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Best things to do in Puerto del Carmen
Start with the obvious: spend time on the beaches, because the resort’s whole rhythm is built around them. Playa Grande is the main beach and the social centre of Puerto del Carmen, while Los Pocillos offers more room for longer beach walks and easier, quieter afternoons. Both beaches rank among the best things to do in Puerto del Carmen for first-time visitors and returning guests alike.
Make time for Playa Chica even if you are staying elsewhere. It is a small beach, but the calm water, natural protection and diving access make it one of the most distinctive spots in the resort. If you want to try diving for the first time, Puerto del Carmen is particularly well set up for it, with Playa Chica and El Veril de la Tiñosa central to the local dive scene.
A walk through Varadero and the harbour area gives you the older face of Puerto del Carmen. This is the best part of the resort for seafood lunches, sunset dinners and a slower evening pace, with more of the original seafaring character still visible. Experiencing the old town is one of the most rewarding things to do in Puerto del Carmen for those who want to go beyond the beach.
For a more active day, Puerto del Carmen’s official entertainment pages highlight kayaking, parasailing, water skiing and pleasure boats, while the family guide notes an almost 20 km bike lane connecting Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise. Active pursuits like these are among the most popular things to do in Puerto del Carmen for families and sport enthusiasts.
Shopping is easy here too. Avenida de las Playas has a long run of local and practical shops, while larger shopping centres such as Biosfera Plaza, Jameos Playa and Los Arcos give visitors a more concentrated retail stop.
Finally, try at least a few Canarian staples during your stay. The official food guide points visitors toward local fish, potatoes with mojo and dishes built around gofio, the roasted flour that remains central to Canarian food culture. Sampling local cuisine is one of the essential things to do in Puerto del Carmen.
Things to do in Puerto del Carmen: Water Sports
Among the top things to do in Puerto del Carmen, water sports stand out as a highlight for visitors of all ages and abilities. The calm, clear waters around the resort make it ideal for snorkelling, scuba diving and glass-bottomed boat trips. Several licensed dive centres operate from Playa Chica, offering courses for complete beginners as well as guided dives for more experienced divers. The Lanzarote Aquarium nearby is also a popular attraction for families wanting to explore marine life without getting wet.
Windsurfing and kitesurfing are popular along the wider beaches, where the trade winds create reliable conditions throughout the year. You can also hire paddleboards and kayaks directly from the beach. Boat trips depart regularly from the harbour and visit nearby sea caves, dolphin and whale watching spots, and the coastline toward Papagayo in the south.
Exploring the Old Town and Local Culture
The Varadero district, also known as the Old Town or Pueblo Marinero, is the historic heart of Puerto del Carmen. It sits at the western end of the resort and feels noticeably different from the main tourist strip. The narrow streets, traditional Canarian architecture and small fishing harbour give visitors a genuine connection with the island’s past. There are several good restaurants here, mostly focused on fresh seafood, as well as local craft shops selling handmade goods and Lanzarote wine.
The Casa Museo del Campesino, a short drive inland, offers one of the best insights into traditional Canarian farming life and is well worth an afternoon visit. Nearby Teguise, the former capital of Lanzarote, hosts a large Sunday market and has a well-preserved historic centre with colonial-era buildings and art galleries.
Day Trips from Puerto del Carmen
The things to do in Puerto del Carmen extend well beyond the resort itself. Lanzarote is a compact island, so most of the main attractions are within easy reach by car or organised tour. Timanfaya National Park, with its volcanic landscape and dramatic fire mountains, is around 20 minutes away by road and is the island’s most iconic sight. The Jameos del Agua caves and the Jameos Playa complex combine underground volcanic tunnels with unique albino crabs found nowhere else on earth.
The Mirador del Rio viewpoint in the north of the island, designed by local artist César Manrique, offers sweeping views across to La Graciosa. Manrique’s influence is visible across much of Lanzarote, from the Cactus Garden in Guatiza to the Jameos del Agua complex, and his former home is now open as a museum near Tahíche.
Nightlife and Evening Entertainment
When the sun goes down, Puerto del Carmen comes alive with a wide range of evening options. The main strip along Avenida de las Playas is lined with bars, clubs and live music venues that stay busy until the early hours during peak season. For something more relaxed, the Varadero area has several excellent restaurants with outdoor terraces where you can enjoy a long dinner as the evening cools. If you’re planning a big night out, check our guide to Puerto del Carmen nightlife for the best bars and clubs in the resort.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Puerto del Carmen is a year-round destination thanks to Lanzarote’s mild climate, but the best time to visit Puerto del Carmen is generally between March and November when temperatures are warm and rainfall is minimal. The resort gets busy in July and August, so book accommodation early if you’re travelling in peak summer. For information on how expensive Puerto del Carmen is, including typical costs for food, drinks and activities, our detailed cost guide covers everything you need to budget your trip.
Getting around is straightforward, with regular bus services connecting Puerto del Carmen to Arrecife airport and other parts of the island. Car hire is available at the airport and through several local agencies in the resort, and is the best way to explore Lanzarote’s more remote corners independently. For accommodation options, our guide to the best hotels in Puerto del Carmen covers everything from beachfront five-star resorts to budget-friendly apartments.
Whether you’re a beach lover, adventure seeker, foodie or culture enthusiast, the things to do in Puerto del Carmen offer something for every type of traveller. With its combination of stunning beaches, world-class diving, vibrant nightlife and easy access to Lanzarote’s volcanic wonders, Puerto del Carmen remains one of the best holiday destinations in the Canary Islands. Planning the things to do in Puerto del Carmen ahead of your trip will help you make the most of your time in this spectacular resort.