Playa de los Pocillos (Spain)

The well proportioned, modern resort of Playa de los Pocillos has swiftly developed a reputation for delivering effortlessly enjoyable holidays, alongside a stretch of excellent beach-lined coast, just a short drive from the island's airport. Purpose-built, and well-maintained, Playa de los Pocillos really does have all you need for a week or two spent enjoying the Lanzarote sunshine, or as a convenient base for exploring the best of the island.

Beaches

As you'd expect from a carefully constructed resort, Playa de los Pocillos is adjacent to some of Lanzarote's most alluring beaches. In general, the East coast of Lanzarote is blessed with the island's best beaches. But there is an added thrill alongside some of them. Playa de Matagorda, for example, is just yards from the island's runway, so there's the added advantage of doing a touch of plane spotting while you sunbathe! The beach at Playa de los Pocillos has the coveted Blue Flag status, and is popular with families. Neighbouring Playa Grande, Puerto del Carmen's main beach, is bristling with facilities, and a great choice for watersports enthusiasts.

Eating Out

Restaurants at Playa de los Pocillos run the gamut from all-you-can eat Chinese buffets, through to sophisticated Canarian banquets. Guess which offer the most memorable gastronomic evenings? Yes, of course, it's your holiday, and you can eat pretty much whatever you fancy in Playa de los Pocillos (and there's even more choice in neighbouring Puerto del Carmen) but you owe it to yourself to try the Canarian mojo sauces, the wrinkly potatoes dusted with sea-salt, and some freshly landed fish, served with surprisingly excellent Canarian wine.

Shopping

Holidays in Playa de los Pocillos could happily be spent browsing the waterside shopping malls which offer great tax-free savings on electrical goods, fashions, perfumes and big-brand watches. There's even more choice in the busy commercial centre of Puerto del Carmen, and more colour at the traditional Sunday market at the old capital Teguise. Shops tend to stay open until 10pm most evenings, so there's no excuse for going home empty handed! In general, the shopping is slightly more sophisticated in Playa de los Pocillos, with its good quality fashion and footwear, and artists' studios.

Nightlife

Playa de los Pocillos is a quiet, family focused resort. There are bars and restaurants aplenty. These are clustered around the streets which burrow inland from the waterfront. For a touch more action, a ten minute taxi ride takes you to the bustle and neon of Puerto del Carmen, which makes for a great, lively night out. However, most people who chose holidays in Playa de los Pocillos come here for the relaxing evenings, sound tracked by, perhaps a piano and vocalist, or the occasional local band.

Attractions and Activities

Rapidly becoming one of Lanzarote's most popular destinations, Playa de los Pocillos is well placed to enjoy the best of the island. At the resort itself, there's everything you'd expect, from mini-golf to guided tour operators offering 'island in a day' excursions. Strike out just a little from the resort and you'll discover plenty of excellent sites worth exploring. Puerto Del Carmen's Rancho Texas Park brings a little of the Wild West to Lanzarote, complete with cowboys, Indians, goldmines and Country and Western theme nights. The old capital of Teguise is well worth a visit to take in the grand Castle of Santa Barbara, 16th century parish churches, and traditional Canarian architecture.