How to Enjoy an Easy Adventure from Puerto del Carmen to Puerto Calero

If you're heading to Lanzarote for a holiday, then it's more than likely that you know about the gorgeous beaches that you can find here and the glorious climate. In fact, Lanzarote is one of the best destinations in Europe if you are looking for a sunny getaway with plenty of sun-bathing, swimming and general relaxation at practically any time of the year. 

Don't underestimate Lanzarote though, as it is so much more than just the sun, sand and sea. It has some fascinating history and cultural traditions, a breath-taking and other worldly volcanic landscape, a unique wine growing region that is beginning to regain the international recognition it so rightly deserves, and plenty of fantastic places to eat and drink.

In addition to all of this, despite some stereotypes, the island has a significant sporting and active lifestyle sector that continues to become increasingly popular for locals and tourists looking for an active holiday. This is greatly enhanced by the incredible year-round climate!

What about if you want to be active and keep fit without expending too much energy? Walking holidays are a fantastic option, and on the island, you are spoilt for choice of different routes to take. 

One such route which I would highly recommend is the walk between the vibrant and popular resort town of Puerto del Carmen, and the stunning luxury marina of Puerto Calero. This walk can be done in either direction, but as more people stay in Puerto del Carmen, let's start from there. First of all, you should head to the attractive old town harbour area.

At one time before tourism arrived in Lanzarote, the town of Puerto del Carmen was just a sleepy little fishing village. This now seems a distant memory, as the town has hugely expanded along the coastline from the original old harbour, in the direction of Arrecife, the capital city, due to the beautiful expanse of sandy beaches.

The old harbour remains generally much quieter though with plenty of picturesque fishing boats and some excellent sea food restaurants. If you wander past this harbour in the opposite direction of the beaches of Puerto del Carmen, you will discover the start of the coastal route leading towards Puerto Calero.

To begin with you head up a windy set up of steps which is great for photos, especially from the top which looks out across the harbour and a multitude of fishing boats and yachts. Once you've taken in this gorgeous view you can set off along the (partly) paved coastal pathway.

Along this first section of the route, there are pretty seating areas with benches shaded by pergolas interwoven with beautiful bougainvillea which look even more stunning in the almost guaranteed sunlight of Lanzarote. These seating areas offer incredible vistas!

As you progress along the pathway you will be able to enjoy views out to the ocean with neighbouring Fuerteventura and the tiny Los Lobos islands in the distance on one side. There are a number of wonderful houses bordering the path with palm trees visible over the top of the garden walls and fences. Combine the beautiful blue sky with the stunning aquamarine ocean and the tall palm trees with their verdant green palm leaves, and you are presented with a picture-perfect walk along the coast!

During the walk you will likely see a number of different sea vessels such as small fishing boats, luxurious speed boats, yachts and the ferry that you can catch between Puerto del Carmen harbour and Puerto Calero. This ferry is a great option if you don't fancy the walk back again afterwards.

Shortly after setting off, you will reach the last of the houses of Puerto del Carmen where the pathway switches from paving to dirt, but it remains well maintained and easy to follow with a stone wall and wooden posts. There are also benches along the route to catch a breather and enjoy the views out to the gorgeous blue ocean.

From here the vista opens up considerably as there are few buildings and a succession of empty fields, so in addition to the ocean horizon you can also appreciate the unique landscape of Lanzarote. Despite being a mainly dirt pathway, it is perfect for almost any age or ability, with no major inclines or declines, instead offering a generally flat route with some gentle slopes.

As you continue along the path, the colour contrast of Lanzarote becomes incredibly apparent, between the dark volcanic earth, the greens of cacti and the gorgeous aquamarine blue of the ocean, all accentuated by the vivid sunlight. In fact, as you progress the water becomes extremely inviting, especially as you will be able to see down the side of the cliff and glimpse picturesque natural seawater pools in amongst small coves.

You are in luck, because near a dirt car park along the way there are several passages down the cliff that lead directly down to the water, from where you can go for a swim, then relax and dry off on some of the naturally flattened rocks next to the pools. Although these passages are not particularly difficult, make sure to take care if you choose to head down to the sea.

Because of the clarity of the water, this is an absolutely perfect place to go snorkelling, so if you have snorkelling equipment make sure to take it on this walk, along with your swimming costume and towel. You may also want to bring sea shoes for protection from the rocks. 

Once you see this area, you will see why it is such a popular spot, especially among locals and others with insider knowledge of where to come to escape the more crowded tourist hotspots. If you are looking for peace and calm and to be surrounded by natural beauty then this is the perfect place to spend some time, either during your hike, or alternatively if you want a unique spot to spend the day.

Close to this car park, that is about half-way along the walk you will reach a gorge called Barranco de Quíquere which is surrounded by some luxurious houses.

Here there is a windy zig zag set of stairs which you will need to descend around 15 metres to get to the bottom and then up again the other side to continue your walk. This also offers another easier access point to the coves and natural pools at the bottom for swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing.

Once you are ready to continue, head up the stairs to the other side of Barranco de Quíquere and continue along the pathway. Of the entire walk, this is the only slightly tricky part if you have decided to take your bike, or a child in a buggy, but it is still doable.

From here you will continue along the dirt pathway, where you will likely pass other walkers, joggers and cyclists. The pathway continues along the top of the cliff which as you get closer to Puerto Calero becomes less steep and shorter, offering the possibility to get down to the rocky beach area without the need of stairs, if you want to reach the water.

You will eventually reach the edge of Puerto Calero with a stunning view of the luxury fishing marina which is full of incredible yachts, fishing boats, catamarans and some truly huge stunning luxury ships.

Once you head down into Puerto Calero through the marina car park, you will be met with a selection of top quality cafes, bars, restaurants and some luxury shops. This is a perfect place to stop for something to eat or drink, surrounded by stunning palm trees and stunning sailing vessels.

It also offers quite the contrast to the natural landscape of the walk but is nonetheless very beautiful in a different way. Once you've enjoyed Puerto Calero you can either walk back to Puerto del Carmen or take the bus or ferry.

This walk lasts around 1 hour, depending on your speed and whether or not you decide to stop for a swim along the way (which you will understandably be tempted by). To fully enjoy this walk, make sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, take your sunglasses, a hat and sun cream, and a drink. You may also want to take your swimsuit and towel so you don't miss out on those stunning natural pools!