Puerto del Carmen: Beaches, Dive Sites and Maritime Heritage

The coastal areas are distinctly different: Playa Grande is a town beach, Playa Chica is protected by lava flows, and Playa de los Pocillos is known for its vastness and a natural phenomenon in September. Other features that can help you match your interests to your trip include a cycle path along much of Avenida de las Playas, a fishing pier with a maritime heritage, and the Ironman.

Beaches and water activities

Playa Grande is a town beach in Puerto del Carmen with more than a kilometre of golden sand and calm water. The beach has accessible facilities: reserved parking spaces, ramps, a walkway across the sand and a shaded area. There is also a service with an amphibious chair; check its availability locally.

Playa de los Pocillos is a wide beach with golden sand. In early September, it is known for the natural spectacle of Mareas del Pino. Windsurfing and swimming are possible there throughout the year; actual sea conditions can vary. If you are planning water activities, keep an eye on conditions during your visit.

Lava flows naturally protect Playa Chica. Its calm water gives the beach the feel of a natural swimming pool. Playa Chica offers shore-entry dives and facilities for divers. Operators and availability may change; check specific offers in advance.

Dive sites and underwater scenery

Below Playa Chica, El Veril de la Tiñosa is designated as a Special Area of Conservation in the Natura 2000 network. La Catedral is a dive site in Puerto del Carmen: a cavity extends into the underwater cliff, forming a large volcanic vault. The diving highlights different features: shore entry at Playa Chica and the striking cavity in the cliff at La Catedral.

Routes and maritime heritage

Avenida de las Playas is Puerto del Carmen’s main thoroughfare and also a pedestrian-oriented corridor for walking, sport and leisure. It is six kilometres long, with a cycle path along much of its route. As the exact sections available for use may change, check the route if the cycle path is important to your plans.

El Varadero is Puerto del Carmen’s fishing pier, in the area historically known as La Tiñosa. El Varadero preserves traditional buildings that highlight Puerto del Carmen’s maritime character. The pier and its preserved buildings give the area a different focus from the beach and water-sports themes: here, the emphasis is on maritime heritage.

Ironman Lanzarote

Ironman Lanzarote is one of the sporting events held in Puerto del Carmen throughout the year. On race day, the event begins with a 3.8-kilometre swim in Puerto del Carmen bay and ends with a marathon along the promenade. The exact schedule may vary from one edition to another. If the competition is important to your travel plans, check the dates and details for the relevant edition.

Discover more destinations: La Asomada, Macher, Conil, Masdache

For the main travel overview: Tías.