On the southern cost of Lanzarote, the one with less wind, is the oldest and best-known holiday resort Puerto del Carmen - the 'pulsating' tourist centre of the Island - with two merging areas: its original downtown area of La Tiñosa which unfolds around the old fishermen's port and its very special atmosphere; and the new part which has been developing along the 6 -7 km long sandy beach and promenade 'Avenida de las Playas' over the last thirty years or so.

Puerto del Carmen, 10 minutes from the airport, and situated in the south central part of the island, is the principal tourist zone on Lanzarote. From a small seaside village dedicated to fishing, it has been transformed into one of the most popular tourist zones.

In the old village of Puerto del Carmen, 'La Tiñosa', a great choice of exclusive restaurants of the most different nationalities are to be found. Aside from the traditional Canarian cuisine, there are restaurants with Italian, English, Indian or Chinese cooking, and other.

Only in spring of 2002, the shopping centre Biosfera was opened next to the Guardia Civil and the post office, housing a great variety of shops, boutiques, cafés, bars and restaurants.