If you fancy a change of pace, Puerto del Carmen’s old town offers a more intimate and authentic atmosphere. Tucked along the narrow streets near the harbour, you’ll discover bars full of character and traditional pubs, many with outdoor terraces where you can sit and watch the boats come and go.
The old town is ideal for a relaxed evening of bar-hopping, with quirky local taverns serving Canarian wines and tapas, friendly British and Irish pubs, and live music venues offering everything from gentle acoustic sets to lively sing-alongs. It’s a wonderful place to mingle with locals, soak up the easy-going harbour atmosphere, and enjoy a slower pace away from the main strip.p.

Puerto del Carmen has long been the place to go on Lanzarote if you are looking for a lively night out. The heart of the action is the Centro Comercial Atlantico, right on the main strip, which comes alive after sunset. Here, you will find a collection of late-night bars and clubs, each with its own character, playing everything from the latest chart hits to dance anthems and old favourites. The names of the venues may change from year to year, but the area itself has been the island’s nightlife centre for as long as most of us can remember, and you can always count on finding somewhere open until the small hours.

Things really get going from Thursday to Saturday during the busier months, when the resort fills with holidaymakers and younger visitors keen to make the most of their evenings. There is no need to worry about dress codes here, and most places welcome you in without a cover charge. The usual routine is to start the night with a drink or two in one of the friendly bars along the strip before heading into the Atlantico area as the evening unfolds. While Puerto del Carmen Night Life is not trying to compete with the likes of Ibiza, it does offer the liveliest night out on Lanzarote, with enough variety to keep you entertained all week if you wish.

Live music is very much part of the evening scene in Puerto del Carmen. Most nights, you will find solo singers, duos and bands bringing a lively atmosphere to bars and restaurants across the resort. The old town has a gentler pace, with occasional performances that suit a relaxed evening, while the main strip is where you will hear familiar favourites from pop, rock and Motown. The Irish bars are always a good bet for live music, often showcasing talented acoustic musicians. Some of the larger hotels also offer evening entertainment, from tribute acts to magicians and comedy shows, and these are usually open to everyone, not just hotel guests, if you fancy a change of scene.

In the summer, the atmosphere steps up a notch with outdoor events and fiestas bringing everyone together. One of the highlights is the Fiestas del Carmen in July, when the town celebrates the patron saint of fishermen with colourful street processions, live music under the open sky and fireworks lighting up the harbour. It is always worth keeping an eye out for flyers and posters in bar windows to see what is happening during your visit, or simply ask at your hotel reception for a few local tips.

If you find yourself in need of a little retail therapy, the Biosfera Shopping Centre at the eastern end of Playa Grande is the place to go. As the largest mall in Puerto del Carmen, it offers a good selection of high-street fashion, electronics, a handy supermarket, a cinema and plenty of spots to grab a coffee or a bite to eat. The air conditioning is a welcome relief when the Lanzarote sun is at its hottest or the wind picks up. Along the Avenida, you’ll also find several commercial centres like Atlantico and Olivin, each with their own mix of souvenir shops, boutiques, tattoo studios, phone repair stalls and places to book your next island adventure.

For your daily essentials, HiperDino is the go-to supermarket here, with several branches around the resort where you can pick up everything from fresh groceries and local wine to sunscreen and household basics, all at local prices. You’ll also spot Spar stores dotted about for added convenience. 

If you’re after a memento of your stay, the souvenir shops are well stocked with Lanzarote favourites like aloe vera products, volcanic rock keepsakes, jars of Canarian mojo sauce and bottles of Malvasia wine. Many visitors enjoy a Sunday trip to the Teguise market for handicrafts and unique finds, but you’ll also come across smaller street markets along the Puerto del Carmen promenade from time to time.

Puerto del Carmen makes a wonderful base for exploring Lanzarote, with plenty of activities right on your doorstep. If you enjoy diving, Playa Chica is a favourite spot among locals and visitors alike. The dive centres here are friendly and professional, offering everything from PADI courses to guided dives and equipment hire. The reef is teeming with life, and it is not unusual to spot angel sharks, barracuda, cuttlefish, moray eels and colourful wrasse. For those who prefer to stay above the water, jet skiing is a popular choice, with sessions available from the old town harbour or down on Playa Grande. Prices start at around 60 euros for 20 minutes, and you will always be in safe hands with the experienced instructors.

There is always something happening down at the harbour, with boat trips setting off daily. You can choose from glass-bottom boat tours, submarine adventures or perhaps a full-day catamaran cruise that includes lunch, drinks and swimming stops along the beautiful Papagayo coast. Families often enjoy a visit to Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park, just a short drive up the hill, where you will find a mix of zoo, water park, bird of prey displays and sea lion shows. If you fancy a bit of excitement, the go-kart track at San Bartolome is only about 15 minutes away by car. For those keen to see more of the island, excursion buses collect guests from the main hotels each day, heading to highlights like Timanfaya National Park, the Cueva de los Verdes, Jameos del Agua and the dramatic northern cliffs at Mirador del Rio. Car hire is also straightforward, with plenty of agencies along the Avenida and at the airport, and prices usually start from around 20 euros per day.

Puerto del Carmen has always been a favourite with families, and after living here for many years, I can see exactly why. Playa Grande, the main beach, is a real gem for those with young children. The water is calm and shallow, with a gentle slope that makes it easy for little ones to paddle and play safely. Lifeguards are on duty during the season, so you can relax while the children enjoy the sea. Just a few steps from the sand, there is a wide, flat promenade lined with restaurants, shops and everything you might need close at hand. Los Pocillos is another spot we often recommend, as there is plenty of space for children to run around and let off steam. Many of the restaurants along the main strip welcome younger guests with special menus, and there are plenty of familiar choices for those who like to keep things simple.

For a family day out, Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park is always a hit, with its animal shows, splash zones and the convenience of a free bus from the resort. The Biosfera Shopping Centre is another favourite, offering a small indoor play area and an outdoor cinema where you can catch English-language films. Many of the apartment complexes here have their own children's pools, playgrounds and kids' clubs, which makes life easy for parents. Out on Playa Grande, older children love the boat trips, banana boat rides and pedalos, while the warm, gentle sea is perfect for helping young swimmers gain confidence. Getting around with a pushchair is no trouble at all, as the resort is flat and the pavements are well looked after.

Puerto del Carmen is a lovely place to explore on foot, especially if you are based in the heart of the resort. The seafront promenade is flat and stretches the full length of the Avenida, making it easy to wander from Matagorda all the way to the old town. It usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour at a gentle pace, and there is always something to catch your eye along the way. If you prefer to get around a bit faster, taxis are easy to find and won’t break the bank. A ride from one end of the resort to the other is typically between 5 and 8 euros, and you will find taxi ranks conveniently located near the old town, at the Biosfera centre and dotted along the Avenida.

Getting around the island from Puerto del Carmen is straightforward thanks to the local bus services. The 161 bus links the resort with the airport in about 15 minutes, which is handy for arrivals and departures. If you fancy a trip to Arrecife, the island’s capital, or on to Costa Teguise, Line 1 runs every 20 to 30 minutes during the day. There are also regular buses to Playa Blanca and Teguise, so you can easily explore further afield. You will find bus stops clearly marked along the main road just above the resort.

If you like the freedom to explore at your own pace, hiring a car is a great choice. There are plenty of car hire companies both in Puerto del Carmen and at the airport, so you are never short of options. Parking can be a little tricky in the centre, especially during busy times, but there are car parks at the Biosfera centre and close to the old town where you can usually find a space.

Puerto del Carmen is well served by its Centro de Salud, the local public health centre, which you will find just above the main strip on Calle Juan Carlos I. This is the place to go for non-urgent consultations and minor injuries. If you are an EU citizen with a valid EHIC, or a UK visitor with a GHIC, you can use the public healthcare system here, though it is worth knowing that waiting times can sometimes be lengthy. For smaller issues, many people find that one of the private clinics or dental practices dotted around the resort is a quicker option. These clinics are very used to looking after visitors and you will have no trouble finding English-speaking doctors.

Pharmacies, or farmacias as we call them here, are easy to spot along the Avenida and in the main shopping centres. Just look out for the familiar green cross sign. You might be pleasantly surprised to find that many medicines, including some antibiotics and stronger painkillers, are available over the counter without a prescription, making it very convenient if you need something in a hurry.

There is always at least one pharmacy in the area open late, thanks to a rota system, so you are never far from help if you need it after hours. For real emergencies, the number to call is 112, which will connect you to ambulance, police or fire services. 

The main hospital for the island is Hospital Doctor Jose Molina Orosa in Arrecife, just a short 15-minute drive from Puerto del Carmen. I always recommend having good travel insurance in place, as specialist treatment or medical repatriation can be very costly without it.

Puerto del Carmen has always felt like a resort with several personalities, each with its own charm. The old town and harbour area to the west is where you’ll find the most character, with its smaller hotels, boutique apartments and some of my favourite restaurants just a short stroll away. Evenings here are quieter, making it a lovely spot for couples or those who have visited before and know what they like. If you prefer to be in the heart of things, the central Avenida strip, stretching between Playa Grande and the Biosfera centre, is the most convenient base. Here, you’re just steps from the main beach, a wide choice of restaurants and bars, and the livelier side of Puerto del Carmen. It’s no surprise that many first-time visitors are drawn to this area.

Heading east from the centre, Los Pocillos offers a more relaxed pace. Here, larger hotels and apartment blocks are set back from a broad stretch of beach, and you’ll find a good choice of restaurants and shops close by. It’s a favourite with families and anyone looking for a quieter base, yet you’re still within easy reach of the main resort. At the far eastern end, Matagorda is the most peaceful spot of all. Couples and older visitors often choose this area for its calm atmosphere, while still enjoying all the comforts and facilities of a well-established resort.

When it comes to places to stay, Puerto del Carmen offers everything from simple self-catering apartments and apart-hotels to comfortable four-star all-inclusive resorts. If you’re after true five-star luxury, you’ll need to look a little further afield, perhaps to Puerto Calero or some of the newer hotels in Playa Blanca.