Hotels in Puerto del Carmen, Spain

Spain and sunny prospects in Puerto del Carmen

It is acknowledged that most visitors to Lanzarote; one of the Canary Islands, focus attention on the major town of Puerto del Carmen. It has all the features and attractions that are expected in a Spanish sunshine resort, plus it is only five miles from the international airport at Arrecife and ten miles from the city itself. Transfers are a dream and don’t get much easier than this. Then, whilst some island beaches are volcanic and black, Puerto del Carmen has around four miles of soft, golden sands.

Cats and many more than nine tales

The airport is only a few miles away so it’s hardly surprising that the construction of hotels, particularly in Puerto del Carmen, has really … taken off. It’s a far cry now from when it was just a small fishing village. The beaches in this sunny, south-east coast resort are predominantly white, golden and sandy; just the way you like them. In the La Tiñosa area of the resort lies the fascinating Old Town. There are plenty of quirky restaurants and bars here and you can just sit in the sun, watch the world go by and just wonder what makes everyone else tick. Don’t try counting the number of cats, though; there are just so many. It’s a pleasant and rewarding stroll to the Old Town as most Puerto del Carmen hotels are located a short distance away. Most are in the areas around the beachfront road, Avenida de las Playas.

Don’t miss the Guagua

The resort’s main beach is the busy Playa Grande. Many Puerto del Carmen hotels are located in this particular area so its continuing popularity is guaranteed. A glance at your hotel map reveals that there’s more shimmering, shifting sand waiting for your toes at some of the smaller and quieter, neighbouring beaches. The extended promenade means that you can-take a deep breath and walk to those at Matagorda and Los Pocillos. These beaches are Blue Flag. Rather than walking though, the easy option is to jump on the cheap local service bus, known as Guagua. Lima Beach is next to Matagorda and is a favourite with virgin windsurfers. Additional beaches include Pila de La Barrilla and Fariones. Many beaches have parasols and loungers for rent. Facilities in the form of shops, restaurants and cafes are usually nearby. So, there are beaches galore in the Puerto del Carmen area. Playa Grande is great, but it is just one of a number of options. Don’t miss out on any of them. Don’t miss the Guagua either!

Dramas of the deep

Away from the beach, there’s family fun to be enjoyed at Rancho Texas Park. It’s a great family day out. Then, it’s only a 15-minute car journey to the island’s capital, Arrecife and its harbour, museum and 18th century fortress. Press on further in the car to the gardens and underground lake of Jameos del Agua. Don’t miss Mirador del Rio and the observatory views to the sparsely habited island of La Graciosa. Back in Playa del Carmen, the Avenida de las Playas area is where you’ll find a bustling nightlife of bars, clubs and restaurants. Eyes down; there’s also a casino here! You’ve probably, though, left one of the most impressive features a matter of yards from where you were sunbathing on the beach. Every second of every day and night, there’s another frantic life of politics, bullying and backstabbing – but beneath the waves. The submarine adventure trips are eye-popping high points of the holiday for all family members. Going down?

A festive resort

Throughout Puerto del Carmen, the Canary Islands and all areas of Spain, you are welcomed and encouraged to participate in year-round fiestas and special occasions. The Arrecife Carnaval is a four day eye-opener, staged at the beginning of Lent. Parranda de Los Buches sees onlookers being accosted by fish bladders – so you’re more than welcome to that! There are fireworks galore in June at the Fiesta of San Juan. As part of these proceedings, young local males, with added vino-fuelled confidence, attempt to leap over the raging bonfire. This appears to be something that’s likely to inflame more than their enthusiasm, but they somehow remain unscathed. August is a significant month in the life of Puerto del Carmen. Our Lady of The Sea includes a maritime procession and beautifully decorated fishing boats. All these highlighted events are part of a programme of activities and celebrations that can be experienced throughout the island. Many of the most impressive are acknowledged as being those staged in Puerto del Carmen.