Puerto del Carmen hotels

Hotels in Puerto del Carmen

The oldest purpose-built resort in Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, Puerto del Carmen is also the most popular. Offering the perfect blend of old-world charm and a fantastic selection of activities such as water-sports, cycling, walking and paragliding, it's easy to see why.

History

Much like many resorts in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands, Puerto del Carmen was originally a small fishing village. The old El Varadero harbour still exists and is an excellent place to visit, with many fantastic seafood restaurants on offer and a quaint fishing village charm.

Things to do

Many of the thousands of tourists that descend upon Puerto del Carmen hotels are looking for sun and sea, and the six-kilometre stretch of golden beaches is just sublime. Washed gently by the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, all of the beaches in the area are Blue Flag certified and perfect for swimming and water-sports. Those looking for adventure might like to try their hand at scuba diving, wind-surfing or jet-skiing via one of the many schools in the resort.

Just over 30 minutes' drive away from Puerto del Carmen, visitors will find Arrecife, Lanzarote's capital, which is perfect for shopping or exploring the city's harbour and narrow streets. A short stroll through the city brings you the Museum of Contemporary Art, which is housed inside the magnificent looking 18th-century Castillo San José.

Just beyond the city, located on a tiny island called Islote de los Ingleses, is the impressive 16th-century Castillo San Gabriel. The castle can only be reached by one of two causeways, one for traffic and one for pedestrians. Declared as a National Historic Monument in 1972, the castle now houses a small ethnographic museum which offers magnificent views over the city and the ocean.

Culture

There are two significant fiestas which take place in Puerto del Carmen each year. The first, Carnaval, in February-March, features parades of brightly coloured floats and costumed spectators and participants. The end of July sees the magnificent Fiesta de Nuestra Señora del Carmen, a dedication to plentiful fishing for the coming year and the patron saint of Puerto del Carmen. Here, folklore performances, singing and dancing fill the night until the early hours, and decorated fishing boats at sea signal the end of the fiesta.

Food and drink

With well over 100 restaurants and bars in Puerto del Carmen, there are menus to suit all tastes and budgets, from fast food through to high-class gourmet.

For traditional Spanish fare, try Vino & Lanzarote or Taberna de Nino, or if you have a taste for Mexican food, visit Emma's Cantina Mexicana for a real hidden gem of a restaurant. For those hankering after a taste of Britain, head to The New Londoner for traditional fish and chips. After all this, sweet tooth cravings can be quashed in La Fabbrica del Gelato, a wonderful ice cream parlour with a wide variety of flavours available.