Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote's liveliest resort for a place to stay
Staying in Puerto del Carmen means picking the widest choice of accommodation on Lanzarote: hotels and apartments strung along a promenade several kilometres long, between three beaches and a strip of restaurants that never really winds down in the evening.
In a nutshell
- The island's largest resort, with the widest choice of hotels and apartments.
- Three beaches nearby: Playa Grande (centre), Los Pocillos and Playa Chica.
- Avenida de las Playas: restaurants, bars and nightlife all in one strip.
- A good central base for exploring both north and south of the island.
Puerto del Carmen, the island's biggest resort
Puerto del Carmen has the largest concentration of accommodation on Lanzarote, strung along a seafront promenade several kilometres long. The resort grew out of an old fishing village, whose historic quarter (the “Puerto del Carmen antiguo”) keeps a more local feel around the small harbour.
Most of the hotel supply runs along the Avenida de las Playas, where large beachfront hotels, aparthotels and residences follow one another, all within walking distance of the beaches and the restaurants.
Playa Grande, Los Pocillos and Playa Chica: three beaches, three moods
Playa Grande, right in the centre, is the busiest and liveliest, lined with shops. Playa de los Pocillos, a little further east, is wider and quieter, popular with families. Playa Chica, to the west near the old harbour, is a small sheltered cove, popular for snorkelling and beginner dives thanks to its calm water.
Choosing a hotel by its nearest beach is the most useful rule of thumb: places near Los Pocillos are quieter, those near the centre put you closer to the nightlife.
Where to stay: seafront, the Avenida or the old harbour
Seafront hotels, such as Los Fariones or Vitalclass Lanzarote, focus on being right by the beach with direct access to the promenade. The Avenida de las Playas, set back slightly, is home to more aparthotels and residences with kitchens — a practical option for families or longer stays.
The old harbour area, quieter in the evening, suits anyone after a more local feel without straying far from the beaches. To compare with the island's other areas before booking, head to our Lanzarote accommodation guide, higher up this page.
To go further, explore our Lanzarote guide or head back to the Canary Islands guide to compare the islands.
Frequently asked questions
Which beach is best for staying in Puerto del Carmen?
Playa Chica for calm water and snorkelling, Playa Grande for buzz and shops, Los Pocillos for space and a quieter family stay.
Is Puerto del Carmen good for families?
Yes, especially the Los Pocillos area, and the Avenida's aparthotels with kitchens.
Old harbour or the centre?
The centre gives you restaurants and nightlife on foot; the old harbour, quieter at night, keeps a more local feel.
Is Puerto del Carmen well placed for exploring the rest of the island?
Yes, its central position on the south coast makes it easy to reach both Timanfaya and La Geria, and Playa Blanca or Costa Teguise.
What type of accommodation should I choose?
A seafront hotel for simplicity and the view, or an aparthotel/residence on the Avenida for independence and a controlled budget.