Playa Grande in Puerto del Carmen is a must-see destination if you’re visiting the area! With its golden sand and transparent waters, it offers an exceptional panorama of theAtlantic Ocean and the mountains of Lanzarote. This urban beach is lined with restaurants and bars. It is also very well equipped. It’s the ideal place to have fun while enjoying a unique setting!
Here’s our photo guide to help you plan your visit: map, access, sand, conditions…
Our favorite car rental platform: DiscoverCars
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Why visit Playa Grande in Puerto del Carmen (Lanzarote)?
Is it worth it?
Totally, we loved this large city beach, which stretches from theHotel Fariones to the Restaurant Long Beach Club Lanzarote. This long strip of sand is bordered by the seafront promenade. It’s teeming with bars and restaurants if you fancy a little gourmet break. You’ll find plenty of facilities on the beach: showers, public toilets, deckchair hire and water sports equipment. In fact, it takes 1st place in our article on the resort’s most beautiful beaches.
What’s more, its crystal-clear waters make swimming a real pleasure. We fell in love with the view of Puerto del Carmen bay and the island’s mountains!
Why choose this beach?
In our opinion, Playa Grande is a must-see beach to discover during a stay in Puerto del Carmen. Here are the 3 main reasons why we think you should consider visiting:
- the landscape: it offers a breathtaking view of the sea and Lanzarote’s volcanic environment. Get your camera ready!
- location: lined with bars and good places to eat, you’ll have easy access to Playa Grande from the center of Puerto del Carmen. If you feel a little hungry, just cross the road to find an ice cream parlour or restaurant!
- Facilities: there are plenty of sun loungers and parasols for hire on the beach. We noted the presence of several showers and toilets. It’s the perfect place to have fun with family or friends, as you can rent kayaks or pedal boats!
Access and map – Playa Grande in Puerto del Carmen (Lanzarote)
Where’s the beach?
Playa Grande is located in the seaside resort of Puerto del Carmen (35510), Avenida de Las Playas, on the island of Lanzarote, Spain. It’s close to the city center.
- Driving time from Playa Blanca: 30min.
- Driving time from Arrecife: 20min.
- Driving time from La Santa: 30min.
- Driving time from Yaiza: 20min.
Here is a map to help you find your way:
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Lanzarote
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- A small car is all you need.
- But you can also choose a larger one if you wish, as the parking spaces are rather large.
- Demand is high, so book early.
How to get there – access road
Playa Grande is located in Puerto del Carmen, the largest seaside resort on the island of Lanzarote. To get there, take LZ-504, LZ-505 or LZ-40. It’s an urban beach, with a 10-minute walk from the city center.
Puerto del Carmen can also be reached by public transport. There are several local bus routes connecting it to other major towns on the island, including Playa Blanca (route 161), Arrecife (route 03) and Costa Teguise (route 03). However, the routes are relatively long, and you’ll have to walk to get to the beach afterwards. See our article on how to get around Lanzarote.
Parking de la Playa Grande
Playa Grande has no dedicated parking lot. However, you’ll find plenty of free parking along the road that runs alongside the beach. There are also parking spaces reserved exclusively for people with reduced mobility and bicycle parking.
However, it’s quite difficult to find parking. So it’s best to come on foot, by bus or cab.
Access to the beach from the parking lot
From the parking spaces, you can reach Playa Grande directly by crossing the road and walking a few meters along the seawall.
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On the sand and in the water… practical advice
Best time to visit
The best time of year to go to Playa Grande depends on individual preferences. However, the peak tourist season on the Canary Islands is between December and April, as well as during the 2 summer months. As a result, the beach will be busier during these periods. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting outside these months.
As for the best time of day, it’s best to visit the beach early in the morning or late in the afternoon, to avoid the heat peak and enjoy more peace and quiet. Located close to the center of the seaside resort, it attracts many tourists.
Beach type and size
The floor of Playa Grande is made up of golden sand with a few small chunks. We also noticed some black rocks, so be sure to watch where you put your feet.
This beach is longer than it is wide. It extends over more than 1km.
Conditions for swimming
Playa Grande has a gentle slope for gradual, gentle entry into the water. The water quality is good and completely transparent.
WHERE TO STAY IN Puerto del Carmen
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
In the center, around the main beach.
Hotel Los Fariones, sumptuous – See prices, photos and availability
In Matagorda, quieter.
Hotel Aequora, for families – see prices, photos and availability.
Around the port, old town.
Hotel Gloria Izaro Club Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
Facilities and activities
Monitoring
The beach is supervised in season.
Showers, toilets, deckchairs…
There are several free outdoor showers along the beach, as well as public toilets. Deckchairs are also available for hire. There are so many of them, with so many different styles. You will be spoilt for choice!
HAVE FUN WITH THESE Lanzarote activities
- Dolphin watching
- Buggy / Quad
- Kayak excursion
- But also: Diving at the Museum of the Atlantic, Catamaran outings, Paddle excursions, Parasailing
Shadow
Unfortunately, there isn’t much shade at Playa Grande except under the trees (depending on the time of day). Umbrellas are available for hire.
Nautical activities
During the tourist season, you can rent kayaks and pedalos on the beach. You can also snorkel along the black rocks. A word of advice: remember to bring your own equipment. In addition to water sports, there will also be beach volleyball courts on the beach.
Catering
Playa Grande is an urban beach in Puerto del Carmen. It is lined with numerous restaurants and bars, offering a variety of different options. We’ve written a full article on the best restaurants in this seaside resort.
WITH OUR GUIDE PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP TO lanzarote
All the information you need for your trip:
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 75 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 140 photos to help you choose
Information for children, mobility, dogs, naturism…
Playa Grande with children
At Playa Grande, children can enjoy a range of water sports, including pedalos. It’s a great experience for the whole family. The sea is calm in Puerto del Carmen, and the beach is supervised. There’s even a little slide on the boats so you can slide right into the water!
Playa Grande with a dog
Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the beach.
La Playa Grande for reduced mobility
The beach is accessible to people with reduced mobility. There’s a specially reserved parking area for them, and access ramps to the sand.
Playa Grande and naturism
No, Playa Grande is not a naturist beach.
What to see on and around the beach
Along the seawall along the beach, you’ll discover several vantage points overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the island’s mountainous landscape. In particular, there’s a viewpoint opposite The Sea View Restaurant Bar, offering a breathtaking panorama of Puerto del Carmen bay. The seafront promenade is very pleasant, and we highly recommend it. In fact, it features in our article on must-do activities in the seaside resort.
Other beautiful beaches nearby
Many other beaches in Puerto del Carmen are well worth a visit, including..:
- Playa Chica,
- Playa La Penita,
- Playa de los Pocillos.
Our dedicated articles on each beach will be available soon.