Playa Grande (Playa de los Pocillos)
Stretching nearly two kilometres along Puerto del Carmen's southern flank, Playa Grande is the resort's longest and least-frantic beach — wide enough that you can always find your own patch of volcanic-gold sand even in peak July. The calm, lifeguard-patrolled Atlantic water makes it a favourite with families and swimmers who want to actually enjoy the sea rather than fight the waves.
The Beach Itself
The sand here is a warm amber colour, coarser and more natural-feeling than the imported white sand of Playa Blanca further north, and the beach shelves gently into the water — ideal for confident paddlers and nervous non-swimmers alike.
A long promenade of palm trees and low-rise cafés runs the full length, giving you shade options without blocking the sea view. Sunbeds and parasols are available for hire from early morning, but the eastern end near Los Pocillos village stays refreshingly uncommercial.
Beyond the Sunbathing
The water conditions here attract a steady community of windsurfers and stand-up paddleboarders; several rental outfits operate from the beach car park and will have you upright on a board within the hour.
At the northern tip where the beach curves toward the old town, a cluster of fish restaurants spills onto the sand — order grilled vieja (parrotfish) with papas arrugadas and eat with your feet practically in the water.
More of Puerto del Carmen
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Puerto del Carmen →
