Puerto del Carmen is the biggest and most popular resort on the island of Lanzarote. It is situated on the southern coast about 10 miles (16km) from the airport at Arrecife. Originally a small fishing village, Puerto del Carmen has been developed within the last 20-30 years, although it has managed to retain its old parts, in particular the area around the picturesque port. Compared to the showpiece marina of Puerto Calero situated nearby, this is still very much a working harbour. There are glass-bottomed boat trips from the harbour to the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura. Puerto del Carmen has a lively nightlife, although it probably quite tame compared to some other Spanish resorts. It tends to attract young couples, families and groups of friends.
The main beach in Puerto del Carmen is Playa Grande (also known as Playa Blanca) which stretches for about 2 miles (3km). This sheltered beach offers safe bathing for families, and there are several water-based activities available including parascending, pedalo and banana boat rides. Alongside the beach runs the promenade of Avenida de las Playas. Also known as 'The Strip', this promenade lined with hotels, shops, cafes, fast-food outlets and bars is the focal point of the resort.
To the east of Playa Grande is the large sandy beach of Playa de los Pocillos, regarded as one of the best on Lanzarote. With its gentle slope and sheltered position, the beach is suitable for small children. Alongside it are more restaurants and shops.
Just outside Puerto del Carmen is one of the biggest family tourist attractions on the island, the Rancho Texas Park. This Wild West-inspired theme park offers birds of prey displays, parrot shows, a mock Indian village, pony rides for children and a mini animal farm. You can also find out about the Texan city of San Antonio, founded in the 18th century by emigrants from Lanzarote. Rancho Texas also hosts the popular Country and Western nights featuring a barbecue, live music and plenty of drinks.
A couple of kilometres west of the resort is the trendy marina of Puerto Calero, the brainchild of the property developer Jose Calero. Opened in 1989, the marina is an excellent place in which to wander around and look at the expensive yachts. There are a variety of bars and restaurants, most notably the Papardelle which specialises in Italian pizza and pasta, plus a number of boutique-type shops. A variety of boat excursions are available from Puerto Calero, including catamaran or even submarine trips. You can also go fishing for tuna and marlin. The Museo de Cataceos de Canarias is another of the marina's attractions. The museum looks at the evolution of dolphins and whales through a series of models, skeletons, photographs and interactive displays.
Puerto Carmen has the best nightlife of any resort on Lanzarote, with most of the action happening along the Avenida de las Playas. Popular nightspots include the Paradise Nightclub, Charlie's and the Waikiki Beach Club. The Avenida de las Playas also boasts a huge variety of restaurants and fast-food outlets, although the best seafood restaurants can be found at the old port.
Lanzarote Puerto Del Carmen
Lanzarote is one of the volcanic islands that comprise the Canary Islands in the North Atlantic Ocean. As one of the most popular tourist islands in the world, Lanzarote's resorts can become very crowded during the prime tourist season. Beautiful Puerto Del Carmen is the largest and oldest resort on Lanzarote. Puerto Del Carmen is part of the Tias municipality and boasts many tourist destinations and three large beaches. You will find many great attractions to keep you as busy or as relaxed as you like.
Where to Stay in Puerto Del Carmen
Puerto Del Carmen has more than 30,000 guest rooms. Accommodations to suit any taste are not in short supply. Villas, apartments and timeshares offer tourists a more residential vacation. Most accommodations offer amazing views of the ocean and the volcanic mountains of Papagayo. Here are a few types of accommodations available in Puerto Del Carmen:
* Villas and apartments are privately owned and often allow more freedom and more of the comforts of home than other accommodations. Some even will accommodate the family pet. This type of accommodation is generally self-catering, meaning you shop for and cook your own meals while you're there. Usually within walking distance to the market, self-catering accommodations can help reduce the overall cost of a vacation.
* Timeshares are a very popular accommodation option. The purchase of a timeshare anywhere in the world gives the traveler the opportunity to exchange time in one location for time in another. Most timeshares are equipped with pools, restaurants and bars and have activities for everyone. They usually have a small kitchenette area and in-suite laundry facilities.
* Resorts are prime vacation spots for those who want more than a regular hotel can offer. Resorts often provide tourists with discounts to partnering attractions. Resorts are generally comprised of private condominiums, restaurants, bars, clubs and pools.
* Hotels abound in Puerto Del Carmen. Some are integral parts of area resorts. You can find hotels that are privately owned or affiliated with large chains. Most hotels offer a lounge area with a restaurant and bar and are located close to shopping and beaches.
Sports Activities
As an island resort town, Puerto Del Carmen offers sports enthusiasts a wide range of activities. Locally owned diving shops often take tourists on amazing underwater adventures to various places around the island. Diving schools are available for those who wish to learn to dive or snorkel. Windsurfing, swimming, boating, jet skiing and paragliding are also very popular water sports enjoyed by many locals and tourists. Sports enthusiasts also can enjoy golfing, cycling, running, hiking, camping and other local activities, including the Ironman competition.
Family Activities
Sandy beaches and water sports aren't all that await Lanzarote tourists. Puerto Del Carmen is also a hub of excitement for many family activities. The Rancho Texas Theme Park, established around 1731, is one of the most popular sites in Puerto Del Carmen. The first mayor of San Antonio, Texas, was originally from Lanzarote and the park is, in part, a tribute to that connection. Some of the park's most popular attractions include crocodiles, parrots and a "Birds of Prey" show. Pony and canoe rides and many other activities await anxious tourists and excited children.
Vivid Puerto Del Carmen Nightlife
Although Puerto Del Carmen caters to families, those who enjoy a vivid nightlife will find no shortage of bars and clubs. Some nightclubs offer live music, drinks and dancing, while others offer foods ranging from international treats to traditional Canarian foods. All area nightclubs are dedicated to the comfort, fun and safety of their patrons.
Concerts abound on Lanzarote and in Puerto Del Carmen. Throughout the year, tourists may find traditional, festival-style concerts or world-famous performers at any given time. The Canary Islands Jazz Festival and the Las Palmas Opera Festival are only two of the many concerts and festivals set to take place on Lanzarote this summer.
Both Gary Marshall & Roger Munns are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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