Puerto del Carmen is the biggest and most popular of Lanzarote’s holiday resorts. It has been welcoming visitors to its sun-kissed shores, on the southeast of the island, since package tourism first took off on the volcanic isle in the 1960s.

The resort has certainly shaken off its fisherman’s garb over the decades. Even the so-called Old Town has been swept along with the development. And that means Puerto del Carmen offers a host of family attractions, more eateries than you can shake a knife and fork at, and a host of excellent facilities on and beside the sands. You’ll want for nothing during family holidays in Puerto del Carmen.

Couples and groups book cheap holidays to Puerto del Carmen too. It might not be the most romantic of Lanzarote’s hotspots, but fun-loving visitors lap up the nightly entertainment and friendly vibe of the bars, cafes and clubs along the Avenida de las Playas – the main seafront promenade of Puerto del Carmen.

There are many self-catering apartments and hotels in Puerto del Carmen and a range of good local stores where you can stock up on dining essentials. Some hotels offer bed-and-breakfast or half-board options too. If you are looking to go all-inclusive, Puerto del Carmen has a handful of hotels that cater for visitors at all hours with snacks, drinks, entertainment and meals.

When it comes to fun-filled sunshine holidays, Puerto del Carmen might be your dream destination. Find cheap deals on your next break by using the price-comparison tool on TravelSupermarket. We can also show you bargain prices on extras such as car hire in Puerto del Carmen, which is a fantastic idea if you hope to see the best bits of Lanzarote. 

Year-round sunshine and warmth make the Canary Islands a popular destination at any time. Even in January, the mildest time of the year, average daily temperatures do not drop below 17C.

Spring and autumn are great times to visit Puerto del Carmen. Hot days, fewer fellow tourists and a lull in the strong eternal breeze that cools the island – plus the possibility of cheaper holidays – make these seasons popular with travellers.

Summer is hot, with average daytime highs of 28C-32C and evenings when short sleeves are all you need.

Winter can see daytime temperatures in the low-20s, and when the sun breaks through the winter clouds it can feel gloriously warm. A handful of overcast days and some rain can be expected, especially between October and March. 

Carnaval; February/March: These pre-Lent celebrations make for a brilliant party atmosphere early in the year. Dates vary according to when Easter falls, but lucky families might catch the Puerto del Carmen carnival during the February half term break from school. Expect parades, and both locals and visitors in fancy dress.

Ironman Lanzarote; May: One of the toughest triathlon events in the world, you don’t have to be super fit to watch the competitors race to the finish line, which is in Puerto del Carmen. It’s an exhilarating event to be a part of, even as a spectator.

Teguise Market; weekly: This weekly market in the inland town of Teguise is a must-see for visitors to the island. It’s a sprawling collection of stalls, live music, food tastings, cafes and family amusements within the lovely environs of the old island capital. Teguise is 30 minutes by road from Puerto del Carmen – catch a tour bus for a couple of euros each or drive and park at the market for around three to four euros. 

Kids and teens: On the edge of the resort of Puerto del Carmen is Rancho Texas, a zoo, water park and playground for children of all ages.

Relaxing: The large ribbon of sand in central Puerto del Carmen is known as Playa Grande. There are water sports available and sun beds for hire. But the sheer size of the beach means there are also plenty of quiet spots in which to lay your towel and chill out. Walk north, towards the airport, and you’ll stumble upon the beach at Los Pocillos, which is equally large, clean and fantastic for whatever kind of beach day you crave.

Shopping: If you are looking for wearable, well-priced Spanish fashion, swerve the t-shirt vendors of the promenade and walk to the Old Town, where the sparkling stores of Biosfera Shopping Plaza will furnish your frame with local trends from the likes of Zara and Springfield. Zara fans should stock up in Spain, as clothes can cost much less here than they do in the UK.