Cinco Plazas Apartments

More on Puerto Del Carmen, Lanzarote

Unchallenged holder of the title ‘Lanzarote’s liveliest resort’, Puerto del Carmen has a great beach and is jam-packed with shops, restaurants and nightlife. At the same time, it’s far from lacking in charm. The old harbour is lined with fish restaurants and tapas bars, not to mention a cultural vibrancy that explodes each summer in colourful fiestas. Beach-wise, the fine sands, calm sea and friendly atmosphere make it a great place for young kids. Plus there are plenty of attractions for teenagers and grown ups, too. Cue a two-mile shopping strip, a huge selection of eateries ranging from traditional Spanish bodegas to fast food outlets. And enough bars to sink a battleship, let alone a few beers. Better still, the town's recently had a makeover. Wider pavements, bicycle lanes and one-way traffic have given it a more pedestrian-friendly feel. For a day out, there’s the island’s capital, Arrecife, just a short bus ride away, where you can wander around the picturesque lagoon, lined with white-washed fisherman’s houses or browse the modern art gallery, housed inside a castle. For a generous helping of scenic splendour, you can head straight across the island to the Timanfaya National Park, populated by volcanoes, lunar-like landscapes and eerie rock formations. Alternatively, if you’re looking for some sunbathing in splendid isolation, you can take a boat trip down the coast to the beautiful, unspoilt beaches of Papagayo. They’re difficult to get to by car, so don’t attract anywhere near the number of sunseekers you’ll find in the main resorts.