Free walking tours in Puerto del Carmen and what to see

Must-sees

Puerto del Carmen is Lanzarote’s main resort and stretches along the Avenida de las Playas, a promenade several kilometres long beside the sea. Along the way you find Playa Grande, the most central beach, and further east the wide Los Pocillos beach. It is an easy place to walk, swim and have dinner facing the ocean.

The spot with the most character is Puerto Viejo, the old fishermen’s quarter, with its quay, white houses and fish restaurants. Close by is Playa Chica, a small cove with calm water that is very popular for diving and snorkelling. From here the airport, Arrecife and the La Geria wine area are a short distance away.

Free tours and guided visits

Free walking tours are not common in Puerto del Carmen, because there is no historic centre to explore. The norm is to book guided trips from here. The most popular is the visit to Timanfaya National Park, with its volcano route, usually combined with La Geria and its vines planted in hollows of volcanic ash.

A trip around the north of the island is also worthwhile, usually including the Jameos del Agua, the Cueva de los Verdes and the Mirador del Río, all linked to César Manrique. Other options are boat trips along the coast, try dives and bike or kayak tours.

How long to spend

Half a day walking between Puerto Viejo and the Avenida de las Playas is enough to see the town. If you want to see the essentials of Lanzarote, allow at least three or four days: one for Timanfaya and La Geria, another for the north and the Manrique sites, and the rest for beaches and Teguise, especially if it coincides with its Sunday market.

Where to stay

Puerto Viejo is the best option if you want atmosphere, restaurants and streets with a bit more personality. The area around Playa Grande puts you in the middle of the promenade, with everything at hand. If you prefer calm and a wide beach, Los Pocillos is more relaxed and still well connected with the rest of the town and the airport.