Puerto del Carmen Beaches

Overview

Puerto del Carmen is a top choice for a beach-focused holiday in Lanzarote, Canary Islands, offering several kilometers of diverse, sandy beaches. The seawater is generally clear and calm, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. While Lanzarote can be breezy, Puerto del Carmen's main beaches are relatively sheltered. This popular resort town successfully blends its fishing village charm with modern amenities, providing a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of restaurants, shops, and activities along its main promenade, Avenida de las Playas.

Among the editor's picks, Playa Grande stands out as the main town beach, celebrated for its golden sand, calm waters, and accessibility, making it perfect for everyone, including families. For those keen on underwater exploration, Playa Chica is a scenic gem, renowned for its excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities in its sheltered cove. Families will also appreciate Playa de los Pocillos, an expansive beach with calm waters and family-oriented amenities. While not in Puerto del Carmen itself, Playa De Papagayo is an iconic Lanzarote escape, famous for its natural beauty and well worth the day trip for a more secluded experience.

Beyond these highlights, Puerto del Carmen offers other appealing stretches of sand. For instance, Playa Matagorda, located towards the airport, is known for being a quieter option with fine sand and calm waters, though it can be windier and is popular with windsurfers. For a different experience, the dark sand beach of Playa Quemada, a short drive away, offers a tranquil alternative. With a variety of beaches to explore, from bustling hubs to quieter coves, visitors are sure to find their perfect spot, and our longer list of beaches in this guide provides even more options.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Puerto del Carmen a good choice if I'm looking for a beach-focused holiday?

Yes, Puerto del Carmen is an excellent choice for a beach-focused holiday. It offers several kilometres of diverse beaches, from the large and lively Playa Grande to the smaller, sheltered Playa Chica, catering to various preferences. The resort is well-equipped with amenities along the coastline, making it convenient for beachgoers.

Playa Grande

Playa Chica

What's the water like for swimming at Puerto del Carmen beaches? Is it clear and calm?

The seawater in Puerto del Carmen is generally very clear and inviting for swimming. Most beaches, particularly Playa Grande and Playa Chica, are situated in bays that offer protection, resulting in relatively calm waters, especially during summer. Water visibility is often excellent, making it popular for snorkeling.

Playa Grande

Playa Chica

Are the beaches in Puerto del Carmen sandy? What's the sand like?

Yes, the main beaches in Puerto del Carmen are sandy. Playa Grande and Playa de los Pocillos feature fine, golden to light brown sand. Playa Chica has a mix of sand and some pebbles. Being on a volcanic island, you might notice some darker volcanic grains mixed in, but the primary beaches are predominantly sandy and comfortable.

Playa Grande

Playa de los Pocillos

Playa Chica

Which beach in Puerto del Carmen is best for families with young children?

Playa Grande is often recommended for families with young children due to its calm, shallow waters, soft sand, and ample space. It also has good facilities, including playgrounds, showers, and lifeguards. Playa de los Pocillos is another good option, being very spacious with calm waters, though it can be a bit windier.

Playa Grande

Playa de los Pocillos

I've heard Lanzarote can be windy. How windy are the beaches in Puerto del Carmen?

While Lanzarote is known for its breezes, Puerto del Carmen's main beaches are generally more sheltered compared to other parts of the island, especially Costa Teguise. Playa Grande and Playa Chica benefit from their orientation and surrounding landscape. However, some wind is common, particularly in the afternoons or during certain times of the year. Playa de los Pocillos can sometimes experience more wind due to its open expanse.

Playa Grande

Playa Chica

Playa de los Pocillos

What's the best beach for snorkeling or diving in Puerto del Carmen?

Playa Chica is widely regarded as the best spot for snorkeling and diving directly from the shore in Puerto del Carmen. Its sheltered cove, clear waters, and underwater rock formations attract a variety of marine life. Several dive centers are located nearby.

Playa Chica

Are there any official nudist beaches in Puerto del Carmen?

There are no officially designated nudist beaches directly within the main resort area of Puerto del Carmen. While naturism is tolerated in some more secluded spots away from the main family beaches, those seeking official nudist beaches often travel to areas like Charco del Palo on the northeast coast or Papagayo beaches near Playa Blanca, where some coves are clothing-optional.

Playa De Papagayo

Playa Blanca

How accessible are Puerto del Carmen's beaches for visitors with wheelchairs or mobility scooters?

Puerto del Carmen has made efforts to improve accessibility. Playa Grande and Playa de los Pocillos have promenade access, and some sections offer wooden walkways onto the sand and amphibious chairs for disabled bathers, often available via the lifeguard stations. It's always best to check locally for the most current facilities.

Playa Grande

Playa de los Pocillos

What's the average sea temperature in Puerto del Carmen? Is it warm enough to swim year-round?

The sea temperature in Puerto del Carmen ranges from about 18-19°C (64-66°F) in late winter/early spring to around 22-24°C (72-75°F) in late summer/autumn. Many people swim year-round, though some might find it a bit chilly in winter without a wetsuit. The warmest water is typically from August to October.

Can you rent sunbeds and umbrellas on the beaches? What's the typical cost?

Yes, sunbeds and umbrellas are widely available for rent on the main beaches like Playa Grande and Playa de los Pocillos. Prices can vary slightly but typically range from €12 to €18 for a set of two sunbeds and an umbrella for the day. Payment is usually made to an attendant on the beach.

Playa Grande

Playa de los Pocillos

How do Puerto del Carmen's beaches compare to those in Playa Blanca?

Puerto del Carmen offers long stretches of golden sand beaches like Playa Grande, directly fronting a lively promenade. Playa Blanca has a mix of smaller, sheltered white sand coves, including the famous Papagayo beaches (which require a bit of travel to reach). Puerto del Carmen's beaches are generally more integrated with the main resort town, while Playa Blanca's are a bit more spread out, with Papagayo offering a more natural, less developed feel.

Playa Grande

Playa De Papagayo

Playa Blanca

Are the beaches in Puerto del Carmen safe? Are there lifeguards?

Yes, the main beaches in Puerto del Carmen, such as Playa Grande, Playa de los Pocillos, and Playa Chica, are generally considered safe for swimming. They often have calm waters and are monitored by lifeguards during peak hours and seasons. It's always advisable to observe the flag system indicating water conditions and swim in designated areas.

Playa Grande

Playa de los Pocillos

Playa Chica

If I'm staying on the 'strip' (Avenida de las Playas), are the main beaches within walking distance?

Yes, if you're staying along or near the Avenida de las Playas (the main strip), Playa Grande and Playa Chica are very easily accessible on foot. The Avenida runs parallel to Playa Grande for a significant portion. Playa de los Pocillos is at the eastern end of the strip, also walkable or a short taxi/bus ride depending on your exact location.

Playa Grande

Playa Chica

Playa de los Pocillos

Are there any quieter coves or less busy beach spots in Puerto del Carmen if I want to avoid the crowds?

While Puerto del Carmen's main beaches can be popular, you can find quieter spots. The far ends of Playa Grande or Playa de los Pocillos tend to be less crowded. For smaller, more secluded coves, exploring the coastline between Playa Chica and Puerto Calero might reveal some quieter areas, though access can be more rugged. Playa Quemada, a short drive away, offers a very different, tranquil black sand beach experience.

Playa Grande

Playa de los Pocillos

Playa Chica

What kind of holiday is Puerto del Carmen best for if I want beaches but also other things to do?

Puerto del Carmen is ideal for a versatile holiday. It's primarily known for its excellent beaches and vibrant atmosphere, making it great for sun-seekers and families. However, it also offers a wide array of restaurants, bars, shops, watersports, and is a good base for exploring Lanzarote's volcanic landscapes, wineries, and attractions like Timanfaya National Park. So, it suits those who want a beach holiday with plenty of other entertainment and exploration options.