The resort of Puerto del Carmen has a 6km stretch of promenade that runs from the end of the runway at Matagorda to the main beach Playa Grande. Perfect for a long walk! For the main part, the traffic now runs in one direction with a cycle lane from the main beach towards Matagorda and the pavement has been widened. I took the opportunity to walk the length of “The Strip” recently with my camera and hope you enjoy the photos!
Behind me is the end of the airport runway, and on my right is the Hotel Beatriz Playa.
There are regular intersections in the promenade to access the beach, it was high tide and the narrow strip of sand at this point was under water. The Centro Comercial Matagorda is the area’s only collection of shops, bars and restaurants, this area of Puerto del Carmen is very popular with the Irish.
Just past the shopping centre the beach opens up into a sandy bay with lines of sun-beds and umbrellas, planes arrive at regular intervals making it a plane spotters delight to chill out here.
The promenade is wide, with a cycle lane making it popular with sports enthusiasts, you also need to beware of police quads and cars which can sneak up on you during their patrol! We’ve now reached the C.C. Jameos Playa shopping centre which is situated around the Los Jameos Playa Hotel, with lots of frontline bars, restaurants and shops to entice you to take a break.
There are several of these castle type buildings along the front, for those not afraid of heights and sure footed, the stairs are open for a birds eye view. As we follow the front around the corner we get our first glimpse of the huge Los Pocillos beach.
We’ve just joined the main Avenida de Las Playas, fondly known as “The Strip” of Puerto del Carmen, the shopping centre over the road from the beach is C.C. Los Pocillos. Playa Los Pocillos is a very deep beach so won’t ever feel crowded and makes it great for playing games or flying kites.
The CC Costa Mar is situated half way along Los Pocillos beach.
At the far end of the beach there is a lovely area known as Plaza de los Naciones with a selection of children’s entertainment such as trampolines, bumper cars and a large open tiled terrace area.
We’ve now reached one of the first hotels to be established in Puerto del Carmen, the San Antonio. The C.C. Costa Luz shopping centre is over the road and this is the view back along the coastline towards Matagorda.
This is the view towards the South of the island and at this point, you will only get glimpses of the coastline as the Avenida now has shops, bars and restaurants on both sides of the road. This part of the road hasn’t been updated as yet but it is the start of the one way system.
In between the shops there are small pathways leading to the sea offering small quiet beaches with fishing and rock pooling.
As we reach the Casino, the new section of the strip comes into view with modern lighting, new trees planted and a one way traffic lane. I walked down to Café La Ola which offers some of the best chill out along the front line.
I really like the new front, there’s lots of open space, the new trees will offer shade and greenery when established and if you just want to walk and not browse the shops there’s plenty of room for everyone.
We’re heading into the main section of the resort now. On one side are palm trees, beaches and fantastic views. On the other side is Centro Atlántico, (the clubbing mecca of Puerto del Carmen). The promenade offers some lovely views down to the main beach Playa Grande.
There’s lots of bars such as Route 66 and Tropical, restaurants like the popular Maritoni’s and shops along this section of “The Strip” with the beach on the other side.
I continued my walk to stop and take a swim at Playa Chica, in between this hotel and the old harbour of Puerto del Carmen, this beach is only small but one of the favourites as it offers diving and water sports.
Read more about Puerto del Carmen.