Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote remains as popular as a holiday resort now as it was 40 years ago. Like so many areas of mainland Spain, it developed from its origins as a fishing village in response to increased popularity of packaged holidays to the Canary Islands. There is now a wide range of older and newer holiday villas in Puerto del Carmen, together with holiday apartments and hotels. The main town itself is undergoing a refurbishment currently, mainly to incorporate a more pedestrian friendly main thoroughfare. This is due to be completed well in advance of the main summer holiday season in 2010.

Puerto del Carmen is the longest-established tourist resort on Lanzarote, situated only about 10 minutes’ drive from the airport. As with many destinations in the Canaries, Balearics, and mainland Spain, the start of its popularity amongst UK and Irish tourists dates back to the early’60’s. Prior to this, Puerto del Carmen was a small fishing village, a feel that is retained if you venture into the “Old Town” which still has much of this original charm.