Puerto del Carmen is a beach resort first and foremost — the long sandy strands of Playa Grande, Playa de los Pocillos and Playa Matagorda are the main reason to be here, and most of the holiday is built around them. Beyond the beaches, the old fishing harbour at Varadero gives a flavour of pre-tourism Lanzarote, the diving and snorkelling on the volcanic coast east of town is among the best in the Canaries, and the island's extraordinary César Manrique landmarks are all within an hour's drive.