Matagorda Holidays

It may be small, but its prime position means you’ll never be at a loss for memory making on holiday in Matagorda.

• Promenade strolling: For the ultimate sunshine stroll, make a beeline for the beachfront promenade. Connecting to Puerto del Carmen in the west and Arrecife in the east, the easy walk is lined with shops, cafés and palm trees.
• Coastal cycling: Hop in the saddle and explore Matagorda’s coast by bike. Dedicated cycle lanes and blessedly flat seafront paths promise an exhilarating, and accessible, day out.
• Vineyard tastings: Delve into the area’s volcanic past and boozy present on a wine tour of Lanzarote’s remarkable black ash vineyards. There’s a beer tour too, if wine doesn’t whet your appetite.
• Days out in the city: Squeeze in a city break during your island escape. Take a day trip to Arrecife and admire the ancient sea castles, local markets and laidback town squares of this historic capital.
• Hit the dancefloor: Don your glad rags for an epic night out in neighbouring Puerto del Carmen. A vibrant selection of karaoke bars, Irish pubs and flashing discos where you can dance ‘til dawn.

While Matagorda invites you to kick back and relax, there’s plenty for thrill seekers right on the doorstep.

• Timanfaya National Park: Don’t miss the chance to traverse the awe-inspiring terrain of Timanfaya National Park. Volcanic peaks, sweeping craters and scorched lava fields can be toured by foot, car or camel!
• Scuba diving: Scuba diving is rightly popular on this Spanish island. Encounter rich marine life and submerged wrecks during a diving trip – The Dive Shop by Matagorda beach is a favourite.
• Cueva de los Verdes: Formed by spewing lava over 3,000 years ago, Cueva de los Verdes is a cave network in the north of the island. 6km of narrow passages are connected by illuminated caverns.
• Los Volcanes Natural Park: You may not be able to walk on the moon, but the next best thing is close by. Los Volcanes Natural Park was home to the last volcanic eruption on Lanzarote and is strewn with otherworldly lava formations.
• Surfing: Set in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the Canary Islands are much loved by windsurfers. Matagorda beach’s smooth waters and easterly winds entice beginners and pros alike.

You may be tempted by the bustling restaurants of Puerto del Carmen and Arrecife. However, delicious fare can be found much closer to home on holiday in Matagorda.

• Seafront dining: Pull up a pew at one of the many restaurants on Matagorda’s seafront. Spanish tapas, Irish pubs, Indian banquets and freshly caught fish – ocean views have never been so delicious.
• Shop and dine: Fill rumbling tummies as well as your bags at Matagorda Shopping Centre. Some of the town’s best restaurants are here including fine dining bistros, traditional trattorias and sushi spreads.
• Volcanic vines: No holiday to Matagorda is complete without savouring a glass of world famous Lanzarote wine. The Spanish island’s volcanic terrain produces prized vino full of flavour.
• Keep it authentic: The laid back Playa Honda neighbourhood is packed with lovely local restaurants. Both on the pretty promenade and residential streets, you’re spoilt for choice.
• Fast food favourites: For a speedy snack on the go, you’ll be pleased to know that Matagorda is home to the island’s only drive-through McDonald’s. What a claim to fame!

Dine like a true Canarian on holiday in Matagorda with these local delicacies.

• Papas arrugadas: Turbo charge your chips with a plate of papas arrugadas, also known as Canarian potatoes. Locally-grown potatoes are boiled in salt, then dried to form a deliciously crunchy crust.
• Catch of the day: With the Atlantic Ocean lapping at your feet, fresh fish gets big billing in Matagorda’s restaurants. Local hake is always popular, while March marks the start of a world-class tuna season.
• Tasty tapas: Canarian tapas takes Spain’s much-loved dining culture and serves it with a twist. Enjoy specialities like slow-cooked goat, delicately marinated anchovies or classic patatas bravas.
• Puchero Canario: Puchero Canario, or Canary Island stew, cooks down hearty vegetables and juicy meats to melt-in-the-mouth perfection. The rich broth is usually served as a starter.
• Goats cheese: The Canary Islands are home to many goats, so it’s no surprise you’ll find your fill of goat’s cheese. From pillow-soft to super-ripe, it goes down best with a glass of local wine.

Family holidays to Matagorda are a giddy mix of sandcastle-building, volcano-exploring and waterpark-whooshing!

• Days at the beach: If you like to stay local, Matagorda Beach has everything you need for a family holiday beside the seaside. Enjoy the vast open sands, calm waters, fun buggy hire and child-friendly cafés.
• Submarine tours: Fancy dipping below the Atlantic waves in a real life yellow submarine? Launching from Puerto Calero, pass shipwrecks and peer through portals to marvel at Lanzarote’s marine life up-close.
• Family-friendly attractions: Head to the 5th floor of Biosfera Plaza Shopping Centre in Puerto del Carmen for Jurassic Golf, 6D rides and a soft play park. This family fun zone will knock your socks off.
• Aquapark: Lanzarote’s largest waterpark lies just 15 minutes away in Costa Teguise. Aquapark combines hair raising rides with safe splash zones, perfect for younger swimmers.

Escape the bustle and turn up the romance on holiday in Matagorda.

• Spa days: Sink into bliss at one of Matagorda’s luxury spas. From hydrothermal pools strewn with waterfalls to an exquisite couple’s massage, the hardest thing will be saying goodbye at the end.
• Tandem biking: Hire a tandem bike and pedal your way past some of Lanzarote’s most picturesque coastline. Hire facilities are available by Playa de Matagorda; simply saddle up and start sightseeing.
• Cliff walks: Walk hand-in-hand along the stunning cliff top path from Puerto del Carmen to Puerto Calero. The ocean views take your breath away, and after 5km it’s just a short water taxi back.
• Sunset sailing: Sailing across the sparkling blue sea is always a magical experience, but nothing says romance quite like a sunset cruise. Watch the golden sun dip into the ocean with a glass of bubbly in hand.
• Ambient harbour: Step back in time at Puerto del Carmen’s Old Town Harbour. Once an idyllic fishing village and still full of quaint magic, it’s the ideal spot for a romantic meal overlooking Los Alaches mountains.

Life revolves around sun-kissed beaches on holiday in Matagorda. Take your pick.

• Playa de Matagorda: For a relatively small seaside town, Matagorda is blessed with a whole lot of beach. The soft sands and calm seas of central Playa de Matagorda soak up visitors without ever feeling crowded.
• Playa de los Pocillos: West of Matagorda beach, Playa de los Pocillos is the second largest beach in the area. Shallow waters and a children’s play area make it particularly family-friendly.
• Playa Grande: As the sandy centrepiece of Puerto del Carmen, Playa Grande is the place to be if you like your beach with a bit of buzz. Water sports, sun beds, bars and shops – you name it, it’s got it.
• Playa Chica: Playa Chica may be small, but its crystalline waters and cosy cove vibe make it well worth the 15-minute drive. A favourite of snorkelers and divers.
• Guacimeta Beach: Add an amazing airshow to your sunbathing on Guacimeta Beach, where you can watch planes come in to land at Lanzarote Airport. The plane-spotting action is best on Thursdays.

Matagorda, nestled on the sun-kissed shores of Lanzarote, boasts a climate that draws visitors year-round with its inviting warmth and clear skies:

• Turn up the temperature: Matagorda boasts a year-round warm climate with average temperatures ranging from 17°C in winter to 24°C in summer. This makes it a popular spot for summer holidays and winter sun.
• Leave your umbrella at home: There's very little rainfall in Matagorda, with most precipitation occurring between December and February. So no need to pack your brolly!
• Sun-kissed shores: One of this area's main draws is its abundant sunshine. Matagorda averages over 300 days of sun per year, making this a safe bet regardless of the season.
• Windy water sports: This coastal hotspot also enjoys consistent trade winds, making it popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Perfect conditions for trying a new sport.
• Warm waters: Water babies, rejoice! Matagorda is blessed with mild sea temperatures, ranging from about 19°C in winter to 23°C in late summer.