El Cangrejo and the old town
The old part of Puerto del Carmen keeps its fishing-village roots. El Cangrejo is a quiet residential area where locals live, two minutes from Playa Chica and a stroll from the traditional harbour, El Varadero.
Playa Chica: snorkelling and diving
Playa Chica is a small cove with clear, calm water sheltered from the swell. It's one of the best-known dive sites in the Canaries and perfect for a first snorkel: you'll see fish a few metres from the shore. Dive centres nearby offer try-dives and trips.
Playa Grande and the promenade
Playa Grande offers over a kilometre of sand with facilities. The promenade runs for kilometres along the coast towards the airport and Arrecife, ideal for walking, running or cycling at sunset.
Where to eat
These are our trusted food spots in the area, the ones we recommend to our guests:
- Vino +Wine & food
- Restaurante Casa ParmigianoLunch & dinner · Italian
- Taberna de NinoPintxos & wine
Besides these recommendations, before you arrive we will send you our island guide, which we keep up to date.
Nearby
- Puerto Calero (10 min): marina with boat trips and dolphin watching.
- Masdache (15 min): vineyards among volcanoes and wine tastings.
- Timanfaya (30 min): the national park and Fire Mountains.
- Papagayo beaches (40 min): golden coves in the south.
- Fundación César Manrique (20 min): the artist's house built into lava bubbles.
- Arrecife (15 min): El Charco de San Ginés and the castles.
Practical tips
- Airport about 10–15 minutes by car or taxi.
- Car not needed in town, recommended for exploring.
- Sun. Use high protection all year, even with a breeze.
Is Puerto del Carmen for you?
If you want a calm beach, comfort and everything on foot, it's the island's best base. For solitude and wild landscapes, see our homes in Famara or Masdache.