Puerto del Carmen is Lanzarote’s largest and most popular resort, and it has been a firm favourite with Irish holidaymakers for generations. Stretching along six kilometres of the island’s south-east coast, it combines excellent beaches, a characterful old harbour area, a long commercial strip packed with restaurants and bars, and easy access to Lanzarote’s remarkable volcanic attractions. Whether you are a family, a couple or a group of friends, Puerto del Carmen has something for everyone.
Location and Getting There
Puerto del Carmen is located on Lanzarote’s south-east coast, just ten minutes from Arrecife Airport (ACE) — one of the shortest airport-to-resort transfers in the Canary Islands. The flight from Dublin takes approximately four hours. This short transfer is a genuine advantage, particularly for families with young children who want to get to the hotel quickly after a long flight. The resort’s central location also makes it an excellent base for exploring the rest of the island.
Beaches
Puerto del Carmen has three main beaches. Playa Grande is the principal beach — a wide, golden stretch of sand in the heart of the resort with full facilities, lifeguards, and easy access from the Avenida de las Playas. Playa Chica, a smaller cove near the old town, is popular with snorkellers and divers thanks to its clear water and rocky edges teeming with marine life. Playa de los Pocillos at the northern end of the resort is a long, wide beach that is especially family-friendly due to its shallow, calm waters. All three beaches are well maintained and hold Blue Flag status.
The Canary Islands are volcanic in origin, which gives the coastline a distinctive character. Many beaches feature dark volcanic sand alongside imported golden sand, and the underwater landscape is rich with marine life, making snorkelling and diving rewarding activities. The Atlantic waters around the Canaries are home to sea turtles, rays, angel sharks and colourful tropical fish that have drifted north on warm currents from West Africa. Beach conditions vary throughout the day — mornings tend to be calmer, while afternoon trade winds can pick up, particularly on north and east-facing coasts.
Things to Do
The old town harbour area is the original heart of Puerto del Carmen, where fishing boats still moor alongside excursion vessels. It is a picturesque spot for an evening stroll and a seafood dinner. From here, you can book boat trips including catamaran cruises, deep-sea fishing and submarine safaris. Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park, a few minutes north of the resort, combines an animal park with water slides and is popular with families. For a taste of Lanzarote’s unique landscape, Timanfaya National Park (the Fire Mountains) is a half-hour drive north, and the Cesar Manrique-designed attractions — Jameos del Agua, Cueva de los Verdes, the Cactus Garden — are essential day trips.
Dining and Nightlife
Puerto del Carmen’s Avenida de las Playas is the main restaurant and bar strip, running parallel to the coast for several kilometres. You will find every type of cuisine here, from Canarian fish restaurants and Spanish tapas bars to Indian, Chinese, Italian and Irish pubs. The old town harbour area has a more local feel, with excellent seafood restaurants where the fish was landed that morning. Nightlife in Puerto del Carmen is lively without being overwhelming — there are late-night bars and clubs on the Avenida, as well as comedy nights, live music venues and karaoke bars. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming.
Best Time to Visit
Lanzarote’s reliable climate means Puerto del Carmen is a good choice year-round. Summer brings temperatures in the high twenties, while winter remains pleasantly warm in the low twenties. The resort is busiest from November to March (winter sun seekers) and July to August (school holidays). May, June, September and October offer excellent weather and better value.
Practical Information for Irish Visitors
Lanzarote is part of Spain and the EU. The currency is the euro and no visa is needed for Irish citizens. The Canary Islands are on GMT, matching Ireland in winter and one hour behind in summer. English is very widely spoken in Puerto del Carmen. Tipping is discretionary — rounding up the bill is standard.
Healthcare in the Canary Islands is covered by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for Irish citizens, though travel insurance is always recommended. Tap water is safe but most visitors prefer bottled water, which is inexpensive and widely available. The islands have excellent road networks, and hire cars are affordable — driving is on the right-hand side. Pharmacies (farmacias) are well stocked and pharmacists can advise on minor ailments without a doctor’s visit. The Canary Islands have no time difference with Ireland in winter, which is a real bonus — no jet lag on arrival and no adjustment needed for return.
Why Book with Sunholidays.ie
Sunholidays.ie is Irish-owned and licensed by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA Licence No. T0601), so your holiday money is fully protected. Book with a deposit of twenty euro per person and spread the cost with monthly payments. The price match guarantee ensures the best available deal, and the team’s deep knowledge of Puerto del Carmen means they can recommend the right hotel and location within the resort for your particular needs.
Puerto del Carmen is Lanzarote's original and most popular resort, stretching along miles of golden sandy beaches like Playa Grande and Playa de los Pocillos. Its main strip, Avenida de las Playas, is packed with shops, bars, and restaurants catering to all tastes. The Old Town harbour area offers a more traditional charm with excellent seafood restaurants. With a wide range of accommodation and entertainment options, Puerto del Carmen is a vibrant hub for Irish holidaymakers of all ages.