When I need some serious sun-drenching and a complete recharge of my batteries, nothing beats a little getaway to the Canaries. By far my favourite island to escape to is Lanzarote – its beaches, nightlife and countless other activities make it the perfect location for some good old R ‘n’ R. It offers plenty of excellent resorts to choose from but I’m always drawn back to Puerto del Carmen, which is located in the southeast of the island.
Discover the Charms of Puerto del Carmen
It seems that I’m not the only one who keeps coming back for more! This fantastic resort town is one of the most popular centres for travellers from all over. Thanks to its location, it’s nicely sheltered from the trade winds, which means that its whopping 6 kilometres of beaches offer the perfect conditions year-round. While the sunbathing and seaside dips are my favourite part of a beachy weekend away, Puerto del Carmen also has plenty to offer in the way of nightlife and inspiring activities. The best thing is I find that two days is plenty to experience all the very best this vibrant town has to offer.
Beaches
Of course, the main draw to centres like Puerto del Carmen is the beautiful beaches, of which there are many. While they are all relatively popular, each has its own unique attraction, depending on the kind of day you’re looking for. If you’re here for the dive sites (or just want to try it out!), Playa Chica is a must-visit. It’s a little smaller but the clear water and piles of ancient lava flow make it unique. By far the most popular is Playa Grande – and for good reason! This is one of the biggest stretches of sand and it’s right in the middle of town. Finally, there is Playa de los Pocillos, which is one of the most beautiful beaches, and the shallow pools created by the waves are ideal for paddling for those who prefer a dip rather than a plunge.
Nightlife
For the young (or young at heart) looking for a buzz, Puerto del Carmen has got you more than covered. The nightlife here is simply electric thanks to the fantastic array of bars, late-night restaurants and clubs. Marco’s, for example, is a firm favourite amongst locals and tourists alike. This neon-lit establishment offers decent food and fun cocktails, plus live music every night! For something a little more snazzy, I love La Delicatezza Cocktail Bar at the end of the main strip. Fantastic cocktails and wonderful service make this place unmissable.
Best of the rest
As well as atmosphere and beach life, Puerto del Carmen offers visitors an inexhaustible array of activities and experiences to add to their weekend escape. One of my favourite things to recommend to travellers is booking a catamaran experience, which gives a unique perspective of the island and feels like a real treat on holiday. When it comes to water sports, if you can imagine it, it’s here: sea kayaking, jet skiing, fishing trips, snorkelling and much more. There truly is something for everyone! Finally, for something away from the sea, I’d suggest a visit to the Timanfaya National Park, where you’ll get to peer into volcanic craters and take in the incredible landscapes on the island.
Where to Stay
Coral Arena Dorada – A few hundred metres from the main Carmen beach, this comfortable accommodation provides visitors with an excellent base from which to explore. Guests have access to a private garden (ideal in the summer heat) and a fantastic onsite restaurant. This is perfect for those looking for comfort and convenience.
Bungalows Villas Blancas – These bungalows are great for visitors here for the dive sites, as they’re situated right beside Playa Chica – meaning you can wake up with a dip in the ocean! The sun terrace and garden offer the perfect niche to laze about in the afternoon before heading into town for a drink or two.
Apartamentos Panelo – These stylish, centrally-based apartments are ideal for those who want to be in the heart of the action. Guests are treated to sea and mountain views and all the luxury amenities one could hope for in a little home-away-from-home.
How to Get There
Lanzarote is a popular summer holiday destination, which means if you’re looking for a deal, the best prices for flights are between September to April. If you’re happy to visit when the weather is a little cooler (but still pleasant), January flights can be as cheap as £26 for a return. The most expensive month is August, with flights around the £160 mark. Shop around to find the right itinerary for your budget, as plenty of airlines fly to the island throughout the week, including Easyjet, Iberia, Ryan and British Airways, so you’ll likely find a good deal.
Once you’ve arrived, a transfer straight from Lanzarote airport to Puerto del Carmen is the best way to get to your accommodation. I would recommend pre-booking your Lanzarote airport transfer ahead of time, as this takes away any stress of finding a taxi or bus into town and it’s much more comfortable. A Puerto del Carmen transfer is super quick so it’s worth splashing out on this kind of service.
Overview
UK to ACE Flight Time: 4 hours 16 minutes
ACE to Puerto del Carmen Distance: 12 kilometres
Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 16 minutes
Types of Transfer
Once you decide to pre-book your Puerto del Carmen transfer, the next thing to consider is which kind of transport suits you best. From private cars to an airport taxi, Lanzarote has every option available. Shuttle Direct offers great service and excellent variety when it comes to choosing the right option for your needs.
As I’ve mentioned, a popular choice is a pre-booked taxi transfer from Lanzarote Airport to Puerto del Carmen. It’s just like a regular taxi but with the assurance that it’s waiting for you to take you to your next destination without having to queue with other travellers.
Since the airport transfer is such a short journey, it might suit you to book a shared service, like our shuttle bus Lanzarote airport transfer. This is a little more affordable but still a comfortable and efficient option.
If you prefer complete privacy when travelling, then I suggest booking a private transfer. Lanzarote airport to Puerto del Carmen is not a long journey, but after a flight every extra bit of comfort counts and this is a great way to start your trip.
The final option is the minibus, which saves you money and the hassle of standing in line for a public taxi or bus if you’re travelling with a larger group of family or friends. These buses are comfortable and reliable, and have plenty of room for everybody and their luggage. It’s also a door-to-door service.
Choosing the Right Transfer
While all these options offer a reliable airport transfer from Lanzarote airport to Puerto del Carmen, every traveller is different. There are two key aspects to think about before booking your airport transfer.
Cost: At the top of many people’s list is cost. You will most likely have a budget in mind, and this will determine which type of vehicle transfer is right for you. It’s important to factor this in when planning any holiday abroad.
Convenience: The second aspect is convenience. This means thinking realistically about how much luggage you’ll be travelling with, what level of privacy you require to feel comfortable and, most importantly, what you really want to make your trip hassle free.
About Shuttle Direct
With many years of experience, Shuttle Direct is an established company with lots of experience in offering their customers the very best service. Their experienced and welcoming drivers guarantee that you get from A to B in comfort, style, and with a smile.
