Puerto del Carmen is the longest established resort on the island. It is only 10 minutes from the airport located on the coast in the southern central part of the island. Puerto del Carmen was originally a small fishing village, the old harbour is still a nice place to visit and has some excellent seafood restaurants. The famous "Strip" (Avenida de las Playas)  is a 6 km long street along the seafront which holds all the shops, bars and restaurants you can wish for. It takes you from the old town via Playa de los Pocillos to Matagorda.

The Fiesta del Carmen is held at the end of July and lasts for two weeks - lots of music, dancing, fairground rides and fireworks.

Every year there is a spectacular Canaval with the big parade starting in Matagorda and making its way over the Avenida de las Playas to the old town.
A new Golf course has recently opened just outside Puerto del Carmen