Soak up the sunshine in Puerto del Carmen
When it comes to taking a relaxing break in Lanzarote, there is perhaps nowhere that can top Puerto del Carmen. As the main tourist resort on the Spanish island, you'll certainly be in good company as you soak up the sunshine. However, that's not to say you can't enjoy a chic break here, as there are plenty of high-end restaurants and luxurious villas.
Although Puerto del Carmen was originally a small fishing village, it has expanded significantly over the years to become one of the biggest and most exciting holiday destinations in the Canary Islands.
However, you can discover traces of the settlement's origins by booking accommodation in Los Mojones. Not only is this a popular place among those seeking high-end villas complete with modern amenities, but it is also close to the old town and harbour. As much of this part of Puerto del Carmen has retained its period charm, you can watch local fishermen haul in their daily catch before heading to one of the numerous waterfront bars and restaurants to grab a bite to eat, whether its freshly caught seafood or tapas.
From the harbour, you can go on a number of boat excursions that enable you to take in fantastic views of the Lanzarote landscape, as well as travel to some of the other isles in the Canary archipelago. You could even take a glass-bottomed boat trip, and these luxurious vessels enable you to see some of the region's exotic sealife without having to get wet.
Another great reason for booking a chic break in Puerto del Carmen is that you can nestle back on a golden stretch of sand to soak up some sunshine. While the town is one of the biggest and busiest resorts in the Canaries, you can easily find a spot to relax on, mainly as the coastline here stretches out for more than 6 km.
All the beaches feature gentle slopes, so they're perfect for relaxing on. Los Pocillios and Playa Blanca are the two largest, although if you want to be somewhere quieter you should visit Playa Chica. This is the smallest beach in the town and here you can explore a number of volcanic coves. Of course, you could always choose to sunbathe in the comfort of your private villa in Lanzarote if you prefer, whether it's by the pool or on the patio.
However, there is plenty of opportunity to be active if you'd rather not spend your entire break sunbathing or lounging around in your luxury villa. A number of bike hire shops are situated along the promenade so you can easily get around on two wheels, while you can also try your hand at windsurfing and other water sports.
Go diving, meanwhile, and you can see a vibrant array of marine creatures. Several dive sites can be easily accessed from Puerto del Carmen and as you explore underneath the water you can see everything from monkfish to octopus.
Back on dry land, Lanzarote Golf, an 18-hole par 72 golf resort, is just a short distance from the town. You can take in wonderful views of both Lanzarote's landscape and the Atlantic Ocean while you play; you can even see out to the neighbouring islands of Lobos and Fuerteventura.
