Puerto del Carmen holidays

How to reach Puerto del Carmen

• Flight time: Flights to Puerto del Carmen are easily accessible via Lanzarote Airport, with direct flights from Dublin and other Irish airports taking around 4 hours.

• Transfer time: The drive from Lanzarote Airport to Puerto del Carmen takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes by taxi or car. Public buses are also available, though they take a little longer depending on your exact stop.

• Price: A taxi from the airport typically costs between €20 and €35. For a cheaper option, the local bus service charges around €1.50 per person.

Best time to visit Puerto del Carmen

Puerto del Carmen enjoys a pleasant climate all year round, but the atmosphere and accommodation prices shift depending on the season.

• March to May sees temperatures between 20°C and 25°C with very little rainfall – perfect for getting outdoors and enjoying the island’s natural beauty as spring begins.

• June to August brings the hottest weather, often reaching highs of 29°C or more. It’s the ideal time for beach days, water sports and experiencing the lively summer festivals and nightlife.

• September to November remains warm, with temperatures between 25°C and 28°C. It’s a great time to visit for a more relaxed vibe, with fewer crowds but still plenty of sunshine.

• December to February is mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from 17°C to 21°C. This quieter season is ideal if you’re after a peaceful winter escape with reliable sun.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in Puerto del Carmen, particularly in tourist-friendly areas.

• Local habits and customs: Afternoon siestas are still common, and dinner is typically served later than in Ireland – most locals dine from 8pm onwards.

• Currency: Lanzarote uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are accepted in most places, and ATMs are easy to find throughout the resort.

• Getting around: The local bus service is affordable and links the resort to key attractions and nearby towns. Car hire is a popular option if you want the freedom to explore the island’s varied landscapes.

• Electricity and plug types: The island uses 220–240V power and standard European two-pin plugs. Irish travellers will need a travel adaptor.

• Time zone: Lanzarote follows Western European Time (WET), the same as Ireland, so there’s no time difference.

Best things to do in Puerto del Carmen

With a fantastic mix of activities, from relaxing beach days to stunning natural landscapes bursting with adventure, holidays in Puerto del Carmen are perfect for everyone.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Mirador del Río: This viewpoint, crafted by the talented César Manrique, beautifully combines art with the stunning scenery, serving up breathtaking views of the small islands to the north of Lanzarote.

• Puerto Calero Marina: Just a short drive from Puerto del Carmen, this marina is a lovely spot to take in the ocean views and admire the luxury yachts while enjoying a peaceful sunset stroll.

The best districts

• Varadero: The old town's harbour area, Varadero is a charming mix of traditional buildings and modern restaurants and bars, making it a great place to relax with some live music on the terrace.

• Avenida de las Playas: This is the main strip in Puerto del Carmen, lined with shops, bars, and restaurants suited to every taste. It’s the busy heart of the resort!

Day trips in the area

• Timanfaya National Park: Take a memorable day out checking out the unique moon-like landscapes shaped by volcanic activity. Don't miss trying some delicious food cooked over geothermal heat at El Diablo restaurant!

• Jameos del Agua: Another of César Manrique's brilliant creations, this spot features a natural cave, a saltwater lake, and even a concert hall, making for a truly unique experience.

• Playa Blanca: Just a short drive away, Playa Blanca boasts lovely beaches and is also where you can catch the ferry to Fuerteventura for a different island adventure.

• La Geria: Venture out to La Geria, home to Lanzarote's unique wine region, where you can sample delightful local wines produced from grapes grown in volcanic ash.

Activities for families in Puerto del Carmen

Puerto del Carmen is a fantastic choice for families. With calm beaches and engaging attractions, there's plenty for everyone to enjoy.

• Beaches: The main beach at Playa Grande is perfect for little ones with its golden sands and shallow waters. Lifeguards are on duty, and there are well-kept playgrounds at many of the beaches.

• Aquariums and zoos: Rancho Texas Park combines a zoo with water fun, letting the kids get close to animals and enjoy water slides and splash zones. Don’t miss Aquarium Lanzarote in nearby Costa Teguise; it's an educational treat for families!

Free things to do in Puerto del Carmen

You don’t need to break the bank to enjoy Puerto del Carmen. There are loads of free activities, allowing you to explore its rich culture, nature, and history without spending a cent.

• Beach volleyball: Join in on some beach volleyball at Playa Chica or Playa Grande, where informal games often pop up.

• Hiking: Cost nothing at all! Trek through the volcanic landscapes of Los Volcanes Natural Park or take a coastal walk from Puerto del Carmen to Puerto Calero.

• Street markets: Experience the lively atmosphere at the Old Town market on Friday mornings – a great way to soak up local culture while browsing the stalls.

• Cultural festivals: Don’t miss out on local celebrations, such as Carnival or the Fiesta de San Juan, where you’ll find free events, parades, and performances.

• Art installations: Stroll along Avenida de las Playas to admire public art installations by local artists, all free to see.

• Church of San Antonio: This lovely church in the Old Town is open to visitors at no cost, offering a peaceful escape.

Wellness in Puerto del Carmen

• Spas and thermal baths: Many hotels have spa facilities where you can delight in massages, facials, and body treatments. One standout is the VIK Hotel San Antonio.

• Yoga and meditation centres: There are yoga studios in and around Puerto del Carmen offering daily classes and meditation sessions, often set against stunning beach views.

Nature and outdoor activities in Puerto del Carmen

• Paragliding: Take to the skies as paragliders launch from the cliffs near Puerto del Carmen, giving you breathtaking views of the island and ocean.

• Ziplining: Enjoy an adrenaline rush with zip line courses available just a short drive from Puerto del Carmen, providing exhilarating views of Lanzarote’s rugged landscapes.

• Cycling: Cycle your way around the area! The coastal paths and challenging inland routes offer something for all fitness levels, and bike rentals are easy to find.

• Water sports: With its crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, Puerto del Carmen is a top spot for diving and snorkelling. Many dive centres offer PADI certification courses, and you can try stand-up paddleboarding off the calmer beaches.

• Fishing: Fancy a bit of sea fishing? You can charter boat trips for deep-sea fishing, where you might reel in marlin, tuna, and other exciting catches.

Local dishes in Puerto del Carmen

Together with traditional Canary Island dishes, fresh seafood and mouth-watering tapas, Puerto del Carmen ensures that your dining experience is as sunny as the weather.

Some typical dishes

• Papas Arrugadas: Small potatoes are cooked in salted water and served with a hot sauce known as mojo, which is a mixture of peppers, garlic, vinegar and olive oil.

• Conejo en Salmorejo: Rabbit is marinated in a typical Canarian sauce that is made from garlic, spices, vinegar and oil, then fried or baked.

Tapas dishes

• Chorizo al Vino: This recipe is as easy as it comes: chorizo sausage cooked in wine. It may be simple yet this dish is packed full of flavour.

• Queso Asado: Often, this grilled cheese is served with a sweet mojo or green spicy mojo sauce.

Meat dishes

• Carne Fiesta: Popular at local fiestas and celebrations, this dish consists of pork marinated in garlic, spices and wine, then fried.

• Cabrito Asado: Roasted goat is a speciality in Lanzarote, known for its tender and flavourful meat.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Calamares a la Romana: A plate of these battered and fried squid rings is a favourite in coastal areas.

• Pescado a la Sal: This fish baked in salt is the perfect way to highlight the freshness and flavour of the local catch.

Street food

• Bocadillos de Calamares: Squid sandwiches are a simple yet popular choice for a quick and satisfying meal on the go.

Sweets and desserts

• Bienmesabe: Bienmesabe is a deliciously sweet dessert that is primarily made from almonds, egg yolk and honey.

• Frangollo: One of the Canary Islands' most delicious desserts; cornmeal, eggs, milk, sugar, butter, lemon zest, almonds and raisins are the fundamental ingredients.

Local drinks

• Malvasía wine: Wine lovers should definitely taste this local wine from Lanzarote's volcano regions, which ranges from dry to very sweet.

• Barraquito: An indulgent layered coffee made with condensed milk, liqueur, cinnamon and lemon, barraquito is served primarily in cafés throughout the island.