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.
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.
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.
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.