While Puerto del Carmen's fine-grain beaches are splendid enough to give any mainlander island envy, this Spanish archipelago packs a one-two punch: enjoy the beach by day and linger over seafood dinners by night. This resort town strikes the ideal vacation equilibrium of leisure and play. A range of watersports enliven the otherwise calm turquoise waters, from jet skis to banana boats and from windsurfing to snorkeling. Nearby, the main drag is a strip of glossy shopping centers, seaside cafes, and restaurants serving fresh-caught fish. Yet for all its touristic draws, it has held on to some old-school charm, like fixtures of fishermen chiding each other by the dock.

Puerto del Carmen is the primary destination on the Spanish island of Lanzarote. To reach it, fly into Lanzarote Airport (ACE), which serves more than two dozen airlines. Given the airport’s location on the edge of town, the city center is reachable in just 15 minutes. Taxis are readily available, and buses shuttle passengers to downtown every 30 minutes between 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. on weekdays (but less frequently on weekends and holidays). Pre-booking an airport transfer can be cheaper than a taxi. Once you’re in town, walking and the bus system are convenient ways of exploring, but you’ll likely want the convenience of a rental car to reach sites out of town.

Puerto del Carmen is positioned on the Tropic of Cancer, where currents drifting in from the Sahara make its waters especially warm. Peak season is July through September, with averages cresting 80 degrees Fahrenheit. For fewer crowds but pleasant weather, spring (April and May) offers less competition for sunbeds yet plenty of good beachgoing days, with consistent sunshine and temperatures in the mid-70s. October can still reach 80 degrees, but as the wettest month of the year, it’s prone to raining out your plans. Also known for its steady breeze throughout the year, Puerto de Carmen is a haven for windsurfers and kitesurfers. Don’t forget to pack a hat and high-SPF sunscreen, as the wind makes it easier not to notice sunburn.

Playa Grande

It's called Playa Grande (big beach) for a reason. This golden stretch of sand hosts countless beachgoers nearly every day of the year as the most-visited beach in town. Beyond cerulean waters perfect for swimming or watersports, it’s stocked with amenities that ensure a smooth day at the beach: rows of sunbeds, parasols, showers, and aquatic chairs.

Playa de Matagorda

This long, mellow beach is the ideal antidote to the energetic crowds at Playa Grande. Though still a popular pick, beachgoers here enjoy a bit more space to themselves, and the long paved promenade makes for an easy seaside stroll to one of the neighboring cafes and restaurants. The sea breeze draws windsurfers, who are mesmerizing to watch.

Los Ajaches

It’s worth carving out time for a half-day trip to Los Ajaches, a Natural Monument on Lanzarote’s southeast side. The main draw is the otherworldly terrain: an ancient volcanic massif, shaped by geological and atmospheric forces over the course of 15 million years. Hiking trails lead to fascinating plateaus and hidden coves.