After Catalonia the Canaries are Spain’s most popular holiday destination. Attracting over nine million visitors during the course of last year alone. Thanks to the fact that the Islands boast a great climate all year round – and are home to some magnificent beaches.
Lanzarote is the most easterly link in this chain and remains one of the least spoiled of the larger islands. Tourism first really took off here during the 1970´s in what was once a small fishing village called La Tiñosa. Which has rapidly evolved over the last forty years to become the busiest resort on the island – Puerto del Carmen.
Much of the secret of Puerto del Carmen’s success as a holiday destination lies in the fact that the resort is located within a sheltered bay and is blessed with great (if man made) beaches. With golden grains imported from the nearby Sahara desert.
The most impressive of these are the huge stretch of sand at Los Pocillos and the main hub of the resort – Playa Grande. But there are a number of smaller and more intimate beaches for visitors to explore. Such as the small bay at Playa Chica – which is protected by a barrier of volcanic rocks, making it ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving. And Playa Fariones – which is located just in front of the Los Fariones – one of the most popular hotels in Lanzarote.
Since the resort started to grow during the 1970s it has become divided into two distinct zones. The Old Town – which is located around the harbour area and which is predomiantly residential. And the New Town – which runs parallel with Playa Grande and which caters more to tourists.Â
There are only two main hotels in the resort. So the majority of visitors opt for self catering accommodation. The best selection of villas in Puerto del Carmen can be found in and around the Los Mojones area – which is about ten minutes walk from the Old Town harbour. Whilst there are a host of apartment complexes to choose from in the New Town area for those on more of a budget.
Puerto del Carmen offers plenty for holiday makers to do beyond just relaxing on the beach. A new golf course has just opened on the outskirts of town. Whilst boat trips run throughout the day from the harbour area. Children will also be entranced by the zoo and theme park at Rancho Texas – the largest attraction of its kind on Lanzarote.