Puerto del Carmen Tourist Information
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.
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.
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