While making our way through the island of Lanzarote, we couldn’t miss a stop in Puerto del Carmen. Just a few years ago, this was just a small fishing village, but today it’s one of Lanzarote’s main tourist centers. It has everything you need for a spectacular vacation, and we immediately fell in love with it.
There are many things to do in Puerto del Carmen, so whether you want to do some watersports, sunbathe on the beach, or go shopping, you’ll find it here. To take advantage of all the attractions in Puerto del Carmen, I recommend spending at least one day here, especially since the town has a lively nightlife scene.
If you’re wondering what else to do in Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote, keep reading to discover more places, hotels, and restaurants.
1. Playa Grande, one of the most beautiful places in Puerto del Carmen
Playa Grande is one of the best beaches in Lanzarote, and one of the most popular places in Puerto del Carmen. Although it was a bit crowded when we went, we enjoyed its lively atmosphere.
1. Playa Grande, one of the most beautiful places in Puerto del Carmen
In addition to a mile-long coastline of golden sand, the beach is a hub for the town of Puerto del Carmen. Surrounding Playa Grande is the Avenida de las Playas, a long promenade where you can find people socializing day and night.
It’s true that this is a busy urban beach, but it’s a lovely place to enjoy some sun or cool off in the crystal clear waters. Plus, Playa Grande has all the facilities and amenities you need for a comfortable beach day, including lounge chairs, showers, lifeguards, and nearby restaurants.
2. Playa Chica, another attraction in Puerto del Carmen you can’t miss
Playa Chica is a beautiful cove with a 200-foot beach and calm waters that are protected from the wind. Visiting this place is a great thing to do in Puerto del Carmen if you want to enjoy stunning scenery by the sea.
2. Playa Chica, another attraction in Puerto del Carmen you can’t miss
As one of the best beaches in Puerto del Carmen, Playa Chica boasts pristine white sand, turquoise waters, and volcanic flows that contrast each other to create a picturesque landscape. There are also plenty of services and facilities for your convenience.
Not only that but Playa Chica is known for having the best watersport attractions in Puerto del Carmen, specifically snorkeling and diving. So, if you’d like to try either of these activities, there are several diving schools that can help you see the beautiful marine life, underground caves, and sunken ships in the area.
3. Enjoy the Puerto del Carmen nightlife
Puerto del Carmen is one of the liveliest places to go in Lanzarote, and the nightlife here is amazing. So, if you’re a fan of the night scene, check out the live music, bars, some of the best clubs in Lanzarote, and of course, the Gran Casino de Lanzarote.
3. Enjoy the Puerto del Carmen nightlife
These nightlife venues are concentrated in Varadero and Avenida de las Playas, so walking around this area is a fun thing to do in Puerto del Carmen after dark. Here, you’ll find lots of places to enjoy drinks and tapas, although I recommend Heineken Harbor and San Miguel brewery. Both places serve a variety of beers and play great music.
Of course, if you prefer to go dancing, check out the Lanzarote Palace nightclub, the most famous club in Puerto del Carmen’s Varadero area.
4. Go dolphin-watching, an incredible thing to do in Puerto del Carmen
Dolphin-watching is one of the best things to do in Puerto del Carmen, and it’s an experience you’ll never forget. These cetaceans frequent the area, so you can find lots of tours and boat hires in Puerto del Carmen that will take you on the water.
4. Go dolphin-watching, an incredible thing to do in Puerto del Carmen
Seeing dolphins in Lanzarote was one of the highlights of our trip, so I highly recommend doing this activity. Of course, dolphins and other cetaceans are wild animals, and since they live freely, there is no guarantee you’ll see them. That said, dolphins are regularly found around Puerto del Carmen, so your chances are very good!
We took this tour, which included a snorkeling break in the sea. In addition to seeing the magnificent seabed, we saw dolphins and beautiful views of the town, making it one of the top tours in Puerto del Carmen.
5. Playa de los Pocillos, the best place to go surfing in Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote
Another beach worth visiting is Playa de los Pocillos, which is ideal for families. At over a mile long, los Pocillos gets its name from the small puddles that appear in the sand after the waves crash. The little pools are popular with children, who can safely swim in them.
5. Playa de los Pocillos, the best place to go surfing in Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote
In fact, los Pocillos is perfect for all ages since there is a play area for the little ones, bathrooms, and open space for older swimmers. So, find a place to lay out your towel, stretch out, and watch the planes fly out of nearby Lanzarote Airport.
Moreover, this beach is a popular place to go surfing in Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote, particularly windsurfing and kitesurfing. Of course, you don’t have to be a surfer to enjoy Playa de los Pocillos. With its transparent waters, golden sand, lifeguards, and convenient amenities, this beautiful place attracts tourists and locals alike.
6. Browse the shops in Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote
Besides its bars and clubs, the town of Puerto del Carmen is full of interesting shops and weekly markets. So, if you’re looking for another thing to do during your visit, consider going shopping and picking up some souvenirs.
The 2.5-mile-long Avenida de las Playas has a large concentration of shops in Puerto del Carmen. Along with large brand-name stores, you can browse small shops and businesses of all kinds. Not only that, but the lovely palm trees along the promenade make this a great place to shop as well as enjoy an outdoor walk.
6. Browse the shops in Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote
I also recommend stopping by the Plaza Varadero Market, which is held every Friday. It’s one of the most famous markets in Lanzarote, boasting over 100 stalls and all kinds of local products, such as cheese, wines, and handicrafts. There are even Canarian folk dances and live music performances held here, so it’s a must-see.
Another good option is the Biosfera Plaza Shopping Centre, located in the heart of town. This 27,000ft² mall is full of clothing stores, department stores, and specialty shops, so you’ll find everything here.
7. Visit Puerto Calero, something to do near Puerto del Carmen
About two miles from Puerto del Carmen, you’ll find Puerto Calero, another place worth visiting.
7. Visit Puerto Calero, something to do near Puerto del Carmen
This tranquil town is known for its recreational and water activities and luxury shops. It’s a charming port town with traditional architecture and incredible yachts you should see for yourself. If you’re visiting with kids, check out the Canary Cetacean Museum, which has exhibits about the local marine life and modern conservation efforts.
For something more outdoorsy, there are several hiking trails between Puerto Calero and Puerto del Carmen, so it’s easy to travel from one town to another on foot. That said, we decided to take this ferry so we could enjoy the stunning views from the deck.
8. Take a submarine ride, a fun thing to do in Puerto del Carmen
Another unique thing to do in Puerto del Carmen is to explore the Lanzarote coast in a submarine. This experience will grant you the most spectacular views of the seabed and encounters with different marine species, so it’s worthwhile.
8. Take a submarine ride, a fun thing to do in Puerto del Carmen
If you want to do this activity, I recommend this tour, which lasts 40 minutes and goes as deep as 100 feet below the surface. It also includes pick-up from your Puerto del Carmen hotel. During the ride, your expert guide will point out interesting sights and share facts about the island and its marine biodiversity.
At the end of the tour, you’ll receive a certificate commemorating your journey on this underwater attraction in Puerto del Carmen.
9. Go scuba diving, one of the most exciting things to do in Puerto del Carmen
Puerto del Carmen is a paradise for those who love water activities, whether you’re experienced or just starting out. Of all the watersports, scuba diving is the most popular thing to do in Puerto del Carmen.
9. Go scuba diving, one of the most exciting things to do in Puerto del Carmen
If you want to try it, I recommend booking this dive, which will allow you to discover the coral reefs off the coast of Lanzarote. Before you dive into the warm waters, you’ll get a scuba diving lesson, then take two dives of 30-40 minutes each.
Don’t worry if you’re not ready to dive, because you can do this snorkeling excursion that allows you to appreciate the marine life from the surface.
10. Take a parasailing adventure, one of the best things to do in Puerto del Carmen
For those who are craving an adrenaline rush, a parasailing adventure is one of the most exciting things to do in Puerto del Carmen. For those who aren’t sure what this is, parasailing is a watersport in which you fly in a parachute while being pulled by a boat.
10. Take a parasailing adventure, one of the best things to do in Puerto del Carmen
While it can be a bit intimidating at first, nothing compares to the rush you feel while soaring 200 feet above the sea. You’ll get beautiful views of Puerto del Carmen, so if you want to experience this feeling, I recommend booking this tour. It includes a boat ride in which you’ll learn all the basic safety regulations before setting sail.
Also, individual, tandem, and three-person flights are available, so this is an awesome thing to do in Puerto del Carmen as a couple or family.
Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park, an attraction in Puerto del Carmen we don’t recommend
While there are lots of blogs that mention this attraction in Puerto del Carmen, we don’t recommend Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park. Rather than giving your time and money to activities that exploit animals, there are other things to do in Puerto del Carmen that respect the town’s natural environment and inhabitants.
Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park is a park with many wild animals from different parts of the world. While it may sound interesting at first, these creatures are deprived of their freedom and forced to entertain visitors, so we decided to skip this place during our trip to Puerto del Carmen.
Other tours from Puerto del Carmen
In addition to the tours in Puerto del Carmen, there are several others that depart from this town, so it’s a good idea to use it as a base while exploring other top places in Lanzarote.
There are many incredible Lanzarote tours, but if you’re short on time, I recommend this day tour. It’ll allow you to visit the island’s main attractions, including Timanfaya National Park, the Cueva de los Verdes, and the Jameos del Agua, among others.
Another activity I suggest making time for is a hike through Los Volcanes Natural Park. This tour lets you explore the volcanic landscape of Lanzarote, including calderas, craters, and lava tunnels.
Other tours from Puerto del Carmen
For those who love the beach, consider taking one of the lovely boat hires from Puerto del Carmen. My favorite is this catamaran cruise, which takes you to Papagayo Beach (one of the best beaches in Spain) and includes lunch and water activities.
In addition, there are other stunning sites beyond the island of Lanzarote. For example, the island of La Graciosa is an incredible place with paradisiacal beaches where you can escape from the crowds. The best way to experience it is with this tour, which includes a sailboat ride past several beautiful beaches.
Some other great attractions near Puerto del Carmen can be found on the island of Fuerteventura. If you’d like to go here, I recommend this full-day tour, where you can discover the impressive dunes and beaches of this iconic fishing village.
Best hotels in Puerto del Carmen
There are very nice hotels in Puerto del Carmen, so if you’re wondering where to stay in Lanzarote, don’t worry. First, the Sol Lanzarote is one of the best all-inclusive hotels in Lanzarote, and it’s right on Playa de Matagorda. This beachfront resort is perfect for families since it has activities and play areas for kids. There are also two outdoor pools, a gym, and amazing ocean views.
Best hotels in Puerto del Carmen
Another all-inclusive hotel in Puerto del Carmen that I recommend is the Aequora Lanzarote Suites, which is also close to the beach. It has five pools, one of which has waterslides and play areas for children. There are also two sports clubs, a nightclub, a kids’ club, and a spa, making it one of the most popular family hotels in Lanzarote.
My last recommendation is Hipotels La Geria, one of the best cheap hotels in Lanzarote, ideal for couples. Surrounded by tropical gardens, the resort is next to Playa de los Pocillos and has simple yet comfortable rooms where you can relax.
If you prefer something quiet and where you can enjoy more privacy, you should check our guide on the best apartments in Puerto del Carmen.
Best restaurants in Puerto del Carmen
If you’re looking for places to eat in Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote, there are plenty of spots where you can try the local cuisine of the Canary Islands. Many of these restaurants also offer international dishes, so I recommend trying at least one of them.
First, La Carmencita del Puerto is on the lively Avenida de las Playas in Puerto del Carmen, and it’s one of the best restaurants in Lanzarote. Here, you can taste local foods at a great price in a casual, family-oriented atmosphere.
On the other hand, La Cascada Restaurant is a unique and elegant restaurant that serves authentic Canarian food and a variety of gourmet dishes. Lomo Alto is another one of the best restaurants in Puerto del Carmen where you’ll find a good selection of meats and fresh fish. I recommend this place if you prefer to eat home-style food in a simple environment. The prices are great, and the portions are plentiful.
How to get to Puerto del Carmen
Getting to Puerto del Carmen is simple, as it’s one of the best-connected cities on the entire island of Lanzarote. The most comfortable way to get there is by renting a car, which will also grant you the freedom to travel around the island at your leisure. If you don’t want to drive, you can book a private transfer to your Puerto del Carmen hotel or wherever you want.
When you leave Lanzarote Airport, you must take the LZ-40 highway southwest for about five miles. The drive takes about 10 minutes.
Map of Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote
Finally, a good way to plan your itinerary through Puerto del Carmen is to consult a map of Lanzarote. I’m also leaving a map of Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote, where you’ll find all the beaches, attractions, hotels, and restaurants I recommended.
And that’s it for this guide to Puerto del Carmen! Don’t hesitate to leave me any questions below, or share your experience traveling around Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote. Enjoy your vacation in the Canary Islands!
