Puerto del Carmen is Lanzarote's biggest resort and where most package holidaymakers end up. It stretches for about six kilometres along the southeast coast, a strip of hotels, apartment complexes, restaurants, and bars running parallel to a long sandy beach. It is not the most characterful place on the island, but it has everything you need and makes a convenient base.
Thanks to César Manrique's influence, there are no high-rise buildings here. Everything stays low and white, built in a style meant to echo traditional Canarian architecture. The result is a resort that, while undeniably touristy, avoids the worst excesses of the Spanish costas. The old town around the original fishing harbour at Varadero at the eastern end has the most atmosphere -- a few good seafood restaurants and a small beach.
The main beach, Playa Grande, is broad and sheltered. Further west, Playa de los Pocillos is quieter and popular with windsurfers. The Avenida de las Playas, the long promenade running the length of the resort, is lined with restaurants of every nationality and bars showing football on big screens. Just below the old church plaza, the small cove of Playa Chica is one of the most-dived shore sites in Europe.