A long, narrow resort, Puerto del Carmen stretches for four kilometres along the main coastal road lined with dozens of shops, restaurants and bars; and only about 5 kilometres from Lanzarote's capital, Arrecife. The volcanic backdrop to the south and views out towards Fuerteventura are easy on the eye. The harbour in the old town is home to some great fish restaurants in a nice, relaxing environment, although between July and August some vibrant local fiestas take place with a fairground atmosphere.
Puerto del Carmen is arguably the most diverse of Lanzarote's main resorts encapsulating beach fun with old world charm. On the one hand it boasts long stretches of sandy beaches, a lively main strip which brims with bars, discos, restaurants and shops and on the other it is home to the old harbour with great fish restaurants and tapas bars. The resort is also the focal point of many of the island's colourful fiestas with the popular carnival celebration taking place in February when locals parade through the streets in dazzling custom-made costumes.
Puerto del Carmen is perfectly positioned for sightseeing across the island. With its relatively central location, the resort makes for the ideal base from which to explore. Why not head out to one of the bodegas in the La Geria wine-growing valley? Here you can indulge in a spot of wine tasting and see the strange horse-shoe shaped stone constructions called Los Zocos in which vines grow in the seemingly barren soil. One of the island's most intriguing sights is a lagoon whose waters seem to glow emerald green. Known as El Golfo, it lies on the western coast of Lanzarote and is well-worth a look.
Puerto Del Carmen Photos
