Things to Do in Puerto del Carmen: Beaches, Markets & Nightlife

Anyone planning a trip to Lanzarote has probably heard about Puerto del Carmen’s beaches and nightlife. But with two other major resorts—Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise—also vying for your holiday, choosing where to stay can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down the best things to do in Puerto del Carmen—a resort that stretches along more than 6 kilometres of sandy coast (Lanzarote.com (Official Tourism))—and compares it with its neighbours to help you find your ideal base.

Main beaches: 3 (Playa Grande, Playa Chica, Playa de los Pocillos) ·
Market day: Sundays (Teguise Market) ·
Distance from airport: 10 km

Here are the key facts about Puerto del Carmen.

Is there much to do in Puerto del Carmen?

Beaches and water sports

• Playa Grande – the main 1.5-km beach with sunbeds, showers, and watersports rentals (TripAdvisor)
• Playa Chica – sheltered cove ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving (Winalist Travel Guide)
• Playa de los Pocillos – a quieter stretch popular with families (Kayak Hotels)
• Water sports include sport fishing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sea excursions (TripAdvisor)

Boat trips and dolphin watching

• Several operators run catamaran and speedboat trips from Puerto del Carmen marina (TripAdvisor)
• Dolphin sightings are common on trips to the Atlantic waters off Lanzarote’s coast (Lonely Planet (Travel Guide))

Nightlife and dining

• The main strip, Avenida de las Playas, is lined with bars, clubs, and restaurants (The Guardian (Travel))
• Puerto del Carmen has one of the widest selections of restaurants on the island (TripAdvisor)
• Live music and a small casino provide evening entertainment (TripAdvisor)

Day trips to Timanfaya and other attractions

• Timanfaya National Park – 30–40 minutes by car, with geothermal demonstrations and volcanic landscapes (BBC Travel)
• Cueva de los Verdes – a 6-km volcanic cave with guided tours (National Geographic (Travel))
• Jameos del Agua – a cultural centre designed by César Manrique inside a volcanic tube (National Geographic (Travel))
• Mirador del Río – a viewpoint perched 400 m above sea level (The Independent (Travel))

The implication: your itinerary can be dense, but plan day trips early to avoid missing the island’s volcanic highlights.

Is there a market day in Puerto del Carmen?

Teguise Market on Sundays

• Teguise Market is held every Sunday from 9:00 to 14:00 (Spain.info (Official Tourism))
• It features hundreds of stalls selling local crafts, clothing, food, and souvenirs (TripAdvisor)
• Taxi fare from Puerto del Carmen to Teguise Market is approximately €15–20 (Kayak Hotels)

Other markets in Lanzarote

• Costa Teguise market on Wednesdays (TripAdvisor)
• Playa Blanca market on Thursdays (TripAdvisor)

Shopping in Puerto del Carmen

• Biosfera Plaza is the main shopping centre, with fashion stores, a supermarket, and a cinema (TripAdvisor)
• Avenida de las Playas is lined with souvenir shops, boutiques, and supermarkets (TripAdvisor)

The pattern: your market experience is tied to your arrival day, so adjust your schedule accordingly.

Which is nicer, Playa Blanca or Puerto del Carmen?

Two resorts, two personalities. Here’s how they compare across the factors that matter most to travellers.

The catch: your sleep quality depends on your zone choice, so align with your tolerance for noise.

Where is the prettiest place in Lanzarote?

Timanfaya National Park

• Vast volcanic landscapes from eruptions between 1730 and 1736 (BBC Travel)
• Geothermal demonstrations with heat rising from the ground (Lonely Planet (Travel Guide))

Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua

• Cueva de los Verdes – a 6-km volcanic cave formed by the Corona lava tube (Wikipedia)
• Jameos del Agua – an auditorium and pool inside a collapsed lava tube, designed by artist César Manrique (National Geographic (Travel))

Mirador del Río

• Lookout point at 475 m elevation, offering views of the island of La Graciosa (The Independent (Travel))
• Designed by César Manrique to blend into the landscape (The Independent (Travel))

Puerto del Carmen’s coastal path

• A scenic promenade stretching the length of the resort, past all three beaches (TripAdvisor)
• Sunset views over the Atlantic with the volcanic backdrop (TripAdvisor)

The implication: day trips are essential; the coast is pleasant but the interior steals the show.

What is the nicest part of Puerto del Carmen?

Old town (La Tiñosa)

• Historic quarter with narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and local seafood restaurants (TripAdvisor)
• Less touristy than the beachfront; popular with repeat visitors (TripAdvisor)

Beachfront area (Playa Grande)

• The largest beach with plenty of sunbeds, showers, and nearby amenities (TripAdvisor)
• Central location for restaurants, bars, and shops (TripAdvisor)

Avenida de las Playas

• Main thoroughfare with lively nightlife, bars, clubs, and casinos (The Guardian (Travel))
• Can be noisy at night; best for those who want to be in the action (TripAdvisor)

North end (Los Pocillos)

• Quieter stretch with wide, less crowded beach (Kayak Hotels)
• Mainly family-friendly hotels and apartments (Kayak Hotels)

The consequence: choose your accommodation zone based on your tolerance for noise and activity.

“Puerto del Carmen features more than 6 kilometres of beaches and is one of the most important tourist resorts on Lanzarote island.”

— Lanzarote Tourist Information (Official Tourism)

“A taxi fare from Puerto del Carmen to Teguise Market is generally between €15 and €20, but prices can vary during peak season.”

— Local taxi company estimate (via Lanzarote Transfer Services)

“Puerto del Carmen offers a wide range of restaurants, bars, and nightlife options, making it a favourite for families and groups.”

— TripAdvisor user reviews

For Irish holidaymakers, the choice between Puerto del Carmen and the quieter alternatives comes down to one thing: how much nightlife you want. If a holiday means being in the thick of it with variety on your doorstep, Puerto del Carmen is your spot. If you’d rather trade the buzz for coastal walks and early bedtimes, Playa Blanca (or the north end of Puerto del Carmen itself) will serve you better. Either way, the island’s volcanic wonders are a short taxi ride away. For more travel inspiration, check out our guide to Last Minute Holiday Deals Ireland and Cheap Hotel Breaks in Ireland.