Puerto del Carmen
Puerto del Carmen is the epicentre of Lanzarote´s tourist industry. As this is both the islands oldest and most popular resort.
Formerly a small fishing village called La Tiñosa tourism first took off here around the harbour area in what is now known as The Old Town. Which is in fact only marginally older than the other half of the resort – refered to as The New Town. With a demarcation line that runs roughly from the Fariones Hotel in the centre of the resort.
Holiday apartments in Puerto del Carmen are the predominant form of accommodation. As the resort is serviced by just two main hotels along with a selection of holiday villas. Making the resort a very cost effective option with rental prices starting from as little as £220 per week for a basic one bedroom apartment.
In the New Town the resort is demarcated by the Avenida de las Playas – which runs all the way alongside the 6km of beaches, which were instrumental in creating Puerto del Carmen´s popularity with holidaymakers. On the opposite side of the road from the beach lies a long row of shops, bars and restaurants. And Centro – the central part of the strip – remains the epicenter of nightlife for the whole resort.
In the Old Town holiday apartments, bars and restaurants are all clustered around the harbour area. Which is the place to head for come nightfall as there are some excellent eateries arrayed around the port.
During the daytime life revolves around the resorts beaches. And there are a number to choose from. Playa Grande is Puerto del Carmen´s biggest beach stretching 1.2km – and offers good facilities such as sun loungers, umbrellas and toilets. It’s also especially safe for bathing and young children.
Playa Chica – located behind a little residential enclave next to the Fariones Hotel is the best for watersports. As parascending, banana boats and jet-skis can all be hired on the small jetty next to the beach. Playa Chica is also partially enclosed by volcanic rock, making it a great location for diving and snorkeling.
These beaches can get crowded – especially in high season. So it’s also well worth checking out the smaller beaches that dot the coastline as you walk away from Playa Grande in the direction of the San Antonio Hotel. And the small beach in front of the Fariones – next door to Playa Chica – is also ideal for more peace and space.
As a result of its popularity with overseas visitors the market for property for sale in Puerto del Carmen also remains buoyant. As overseas buyers are able to enjoy twelve month rental returns on their investment thanks to the resort’s clement year round climate.
