It is one of the most important tourist resorts in Lanzarote and is home to some of the island’s finest beaches. If you want to enjoy the sun and sea, you need to know which are the best beaches in Puerto del Carmen.
Why Puerto del Carmen is special for beachgoers
The lively atmosphere and calm beaches in this part of Lanzarote make Puerto del Carmen one of the most appealing destinations for visitors.
Its location is privileged. Being on the East Coast, its beaches are sheltered from the stronger trade winds. This means the waters are calm—ideal for the whole family to enjoy.
Do you prefer large, bustling beaches or hidden coves? Puerto del Carmen offers a wide range of options for every taste: golden sands, perfect spots for snorkelling, sunbathing, swimming, diving or simply relaxing. Here you’ll find the ideal beach for you.
Puerto del Carmen enjoys pleasant temperatures all year round, much like the rest of Lanzarote. The sunny days and warm water mean you can enjoy its beaches at any time of year.
Top beaches in Puerto del Carmen you cannot miss
Puerto del Carmen was once a fishing village that became one of Lanzarote’s main attractions. Thanks to its location, it boasts some of the island’s best beaches. Below, we’ll tell you which ones stand out the most.
Playa Grande – the main long beach, family-friendly and full-service
This is one of the most popular beaches in Puerto del Carmen. It’s wide, with fine golden sand, calm waters and a full range of services, making it perfect for families with children.
You can take a relaxing swim, sunbathe or rent pedal boats and jet skis.
You’ll find sunbeds, parasols, showers, restaurants, and beach bars all along the promenade. It’s also accessible for people with reduced mobility.
Playa Chica – sheltered cove, great for snorkelling and diving
If you love snorkelling or diving, Playa Chica is the perfect spot for a getaway. It’s a small cove with crystal-clear waters and volcanic formations.
Its waters are rich in marine life, including colourful fish, octopus, and starfish. You can rent equipment from one of the nearby dive centres.
The beach is small, so if you want to find a good spot, it’s best to arrive early in the morning.
Playa de los Pocillos – popular with families, shallower waters
Playa de Los Pocillos is another long beach. It is in the centre of Puerto del Carmen. It can be busy, but it is large. You can usually find a free spot.
Though it can be breezy, the water is calm and shallow, making it an excellent option for families. It’s ideal for long walks and beach sports like football.
Playa Matagorda & other quieter spots – for relaxation and fewer crowds
Matagorda is another long beach in Puerto del Carmen. It has a calmer, more relaxed vibe than others in the area. It offers sunbeds, parasols, showers, and parking.
Not only that, but it’s ideal for practising sports, and nearby you’ll find bars and shops to enjoy during your visit.
Choosing the right beach for your needs
The beaches are Puerto del Carmen’s main attraction. They’re easy to reach, and their proximity to the seafront promenade means finding somewhere to eat or have a drink is simple.
You can get there easily by public transport or car, as there’s parking close to most beaches.
Best for families & children
If you’re travelling with family, Playa Grande is the perfect place. Its calm, shallow waters and abundance of services make it a safe and fun option for children.
Best for snorkelling and diving
For water sports like snorkelling and diving, Playa Chica is the best choice. This sheltered cove is home to rich marine life that you can easily observe with the help of local tour centres. Its calm waters make it suitable for all experience levels.
Best for water sports
The steady winds at Matagorda make it ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing. You can also rent jet skis and enjoy other aquatic activities here.
Best for tranquillity and escaping crowds
If you prefer a quieter, less crowded spot, head to Playa de Los Pocillos. Here you can soak up the sun and sea in total peace.
What to expect: Facilities, access & amenities
There’s a beach for every preference, but to choose the right one, it’s useful to know what to expect in terms of facilities, accessibility, and services.
Sunbed/umbrella rentals, shower/toilet facilities
Most beaches in Puerto del Carmen—especially Playa Grande and Playa de Los Pocillos—offer sunbed and parasol rentals.
You’ll also find public showers and toilets, though in some cases they may require a small fee.
Accessibility: promenades, parking, public transport
Puerto del Carmen is well-connected and easy to get around. Most beaches have accessible promenades suitable for visitors with reduced mobility.
There’s parking available near the beaches, although finding a space in high season can be tricky. Public transport is also a good option, with regular bus routes connecting different parts of Puerto del Carmen and the rest of Lanzarote.
Nearby restaurants, bars, shops, and accommodation
One of the greatest advantages of Puerto del Carmen’s beaches is their proximity to a wide range of amenities. You’ll find restaurants, bars, shops, and accommodation of all kinds just a short walk away.
This makes it easy to spend a full day at the beach without worrying about food, drinks, or lodging. The nightlife in Puerto del Carmen is another highlight, with plenty of venues to dance and enjoy yourself once the sun sets.
Practical travel tips and timing
- Best times of day to visit each beach: To avoid crowds, visit the beaches early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
- Avoid crowds & choose quieter spots: Playa Grande is the busiest beach; if you prefer a calmer place, head to Playa Chica or Los Pocillos.
- What to bring: Always carry high-factor sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and light clothing. Don’t forget to bring water to stay hydrated.
When visiting the best beaches in Puerto del Carmen, remember to respect the rules and preserve the environment. The atmosphere in this area is spectacular, and to start your holiday off right, make sure to book your Lanzarote Airport Transfer service in advance.
Our company seeks to deliver the best service you can find on the island today. We seek to optimise our clients’ time and resources, which is why we respect the schedules and offer the best prices for different transfers.
