Things To Do in Puerto Calero

Puerto Calero isn’t really a party animal – down at the marina you’ve got a clutch of bars facing up to the waterfront. That’s alright, though, because lively Puerto del Carmen's only a five-minute taxi ride away. You’ll find the biggest nightclubs on the main strip, Avenida de las Playas, plus smaller venues near the harbour in the old town.

Puerto del Carmen’s carnival's a boisterous mix of music, dance and spectacular costumes – it’s like a Spanish version of Rio. There’s usually a theme, like opera, Vikings or the Wild West, just in case you’re thinking of dressing up too. After the parade, a late-night party swings into action at the old harbour. If you want more, there are also carnivals in Arrecife and Costa Teguise around this time.

A 15-minute drive gets you to the picturesque beach at Papagayo. You’ve got a sheltered bay here with white sand and shallow water. Further south, you can take your pick from three small bays at Playa Blanca. And on your way back, you might want to stop off at Playa Quemada – it translates as Burnt Beach, due to the black volcanic sand here.

A novel way to explore the underwater scenery around Puerto Calero's on a submarine safari. Head to the marina, and you can set off in an airy, spacious sub with windows at every seat. You'll get a real up-close look as you explore the depths, and there are TV monitors for extra viewing angles, too. Outside, a diver attracts the marine life with food, so you're likely to see your fair share of sea creatures.

A mint-stuffed mojito, comfy white sofas, yachts lapping the water – evenings at Puerto Calero’s harbour wrote the book on relaxation. A couple of places put on live music and quizzes, but things generally stay in the lower gears. If you’re set on something more lively, Puerto del Carmen has all the pubs, bars, discos and nightclubs you could need.

The top dining address in Puerto Calero is, of course, the marina. There’s a good selection of restaurants here, which all line up sea views while you eat. Look a little further afield, and you'll find a bunch of international options scattered in and around the main square. If you're after a taste of the local cuisine, go for the fish, goat or rabbit, preferably topped with a dollop of the famously spicy mojo sauce.