Puerto del Carmen guide
Puerto del Carmen grew from a fishing settlement into the main tourist centre of Lanzarote, and that split still shapes the resort today. The old part, originally known as La Tiñosa, gathers around the harbour and Varadero, while the newer tourist side stretches along the beaches and the long seafront avenue. That gives visitors a choice between harbour views and local seafood on one side, or beach access, shops and busier nightlife on the other.
The resort is easy to understand once you know its three anchor points. Playa Chica is the compact, sheltered beach near the older part of town and is especially popular with families and divers. Playa Grande is the central resort beach and the real heart of Puerto del Carmen, with the busiest atmosphere and the widest range of services. Los Pocillos sits farther along the coast, with more space and a calmer feel that suits longer stays, family breaks and travellers who want room to breathe.
Puerto del Carmen also works well as a practical base. It has shopping centres, banks, supermarkets, medical services, a golf course and strong bus connections, so you can stay here comfortably even without hiring a car for every day of the trip.