Whether you want to laze around on picturesque beaches, party hard in the famous clubs or escape to eerie lava landscapes, Puerto del Carmen is the perfect place to soak up Lanzarote island. It boasts a virtually unbroken string of golden-sand beaches that stretch for six kilometres.

Things to do

Join fun-loving locals in the tapas bars of La Tiñosa, a delightful weave of white cottages set around an old fishing port. For lovingly prepared Canarian specialities, such as roasted goat or salt-smothered sea bass, book a table at La Cañada. Afterwards, head out to celebrate on Avenida Las Playas, the home Puerto del Carmen’s thriving nightlife.

Treat the kids to a day of fun at Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park. Meet komodo dragons, white tigers and cheeky sea lions at the zoo, then swap your shorts for swimmers and let loose at the water park. If you’ve got any energy left, hang around for the Wild West dinner show to find line dancing, horse riding and cowboy tricks.

In need of some peace and quiet? Meander through Lanzarote’s beautiful Cactus Garden, designed by César Manrique, the island’s most influential artist. The garden features over 1,000 prickly plants, a colossal cacti sculpture and a stylish restaurant set into the caves.

Visit Timanfaya National Park, which was forged in the fire of 100 erupting volcanoes centuries ago, so the temperatures below the ground still sizzle with extreme heat. Witness water burst from a steaming borehole, ride a camel through the solidified lava and eat “volcanic food” cooked in the ashes at El Diablo restaurant.

Getting around

Puerto del Carmen is 10 minutes’ drive from Lanzarote Airport. Once in town, it’s easy to explore on foot, with plenty of pedestrianised streets and a waterfront promenade. Rental cars and tour coaches are popular ways to explore further afield.