Puerto del Carmen was once just a small fishing village. The development of tourism in the Canaries in recent decades has converted this place into the largest tourist center of Lanzarote. Beach loving holidaymakers feel particularly at home here, as many wide and wonderful beaches stretch along the coast in front of Puerto del Carmen. Within the resort you will find both quiet and very lively areas. Therefore, the place is suitable for those who are looking for relaxation and also for those who love active holidays and nightlife.
When you arrive at the airport in Lanzarote, it only takes 10 minutes by car to reach the holiday resort. Its central location on the east coast makes Puerto del Carmen the ideal starting point for various activities and excursions all over the island. In its immediate vicinity there is the popular Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park, which is a zoo, botanical garden and water park in one. But the place itself also impresses with its old town center and has some sights to offer. What makes Puerto del Carmen the vacation destination of your choice? What can you experience and do there? Find out all of it in the following article.
Due to its excellent location on the east coast, precisely in the lower area of the center of Lanzarote, you can quickly get to any destination and in any direction from Puerto del Carmen. Since this makes it an excellent starting point for the various organized excursions, numerous operators have settled there. In addition, there are some excursion boats in the village harbor itself. With these you can go looking for dolphins or spend a great day at sea. Therefore, if you spend your vacation in Puerto del Carmen, you can take part in almost all the guided tours that we have on our website. Because you will certainly be picked up by most operators at your hotel and brought back after the tour. Even many tour operators from the south or north of the island offer hotel transfers from Puerto del Carmen. To be sure, read in the detailed descriptions of your desired excursions under the “Services & Prices” tab if you will be picked up.
Puerto del Carmen Boat Trips
The excursion boats are located at the sports harbor of Puerto del Carmen. On board you can experience a wonderfully relaxed or a very exciting day of your vacation. You can take a catamaran towards La Graciosa, for example, and explore the coast of the smallest inhabited island in the Canary Islands from the sea side. On top of that, you anchor in front of the Caribbean-like dream beach Playa la Francesa where you can cool off a bit in the fresh waves of the Atlantic. Or set out to watch the unique marine mammals that roam around Lanzarote. Enjoy the encounter and experience how the dolphins enjoy swimming in the bow wave of the boat.
Trike Tour From Puerto del Carmen
You must have already seen one of these massive vehicles on just three wheels. Set free the Easy Rider in you. Swing yourself onto the leather armchair of your trike, grab the sweeping, curved handlebar and accelerate. Lean back and feel how the wide rear wheels grab the asphalt and accelerate you properly. You should definitely not miss out on a trike tour in Lanzarote.
Jeep Bus Tour From Puerto del Carmen
With this off-road, but still very comfortable, minibus you can go to visit the most remote sites of the island away from the asphalt roads. The roof of these vehicles can be opened so that you can enjoy the wonderful convertible feeling during the tour. Explore the north of Lanzarote with its mountain ranges and countless volcanic craters with such a jeep bus.
Jet Ski Safari
On a Jet Ski Safari you can explore the breathtaking coastline of Lanzarote in a very exciting way. These power packs on the water bring you to adrenaline-generating speeds in a matter of seconds. Follow your guide over the waves, to lonely bays, past rugged cliffs and into mysterious sea caves.
Puerto del Carmen Hiking Tours
Get up close to the fiery past of the black landscape of the Canary Island. Walk through the rugged fields of cold lava with a guide. Take a deep look down into an extinct volcanic vent. Walk through the impressive tubes created in the volcanic rock by the eruptions. A hike in the moon-like landscape of Lanzarote is an unforgettable event for every nature lover.
Things to See in Puerto del Carmen
The Old Town of Puerto del Carmen
The former center of the old fishing village was able to retain some of its original charm. As you stroll through its alleys, you can watch the hustle and bustle of its residents. The old town “Punta Tiñosa” borders directly on the harbor and offers its visitors various bars and restaurants. Also worth seeing is the small church Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen, which can be found in the upper part of the port.
The Market in Puerto del Carmen
The “Mercadillo del Viernes” takes place every Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Plaza del Varadero. Besides to the typical tourist junk, also handmade souvenirs are being offered. In addition, the surrounding farmers also come here to sell their products such as vegetables, goat cheese and sea salt. You can also find home-made cosmetics from aloe vera, as well as handcrafted jewelry and bags. Just drift from booth to booth and you will surely discover something very special for yourself.
The Port of Puerto del Carmen
It actually is the fishing port of Puerto del Carmen. And the fishermen still sail out to the Atlantic every day from here and bring in fresh fish. And you are welcome to have some in the restaurant of the fishing cooperative “Restaurante Cofradía de Pescadores La Tiñosa”. In addition to the fishing boats, some yachts and excursion boats are now moored here. You will encounter numerous tame cats on this site, which are being very well fed by the many tourists. From here you can also start wonderful walks on the beach promenade. And in the fish hall “La Lonja” the locals meet on Sundays for tapas.
Starlight Cinema in Puerto del Carmen
A film night in the open air with a view of the stars? This is possible in the Biosfera Plaza shopping center. Sit down in one of the comfortable seats and let yourself be carried away into the world of film. The blockbusters are shown in the original language and in Spanish dubbing and you can hear the sound through headphones. The program starts at sunset and on the cooler winter evenings you get a warm blanket.
Shopping in Puerto del Carmen
The main street that runs parallel to the beach is Puerto del Carmen's main shopping area. One shop follows the next. Shopping fans can fulfill their wishes at all times, because they are not having the typical Spanish siesta and the shops are open even on Sundays. Another shopping option in Puerto del Carmen is the Centro Comercial Biosfera Plaza. This shopping mall is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. In addition to the shops of the popular fashion chains, there are also some brand shops and of course souvenir shops. You will find fast food and other restaurants in case you wish to have a snack. The Starlight Cinema and a mini golf course can be found on the top floor.
The Nightlife in Puerto del Carmen
Puerto del Carmen's nightlife is considered the liveliest and most exciting of the island. The lovers of the night will find everything that lifts their party mood: pubs, pubs, karaoke and cocktail bars, restaurants and discos. Around the harbor area you can enjoy the view of the sea in a relaxed atmosphere in wine bars and cocktail bars on a cozy terrace. If that's not enough, move on to Plaza del Varadero and along the main street Avenida de Las Playas. There, attractive locations tempt you to party until the wee hours. A wide range of beers and cocktails are served in the elegant Harbor Heineken pub. Except for Sundays there is great music, delicious drinks and a good fun until 3:30 a.m. And if that's still not enough for you, go celebrating in the Lanzarote Palace disco club until 6 a.m.
Interesting Facts About Puerto del Carmen
Puerto del Carmen Weather
The motto of the weather in Puerto del Carmen is: Spring-like beautiful in winter and cloudless sunshine in summer. For this reason, it doesn't matter at all what time of year you travel to Puerto del Carmen. If you are looking for sunny, dry weather, you are definitely in the right place. The temperatures in the winter months fluctuate around the 23 degree mark during the day. The thermometer rarely falls below 20 degrees. The average of 16 rainy days, according to weather statistics, is spread over the months of November to April. Getting one of them during the 14 days of your vacation is currently very unlikely. Even in summer, the weather in Puerto del Carmen remains at a comfortable level. It is getting warmer but the values hardly climb above 30 degrees Celsius. The sea breeze that blows constantly ensures that holidaymakers don't get too hot.
Puerto del Carmen Beaches
The most beautiful sights of Puerto del Carmen are its beaches. One stunning beach merges into the other over almost the entire length of its coast. As a result, most of the hotels in Puerto del Carmen could be built close to the beach. Perfect conditions for everyone who loves beach days on the turquoise-blue Atlantic or surfing and windsurfing. The beaches all consist of light, fine sand and are wide enough that they never get over crowded, even on busy days. These are the beaches of Puerto del Carmen from north to south:
Playa de Matagorda: is located on the northern outskirts. It is approximately 800 meters long and up to 40 meters wide. It is framed by a breakwater so that the water in the boarding area always stays fairly calm. The beach is also suitable for children. Water sports such as jet skiing and windsurfing are offered here.
Playa de los Pocillos: it is about 200 meters wide and is the beach with the most space. Here, the visitors are spread in such a way that nobody has to lie towel by towel. At approximately 1,200 meters, it also has a considerable length. Here you can rent umbrellas and loungers and toilets and showers can be used free of charge. The water comes in calmly so that you can let your little ones splash around carefree.
Playa Grande: is also about 1,200 meters long, but “only” up to 100 meters wide. It falls off very gently. This makes it a perfect beach for a family bathing day. Directly behind the beach there is the promenade with bars and restaurants.
Playa Chica: can be found in the old town center and is the smallest beach with a length of 100 meters and a width of 20 meters only. It is still very well attended because the water comes in calmly and bathing and swimming are a pleasure. There are some bars and restaurants behind the beach. Playa Chica is also very popular among divers as there are some very nice reefs a little further out.
Puerto del Carmen Hotels
Many of the apartment complexes and hotels in Puerto del Carmen are located along the lively beach promenade and the beaches. Therefore, all sun-seekers and bathing enthusiasts have their favorite spot right on their doorstep. The hotels in Puerto del Carmen cover a wide variety of needs. Families, couples without kids or single travelers will find the right accommodation. Here are a few hotels that people like to visit:
Villas & Suites Alondra (elegant 5-star bungalow and suite hotel)
RIU Paraiso Resort (4-star hotel on Pocillos beach with pool area)
Sol Lanzarote (4 star hotel on Playa de Matagorda beach with pools and garden landscape)
Seaside Jameos Playa (4 star comfort hotel on Playa de los Pocillos beach)
The above list is based on internet research, for the correctness of which we cannot guarantee.
Tours and Excursions for Holidaymakers in Puerto del Carmen
Boat and Yacht Excursions, Dolphin and Whale Watching
Season: All‑season Days: Wednesday Duration: 1,5 hours Lanzarote is one of the best areas for whale and dolphin watching as many species are native to the waters around the beautiful holiday island. Sightings of these fascinating mammals…
Season: All‑season Days: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday Duration: 2,5 hours Two of the most beautiful nature experiences on Lanzarote combined to an absolutely fantastic boat tour. Experience whales and dolphins in the wild and enjoy the stunning Canarian sunset on…
Season: All‑season Days: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday Duration: 3,5 hours Embark to this awesome boat trip to the exceptionally beautiful Papagayo Beaches during your holiday in Lanzarote. Go kayaking, snorkeling or just relax on the inflatables. Drinks and food…
Season: All‑season Days: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Duration: 4 hours On board of this luxurious sailing catamaran you will be greeted in style with a mojito. This fabulous tour takes you to the beautiful Papagayo beaches of Lanzarote. You start…
Season: All‑season Days: Monday to Saturday Duration: 5 hours This is much more than just an average catamaran tour in Lanzarote! Not only do you get to spend a fantastic day out on the sea and visit a spectacular…
Season: All‑season Days: Tuesday & Thursday to Saturday Duration: 5 hours Across the dolphin route you take over from Lanzarote to the natural paradise on the neighboring island Los Lobos by motorboat. During the crossing of approximately one and a…
Season: All‑season Days: Wednesday Duration: 8 hours Discover the south part of Lanzarote on land, from the sea side and under water. You start your tour in the southernmost council Yaiza and visit the picturesque village…
Season: All‑season Days: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday Duration: 9,5 hours See all Lanzarote in one day a grand compilation of the most striking places. An eventful day with great sights and lots of exciting information! You start in the…
Season: All‑season Days: Monday, Thursday, Saturday Duration: 7 hours Experience the stunning south of Lanzarote on this bus tour. Extensive lava flows of unique beauty will amaze you at the Timanfaya National Park. Witness the impressive power of…
Season: All‑season Days: Wednesday Duration: 7 hours Navigate from Lanzarote to Corralejo on Fuerteventura and get to know your beautiful neighbor island. With this versatile excursion you are offered many fun activities. During the crossing,…
Season: All‑season Days: Tuesday and Saturday Duration: 10 hours Why not visit Fuerteventura on a day trip while on holiday in Lanzarote. A visit is absolutely worthwhile! The two stunning islands could not be any more different from…
Season: All‑season Days: Sunday Duration: 6,5 hours A successful combination of two absolutely authentic canarian experiences in Lanzarote. Get to know island’s typical handicrafts at Teguise market and live the beauty of untouched canarian nature in…
Season: All‑season Days: Monday Duration: 7 hours Discover on this bus tour the beautiful north of Lanzarote, where bizarre volcanic landscapes and history come together to create a wonderful work of art. You visit Lagomar, which was…
Season: All‑season Days: Monday Duration: 8,5 hours The northern part of Lanzarote is an astonishing contrast to the south. It is hillier, much greener and the heritage of the brilliant artist César Manrique is omnipresent. You…
Season: All‑season Days: Friday Duration: 9 hours In the footsteps of the talented son of Lanzarote. This day is fully dedicated to the remarkable works of the artist César Manrique spread throughout the island. Your impressive…
Season: All‑season Days: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday Duration: 7 hours An exciting expedition in safari style into fascinating volcanic landscapes. The volcanic imprint is omnipresent in the south of Lanzarote. With the 4x4 convertible minibus, which is like a…
Season: All‑season Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday Duration: 7 hours Discover a Lanzarote that remains hidden to many. The all-terrain convertible minibus in Jeep style make it possible. Your adventurous route takes you off the usual tourist beaten tracks…
Season: All‑season Days: Daily except Sunday Duration: 8 hours Travel from Lanzarote to Fuerteventura. Why not? The neighboring island is only 25 minutes away. Experience the highlights of the north and bath at one of the most beautiful…
Season: All‑season Days: Daily except Sunday Duration: 8 hours Travel from Lanzarote to Fuerteventura. Why not? The neighboring island is only 25 minutes away. Experience the highlights of the north and bath at one of the most beautiful…
Season: All‑season Days: Wednesday Duration: 7 hours Enjoy Lanzarote with all your senses. On this minibus tour you will experience a delicious highlight after another. Embark on the search for the culinary treasures of your holiday…
Season: All‑season Days: Daily except Sunday Duration: 7 hours Your chance to discover the real Lanzarote away from the tourist centers. An impressive minibus tour, packed with interesting facts about the origin, history and present of your beautiful…
Season: All‑season Days: Daily except Sunday Duration: 1 hour The ideal tour, for all those who have always wanted to ride a quad but don't really dare. This short tour through the south of Lanzarote is a great opportunity…
Season: All‑season Days: Daily except Sunday Duration: 2,0 hours Experience the stunning Lanzarote in a quite casual way with this stylish trike tour. Already starting the engine gets under your skin and ignites boundless enthusiasm. Lean back…
Season: All‑season Days: Daily except Sunday Duration: 2,0 hours Motorized action and nature adventure - tour the wild landscape of Lanzarote by buggy. Four wide tires neither roof nor doors: this vehicle already looks like a load…
Season: All‑season Days: Daily except Sunday Duration: 2,0 hours An exhilarating tour through the beautiful Lanzarote with the unique Polaris Slingshot. The open roadster on 3 wheels undoubtedly provides a unique driving experience and driving pleasure without…
Season: All‑season Days: Daily except Sunday Duration: 2 hours Gravel roads and sandy paths characterize this quad tour through the impressive hinterland of Lanzarote. Around 70% of the route is off-road, which means off the paved roads. After…
Season: All‑season Days: Daily except Sunday Duration: 2,0 hours WOW ‑ you can tell at first glance: This massive all terrain vehicle takes Quad tours in Lanzarote to a new dimension, without a glimpse of a doubt. As soon as you…
Season: All‑season Days: Daily except Sunday Duration: 3,0 hours Experience the stunning Lanzarote in a quite casual way with this stylish trike tour. Already starting the engine gets under your skin and ignites boundless enthusiasm. Lean back…
Season: All‑season Days: Daily except Sunday Duration: 3 hours This guided buggy tour across Lanzarote is perfect for all those who love action and adventure. The powerful Polaris RZR and Can-Am Maverick with massive 1000 cubic centimeter turbo…
Season: All‑season Days: Daily except Sunday Duration: 3 hours An exploration tour with the buggy through Fuerteventura from Lanzarote – no very common! This trip is ideal for young and young at heart, who love the unconventional. And…
Season: All‑season Days: Daily except Sunday Duration: 3,0 hours Motorized action and nature adventure - tour the wild landscape of Lanzarote by buggy. Four wide tires neither roof nor doors: this vehicle already looks like a load…
Season: All‑season Days: Daily except Sunday Duration: 3,0 hours An exhilarating tour through the beautiful Lanzarote with the unique Polaris Slingshot. The open roadster on 3 wheels undoubtedly provides a unique driving experience and driving pleasure without…
Season: All‑season Days: Daily except Sunday Duration: 3 hours A great combination of quad biking fun and sightseeing in Lanzarote. It is simply the ideal tour for culturally interested motor sport fans. By quad you first head in…
Season: All‑season Days: Daily except Sunday Duration: 3 hours An exhilarating quad tour through the volcanic landscape of Lanzarote’s fascinating neighboring island of Fuerteventura. It is known that the excitement increases with the extension of the off-road track…
Season: All‑season Days: Daily except Sunday Duration: 3,0 hours We say size does absolutely matter! At least when it comes to a Quad Tour in Lanzarote. These all terrain vehicles are huge and extremely potent. In combination with the…
Season: All‑season Days: Daily except Sunday Duration: 5,0 hours Experience the stunning Lanzarote in a quite casual way with this stylish trike tour. Already starting the engine gets under your skin and ignites boundless enthusiasm. Lean back…
Season: All‑season Days: Daily except Sunday Duration: 5,5 hours An exhilarating tour through the beautiful Lanzarote with the unique Polaris Slingshot. The open roadster on 3 wheels undoubtedly provides a unique driving experience and driving pleasure without…
Season: All‑season Days: Daily except Sunday Duration: 1,5 hours Explore Playa Blanca on the trendy Segway with this city safari. Float silently to the various highlights. Find out about the history and customs of Lanzarote on this fun ride…
Season: All‑season Days: Daily except Sunday Duration: 2,5 hours An absolutely unusual sightseeing tour: by Segway through the unpaved paths of the bizarre lava landscape of Lanzarote. The vehicle is stylish and it will amaze you and…
Season: All‑season Days: Temporary not available Duration: 3,5 hours Thanks to modern e‑bike technology, you can discover the unique vineyards of Lanzarote in a comfortable manner, even by bicycle. This sightseeing bike tour with tasting is also really fun…
Season: All‑season Days: Daily except Sunday Duration: approx. 10 minutes Anyone who has tried it already knows the peculiar charm of Parasailing. In Puerto del Carmen on Lanzarote you will find the best conditions for it. Float up to…
Season: All‑season Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Duration: 1 hour Sightseeing for adventurers. A Jet Ski safari should not be missed on your Lanzarote holidays. Get on the spirited water vehicle and follow your guide on an exciting…
Season: All‑season Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday Duration: 2 hours This exciting Jet Ski safari will undeniably be a highlight of your vacation on Lanzarote. Swing on your agile power package and jump over the waves at full speed.…
Season: All‑season Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Duration: 30 min. or 60 min. Flyboard, the world‑wide trend in water sports is certainly also available in Puerto del Carmen on Lanzarote. You can choice between 30 and 60 minutes. A holiday fun…
Season: October to April Days: Thursday Duration: 6,5 hours Conquer the volcanic craters of the impressive Famara massif. This guided hiking tour across the mighty rock wall, which rises 500 m from the Atlantic Ocean, offers spectacular panoramic…
Season: All‑season Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday Duration: 5 hours Cross solidified the lava flows and climb the volcanic cones of Lanzarote. Discover the wonderful world of volcanoes: Lava canals, volcanic tunnels, cold lava seas and spectacular craters. This is…
Season: All‑season Days: Daily Duration: 2 or 5 hours The fascination of diving. The water surface is like a gate to another world. Diving enables us to penetrate an area that we would not be able to access otherwise.…
Season: All‑season Days: Daily Duration: 30 minutes A guided underwater walk on the seabed of the volcanic island Lanzarote. The helmet from Sea Trek makes it possible. Explore the hidden landscape and fascinating life of the blue wilderness.…